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basu13

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What is going on with the soles on the saddle tan’s? Any more pics? 😀
I've put rubber half soles on them since I prefer the added traction.

IMG_20230808_062038.jpg
 

basu13

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@basu13 Gorgeous color there. Forgive me for asking this if it's a common question, but will that leather feel the same as the natural minerva? The natural minerva is a pretty tough break in.
Thanks. I would assume so since they are veg tanned leathers from the same Badalassi tannery. These are patina hounds and have quickly taken on loads of character.

Honestly though, when I actually started wearing the saddle tan Diesels, I didn't face too much of a break in issue. Yes it is stiffer then CXL, but not half as bad as I had imagined reading earlier reviews. I love the thickness and heft of the leather, and it is an interesting change from the usual CXL. I quite enjoyed the gradual break in process , and I noticed that they got fully comfortable after maybe 12-15 hours of initial wear.
 
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ChorizoHowitzer

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Thanks. I would assume so since they are veg tanned leathers from the same Badalassi tannery. These are patina hounds and have quickly taken on loads of character.

Honestly though, when I actually started wearing the saddle tan Diesels, I didn't face too much of a break in issue. Yes it is stiffer then CXL, but not half as bad as I had imagined reading earlier reviews. I love the thickness and heft of the leather, and it is an interesting change from the usual CXL. I quite enjoyed the gradual break in process , and I noticed that they got fully comfortable after maybe 12-15 hours of initial wear.
Agreed. If the last fits you well you shouldn't have a rough break in with Minerva. I find the D'Annonay calf to be even firmer and even that wasn't painful.
 

707Matt

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I've put rubber half soles on them since I prefer the added traction.

View attachment 2004735
That right there is what I need in my life. Someone else mentioned an added half sole, and I have been trying to imagine it. Then you step into our lives and BOOM! I think it looks fantastic. That added traction takes these to another level IMO. Love em!
 

basu13

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That right there is what I need in my life. Someone else mentioned an added half sole, and I have been trying to imagine it. Then you step into our lives and BOOM! I think it looks fantastic. That added traction takes these to another level IMO. Love em!
Fairly common practise to slap on some half soles on to leather soles. Also I walk a lot on concrete which chews up leather soles for breakfast. This protects the soles to some extent. This is how the sole looks after the installation.
IMG_20230808_110920.jpg
 

Erikdayo

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It should be noted that a halfsole like that without also adjusting the heel will change the stance of your footwear. Whether or not that is an issue is up to you.
 

manowar

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That right there is what I need in my life. Someone else mentioned an added half sole, and I have been trying to imagine it. Then you step into our lives and BOOM! I think it looks fantastic. That added traction takes these to another level IMO. Love em!

It should be noted that a halfsole like that without also adjusting the heel will change the stance of your footwear. Whether or not that is an issue is up to you.

This video from Wyatt & Dad cobbler delves into this issue further. Usually, I'm happy to have the slight reduction in the heel-toe offset caused by the sole protector since I prefer flatter footwear.


Do you size the Oxfords TTS or down 1/2 like Leo/Alexander?

Most would say the oxfords are true to size.
 

707Matt

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@basu13 I really dig that. Thank you for sharing!

i really love these photos everyone is sharing. Keep em coming!
This video from Wyatt & Dad cobbler delves into this issue further. Usually, I'm happy to have the slight reduction in the heel-toe offset caused by the sole protector since I prefer flatter footwear.
Great video! I really like that raptor sole. It looks like it adds some great traction while remaining slim. Thanks for sharing that.

I found a little bit of Field and stream. Took a couple pics.

 

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Erikdayo

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Dune CXL today. Was down pouring this morning. Partly why the welt looks a lot darker. The uppers have gone back to their normal color, but the welt/edge I would expect to stay close to this color permanently soon. At least based on previous pairs I’ve owned from Grant Stone.

I still keep wondering about getting a Crimson CXL pair. Will have to look through the photos in this thread more and see if I am convinced either way.

IMG_4970.jpeg
IMG_4969.jpeg
IMG_4968.jpeg
 

basu13

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Dune CXL today. Was down pouring this morning. Partly why the welt looks a lot darker. The uppers have gone back to their normal color, but the welt/edge I would expect to stay close to this color permanently soon. At least based on previous pairs I’ve owned from Grant Stone.

I still keep wondering about getting a Crimson CXL pair. Will have to look through the photos in this thread more and see if I am convinced either way.

View attachment 2005119 View attachment 2005121 View attachment 2005123
Nice patina on those diesels! 👍

The crimson CXL colour is a pretty versatile one and I have the Diesels, Ottawas and captoes in them. The Diesels look less dressy because of the natural welt and edge but the Ottawas and captoes don't, and can be dressed up easily with business casual wear.
 
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Erikdayo

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Nice patina on those diesels! 👍

The crimson CXL colour is a pretty versatile one and I have the Diesels, Ottawas and captoes in them. The Diesels look less dressy because of the natural welt and edge but the Ottawas and captoes don't, and can be dressed up easily with business casual wear.
Thanks for sharing. I do feel the cap toes are the best option for my current tastes, but I am not sure whether I will go in that direction or not. Will think on that a bit. If they had a crimson CXL Diesel/Edward with a brown welt that would probably be ideal.
 

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