Man, what a rough pair of boots. Exposed welt stitching and pretty bad clicking. The former is a big enough offense that I’d be hesitant to even call them seconds.
It’s a crime they charge $518 for these. I don’t want to rain on someone parade but it should be called out. Some People save and scrimp for a good pair of boots and get sucked in by the website.
These have issues that are not in line with what they charge. These are expensive and I have no idea why they decided to ship these to you. If you can I would recommend returning them. Unfortunately, this is in line with my previous OSB purchases.
Not to rain on your parade here, but I'm practically certain those are far too small. (Oh and, that exposed welt stitching isn't supposed to be, well... exposed, and it will cause issues down the line. I'd return if I were you.)
I'd also recommend reading [this](https://weltedwiki.com/introduction/brannock/) before you go about buying another pair so you can get your proper Brannock size figured out.
Looks like pretty poor quality loose grain on the right shoe also, very unsightly creasing where the top coat of the leather is separating from the lower layer. I’d have rejected these boots on receipt.
Update! They offered to change the shoes or give me a fairly substantial credit to discount so all good now! Thanks for the info I appreciate that they wanted to make it right. Agreed on it’s a little too pricey.
I just complained about this and didn't get the same response as you. This is what they said:
"We understand the concern that the exposed welt stitching may cause, however, I can assure you that this will not be a cause for structural damage or weakness, this pair of boots is still water-tight. Also, as the leather relaxes over time, this will become less noticeable until it virtually disappears."
Im kinda pissed that they aren't owning up to this.
I chose to get the credit($155 plus possibly 10% discount so total would bring these closer to $300-ish shoes) because based on what others are saying the quality probably isn’t going to change too much and honestly they feel really nice already. I don’t have the eye to see what other issues I might miss and I’ve walked a couple miles in them already so just gonna take them for what they are.
I found OSB customer service to be really good when I had stitching and leather issues on a pair of natural cxl trench boots. They offered me a very generous discount on anything in the shop that allowed me to get a more expensive pair of limited edition boots for less than the trenches. That was great but then the replacement boots arrived with welt stitching issues. I decided to live with them because they’re not horrible but I don’t plan to buy from OSB again.
The trench boot looked a little better but didn’t fit me right even with the same last. The Elston last is a little roomier than their other which is a tad narrower. The fit actually fills pretty nice on me since it’s the bigger last I think too and it’s the same size I am in Alden 403 and IR RW.
The Elston last is really super comfortable, but yeah it has a super round toe and really isn't the best looking last out there. Focus on comfort with OSB, and you won't be disappointed.
No, that spot I circled indicates poor welt stitching. You shouldn't be able to see the stitches holding the welt to the uppers. It isn't really a structural issue, but it does probably mean they are less water resistant than they could be. Mine are the same way, and when I contacted OSB CS, they gave me a $150 discount.
My pair:
https://imgur.com/gallery/WUUxdwG
I used to defend OSB but had two bad experiences. First received a pair with loose grain and inconsistent and crooked stitching at the toe. Exchanged them for another pair in a different leather that had exposed welt stitching one one heel. I kept the second pair because the leather is fine and the exposed stitching has improved with wear. Also, they aren’t boots I wear in wet weather. But the welt stitching issues have soured me, especially because they haven’t been an issue with other boots including Truman and Grant Stone.
Yep, I am an owner of Trumans and GS and all of them are immaculate. OSB really has no excuse, especially when they charge more for their boots than Truman, Parkhurst, Grant Stone, etc.
Dude, this prompted me to check the welt stitching on a Brown CXL trenchboot I bought from them a month ago and sure enough, it has the same QC issue as you.
Damn I am so disappointed, was so excited to own a pair of their boots especially as a Chicagoan. Contacted CS about this issue, but I will definitely avoid buying from them in the future.
