For our fourth edition of The Patina Post we jumped the gun on this annual feature to bring you some recent additions to our collections that include several newly released make-ups, along with a few that are waiting in the wings, in order to show you the kind of developments you can expect even within the initial few months of wear. There is nothing better than watching every scrape and scuff become encapsulated into your footwear and envisioning how they will look years and decades from now. Aside from being excited to show off the fresh patina on these pairs, we wanted to document some great make-ups useful for warm weather that exemplify the fact that not only heavy boots can take a beating. Having a well-worn shoe with a robust build is a utilitarian must for the enthusiast’s lifestyle to communicate the quality and character within the footwear and individual alike. Thanks to the resiliency of top-level craftsmanship, the journey never truly ends with footwear that breaks-in rather than breaks-down.
Due to the nature of the production methods, craftsmanship, and materials used in our footwear, we tend to take a minimalist’s approach to our “restorations.” The first step is a thorough cleaning with water, sometimes using a mild leather soap if necessary, to remove dirt and debris. To provide base-level hydration after cleaning, we use leather conditioning wipes on the midsoles and on certain highly finished leathers. Lastly, we apply either Saphir Greasy Leather Crème or Renovateur (the conditioner selection is dictated by the tannage type) to fully moisturize and replenish the leather with its natural oils and reactivate the original tanning recipe. For suedes and roughouts, we brush heavily to renew the nap, or if alarmingly dry, we’ll hydrate with Saphir Renovateur Suede Spray. We do not use waterproofing, tinted creams or polishes with any of our leathers as they are top quality full-grain and often full weight hides that perform as nature intended; and, with simple conditioning, hydration, replenishing, and baseline care our footwear will fully embrace their true patina, scuffs, and tonal deepening with an authentic character.
With that, watch another series of serious footwear form and evolve in color, finish, personality, and shape that matches their wearers when taken to the streets, woods, and beyond.
THE ENLISTED
Jason is a collector, which means he’s always rotating through an assortment of boots. He applies his footwear to urban treks, worldwide travel, and the daily grind at the shop. With a city-based lifestyle and a carefully considered approach towards his wardrobe, Jason’s boots develop a specific patina that highlights how these builds mold to the foot, with unique changes in character and color that are as complex as the man himself. His diverse collection serves as a near scientific sampling of material-specific patina developments. Though he does go a bit easier on his pairs, you can still see the transformations that take place in a life governed by habit and discipline.
Viberg x DR
Tannino Vitello Calf Derby Shoe
2 Weeks – 0 Restores
Viberg X DR
Natural Toscanello Horsebutt High Chelsea Boot
9 Months – 3 Restores
Viberg X DR
Brown Waxed Flesh Bobcat
16 Months – 2 Restores
Viberg x DR
Anise Kudu Reverse Derby Shoe
1 Year – 2 Restores
Tricker’s x DR
Black CXL Bourton Brogue Derby Shoe
18 Months – 2 Restores
Tricker’s x DR
Horween Natural CXL Super Monkey Boot
(Coming Fall 2020)
6 Months – 1 Restore
Kevin also is a deliberately footed gent and has an urban-to-outdoor modern Northwest lifestyle. He’s a spirited character and is always running around the shop and city with an energy that matches an industrial work ethic and gets the full molding potential out of our builds. Constantly experimenting with his style as a graduated denim head, he’s definitely driven to more patina-heavy leathers that offset and coordinate with his dark and earth toned wardrobe in a heritage, street leaning style. With an inclination toward flesh side leathers and vegetable tannages, Kevin’s projects communicate his cool and collected, warm and weathered nature.
Viberg x DR
Fango Vitello Calf Side Zip Boot
6 Months – 2 Restores
Viberg x DR
Waxed Black Horsebutt Shelby Sharp Brogue Boot
2 Months – 1 Restore
Viberg x DR
Tobacco Chamois Roughout Chukka Boot
3 Months – 1 Restore
Tricker’s x DR
Horween Black Essex Super Monkey Boot
(Coming Fall 2020)
6 Months – 1 Restore
Ephriam continues his journey into handgrade footwear as our resident photographer, with grueling studio work along with traversing the city and outdoors to get the right shot provides a perfect formula for impressive patina results. Frugally adding pieces into his collection to wear them as heavily and regularly as possible, he certainly shows the result of prized patina projects when one hits the ground running with a regular rotation. Often driven by a dark palette that matches his understated persona, his boots show a true character beneath the surface. Now having a range of styles from all of our makers that accommodate his wider foot, his pairs show what’s possible in entirely different builds.
White’s x DR
British Tan CXL Semi-Dress 375
6 Months – 1 Restore
Tricker’s x DR
Black Textured Stow Boot
1 Month – 0 Restores
