How do you define Grant Stone? Are they more casual or dressy? I don’t feel this question easy to answer, and if I have to introduce Grant Stone to someone who has no idea, I still use the description Grant Stone does not like, It is a brand very close to Alden, Aesthetically.
Because of my wardrobe collections, I pick up the iconic Traveler loafer.
Disclaimer: This pair was sent for review and I paid nothing to Grant Stone.
Unboxing
This logoed box is not shoe box but the delivery parcel which is great as most brands don’t have the logo on the parcel if they use. There is a trivial detail that the website says grantstoneboot.com, but the current official website spells grantstoneshoes.com, we can know building a new brand endures a lot of hassles.
On the side of the parcel wrties BIG SHOE, I am quite curious that my size should never be called big (US6).
The material of the parcel looks exactly the same as the Vintage Mason Executive Imperial. This time I find another round stamp which is the company logo and information which made this delivery box. It emphasizes a test called EDEGE CRUSH TEST, and the load it can sustain is 44 LBS/IN, I think this specification is utterly important as we can make sure the real shoe box inside will not be harmed in shipping. Very professional.
The shoe box and some stuffings are inside. We can say the shoe box does not fit this parcel but I think that is because the boot box will be bigger and then this parcel is perfect. To minimize the SKU, only one size parcel box is stocked, nothing wrong with it.
The shoe box has the same colour and material with Spanish brand Meermin which is very sustainable and cozy.
The small hole make pulling out and stacking back the shoe box into a pile easily. The label says the model name Traveler, the leather Storm Kudu, and size 6D.
Remove the cover, there is a card showing its best seller, Diesel Boot.
Turn it over, the instruction is about how to determine whether the size is good. Alongside a Thank You note.
This is a section of cloth with the horse head logo of Grant Stone, and the usage of this cloth is to put the shoes on it when you brush or care the shoes/boots and prevent the sole messing up your table or your knees (if you are like me who is used to put shoes on my lap and take care).
Put this cloth away, a black sponge cushions two shoes.
The material of shoe bag is fluffy and very similar to Alden’s, but the end of the string has a wooden blot which is cute and differentiates with Alden.
The whole presentation from shoe box to shoe bag is quite complete, not too exquisite but still tender comparing to its American peers.
Pattern
Traveler is the model name, in fact it is a pair of penny loafer.
The most design of penny loafers is certainly the hole shape on the strap. This one is like an eye.
Last
This is a biggest differentiation point of Grant Stone. The founder Wyatt Gilmore mentioned that he saw too many people wearing shoes too narrow. I cannot agree more as I saw the same situation many times and I even feel awkward when someone showcased the shoes only to find out their pinky toe extrudes the leather of the shoe out and breaks all the harmonious streamline of silhouette.
In the other hand, even my pinky toe does not extrude, I still take a lot of pain in Break In, how about them? How severe pain they had taken? Just hard to imagine.
The top view says everything clearly that the width is more than enough. The last is very different to Alden’s Aberdeen. I know it is too round and blunt even for a loafer last, but I love them.
The 45 degree angle is even more shocking, as the roomy shape exerts “fat” to its utmost existence.
Do you agree they are alike each other?
Leather
The thing I love so much on this pair.
Two elements deserves mentioning.
One is the colour and it is officially called Storm. I believe Storm is a branded description of this grey colour as the suede option also has this one. The grey is so rich and has so many layers and different shades at different places.
The other is kudu leather which is obtained from Antelope in Africa. You cannot count on its fine creases as it does not have, but no matter how coarse the creases will be, it fits the rough and casual feeling of the whole shoes.
Craftsmanship
The welt construction is neat, although the stitch density is not high, it is on par with Alden to say the least. Many pursue the finer the stitches the better, but in fact this density with the grey kudu is the best combination. Fudge on the neutral welt and sole looks great.
The construction is 360 degree Goodyear, one of the love of Americans. I came across the pros and cons of this construction from Allen Edmonds but I forget. I am not so keen about the technical knowledge, but focus on the aesthetics it achieves. For me, I feel the mainstream 270 degree Goodyear seems more refined.
Another detail that is common on American shoes but I don’t get is the low heel.
Although I feel the welt stitch density matches the rough feeling of the shoes, I feel the upper seams cross the line, it is too loose by any standard.
Outsole
The default American outsole, open channel. To be honest, close channel has become the normal in dress shoe industry thanks to Spanish shoemakers endeavor. But the wear resistance of the shoes are not impacted hugely by this aspect, but the sole itself (such as Oak Bark tanned) and the depth of the channel. Aesthetically speaking, I prefer close channel. The copper nails mimic Edward Green. The logo on the waist is the brand name, but I feel the horsehead logo is more luxury feeling.
Details
Information on the lining has all been checked on the label stick to the shoebox.
Besides the genuine leather remark, there is Goodyear Welted Construction stamped on the midsole.
Size and Fit
6D, 6 is doubtless my size, but this D is not so D, at least not other American brands would agree on. The room inside the shoes are enormous, but the fit is also good as the instep is quite low to hold the foot and cannot easily slipper out (even in!).
Remark
A very iconic pair of penny loafer, Storm is a great colour and Grant Stone should carry it tirelessly.
If the comfort is good when I have enough wears, I will recommend them to wide feet guys.