One Boot To Rule Them All

Digging the Scotch grains. I've done a 180 on SG. Next up, Cuban heels.

I don't know about ruling, but a nice option if you are looking for shell boots. They are currently running a plain toe in whiskey shell as well.

www.meermin.es/en/10150425100000he-10-101504-burgundy-shell-cordovan-e-burdeos.html

Ebay special--$280 to my door, should be in next week.

Viberg Short shift--Seller claims they are NEW w/out box--Purchased direct from Viberg (Victoria BC).

I am of course skeptical of the 'New' claim, and don't know if the style will work for me aesthetically, but at this $$$ I took a flier!  Seller "doesn't remember any details"--threw box away--about style (I surmised they're the "short shift") last or leather, and if his seller rating wasn't filled with other high end boots and leather jackets sold for "great" prices with 100% feed back I never would have bitten (esp international--Alberta).

I'll update when they arrive and take better photos.
This is the ebay photo...

I have had a pair of Trickers the same style. I've had them 15 years and still superb.

That pic kinda sucked. Here's another

I feel like RW are a sweet spot in terms of price/quality. That and the fact they are made a hour down the road is very appealing. Are Alden/viberg/etc better made? Probably, but for half the price I can live with it.
I only own two pairs of boots, the other being RW Beckmans in cigar featherstone leather. I think the roughout leather, color and different profile of the merchant boot contrasts nicely with the other boot in my “collection”. fWIW, these are described as “olive” on the RW website. While there may be some dark green undertones, I would say they are more tan IRL. Anyhoo, great boots. Glad I got them.

Edit: picked up a pair of RW Harriet boots for my wife for Christmas. We’ll see how it goes. I wouldn’t say she has been a big fan of breaking in clothes/footwear in the past. She bailed on a pair of raw ralieigh denim that I talked her into buying.

Wanted to post it here in case somebody is interested to join.

GMTO - Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill in Brown Shell Cordovan $725

These RW merchants are the first suede/roughout (is there a difference between the two?) boots I've owned. They are still new enough that I am trying to take care of every water spot and dirt mark that appear on them. I imagine my ambition to continue that will fade with time. It's funny though. I'm used to conditioning/cleaning/polishing my leather boots and shoes every so often. I guess with roughouts you just leave them alone, right?

EDIT:
Answered by own question.  Went to the RW website.  I already have the eraser thingy and the brush. Apparently I can get some spray on leather protector, but that's about it.  

Roughout is a full hide that's just reversed, flesh side out, smooth side in. Suede is a cut down hide, with the smooth side removed.

Wow, yes they are. One of the better looking recent options.

One of my grails is a pair of Trickers in Cispresso on commando.

This may be added to the list as well. Up on IG now:

On Friday, January 26 at Noon (PST) we will be rereleasing our Derby Boot in Green Shell Cordovan for preorder. Built on the 2030 Last and featuring Blind Eyelets, a Dainite Sole and a Natural Flat Welt. Available in limited quantities exclusively on Viberg.com.

Would you guys consider this "loose grain" or just a result of "old boots"? This is my pair of 2 year old Chippewa service boots. They've been through everything from mud, water and snow, to wet concrete.

I cleaned them up this weekend which always makes the creasing more pronounced. The right boot is less severe which makes me wonder if this was a result of loose grain. Honestly, I don't mind and it doesn't change my opinion of the boot. They've been all over and have held up great.