Gabe De Sousa

Right off the bat, you’re probably thinking Franks boots look like a White’s or maybe a Nicks. And honestly, you wouldn’t be wrong. The Pacific Northwest bootmakers all share the same DNA. Many of them came from the same workshops, learned from the same mentors, and built their reputations on the same rugged, functional designs. … Read more

I’m really excited to finally talk about John Lofgren sizing because this brand has been on my radar for a while, but I never gave it the deep dive it deserves. I recently got my hands on some of their boots and sneakers, wore them around for a bit, took notes, and then spent hours … Read more

As always, when you try a new boot brand, the first question is always about sizing. Dievier is one of those brands that quietly does things right. Their boots feel comfortable out of the box, the leather is soft and forgiving, and the lasts actually fit real feet instead of just looking good on a … Read more

Crown Northampton does everything in-house, from the first cut of leather to the final polish. What makes it even more impressive is that nothing is mass-produced. Every pair is made to order. Once you click “buy,” that’s when the real work begins. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how Crown Northampton sizing works in … Read more

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about a small brand that’s been quietly shaking things up in the boot world. I’m talking about Caswell Bootmakers, a one-man operation that’s somehow producing premium-quality boots for around the same price as a pair of Red Wings. What’s even more interesting is how global this brand is. Caswell … Read more

Bordon is one of those small boot brands that quietly earn their place among collectors. They might not have the name recognition of Red Wing or Viberg, but that’s exactly why I find them interesting. Like Cordobes or Craft & Glory, Bordon focuses on real leather, careful construction, and designs that feel personal rather than … Read more

I’ve always had a soft spot for small, upcoming boot brands that actually care about what they’re building. The kind brands that don’t chase hype, don’t pump out mass-market junk, and don’t disappear after a season. Craft & Glory falls right into that category. They remind me a bit of Christian Daniel and Cordobes. These … Read more

I’ve got a soft spot for small, rising boot brands. They build with purpose, not ego. They listen to their customers, pay attention to fit, and actually care about materials and craft. Brands like Christian Daniel, Cordobés, and Craft & Glory are perfect examples of that. They don’t have massive marketing budgets, but they earn … Read more

There’s something about Wootten boots that feels different the moment you put them on. Maybe it’s the handmade leather, maybe it’s the fit. Either way, getting Wootten sizing right makes all the difference. Wootten uses UK/AU sizing, and their lasts can feel a bit snug or roomy depending on the model. In this guide, you’ll … Read more

With nearly a century of experience crafting some of the finest men’s shoes in America, Allen Edmonds takes fit seriously, almost as seriously as craftsmanship itself. Every pair is built with precision, from the cork-filled insoles to the Goodyear welt construction, but none of that matters if the fit isn’t right. In this guide, I’ll … Read more