To me a boot is meant to be: 1. Supportive 2. Protective 3. Rugged This boot simply ticks all those boxes It is a light and soft boot, that, to me, is just the right height, it isn't so high that you feel overly buckled up, but it's high enough to offer good support, the footbed is a perfect blend of stiff and soft, and Dainite soles are always great. The tongue is gusseted so no water/debris can make it's way in, kudu leather is almost like the mithril of boots, it's soft flexible and beautiful, while being pretty thick and tough, I know nothing else quite like it. I find American craftsmanship in general, and AE shoes and boots in particular, much like Cadillac, meaning while you may find better attention to detail amongst the European counterparts, on the practical side you're covered, that's the case here too, if I'd be nit picky I could find what to complain about, there was a drop of glue on the leather on one shoe, the one side of the tongue on the one shoe has the mark of the end of the hide, and I could go on, and I must say that had I bought these for the 500$ they cost when not on sale, all this would've been annoying to say the least, but practically these boots rock nonetheless. The size is a little roomier than my AE dress shoes but close enough, with a pair of thicker socks (get Don Tough!) they're a perfect fit. And finally, this type of footwear can only be tested by time, so we'll have to wait and see... So far so good!
