Grant Stone - Official Affiliate Thread

[Neo1]

Hi man, good to see you.

Interesting comments that you have. I am breaking in my dune PTB, and the biggest issue I've had is that my left foot is having heel slip. I found the instep to be very generous and I'm about 1/4 inch away from closure. I don't have pain at the instep, but the shoes are definitely stiffer than I thought.

Hate to admit it but been sticking to whites recently, GS not getting much wear. The arch support is just hard to beat.

 

[shahtirthak]

No boots this week as WFH, but these Grant Stones were worn last week - Black CXL Ottawa, Natural Kangaroo Ottawa, Natural CXL Ottawa and Colour 8 CXL Brass Boots.

 

[Genericuser1]

Are they the same size as your other pairs? This is interesting -- why would the instep be too snug here?

From my own experience I'm guessing it's a combination of the last plus the material.

So far I've found the shoes and loafers way lower volume than the boots. And at least going forward there's no way I'd ever get calfskin, Minerva or grain ever again. The grain killed my own instep.

My hi-instep buddy - the storm kudu is the way to go.

Neo is spot on as usual. I only have two pairs of GS shoes and it's a combination of things. The instep feels lower to me on the shoes than the boots, the leather is very stiff, CXL, Dublin, etc. is no problem and stretches easily, lastly the leather mid and soles are stiff so to avoid heel slip I tie them tighter or more likely I tie my boots looser.

The leather is gorgeous, and the construction is fantastic, so I'll definitely try stretching first.

Hate to admit it but been sticking to whites recently, GS not getting much wear. The arch support is just hard to beat.

If I was working on jobsites I'd definitely have a pair. The Perry looks decent a bit less logger/fireman.

I've been getting more Tricker's recently when on sale.

GS today though, wish I had waited on this one. Should have known such a divisive leather would mean discounts down the road.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

@Genericuser1

Ah, I see. You know, I have enough of a challenge breaking in the cxl shoes from GS that I think you've convinced me I can't really handle anything more stiff. But even with the stiff uppers, the insoles and double leather outsole feels wonderful.

 

[shaggydog]

I'm trying to figure out sizing for my first pair and would be really grateful for any advice!

My Brannock is 10.75HTT, 11.25HTB, D-E width. My ankles are skinny, my forefoot is wide and flat, and my toes splay out wider than the ball of my foot.

First, I tried 10.5E in the Edward boot in dark oak roughout. It was too narrow in the ball and toe, and somehow a hair too long heel-to-ball. No heel slip.

Next, I tried 9.5EEE in the Edward boot in milkshake rough suede. This pair was wide enough in the ball and had normal new boot heel slip, but was too short.

Now, I have a pair of the Edward boot in dark oak roughout in 10EEE. The shape of the footbed feels fantastic -- wide enough and just the right length heel-to-ball. There’s a bit of heel slip but it’s not too bad.

My concern is that there's extra space above my foot in the instep, even when I lace them with the facings nearly touching.

Is there any other size I can try that could be a better fit? Any way to get the length and width of 10EEE without the extra roomy instep…?

Otherwise, I think I can tolerate the extra instep room in order to achieve enough space for my toes.

(Does anyone have recommendations for favorite insoles, tongue pads, or kilties?)

 

[mr bubbles]

@GrantStone will the Castagno Minerva Garrisons be coming back?

 

[IanWP]

I'm trying to figure out sizing for my first pair and would be really grateful for any advice!

My Brannock is 10.75HTT, 11.25HTB, D-E width. My ankles are skinny, my forefoot is wide and flat, and my toes splay out wider than the ball of my foot.

First, I tried 10.5E in the Edward boot in dark oak roughout. It was too narrow in the ball and toe, and somehow a hair too long heel-to-ball. No heel slip.

Next, I tried 9.5EEE in the Edward boot in milkshake rough suede. This pair was wide enough in the ball and had normal new boot heel slip, but was too short.

Now, I have a pair of the Edward boot in dark oak roughout in 10EEE. The shape of the footbed feels fantastic -- wide enough and just the right length heel-to-ball. There’s a bit of heel slip but it’s not too bad.

