Grant Stone Diesel Boot in Kangaroo Leather Review

Grant Stone Diesel Boot in Kangaroo Leather Review

Here we are with something a little different — not different in the sense of the model, but different in the leather. This is the Grant Stone Diesel Boot in kangaroo leather, and that alone was enough to get my attention.

If you’ve followed me for a while (since my shining days), you’ll know that I’ve had experience with kangaroo leather before — but not recently. The last time I really dealt with it was back in my shoe-shining days working on R.M. Williams boots, and I remember very clearly how unique that leather was.

Soft, yes. But also incredibly tough. And, quite frankly, a nightmare to mirror shine — which, to be fair, you probably shouldn’t be doing anyway. So when Grant Stone offered this up, I was curious. Not just to see how it looks, but more importantly, how it wears.

👉Watch the YouTube Review here

First Impressions

Grant Stone continues to do what they do very well — and that starts with the packaging.

They have one of my favorite boxes in the industry. It’s sturdy, clean, and the lid sits flush, which might sound like a small detail but actually makes a big difference. Non-flush lids tend to split at the corners over time, especially with heavier footwear like boots. This one doesn’t.

Inside, everything is well thought out. You get large canvas shoe bags — and I mean large, which I appreciate. There’s nothing worse than trying to squeeze a bigger size into a tight bag. Even for my smaller size, I like having that extra space. It makes them more versatile, especially when traveling.

You also get spare laces, a bit of brand literature, and one of the more fun extras I’ve seen — a small shoehorn that doubles as a bottle opener. That tells me everything I need to know about the guys behind the brand. Thoughtful, practical, and clearly enjoying what they do.

The Leather – Kangaroo

Now, the main event here is the kangaroo leather, done in what they call a “jungle” color.

It’s essentially a deep olive tone — something I don’t have much of in my wardrobe, which is exactly why I chose it. I’m trying to branch out a bit so that I actually wear the shoes I review, rather than letting them sit and then having nothing to say when someone asks me about them three years later.

The leather itself feels great right out of the box. It’s soft, but you can tell there’s strength behind it. That’s the interesting thing about kangaroo — it has this reputation of being both lightweight and extremely durable.

And from everything I’ve heard — and seen in the past — it holds up incredibly well over time. There’s a reason it’s used in environments where things take a beating. They will certainly fit, in terms of look and practicality, into my move back to the Pacific Northwest.

Color-wise, it’s got a nice depth to it. In certain lighting, especially natural light, I expect this to show more variation. Right now, indoors, it reads as a darker olive, but I’m curious to see how it evolves with wear.

The Boot Itself

The Diesel boot is a classic for a reason. It’s built on a round last, but not overly chunky. That’s something I appreciate. I’m not a fan of massive bulbous toes, and Grant Stone manages to keep things balanced here. The proportions are clean — not too wide, not too tall, just a nice, wearable shape.

It’s a 360-degree welt, but still manages to look relatively streamlined for what it is. Not slim like a dress shoe, of course, but definitely more refined than many other boots in this category. What stood out to me is how this boot leans more toward smart casual than rugged workwear. A big part of that comes down to the sole.

They’ve used a relatively slim rubber sole — something in that 6–7mm range — with a studded pattern similar to a Dainite style, but with their own branding. It’s durable, but not overly chunky, which keeps the overall profile clean.

The heel is modest as well — about an inch — again reinforcing that this is a boot meant to be worn day-to-day, not something overly aggressive.

Fit and Sizing

I went with a size 7, which is half a size down from my usual. Grant Stone generally runs a bit large, so sizing down was the right move here as it was when I chose the Garrison boot, which shares the same last as the Diesel boot.

The fit is snug, but comfortable. It hugs the foot nicely without feeling restrictive. I definitely wouldn’t want to go any smaller, but this size works exactly as I’d want it to. They don’t offer a true narrow, but they do offer wide and extra wide. For me, the standard width works just fine.

Details and Wear

One thing I noticed right away is the use of leather laces.

Now, real leather laces — not waxed cotton pretending to be leather — are usually cut in a square shape like these. They’re strong, durable, and great for tougher conditions. The only downside is that they can be a bit tricky to keep tied, so you may need to double-knot them. Or, as one commenter pointed out, use a Berluti knot.

The lining is soft and comfortable, and overall, the boot feels well put together, as you’d expect from Grant Stone. You’ve got triple stitching in key areas, clean finishing, and that sense that this is a boot built to last.

Price and Value

These come in at around $435, which, in today’s market, I think is very fair.

I know that number might sound high to some, but the reality is that $400 today is what $200 used to be. That’s just where things are now, especially when you’re talking about quality footwear.

For what you’re getting here — solid construction, good materials, and a unique leather like kangaroo — I don’t think it’s overpriced at all.

Final Thoughts

The Grant Stone Diesel Boot in kangaroo leather is a really interesting offering.

It takes a classic, proven model and pairs it with a leather you don’t often see. The result is something that feels familiar, but still different enough to stand out. I’m especially curious to see how this leather wears over time. That’s going to be the real test. As it is St Patrick’s Day today, I think that it is the perfect time to get them on!

But first impressions are strong. The fit is right, the build quality is there, and the overall design sits nicely in that smart casual space that I personally gravitate toward.

If you’re already a fan of the Diesel boot, this is an easy one to consider. And if you’ve never tried kangaroo leather before, this might be a good place to start.

Learn more here: https://www.grantstoneshoes.com/

—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob

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