I don’t often wear the shoes (or boots) that brands send me for review on my YouTube channel (and this blog, of course). That is for two main reasons: 1. I have my own brand and usually represent that only, especially when I had a shop in NYC, and 2. Because when you have over 300 pairs, there is not a lot that someone can send you that you don’t already have. But these Grant Stone Garrison boots were unlike anything that I had ever had and would perfectly suit my future life. So, instead of selling them on my webshop, as I usually do, I decided to keep and wear them. Here are my thoughts on how they were for their Maiden Voyage!
To preface this post, you can read my initial review for some background, if you like. I received these boots a while back but only recently reviewed them, as when it is 90°F here on the East Coast, people are not thinking about boots. But as the weather cooled down and my casual wear started becoming more prominent in my daily attire, I decided to get these bad boys out. I wanted to be nimble today as I had planned to do some outside photography, and being that is quite chilly out, I need something warm and comfortable but not restricting. The fleece sweater + Grant Stone Garrison boot was the perfect combo. And the cherry on top was the free hat they were giving out at the Stitchdown Boot Camp this past weekend in Chicago.
You have probably never seen me this casual. It is the Pacific Northwest in me, and while that side of me will never leave, I had drowned it out for a while during my European/NYC tour over the past 17 years. But life comes full circle, and as I am soon moving back to my beloved PNW, I need to start getting back into that mindset. Mind you, I will never stop wearing butterfly loafers and two-toned oxfords, but rugged boots might be creeping more into my wardrobe than years past.
As I mentioned in my initial review, the Grant Stone Garrison boots are comfortable. You feel this right off the bat. This beige Vibram sole is like walking on clouds. And the Deer Waxed leather is very pliable and soft. It breaks in almost instantly. But it’s thick. It’s robust. It’s nearly bulletproof. BUT SOFT! It’s the best of all worlds. Most importantly, they are surprisingly light in weight. They are not heavy. I hate heavy.
The contrast sole gets a bad wrap by some, but I like it. It’s casually cool and looks good with denim, which I wear more often than not. The last is not overly bulbous, which is a plus for me. I just cannot handle pancake-style lasts. This has shape and is more robust than your typical dress shoe last, but still within reason. I like it. And the Garrison boots are just downright comfortable…and solid. Perfect for my soon-to-be life in the PNW. I highly recommend the Grant Stone Garrison boot. I might look to grab one with a commando sole!
Learn more here: www.grantstoneshoes.com
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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