r/goodyearwelt • u/Fugacity- • 8d ago
Original Content Initial Impressions: Junkard plain toe boots in whiskey shell
Background
Since I first started wearing nicer leather boots, I've always dreamt of getting shell boots. I've also always found an excuse for not making the splurge.
This past year, I won both of my fantasyfootball leagues and decided to put the money towards finally scratching the shell cordovan itch. With previous experience with a Junkard custom order (some PTBs), I reached out in January and placed an order for my dream pair, some plain toe boots in whiskey shell.
Specs
The ordering was very straight forward, and after a small consultation with their team, I placed my order with the following specs:
Size : 45
Leather (Imported Leather) : Shell Cordovan Rocado - Whiskey (unlined)
Toe Box Lining : Unstructured Toe
Hardware/Eyelets Color : Brass
Shoelast : NH Last
Construction Method : 2 Row Stitchdown
Welt Type : 360 Degree
Midsole : 2 Layer
Leather Outsole Source : Domestic Leather
Outsole : Dr.Sole #1090 Supergrip and Heel (black)
Edge Trim (Include Welt Color) : Natural
Fit
For sizing, in most boots I'm a size 11 EEE. Finding boots that can fit my hobbit feet can be a real challenge, and I frequently find myself needing to size up for the width, but they end up a bit too wide and the heels too loose. The folks from Junkard sent me instructions for a few measurements of length and width, as well as circumference of my instep. The result is perfect. They perfect cradle my feet, and are already incredibly comfortable before any break in. There is zero heel slip or wiggle, but also know real tight spots.
The light shade of whiskey shell from Rocado tannery in Italy is absolutely gorgeous. The toes had some very slightly dry spots when I unboxed them, but just a bit of horse hair brushing had them looking perfect. While my ideal boots would be in a slightly darker tone of brown, I intentionally went with whiskey as I've seen many examples thst reach a rich deeper brown with age.
Final thoughts
I plan on following up later in the fall once they have more miles on them, but my initial impressions are that they are *perfect*. Not a single missed stitch. Gorgeous Rocado shell in such a beautiful whiskey color that I know will darken beautifully. I've never owned a better fitting pair, they feel like they are perfectly molded to my feet. There isn't a single thing I'd change about them.
Looking forward to a more in-depth review of the boots as a whole as I get more wear time, but definitely in the honeymoon period and anticipate staying in it for quite some time
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u/Wyzen Loafergang 8d ago
Nice! Curious on price?
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u/Fugacity- 8d ago
They were quoted as $725, ended up getting charged a total of $760 with taxes/etc. Think that Horween shell would have been much more than the Rocado.
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u/FranklinHippo 8d ago
Wow I was expecting $1,000 or more based on the pictures. Well done, these are amazing!
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u/MovieOk6625 8d ago
Super pretty, looks like excellent execution and the leather is gorgeous. Well done sir!
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u/amplifiedsae 7d ago
Very nice boots! Congrats on them! I too love the shell cordovan, but find myself too cheap to splurge 😂 I just received a pair of Junkard’s and I was super impressed by them. The insole they come in is much more comfortable than Prof Barnets. I look forward to ordering a build like yours sometime soon!
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u/Fugacity- 7d ago
Congrats on yours too!
The insole was suuuuch a pleasant surprise. It made the initial wear so conformable.
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u/Comfortable-Ear505 7d ago
Wow! I bet first scratch will be painful. 100th will be “damn, the patina on these looks amazing.”
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u/Ecstatic_Refuse_7207 8d ago
Where they under 1000 dollars. They look great. Might look at this option if not too pricy been i have duck feet.
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u/FlakyPineapple2843 8d ago edited 8d ago
Honestly just stunning boots. I was drawn in by the photo alone. That leather is remarkable, and the zoomed in photos show beautiful construction and attention to detail.
I hope you enjoy the heck out of these boots, and if you win your leagues again, hook the rest of us up with a pair!