What others wear in
the Unmarked DB Hunter

• Nut Meg

  Brannock size

  7.5 D

  L:

  Length:

  6

  Width:

  D

  Arch:

  7.5

  R:

  Length:

  6

  Width:

  D

  Arch:

  7

  Wears this style in

  7.0

  Variant

  Cap Toe Black

  Purchase Date

  05/22

  Review

  Socks: Mid cushion cotton, midweight merino wool Misc. Notes: Higher volume right foot; boots are MTO, usually taking up to 15 days according to the site Ordered: 5/26/22 Received: 7/12/22 Not broken in yet These took a while to come in because it turned out there was some unexpected staff turnover at Unmarked. This was not something they announced because they didn't expect it to slow down production as much as it did -- I had to reach out and ask. All that being said, they were very prompt, friendly, and up front once I did ask, and these boots were well worth the wait, especially considering how many MTO boot places will take three or more months. Before placing the initial order I sent a fit request through Grayle (at the time I'd been going off my Red Wing Volumental size, which turned out to be limited to heel-to-toe, putting me at 6.1EE) and they told me to pick a size 7 and that they would leave a note to use a 6.5E last instead. So it's worth noting that they have wider lasts available, even if it didn't end up helping in my case. Production was still in progress about the time that I discovered that my heel-to-ball size was 7.5D, so I sent an email asking if I could change the size on my order. They asked me to send confirmation of my measurements. After a couple days they came back and told me that my order was messed up and the boots ended up being lasted in size 7 anyway. I think there was some miscommunication (I did overexplain, a serious flaw of mine haha) because the owner recommended I try the 7 based on my Red Wing size. Though dubious I agreed because they do offer returns and exchanges. They even threw in a pair of extra insoles just in case I needed them, which I knew from the beginning I wouldn't but it was very nice of them. The customer service is stellar. And the craftsmanship is stellar too. They're a beautiful pair of boots. There are some really minor flaws that you'd expect from any handmade boots at this price point, like the heels being slighly different sizes, mildly unequal stitches per inch between the rows of stitching on the welt of one boot, an extra stitch hole on the welt of the other, and a tiny bit of glue leftover on the upper but those don't bother me at all, particularly considering that I got these on sale. They fit very similar to a Grant Stone Diesel in 6.5E, except I think it may even be slightly roomier in the ball. There is a little bit of tightness on the tongue seam on my right foot, but luckily thinner socks solves that problem. The heel shape is interesting -- I can't tell if there's heel slip because I only feel my heel touch the counter on my rear foot when I'm in full stride. I'd be interested in seeing if that cuts down on blisters. The top of the heel counter does put some uncomfortable pressure on my right ankle if I'm not careful with the lacing, though, but I suspect that'll go away with break-in. One really small thing that I especially like is how the leather laces that come with the boots are cut slim enough to fit easily in the smaller eyelets and speed hooks. I don't know how it affects durability but I found it to be a thoughtful touch, since in my experience leather laces often don't even fit normal-sized speed hooks. The unique pull tabs give the boots just a hint of extra character too. Ultimately I decided to keep the size 7, as it's not uncomfortable and I don't want to bog down production further, but next time I'll be ordering true to size. And there will absolutely be a next time. Already I've gotten compliments and multiple requests for the link to the product page.

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