My concern is that there's extra space above my foot in the instep, even when I lace them with the facings nearly touching.

Is there any other size I can try that could be a better fit? Any way to get the length and width of 10EEE without the extra roomy instep…?

Otherwise, I think I can tolerate the extra instep room in order to achieve enough space for my toes.

(Does anyone have recommendations for favorite insoles, tongue pads, or kilties?)

View attachment 2297485 View attachment 2297487 View attachment 2297489

I have the exact opposite issue. I had the 11E and like you it was a bit tight and a bit long at the ball. I got the 10EEE and like you it fits perfect width and length but it is tight at my instep. I am hoping it stretches a bit. I would rather have more volume and fill it than hope for stretching. I have contemplated going up to a 10.5EEE but I imagine it will have too much volume all around. Oh the jous of trying on shoes through the mail

 

[woodenbits]

I often run into the same issue - either my (splaying) toes are cramped, or there is too much room in the vamp.
I like older thin 3/4 length Tacco leather insoles (some Pedag insoles seem to be very similar) and wafer-thin plastic/foam 3/4 length Sof Sole Arch Support insoles. If there is a bit more room to take up I go with more rigid Superfeet Slim Fit 3/4 insole. I also love Nicks kilties (they have packs of 3 pairs). Best of luck!

(Does anyone have recommendations for favorite insoles, tongue pads, or kilties?)

 

[basu13]

Black Diesels. The contrasting welt and midsole looks really nice. Pretty comfortable from the get go.

 

[Radboots]

Yeah, I am continually on the quest for the perfect size. I think part of the problem is there is a TON of variability in size based on materials, makeup despite the same last.

I started with 10.5EEE in the Diesel boot (Badalassi) - at times felt too much volume and at times yet still some pressure on my pinky toe.
Tried an 11E CXL Diesel, too little volume and too narrow.
Tried a 10EEE CXL Diesel, too narrow.
Tried a 11EEE Diesel, felt good in width, too much volume with facings touching but no movement in the boot with thick socks or an insole - though does not improve the facing issue. Settled on this.
10.5EEE in the Suede Edward facings look fairly ideally spaced, minimally narrow in the toes.
10.5EEE in the PTB, Dirty Buck, LWB felt good width wise but MASSIVE heel slip (in all makeups).
10EEE in LWB Calf too narrow and painful instep, STILL with significant heel slip. Never improved, nor did the instep or width despite break-in. The calf is impossible.
Finally tried an 11.5E in the Minerva and damn, it is close. It does not have as much width in the toes (this is my only qualm, haven't decided) and it may have finally reached "comfortably snug" in the ball and the spacing of the quarters are great. It is just an unforgiving leather so I'm a little split on it.

In the Brass, 10.5EEE facings look great but a TON of volume but ideal otherwise. Requires thick socks or an insole, but when I do insole the pinky is a little crowded. I wonder if the 10EEE, 11E or 11.5E might be a better bet for me here, but overall it is very comfortable.

In the loafer, I've tried 11E (too narrow) suede, 10.5EEE (feels great but a ton of heel slip) in CXL and suede, 10EEE (still heel slippage) CXL, and I randomly ordered an 11.5E on Ebay (in calf, FML haha) for cheap to try.

All that to say - I am STILL not sure what my ideal size is.

 

[IanWP]

I feel ya. I have so many boots in so many different sizes and maybe one or two fit great. The other are just like you describe...always one thing that doesn't fit and drives me nuts.

 

[7_rocket]

Should I cut this thread off? Not sure it it will affect anything. I think it got caught on something

 

[Vincent George]

British Tan Cap Toes

 

[XxLogo]

Hey @GrantStone, stop sharing all those Maduro shell photos on your Instagram story, it’s making me more impatient 🤣

 

[GrantStone]

Should I cut this thread off? Not sure it it will affect anything. I think it got caught on something View attachment 2298885

I would trim it, leaving a few mm hanging and then use a lighter to clean up the rest to help hold the thread in place.

Hey @GrantStone, stop sharing all those Maduro shell photos on your Instagram story, it’s making me more impatient 🤣

It's coming very soon!