Stepping Up or Letting Down? A Closer Look at The Jacket Maker Night Derby Boots
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Time to read: 6 min
The Knight Derby Boots from The Jacket Maker are a visually appealing pair, but after closer inspection, the question remains: are they worth their $299 price tag?
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- How does the leather quality and finish on the Jacket Maker Knight Derby Boots affect my overall impression and their value?
- What are the key strengths and weaknesses I found in the Knight Derby Boots’ craftsmanship and materials during my review?
- Based on my evaluation, do the Knight Derby Boots justify their $299 price tag, or should they be priced lower for the quality they offer?
DISCLAIMER: The mentioned brand sent this product for FREE. However, we are NOT PAID to do this review. All statements and expressions made about the products are Tanner Leatherstein’s independent review. The brand did not get to see the final video until it was published live. They also agreed to our terms and conditions that we will post our honest review about the brand and/or product and that we might disagree with the information provided in their shop or website.
Tanner Leatherstein’s reviews are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
Design, Materials, and Acetone Test
The exterior of these boots is made from cowhide, but upon closer examination, the leather doesn't quite hit the mark. The finish is a little too heavy for my liking, which takes away from the natural beauty that high-quality leather should have. It appears to be a semi-aniline finish, a type of leather that's treated with a thin protective layer, leaving a bit of its natural look while still offering protection. However, in this case, the finish feels like it's doing more harm than good, hiding the leather's true character.
The cowhide on the outside is also a bit loose, which suggests the leather isn’t of the highest grade. After removing the finish, the leather reveals a lot of loose fibers, which points to the use of lower-quality hides. This type of pigmented cowhide isn’t particularly special, and for a premium price, you'd expect more.
The Lining and Outsole: Some Positives
Inside, the boots feature a leather lining, which is one of the stronger aspects of this product. The lining is made from a smooth cowhide, giving the boots a luxurious feel against the skin. This is a feature that adds comfort and enhances the overall experience of wearing the boots, and I appreciate the choice here.
The outsole appears to be leather as well, which is often a sign of good craftsmanship and durability. A leather sole can mold to the foot over time, improving comfort and longevity, but in this case, I’m left wondering about the construction quality.
@tanner.leatherstein Here's another shoe review! The Jacket Maker sent this in for my independent review. Shoes are usually the hardest to take apart but some of you have been asking for a shoe review so we'll review more shoes! Would you buy this shoe for $299? 😁 I've been away for quite a few weeks but we will be posting more deconstruction videos again soon for the "Is it worth it" series. Stay tuned! 😉 #leather #shoestok #shoesreview #tannerleatherstein #thejacketmaker #boots #bootsreview #leathershoes #fyp ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
Craftsmanship: Mediocre at Best
Speaking of construction, it’s hard to get excited about the craftsmanship. From what I can tell, the job done here is mediocre. While I don’t know the exact construction method used, it doesn’t seem to be a particularly durable or refined process. The detailing is lacking, and for boots at this price point, there should be a noticeable effort to ensure every stitch and cut is flawless.
The Price Tag: $299 – Worth It?
At $299, these boots are marketed as premium, but the materials and craftsmanship fall short. The pigmented cowhide with loose fibers doesn’t reflect luxury. In my opinion, a fair price would be $150–$180, where the lower-grade leather and average craftsmanship would be more acceptable. For $299, however, I expect higher-quality materials and attention to detail.
Final Thoughts
For its price, I would expect a much higher quality of leather, perhaps something more natural with less artificial finish and a tighter fiber structure. Additionally, the craftsmanship needs to be stepped up, with more attention to detail in both the construction and the finishing touches.
If you're looking for a boot that looks good from a distance and you don’t mind some of the quality trade-offs, these could work for you. But if you're a leather enthusiast or someone who values craftsmanship, these boots might leave you wanting more.
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About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
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