Oliver Sweeney Oxenholme Review

Hello there. How are ya? It’s been a while. I’ve missed you. Have you missed me?

Ahem. Sorry about that. Anyway. What’s going on guys? It truly has been a while since I’ve updated my blog post, but not only do I have a special review for you today, but I have another review in the works that will be released next week!

So at the time of this reading, winter has come and gone and we now enter the first transition season of the year, spring. So since we are in spring, why on earth am I reviewing a boot? Well for one, I finally saved up enough money to purchase it, and secondly, it’s still cold in most parts of the country. It just snowed in Denver a few days ago. But this review truly is special to me. This is a boot that I’ve wanted for a long time now, but couldn’t afford as I had other things to take care of first. But now I have it. Today I want to talk to you about the Oxenholme boot from the folks over at Oliver Sweeney, and boy has this thing exceeded my expectations and then some. So let’s begin, shall we?

1. Aesthetic

This is the reason that I even purchased the boot in the first place. I have spent what felt like an eternity, searching high and low for the best-looking hiking boot that I could find. I present a backstory; my first premium boot purchase was going to be the first model of the Commander boot by Thursday Boots. It was a hiking book, dressed in all black with a dress boot sole. I was smitten. I had to have it. But like most times, I couldn’t afford it at the moment of discovery.

By the time that I was able to make the purchase, the model was discontinued for the second-gen model with a wedge sole. It wasn’t quite what I wanted, but I made the purchase anyway because it was close enough. Over time I’ve come to love my Commander, but I still had that void left inside of me. Thursday would go on to release a third iteration of the boot, which is the current model, and that blended both worlds together. As you can imagine, I was furious because I had already made my purchase.

Needless to say, I continued my search. I came across boots that looked the part, but the reviews were bad. I came across others that seemed like the one, only to cost 800 dollars. Finally, after my phone’s algorithms worked their magic, an ad for Oliver Sweeney popped up on my Instagram feed. I decided to check them out, and I immediately took notice to how beautiful their shoes were. And then, it happened. Towards the bottom of the page, in a magnificent burgundy colorway, was the Oxenholme.

My jaw dropped, and my heart began to race. It was the most beautiful hiking boot, and possibly the most beautiful boot in general, that I had ever laid eyes upon. Not only did the actual model of the boot blow the competition out of the water, but the rich, dark burgundy color was an absolute show stopper! The fact that it came with red laces as well as a much-appreciated bonus! I had to have it. I needed it. But I had to be patient.

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2. Price

The Oxenholme wasn’t cheap. I’ll just get that out of the way. It is by far the most expensive shoe that I’ve ever purchased and it’s not even close. But it’s been oh so worth it. The original price point for the boot is 379 British pounds. Now being an ignorant American, I was under the assumption that the price in US dollars would be only slightly higher.

I was wrong. 379 GBP converted to USD is $500. To say that I was floored was a bit of an understatement. However, Oliver Sweeney does offer 20% off for first-time buyers, and so I was able to save $100 on my order, thus bringing my total down to a much more digestible $400. Is it still a lot in most people’s eyes? Sure. But I stand firm in paying a premium cost for something that is unlike anything else that I’ve seen before. That’s the only way that I can justify spending the money.

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3. Quality of materials / Craftmanship

For the price I paid, I went in expecting to get a high-quality boot. My expectations were easily met. When I purchase a quality leather good, my nose is usually met with a leather scented perfume, tiptoeing throughout my nostrils. The Oxenholme was no exception. From that moment I knew that I was in for a treat. The next thing that I expect from a high-standard boot, is for it to have some heft, but not to mimic dumbells. Check off another box for the Oxenholme.

This is the heaviest boot that I own, which is good for a hiking boot because, in a traditional sense, you would want it to hold its own under the weight of its owner. The St Moritz rubber commando sole is dense and makes me feel powerful when I walk. It’s put together using Norwegian welted construction with a black finish. The leather on the upper is sturdy yet pliable. It’s noted as being a luxurious pull-up calf leather or waxed leather. Nothing feels cheap. Nothing feels rushed. The boot stands tall and doesn’t wilt over time. Even the laces are as thick as an actual rope itself. If treated properly, you won’t have to worry about these deteriorating over time.

The Oxenholme doesn’t sport any blemishes or “imperfections” that detract from its beauty. I cannot tell you the number of times that I’ve ordered a shoe and one foot has a dent in the toe box (more on that in my next review), or the stitching is already fraying, or certain sections are slightly discolored. I always expect to encounter some sort of defect upon arrival. The Oxenholme did not meet those expectations. I think there was maybe half an inch of thread sticking out in the middle of the heel on the right foot. That’s it. The leather had variations in it from bending and twisting in production, but I view that as a positive and not a negative. I suppose there are individuals who prefer that their leather look unnatural, but not I.

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4. Comfort

This is where I was most impressed. I did not have to break these boots in. At all. Because these boots are lined on the inside with leather, my foot slid in with ease and felt at home; and it’s not just a sliver of leather either. Pretty much the entire inside of the shoe is made up of leather. The Heel ear to the midfoot is stacked with another layer of leather for extra comfort. The ankle is supported by a layer of leather with a cushion underneath it, thus creating a thick and plush ankle.

There is leather everywhere. It felt similar to getting into a new car with plush leather seats. The sole helps to absorb shock from impact, so when I found myself taking shots on highly perched objects, the dismount afterward was softened. I’ve put these to the test by walking the mall for several hours, going out in them, and putting them through multiple hour-long photo shoots. I was made sad every time that I had to take them off. These boots are remarkably comfortable. An easy A+.

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Were these boots an investment? You’re damn right they were. Are they worth it? I came to that verdict almost instantly. Everything on here is a home run. The looks, the craftsmanship, the materials, and the comfort. I can definitely see myself shopping with Oliver Sweeney again in the future, as they have easily exceeded my expectations. If you would like to see my initial reaction to the boot, you can click here! I will also leave a link to their website down below so that you can check them out for yourself. My social media accounts will be linked down below as well, and I highly encourage you all to give me a follow so that you can stay up to date on my activities.

Thank you once again for reading peeps, and until we put the pieces together again.

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