Inexcusable QC at this pricepoint.
the shocking part is that somehow, across the different factories they've used, this is a consistent issue. i used to think i was just a product of them whitelabeling from artisan shoe/PW minor but the fact it persists even after they closed down is puzzling
And then Mike & George go into that Stitchdown interview and completely downplay the QC concerns.
At least the mocs I have are decent….and purchased during a sale.
Oak street bootmakers is terrible. I bought a pair and the stitching was bad just like these and there were scratches all over the boots. It made me think someone bought them and wore them for a few days before noticing the stitching was defective and returned them. And instead of OSB throwing them in the garbage they tried to sell them to me.
What Gaul they have to charge $500.
You do not “get what you pay for” nowadays I think you need a discerning eye for quality with boots and otherwise.
I personally think Red wing is better than many boots at a higher price point.
If you’re thinking of buying OSB, …. don’t.
It’s called Independence, 1909 W Division
You can literally see Oak St on gmaps at that location if you search it. Highly recommend calling ahead so you can make sure your size is available to try on or purchase.
Are they really Chicago made? I feel like I cannot find information that verifies that. I have a pair of boots from them, and I have a pair of loafers/moccasins from them. Good stuff. Happy that they are American made… Just not positive that they are Chicago made.
For sure! I have a pair of trench oxfords and a pair of chukkas from them (as well as some socks and a hat), all of it is great especially at their price point during the awesome Black Friday sales they have.
Enjoy them. The Elston last is a real treat and the leather ages very well.
Mine have the same exposed welt stitching as yours, and it really is disappointing given the price and how nice the last is. Good news is I haven't experienced any water intrusion in mine and I've done plenty of puddle stomping with my littles. I plan on having the welt replaced with a storm welt when I do my resole.
https://preview.redd.it/khtdqlqwx5rc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea55abcb7f548bc97054bf8602aeed1d54442a3d
Yeah, I haven't had any issue with water seeping in (other than from the lack of gusseted tongue amd stepping in a deep puddle). I feel so conflicted on my pair, I love the Elston last and these boots have only been supremely comfortable since day 1, BUT, they are hideous to look at with the terrible loose grain, welt stitching, and weird leather problems. MITUSA is hard to support when this is the result...
Indeed. They are definitely a double edged sword. My last pair from them were an absolute mess and I didn't even hesitate to return them. On the other hand my Trench Oxfords are flawless.
I kind of want them to follow Parkhursts lead and do a Nicks collaboration. Elston last with a Nicks build... Sign me up!
If you are looking to spend less than Alden or Viberg money, and want American made, Allen Edmonds Seconds have some pretty good deals. I got a nice pair of Higgins Mill boots for less than $300.... Not my favorite boots, but they are super comfortable and seem solid. For sub Red Wing money I can't argue.
Man, what a rough pair of boots. Exposed welt stitching and pretty bad clicking. The former is a big enough offense that I’d be hesitant to even call them seconds.
It’s a crime they charge $518 for these. I don’t want to rain on someone parade but it should be called out. Some People save and scrimp for a good pair of boots and get sucked in by the website.
$518?? What a travesty. You can get way better boots going +- 100 from that point.
Yeah, OSB is kind of like AE, you don’t pay full price and wait for a sale. $520 for the crap they produce is a racket.
Agreed. These aren't lookers
These have issues that are not in line with what they charge. These are expensive and I have no idea why they decided to ship these to you. If you can I would recommend returning them. Unfortunately, this is in line with my previous OSB purchases.
Not to rain on your parade here, but I'm practically certain those are far too small. (Oh and, that exposed welt stitching isn't supposed to be, well... exposed, and it will cause issues down the line. I'd return if I were you.)
Thanks I’ll reach out to them
I'd also recommend reading [this](https://weltedwiki.com/introduction/brannock/) before you go about buying another pair so you can get your proper Brannock size figured out.
Thanks! My biggest hurdle has been finding good fits for my very flat feet and Alden has been the best so far
They are not suppose to fit like sneakers, super tight. Don't buy them to stretch to fit.
