The Leo last fits half a size full in length and width. Most customers will go down half a size from their average sneaker or dress shoe size (Brannock), wearing the same size as most of their GYW boots.
Additional widths are offered, including E & EEE. The wider widths increase volume in the instep and ball area.
When moving into a EEE, remember to go down in size. For example, someone who measures 10.5 on a Brannock may wear the following sizes comfortably. Note, length is added when grading E and EEE widths.
10D
9.5E
8.5EEE or 9EEE dependent on fit needs.
The displayed image(s) may not be indicative of all leather, color, sole and hardware variations for this style.
These boots fit my feet well when I use dress socks, which is perfect because I want to wear these formally. If you have skinny ankles beware you may need a tongue pad, as I did. Stitching was pretty amazing, quality over all blew me away. Great value,
Socks: Midweight merino wool
Misc. Notes: Higher volume right foot; both feet on the cusp of D and E width
Broken in as of late December
Given my previous experience of ordering 6.5E in the Leo last and it being slightly too low volume for my right foot even in thin socks, I figured that ordering 7D would be a similar story. So 7E it was. They were comfortable right away, with the ball of my foot landing perfectly and plenty of room in the forefoot, with my heels feeling cupped at the same time. The only thing that concerned me was that, when I cinched the boot up to where I wanted it, the facings were very close, especially at the ankle. This was a surprise to me because my feet aren't low volume and my ankles are not skinny. But after looking around and seeing other people chat about them, it seems like most Leo lasted boots are designed with the facings fairly close together.
One thing I noticed while walking around is that my heels seem relatively locked in. This was a little concerning at first, because a lack of heel slip typically indicates that the boot's arch length is too short, but otherwise everything else seemed spot on. Break-in was easy, with 4-mile walks generally being a total breeze. If my socks are less than fresh, though, the friction in the heel does cause some redness and irritation on longer walks, which I think is partially because of the way the heel is locked in. By far not an intractable problem, though.
When I first got these boots there were a lot of little things I noticed: there were all kinds of tiny scuffs and scrapes all over them (though there was no faint creasing anywhere to suggest that they'd been tried on and returned), there was a slight gap in both welt seams, and the quarters and tongue on the left boot ended up sitting a little crooked when I put the boot on. To be clear, these are extremely minor and entirely aesthetic issues -- I only bring them up because the fact that I was at all surprised by this (and even mildly disappointed, at least until my sense returned) is a testament to Grant Stone's quality control. Several pairs of Grant Stone boots and shoes have crossed my hands and this is the first time I've seen any of those flaws. That being said, I really won the CXL lottery on both of these boots: from the vamp to the quarters to even the tongue, heel counter, and backstay the creasing is incredibly fine.
Speaking of CXL, their Crimson Chromexcel offerings tend to sell out frequently and now I can see why. Beyond brown being the staple color for boots, this kind of brown color has a lot of depth to it, with beautiful reddish/orange-y undertones that really come out in the sunlight.
It took a while for the split toe pattern to grow on me and I was still a little on the fence when I placed my order but now I'm really glad I have this pair in my collection. The white apron stitching helps add a little more interest, taking it a step beyond a "standard" smart casual brown boot, and it sort of hints at the ruggedness of a moc toe. It's certainly piqued my curiosity in the Black and Dune colors, but I'm still quite content with my choice.
What else can I say that hasn't already been said about Grant Stone? The construction is surprisingly hefty for how it leans on the sleeker side of style, and there is still a noticeable attention to detail even with all the flaws mentioned above. While I lean towards a bolder, chunkier look nowadays, these Ottawas still somehow became one of my favorite pairs.
Crimson chromexel and honey glazed shell. A 10D fits my 10.5D brannock quite well. I would say this last falls somewhere between the alden barrie and alden trubalance lasts in terms of width in the forefoot and toes. Very well balanced and should work for a lot of feet.
Quality, style and value: I will not spend too much time here, grant stone is the best value for the money period, the quality control and clicking for leather shoes is unmatched in the industry.
Fit:
Longest break in ever!
The Leo last has build in arch support, which can be beneficial to most foot types. But it doesn't quite work well for my flat feet. The way my flat feet sits on the arch support, make the forefoot width feel smaller, it's sliding down a bit and not utilizing the entire width of the forefoot.
The E width Leo last also has a huge heel, which is where most of the discomfort comes in when walking. Had non-stop heel slip even though the length is right with 1 to 1.5 inches of space in the front. It took a very long time to make the heel break in and not slip.
On my next grant stone pair, I tried 9.5D, which had zero heel slip, but substantial amount of instep bite. It didn't take as long to break in as 9Es heel slip. I think I'll go with 10D the next time I order grant stone again, hoping it has more instep volume and similar heel cup size.
heavier and harder than what i was expecting. All my Allen Edmond Chromexcels were softer out of the box. these were hard, but break-in has been good. not painful at all and coming along nicely. going to wear them today (day 3) and looking forward to them softening up even more.
These are my first pair of black boots, and they look amazing. I got an 8E after reading reviews of people sizing down from an 8.5D to 8D in Grant Stone and it being narrow. Well 8E is the answer, the toe box feels amazing in both the Leo and Floyd for me.
