Availability.

These boots were purchased via Skoaktiebolaget through a GMTO (group made to order minimum is 8) and its an exclusive model to them. Skoaktiebolaget has stocked this model boot, but in a single material before. Given its success, I would guess this is a boot they will continue to bring back in stock, but maybe in different make ups depending on the season.

Summary.

While I’ve highlighted several minor imperfections, nothing is all that significant and fall within expectations at this price point. Naturally, shoes that require more dexterity may have more inconsistencies making no two pairs exactly the same, but every one more special.

With the field boot model, aka the “poor man’s Galway”, Carlos Santos presents a very good value at their price point of $375. The build quality and leather seem to be very good after initial impressions. If you’re looking for a worthy reproduction of the Edward Green’s model at an attainable price, this is your answer.

Boot Care: How I'll Be Taking Care of These

I've listed the products I'll be using to care for these Carlos Santos Field Boots.

Leatherique Rejuvenator & Pristine Clean - The best leather care product you've never heard of, if I could only choose one leather care product this would be it. The absolute best-kept leather care secret is Leatherique's conditioner called Rejuvenator which I've been using for years on all things leather. It'll keep your leather hydrated like no other conditioner and helps make stiff leather buttery soft. I plan to do a review post on it soon.

Routine: Apply 1-2 times a year both INSIDE and outside of the shoe. Remove all polish prior to applying. Best to apply in a warm environment by hand or heat with a blow dryer/heat gun for maximum penetration. Let sit for 24 hours if possible and follow the instructions!

FootFitter Diplomat Jumbo Horsehair Shoe Brush - A must have for anyone with quality leather shoes or boots. This particular one is very good quality being made in Germany and comes in a large size (8" x 2.75"). I'd highly recommend grabbing this larger size over the standard ~6" x 2". I know it doesn't sound like a big difference but I have the smaller versions and the larger one is much more enjoyable to use. Be wary of cheap horsehair brushes as the hairs tend to fall out much more quickly leaving a bit of a mess behind. Given that you won't need to replace brushes often, I'd recommend getting one of higher quality.

Routine: Quick brushing before and after use, just about 15 seconds on each shoe to remove light surface dirt and dust. I'll do heavy brushing sessions if needed to remove lighter scuffs or have accumulated more dust or dirt. You'll be surprised by how much of a difference a vigorous brushing session can provide.

Abbeyhorn Natural Cow Horn Shoe Horn - Simply use everytime you slip on your shoes or boots. Why? It will prevent you from damaging the stiff heel counter between the leather up and leather lining. Its there to keep the shape and support around the heel. If you don't use a shoehorn, you'll end up warping this counter piece over time and is not something easily replaced. It'll also prevent you from wearing out the lining at the heel as well.

Saphir Polishes - Touted as the best shoe polishes in the world, if you're looking for more shine, it doesn't get much better than Saphir. I recommend everyone having some neutral cream or wax polish on hand at all times. The latter if you're looking for a higher shine.

Routine: I use relatively sparingly and as needed (whenever I want to step up the shine), with lots of brushing between applications. For these boots, a mahogany brown cream polish on the brown grain shaft and a cognac brown cream polish on the upper. If I want a higher shine on the toe cap an heel counter, I'll go with the medium brown wax polish and finish with a few coats of neutral wax polish. To add extra burnishing and contrast on the toe, I'll reach for a navy wax polish over black.

Woodlore Epic Twin Tube Shoe Trees - Good quality, American made and affordable. Not much more you can ask for. I'd choose this shoe tree over Woodlore's cheaper offerings as those don't offer a full heel or knob to make removal easy, both of which are more important than you'd think. I've tried cheaper knock-offs and while those work, the quality, and finish simply weren't as good. Also, the price difference isn't that much more to support made in the USA manufacturing!

Routine: Insert into shoes after each wearing and let sit for at least 24 hours. You don't need a shoe tree for every shoe. Although that would be ideal, a solid 2-3 shoe tree rotation would be plenty for most.