ENZO BONAFÉ MTO and GMTO Central

[kevenmee]

They are definitely thinner than any of my other shell boots. Therefore they’re not as clunky as some of the other shell boots. It feels softer and more pliable. The downside is its tensile strength is worse so it’s more prone to tear at the seams. I already tear mine at the pull tab.

FWIW, I haven't found this to be true (or noticeable). Have a few pairs but none have torn anywhere.

 

[flylikeneagle]

I totally get you on that one. Still a great pair of boots but not G&G thorpe. The EB just missed it marginally but at the price points were paying for - it’s all about the margins.View attachment 1536115

Is your Thorpe in bourbon hatchgrain cordovan? EB makes fantastic footwear but, at least aesthetically, the Thorpe is another level or two higher IMHO. And agree you get what you pay for, and in that respect EB provides great bang for the buck.

I did ask Lorenzo about pie crust stitching when I initially contacted him about the color 4 hatchgrain NST GMTO. He was clear EB wouldn't be able to produce it. G&G and the chinese manufacturer (ACME?) seem to be the only two makers willing and able to attempt pie crust stitching with shell

 

[stephenaf2003]

Just unboxed the mahogany jumpers and I have to agree with you. The embossing of the grain isn't as pronounced as I expected based on the sample swatches

Yeah when I opened the box, I wasn’t sure if it was the same leather honestly. So, I went back to the IG post to take a look at it. That led me to surmise, it was just me initially seeing what I wanted to see. I sort of imagined a more pronounced pebble grain, but that’s clearly not what the image showed. Still, it would have looked really good if the whole boot was of the big grain shell.

On the same page as you - wish I went full smooth shell or full big grain, not a huge fan of the juxtaposition but you live and you learn

I’ve got more than a few boots with mixed grain, textured leather, and tend to be a fan. For me, I think it’s more about I’ve forever wanted a pair of EB mahogany cordovan boots in smooth shell. Now I’ve screwed up and ordered a combination pair, when I’d rather have a pair of each in the respective leathers. Ultimately, my feet just love EB boots above all others, so I’m still really happy with them.

 

[stephenaf2003]

I totally get you on that one. Still a great pair of boots but not G&G thorpe. The EB just missed it marginally but at the price points were paying for - it’s all about the margins.View attachment 1536115

Well to be clear, I in no way expected them to BE as excellent as Thorpe’s. I believe the limitation for EB in terms of a suitable facsimile is a pretty simple one, they just don’t have anyone on staff that can execute the stitching and of course shell complicates it further.

 

[mugenlove]

In regards to the mahogany, I’d do a full Russian grain. I was very happy with the dark cognac Russian grain. When everyone is ready

 

[jischwar]

Spoke to Lorenzo and he currently has enough Dark Cognac Russian Grain Shell for 4 pairs (can get more if needed, but that's what is currently on hand). I really like how it came out and would love to do a chukka boot using it. Here is the makeup I'm proposing

Model: 3403 Chukka Boot
Last: 74945
Leather: Dark Cognac Russian Grain Shell Cordovan
Sole: Double Leather with Toe Taps or Vibram Explosion
Welt: Brown with 360 Degree Chained Norvegese
Price: $1065

Some pics for inspiration
Full Boot on 74945

Front look with grain and norvegese

 

[jischwar]

Just in case anyone needs some inspiration to jump on the above makeup here is a recent delivery I took from EB. Unique shell and Bonafe go hand in hand.

 

[flylikeneagle]

Folks I'm considering a shell balmoral boot MTO, inspired by G&G Caterbury, and wanted to check if there's enough interest for a group order. I'm envisioning a versatile boot that can be dressed up or worn with flannel/five pocket (non-denim) trousers. I'm leaning towards the 804, a sleek round toe last, with flat welt and some sort of rubber sole (double vibram or single ridgeway)

I've asked Lorenzo about shell availability, specifically mahogany hatch grain or bourbon russian grain. Don't have price, but guessing this would be in the $1100-$1150 range

G&G Canterbury in chestnut hatchgrain, chisel toe last (TG73)


Canterbury on round toe last (DG70)


A couple of examples of Bonafe balmoral boot



Bonafe 804 last

 

[Mallaig]

Just in case anyone needs some inspiration to jump on the above makeup here is a recent delivery I took from EB. Unique shell and Bonafe go hand in hand.
View attachment 1537048View attachment 1537049View attachment 1537050View attachment 1537051View attachment 1537052

Wonderful boots. Unpacked my box this morning. The Col4 willow grain is breathtaking. Got a hatch grain Dark Cognac as well. Will be posting some posts in coming days.

 

[mugenlove]

Is your Thorpe in bourbon hatchgrain cordovan? EB makes fantastic footwear but, at least aesthetically, the Thorpe is another level or two higher IMHO. And agree you get what you pay for, and in that respect EB provides great bang for the buck.

I did ask Lorenzo about pie crust stitching when I initially contacted him about the color 4 hatchgrain NST GMTO. He was clear EB wouldn't be able to produce it. G&G and the chinese manufacturer (ACME?) seem to be the only two makers willing and able to attempt pie crust stitching with shell

Yeah it’s a G&G bourbon hatch thorpe. Never the less, I happy with the EB purchase - it’s more an observation then a critique.

 

[SteveL91]

I spoke with Lorenzo and he has more mahogany kudu available. Would anyone be interested in a group order? I was thinking of a hunter boot (model 3922) on the 74945 last in mahogany kudu/snuff suede.

 

[retrofalcon]

Folks I'm considering a shell balmoral boot MTO, inspired by G&G Caterbury, and wanted to check if there's enough interest for a group order. I'm envisioning a versatile boot that can be dressed up or worn with flannel/five pocket (non-denim) trousers. I'm leaning towards the 804, a sleek round toe last, with flat welt and some sort of rubber sole (double vibram or single ridgeway)

I've asked Lorenzo about shell availability, specifically mahogany hatch grain or bourbon russian grain. Don't have price, but guessing this would be in the $1100-$1150 range

G&G Canterbury in chestnut hatchgrain, chisel toe last (TG73)


Canterbury on round toe last (DG70)


A couple of examples of Bonafe balmoral boot



Bonafe 804 last

Do you have a picture of the mahogany?

 

[flylikeneagle]

Do you have a picture of the mahogany?

Lorenzo was going to take pictures and share. Will send him a reminder.

 

[flylikeneagle]

@retrofalcon

Here's mahogany hatchgrain. Slightly lighter than I'd expected, in fact quite similar to bourbon hatchgrain

 

[flylikeneagle]

Reposting my original message since I can no longer edit.

Bonafe balmoral boot in mahogany hatchgrain inspired by G&G Canterbury.

Specs:

Leather: Mahogany Hatch Grain Shell Cordovan
Construction: Hand Welted 360deg flat welt
Sole: Single Leather with Ridgeway Brown or Double leather with Vibram
Edge Finish: Dk Brown
Lining: natural calf
5 Small Antique Eyelets and 4 matching Speedhooks
Last: 804, an elegant round toe last


G&G Canterbury in chestnut hatchgrain, chisel toe last (TG73)


Bonafe balmoral boot


Bonafe 804 last


Mahogany hatchgrain