I wear my boots like they owe me money and the CXL shows no sign of giving in.  The patina is developing like I never expected.  As much as I'd like to treat this pair with Pecards, I just can't get myself to interfere with the wear and tear I've given it so far.

This is all natural darkening of the Badalassi leather.  I'm sure it'll become even more rich with some treatment.

Hear, hear!!

Wow! Rockin' it better than a lot of guys that post online!  Definitely better than this guy.

@mclaincausey:

Notice how the LW is thinner and also how the dye seems to permeate the leather, where on the Lofgrens it looks to be on the surface. This leather may have been tanned similarly but it is visibly different…

Perhaps the reason behind the low retail price?  I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for." I just picked up a Dickies buckleback vest from their 1922 collection at the local Mac House, but I don't expect it to last a lifetime, becuase it was on sale for only $20 - the price was too good to pass up.

@Chiba:

Saw the original pair of blue Badalassi boots at Mushmans yesterday. Crazy color change. They now have a strong greenish hue.

You know what they say, Chiba … pictures or didn't happen 

That's really interesting news.  Ironically, I pinged Mr. Lofgren just the other day about a pair in my size.  Still sold out 

@Seul:

Killer boots man!..

Thanks Seul and Snowy!

mclaincausey, something to look forward to with your new acquisition is the way the patina develops.  Because of the amazing formula used at the tannery, it's as if the oils provide a protective layer over the fading black as compared to my Horsehide Becks (left boot in the photo).  In order to preserve the HH patina, I'd have to apply my own oil.

Notice how smooth the CXL is even after the careless manner in which I wear them on a daily basis.  The Becks receive the same attention and would probably benefit from a treatment.

*both boots are untreated by me.

@tatmantall:

Cheers VEB, great to have you here and glad your prospecting some IH denim… They are my favorites!

I can't wait!  I'm currently leaning towards a pair of 634xhs.

@mclaincausey:

Nice–is that an A-2 as well?

Thanks!  Yes, that's a 1950's HH Sears Herc A-2

@mclaincausey:

CXL is made from the hides of elder demons, tanned for 666 years with the pulverized bones of angels in the blood of innocents, by a sweatshop of Hell-bound hedge fund managers under the direction of Satan and his fiery whip. What's not to love?

You pulled the words right out of my mouth.

Gentlemen, I know exactly why the disdain exists and it's not because of the leather.  I'll leave it at that as I'm not one to get myself wrapped up in any type controversy.  I'm just here to learn about my future first pair of IH jeans, contribute relevant info/opinions, and enjoy a community that, so far, seems like a top group of folks.

Cheers!!