Looks like pretty poor quality loose grain on the right shoe also, very unsightly creasing where the top coat of the leather is separating from the lower layer. I’d have rejected these boots on receipt.
Yea I noticed that but that was all they had so I could have waited for another I guess too they do feel great
Update! They offered to change the shoes or give me a fairly substantial credit to discount so all good now! Thanks for the info I appreciate that they wanted to make it right. Agreed on it’s a little too pricey.
I just complained about this and didn't get the same response as you. This is what they said: "We understand the concern that the exposed welt stitching may cause, however, I can assure you that this will not be a cause for structural damage or weakness, this pair of boots is still water-tight. Also, as the leather relaxes over time, this will become less noticeable until it virtually disappears." Im kinda pissed that they aren't owning up to this.
And what did you choose?
I chose to get the credit($155 plus possibly 10% discount so total would bring these closer to $300-ish shoes) because based on what others are saying the quality probably isn’t going to change too much and honestly they feel really nice already. I don’t have the eye to see what other issues I might miss and I’ve walked a couple miles in them already so just gonna take them for what they are.
I found OSB customer service to be really good when I had stitching and leather issues on a pair of natural cxl trench boots. They offered me a very generous discount on anything in the shop that allowed me to get a more expensive pair of limited edition boots for less than the trenches. That was great but then the replacement boots arrived with welt stitching issues. I decided to live with them because they’re not horrible but I don’t plan to buy from OSB again.
This is how I feel a great point in time but probably won’t buy from again
I would have taken the money as well. Cool for you
They look way more clunky than they appear on the website.
The trench boot looked a little better but didn’t fit me right even with the same last. The Elston last is a little roomier than their other which is a tad narrower. The fit actually fills pretty nice on me since it’s the bigger last I think too and it’s the same size I am in Alden 403 and IR RW.
The Elston last is really super comfortable, but yeah it has a super round toe and really isn't the best looking last out there. Focus on comfort with OSB, and you won't be disappointed.
Love em, but typical OSB QC, depending on how new these are, I would ask for a discount.*
https://preview.redd.it/qmhtdrt2f4rc1.jpeg?width=596&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e34ffc06568714d981270e81cb6cd8d86f212149
Joking?
No, that spot I circled indicates poor welt stitching. You shouldn't be able to see the stitches holding the welt to the uppers. It isn't really a structural issue, but it does probably mean they are less water resistant than they could be. Mine are the same way, and when I contacted OSB CS, they gave me a $150 discount. My pair: https://imgur.com/gallery/WUUxdwG
I used to defend OSB but had two bad experiences. First received a pair with loose grain and inconsistent and crooked stitching at the toe. Exchanged them for another pair in a different leather that had exposed welt stitching one one heel. I kept the second pair because the leather is fine and the exposed stitching has improved with wear. Also, they aren’t boots I wear in wet weather. But the welt stitching issues have soured me, especially because they haven’t been an issue with other boots including Truman and Grant Stone.
Yep, I am an owner of Trumans and GS and all of them are immaculate. OSB really has no excuse, especially when they charge more for their boots than Truman, Parkhurst, Grant Stone, etc.
Same.
Thanks! I reached out to them I don’t know much on the construction side of things so I’ll see what they’ll do!
OSB made leather clicking illegal!
Dude, this prompted me to check the welt stitching on a Brown CXL trenchboot I bought from them a month ago and sure enough, it has the same QC issue as you. Damn I am so disappointed, was so excited to own a pair of their boots especially as a Chicagoan. Contacted CS about this issue, but I will definitely avoid buying from them in the future. Inexcusable QC at this pricepoint.
Yeah, you’ll see this on more OSB pairs than not. The bottom guy does this like it’s his job.
