Talking Soles, Welts, & Life Choices with Stridewise

I had the pleasure of chatting with Nick from Stridewise on a few videos lately and if you’re into boots, you’ll definitely want to check these out.

First up: Leather vs Rubber vs Crepe Soles. Everyone’s got opinions, but I break down what actually matters when choosing a sole. Spoiler: leather’s not dead, crepe’s underrated, and rubber isn’t always king.

Then there’s Goodyear Welt vs Stitchdown. I get asked all the time which construction I prefer. This video lays it out: pros, cons, and why I lean stitchdown for boots that work hard and age well.

And finally, So I Quit My Job and Became a Bootmaker. Yep, that’s my story. I left the grind behind, picked up some leather, and never looked back. It’s raw, real, and hopefully inspiring if you’re thinking about chasing your own craft.

Watch the videos, drop a comment, or hit me up if you’re ready to talk boots, tools, or taking the leap. Let’s build something that lasts.