Recommended Patina-Worthy Boots for the Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome

Patina is life when it comes to boots. And while any quality boot will look better (in my eyes, at least) with the proper wear and care, they are not all created equal.

The Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome presented by Grant Stone, Standard & Strange, and Wesco is a seven-month, judged patina contest that will begin October 1 2021 and run through May 1 2022. It’s going to be an absolute blast. You can learn much more about the Patina Thunderdome here.

While any boots or shoes that aren’t sneakers or sandals are permitted for entry in the Thunderdome, we thought it would be helpful to highlight some particular boots that will likely have a little extra patina-making sauce for you to consider.

Somewhat obviously, you do not have to enter the Patina Thunderdome to purchase any of these boots! But c’mon, you should enter the Patina Thunderdome.

Standard & Strange x Wesco Mister Lou Engineer in Natural CXL: $659

If you want to live seven months of your life in engineer boots, this is how you do it. I actually have a pair of these and they are phenomenal. Really hope to see a bunch of these in the contest and watch them lap my pair in no time.

Iron Heart x Wesco Burlap Roughout Foot Patrol: $700

The constantly restocked collab between the denim kings at Iron Heart and Pacific Northwest stalwart Wesco are built with Seidel roughout that. MP95 last, classily low-profile but very capable Vibram 269 sole. And just a damn looker.

Grant Stone Diesel Boot in Saddle Tan: $360

Light veg-tans will do very well in this competition. Grant Stone’s classic Diesels are just waiting for the wear.

Grant Stone Brass Boot in Saddle Tan: $340

Or if the leather sole isn’t what you’re looking for, Grant Stone’s Brass boot on a wedge is ready for action.

Viberg Camel Latigo Horsehide Derby Shoe from Withered Fig: $875

Viberg makeup masters WF have a bunch of pairs of these primed-to-evolve derbies on a bouncy Lactae Hevea crepe sole with some tread to get you through winter. Built on the WF mainstay (and one of my personal favorites from Viberg) 1035 last.

Rancourt Harrison Boot in Natural Essex: $295

Vegetable-tanned leathers tend to age uniquely, beautifully, and really quite wonderfully. That especially applies to lighter shades, which generally darken considerably—and interestingly—over time. Rancourt’s classic Harrison has been upgraded with a 100% natural latex rubber Reltex Rally sole to make for a very capable, but also quite lightweight and comfortable four-season boot.

Parkhurst Allen Boot in Natural Dublin: $338

Dublin is Essex’s waxed-up brethren, and here it’s deployed by Buffalo-based Parkurst on the brand’s new 602 last, constructed with Parkhurst’s new, beefed up build. These things will look pretty special after seven months of wear.

Brooklyn Clothing x Viberg Natural CXL 2030 Service Boot: ~$730

A classic amongst classics. Natural Chromexcel loves eating up every step and getting more beautiful for it. The unstructured toe, especially with seven hard months of wear, will collapse and look verrrrrrrry nice (if that’s the look you’re going for) when it’s all said and done.

Division Road x Viberg 2030 Officer Boot in Shinki Camel Latigo Horsehide: $825

Another lighter patina-eating leather, this one from Japan’s Shinki Hikaku tannery. Just a beautifully put-together plain toe that should develop nicely on the vamp (and everywhere else). If you feel the leather sole will limit you in a competition, or the winter, there’s the…

Division Road x Viberg 2030 Service Boot in Port 1071 Vitello Calf: $745

This Maryam article is without a doubt one of my favorite leathers of all time. The way it transforms is bonkers, in the classy-rugged-est way possible. And the Ridgeway sole is ready for anything. Important: as of press time, a restock is coming very soon.

John Lofgren Donkey Puncher in Natural CXL Roughout: $975

A natural roughout is one of my favorite leathers to beat up (lovingly!). It just eats up everything—indigo denim bleed, dirt and grime, the ranch dressing I can’t seem to stop dropping on my boots—and looks more varied and better for it almost every time. Plus, you don’t really need to condition them!

Tricker’s Stow Boot in Acorn: ~$700 From Trickers.com (although can be found elsewhere stateside for cheaper)

The country boot icon, in the most iconic leather color—few get more interesting and uniquely, classily beautiful with age.

Nicks Boots Urban Logger in 1964 Leather: $539+

Nicks’ new 1964 leather, developed alongside Seidel to mimic the leathers used at the brand’s outset that were ready for anything but aged soooo very beautifully, comes on pretty much any of their models. But because of the seasons the Thunderdome spans, we’re going with the commando-equipped 6-inch Urban Logger.