Grant Stone
Goodyear welt shoes and boots - best quality/price ratio on the market
Philosophy
Founded by Wyatt Gilmore and his father Randy. Michigan design, production in a partner factory in Xiamen (China) the family has worked with for 20 years. Premium leathers (Horween, C.F. Stead), QC recognized as among the best in the industry.
History
Grandfather Floyd Gilmore worked at Alden for sixty years. Father Randy is also an Alden veteran. And son Wyatt? He spent ten years racing motocross before enrolling at D.W. Frommer's bootmaking school, then eight years in a Xiamen factory learning production from scratch.
In 2016, Wyatt and Randy launch Grant Stone. The Xiamen choice is openly documented. Among enthusiasts, Grant Stone reached near-mythical status. Consensus: quality comparable to Alden and Tricker's, sometimes better finishing, at half the price. Premium leathers: Horween Chromexcel, C.F. Stead, shell cordovan limited editions. QC recognized as among the industry's best.
Grant Stone proves "Made in China" isn't a verdict. It's a production location. When the people behind it are an Alden lifer grandfather, an Alden veteran father, and a son who lived in the factory for eight years, the result speaks for itself.
Iconic Products
Diesel Boot
The boot that made Grant Stone. Plain toe, Horween Chromexcel, Goodyear welt, impeccable construction. THE default recommendation among enthusiasts, for 'first GYW boot under $400'. At $360, it plays in the $600-700 league.
Edward Boot
The dressier cap-toe boot. More structured than the Diesel, same build quality. The boot you wear with a suit without raising eyebrows. In crimson or black, it's the alternative to Carmina or Meermin at two-thirds the price.
Brass Boot
The lace-to-toe plain toe service boot. More casual than the Edward, dressier than the Diesel. Available in Horween Tan Essex, a pull-up leather that develops spectacular patina. Among enthusiasts, Brass Boot aging photos come up regularly - it's become an 'aging porn' classic.