This is my 3rd pair of Caswells. I previously purchased the Lisbon in caramel oiled shoulder + a pair in grizzly cattail. Both pairs are really just fabulous and even better for the price. The leathers are excellent selections from top quality tanneries, and the build and design quality are worthy matches.
As great as those other boots are, I think the Lisbon II in olive Chromexcel is my favorite. Chromexcel is a classic, super solid tannage. it’s certainly easy to find more exotic leathers and tannages, but if you want a beautiful, thick leather that will hold up for years and years, you can’t beat Chromexcel. And I think olive just might be the best color in CXL, IMHO. It’s just gorgeous. And, again, the Caswell build and design are a worthy match for a phenomenal leather. (That’s not hype, by the way. I’ve got horsebutt boots, kudu boots, kangaroo boots, veg tanned, re-veg tanned, etc., etc. Anyone with a decent sized boot collection will have a dozen combinations of leathers and tannages. CXL has been around forever and there’s a reason for that. It’s hard to beat.)
One thing I love about the Caswells is that they’re fully lined. Most of my CXL work boots and heritage boots are unlined. CXL often uses relatively heavy hides and, I guess, the idea is that they don’t need to be lined for extra heft or support. The full lining used by Caswell gives the uppers a super premium feel. Very thick + the added comfort of a nice calfskin lining.
In another review, I think I compared my Caswells to the three or four pairs of Vibergs I own. The Vibergs are definitely great boots but its hard to justify the price when Caswell keeps putting out offerings like the Lisbon II in olive CXL.
