One of my all-time favorite pairs. They're a little over two years old now - I wear them 1-3 times a week, pretty much year-round, from warm +25°C summers to snowy -15°C winters. I grabbed them as factory seconds - a barely visible scratch on the right heel that blended in within the first week anyway. The price was a steal, but the catch was the size: half a size up from my usual. In hindsight, I couldn't be happier - the leather molded beautifully and the fit feels spot on, plus I can throw on thick winter socks when needed. They've survived about a dozen torrential downpours that needed two full days to dry each time - and they're still going strong. Surprisingly, I've never conditioned them, the leather must have been absolutely packed with oils straight from the tannery. The soles are holding up great too. Honestly, what more could you ask for from a pair of boots?

Laces were swapped for leather ones almost immediately - imo they look more interesting than the original waxed ones. What I also love is how versatile they are, I wear them with trousers (except for the most formal occasions), with jeans and flannels, with waxed jackets and a wool Filson Mackinaw - they just fit in anywhere.

Shame they’ve been discontinued. I’d buy another pair just to make sure I can wear them for the rest of my life.

Red Wing Merchant (ebony harness) - my the most versatile boots