PS. The GS Ottawa in 8E is my best fitting boot, of more than a dozen. It feels just like a glove, as they say.
Hey everyone!
Below is a review on these beauties, but if you just want the sizing info, I’ll post it here at the top to save you some time :)
SIZING: I’m a 9 C/D Brannock, and decided to size down to an 8D in these. I have a near perfect amount of room in front of my toes, the instep is comfortably snug, my heels are hugged nicely, but the width is slightly narrow. With thinner wool socks they work perfectly well, but there’s no way I could put an insert in there or accommodate thick socks comfortably. These feel like a glove around my feet in the best possible way once they’re broken in, and I’m sure part of that is due to the supple CXL uppers.
For those wanting arch support, you won’t find much on the Leo last. Also if you have skinny ankles, you may find the quarters of the boots come together too closely when lacing. I also have a pair of Diesels and Cap Toe Boots on the Leo last in 8.5D, which suits me better in the Winter months since I can comfortably wear thick socks. I’ll cover those in separate reviews though :)
I wear an 8D in Iron Rangers, 8.5D in Red Wing Mocs, 8D in White’s 55 Last, 8.5D in Thursdays, and 8.5D in Trumans (79 & 20 lasts).
REVIEW:
These were my first boots from Grant Stone, along with the Chelseas in Earth, I bought both a couple years back during the Black Friday sale. I have lived lots of life in these boots, they have become my go to adventure boots during the hot Summer months. They’ve seen many, many trails. These boots have been with me through highs and lows, and they have yet to let me down.
The Crimson (Brown) CXL is buttery smooth and has a nice thickness to it, it feels like a harmonious mixture of rugged and luxurious. When I put these on, I automatically want to go outside or hike the nearest trail. I know these aren’t Indys but I definitely get Indiana Jones vibes haha. The faux Dainite outsole seems durable and good for everyday use, however my pairs have worn out at the toes rather fast and the rubber has actually chipped away on my Chelsea boots near the toe.
As far as QC goes, typical Grant Stone. Hardly any stitches out of place, immaculate welt joints, and solid hardware. The veg tan insole has conformed nicely to my feet, and they feel every bit as reliable as the day I got them. Originally I was very hesitant about the NST style, but it really does grow on you overtime. It bridges the gap between casual and dressy, making it a very versatile choice IMO. Overall, I love these boots and look forward to making more memories in them!
- Zach
I have worn these pretty frequently over the past few years to an office and around town. My right foot is a 10.5 and left is 10. They started out with the right foot being about perfect, and the left a little loose. After a lot of time on foot these have stretched out more than any other boot I have. The right is still good, but the left feels a little too loose. I also find the soles to be extremely stiff.
Given the amount of time I have spent in these I would have thought they would have more flex in them. The tongue also instantly slides to the side once I do much walking. That combined with the weight make these feel a little sloppy now. That being said, these are probably my favorite boot aesthetically.
Fit is perfect for my 10E foot. Heel cup had minor slip for the first few wears, but quickly went away. Toe box has plenty of room at the ball of the foot. Was able to wear all day out of the box with no hot spots or pinching.
Dune (natural) chromexcel has incredible pull-up and will patina with age. A little stiff at first but breaks in quickly.
If you have other Grant Stone Leo last boots, use the same size. If not, I find they fit very similarly to Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill or Patton with their 1757 last.
I have these in both bourbon suede and storm kudu- incredible boots, handsewn split toe looks great. Minor asymmetry but nothing structural or even noticeable to the everyday eye.
Got another pair in 10.5 and that's definitely my best fit, 10D would rub my toes after a period of time.
I’m a 9D US on the Brannock. Took an 8D in these, same as my Iron Rangers. These have a shallow toe box, and overall felt a little tighter compared to my Chelseas in the same size from Grant Stone. Very well built boots, but I’d advise going 0.5 down from Brannock instead of a full size!
This is in kangaroo leather, which is very supple with kind of a grainy texture.
04/22
This is probably the best fitting boot I own. The size was recommended to me by Grant Stones sizing guy after I told him I own an Alden Indy in 10c.
The boot fits perfectly and I have never felt like its constricting blood flow.
There is enough room to wiggle my toes and when my feet swell after a day of walking it still feels comfortable. With about to finger lengths of space.
I do also prefer a roomier fit.
Badalassi Carlo Natural Minerva leather.
The size is perfect. I can pull off a 9.5D adequately, but the 9E is perfect in both length and width.
The leather soles softened up quickly and I'm still working on the outers. I can tell these will patina beautifully and relatively quickly.
Super excited to put some miles on these.
After doing research online for measuring my foot for length, circumference around the widest area, and taking a chance, I purchased this in 9E and it's my absolute best fitting boots. I'm normally a 9.5 or 10 in boots/dress shoes and 10.5 in Adidas tennis shoes and under armor tennis shoes.
Purchased before I knew my brannock was 9E.
Still fits great, break in was not too bad. Did have to stretch out my right boot for a few hours with the shoe stretcher. Some uneven color panels but it adds to the character for me.
They fit great if I use an insole in my left shoe only. They are kind of flat with suits my instep. The breaking period is short. My right shoe has some loose grain but nothing major.
I really like the design and great packaging with the individual shoe bags and the big cotton wrap.