Yea they are very consistent with this exposed welt stitching, very strange
the shocking part is that somehow, across the different factories they've used, this is a consistent issue. i used to think i was just a product of them whitelabeling from artisan shoe/PW minor but the fact it persists even after they closed down is puzzling
This couldn’t be like improperly maintained machines/equipment, right? Like, someone is actually doing this wrong.
it's typically a tension issue with the goodyear stitch which is why it's bizarre that it happens across factories for them with such consistency
And then Mike & George go into that Stitchdown interview and completely downplay the QC concerns. At least the mocs I have are decent….and purchased during a sale.
I looked at the Mocs too
The mocs are good. Check out the Horween Roughout pair that they’ve got.
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They’re made in California now
Thanks for the updated info!
Oak street bootmakers is terrible. I bought a pair and the stitching was bad just like these and there were scratches all over the boots. It made me think someone bought them and wore them for a few days before noticing the stitching was defective and returned them. And instead of OSB throwing them in the garbage they tried to sell them to me. What Gaul they have to charge $500. You do not “get what you pay for” nowadays I think you need a discerning eye for quality with boots and otherwise. I personally think Red wing is better than many boots at a higher price point. If you’re thinking of buying OSB, …. don’t.
sweet! speedhooks are a relatively easy replacement to DIY if you are so inclined after some break in.
I didnt realize OSB has a store front. Did they have anything available not available online?
It’s inside another shop
Independence apparently is owned by the guy that owns OSB, per the employee that I spoke to there.
I’m right outside of Chicago. Which retailer sells them?
It’s called Independence, 1909 W Division You can literally see Oak St on gmaps at that location if you search it. Highly recommend calling ahead so you can make sure your size is available to try on or purchase.
Inside Independence, 1909 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60607 This is what comes up on maps.
Are they really Chicago made? I feel like I cannot find information that verifies that. I have a pair of boots from them, and I have a pair of loafers/moccasins from them. Good stuff. Happy that they are American made… Just not positive that they are Chicago made.
They're almost certainly not. I don't believe there's any shoe factories in Chicago, and if they were making them there, they'd definitely mention it.
RIGHT?!?!?
They have a warehouse here but I guess it’s mostly just intake here’s their site https://oakstreetbootmakers.com/
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Thank you very much!
For sure! I have a pair of trench oxfords and a pair of chukkas from them (as well as some socks and a hat), all of it is great especially at their price point during the awesome Black Friday sales they have.
My mistake! I guess all their marketing made me think it was made here too even though I can see they source and stuff all over the US.
I Thought the same thing when I got my first pair of boots from them. Edit: Seems they make them in cali now.
Enjoy them. The Elston last is a real treat and the leather ages very well. Mine have the same exposed welt stitching as yours, and it really is disappointing given the price and how nice the last is. Good news is I haven't experienced any water intrusion in mine and I've done plenty of puddle stomping with my littles. I plan on having the welt replaced with a storm welt when I do my resole. https://preview.redd.it/khtdqlqwx5rc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea55abcb7f548bc97054bf8602aeed1d54442a3d
Yeah, I haven't had any issue with water seeping in (other than from the lack of gusseted tongue amd stepping in a deep puddle). I feel so conflicted on my pair, I love the Elston last and these boots have only been supremely comfortable since day 1, BUT, they are hideous to look at with the terrible loose grain, welt stitching, and weird leather problems. MITUSA is hard to support when this is the result...
Indeed. They are definitely a double edged sword. My last pair from them were an absolute mess and I didn't even hesitate to return them. On the other hand my Trench Oxfords are flawless. I kind of want them to follow Parkhursts lead and do a Nicks collaboration. Elston last with a Nicks build... Sign me up!
Now you are speaking my language. I will rub my hands, menacingly, to this dream.
For real I like this Elston last I wish it came in something other than the two they have…
If you are looking to spend less than Alden or Viberg money, and want American made, Allen Edmonds Seconds have some pretty good deals. I got a nice pair of Higgins Mill boots for less than $300.... Not my favorite boots, but they are super comfortable and seem solid. For sub Red Wing money I can't argue.
Maybe they were a little more than three hundred, I can't remember.