Grant Stone Diesel

The Grant Stone Diesel Boot is the newest release from the well respected craftsman behind the Grant Stone name. The diesel boot is their take on the plain toe and built on their Leo last to help accommodate a variety of foot shapes.  Enough of the intro lets dive into the boots!Grant Stone Diesel

Inside the Box

Grant Stone Diesel inside

  • 2 boots
  • 2 felt dust bags with wood ties
  • 1 set of fabric laces (in case you prefer them to the leather laces)
  • Holiday special December and January! Container of Venetian leather balm (personal favorite of mine)
  • Grant stone metal shoe horn with bottle opener

Construction

When considering the construction it appears their mission was to build a boot that will stand the test of time. The upper, the lining and the welt are all attached to the insole. The Goodyear welted sole is built so that the shoe can be taken to a cobbler and resoled ensuring that the boot will keep up with you for years to come.

Grant Stone Diesel sole

The outside portion of the heel is protected with a rubber step to provide comfortable wear and help in the endurance of the heel. The chain stitching is meticulous and the attention to detail is apparent. One important addition that Grant Stone adds to their boots is a full leather heel counter. The heel counter sits behind the heel and functions like a stiffening cup to provide structure to the back of the shoe. Other shoes in the $400-$700 range may use paper, plastic, or a leather combination, but Grant Stone decided to provide the best quality possible.

Beneath the full leather insole is a bed of cork filler and a steel shank. The combination of these two creates a stable structure and a form fitted shoe. The cork molds to your feet as you wear them in and creates a truly personal shoe while the steel shank, creates a rigidity to the shoe. You cannot possibly pick up a pair of these boots and say they are not sturdy. The leather is thick, the speed lace eyelets sturdy, and the sole is substantial. Grant Stone Diesel

Grant Stone manufactures their shoes in the port city of Xiamen, China and while that may come as a surprise you have to understand the relationship that the owner Wyatt has with the craft. Most people source factories in China and have only a business relationship with the products that they produce. Wyatt and his team are in the trenches involved with the factory every day ensuring that the shoes they put out are the highest quality. His personal time studying and crafting bespoke shoes in school paired with a family history of shoe craftsmanship has led to the work that is Grant Stone.

Appearance

Boots in there core history have served as items which can get through a solid days work. As I discussed in the construction of these boots, the Diesel is ready for the day in trials that you may throw it, but it is how refined its appearance is that separates them from other boots. The stitching on the boot is minimal and does not call much attention to itself. The plain toe shape leaves a clean profile on your foot uninterrupted by embellishments. The leather laces are not only durable but also elevate the appearance of the boot. The lighter sole is the perfect color when paired with the veg tan leather to create a light leather boot that will only grow into it’s age.

Conclusion

The boots have the looks and construction that rivals some of the top boot makers. The price for the Diesel Boot comes in at just over $350, which is truly a lower price point for the Goodyear welt construction. I’m excited to see these boots age and watch as the lighter leather darkens with age. You’ll be hard pressed to find another boot with the attention to detail that Grant Stone is offering and although they are the new kid on the block they are knocking on the doors of some of the higher priced boot makers ready to stake their claim.

 

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