Natural Roughout Chromexcel Field Boot

Roughout is full-grain leather worn flesh-side out, and this boot uses a Horween Chromexcel named after the Marine's N-1 Field Shoe — the one commonly called the Boondocker.

That leather gives a roughout texture with a fine, even nap, and it is meant to change. The light tan nap mats down and darkens significantly over time, developing an aggressive patina that ends up a rich, deep golden brown. The lining is full-grain kip leather. The boot is Goodyear welted on the Leo last with a 360º split-reverse welt, antique brass eyelets and speed hooks, vegetable-tanned leather at the insole, welt and midsole, cork filler over a steel shank, and full-grain leather heel counters. The bottom is a Dr. Sole Supergrip half sole and heel, developed for this last: hard-wearing, with the classic half-sole silhouette.

This is the pair to buy if you want the boot to keep a record of where it has been. It starts pale and matt and does not stay that way, so wear it hard early and let the nap do what it is going to do.