

These were built and shipped just 12 days after I submitted the order — genuinely impressive for a handmade MTO boot. Kevin at Imperium nailed the sizing and was super easy to work with from start to finish.

This pair is in serious contention for my 2025 Stitched Down Thunderdome entry. The unstructured toe and slim silhouette give it a sleek, low-profile look that I think will crease beautifully around the vamp and ankle. The Maryam Bruciato TPR horsebutt should develop some nice depth with wear — lighter tones from the lasting process at the toe fade into a rich, warm burnt orange. In pics I thought it might be too orange, but in person it’s much more complex and wearable.

Still, this pair will have to compete with upcoming builds from Caswell, Tahura, Fortis, and Sagara before I settle on an official Thunderdome entry.

And for the boot nerds: they smell amazing. Rich leather aroma straight out of the box.

Specs:
	•	Model: Mighty
	•	Last: Maestro 2
	•	Maryam Bruciato TPR horsebutt
	•	Matching upper thread
	•	5 eyelets + 3 hooks + 1 eyelet (solid brass)
	•	Unstructured toe
	•	Single midsole, Cuban heel
	•	Flat welt, 270° white stitching
	•	Dr. Sole Supergrip full sole & half heel (black)
	•	Dark brown welt & edge

Imperium Mighty – Maryam Bruciato TPR Horsebutt (Possibly my Thunderdome Entry)