Laval Chukka Boots

I'm a regular B&S customer, because their style and value suits me. The Laval's are my 5th pair of B&S dress shoes/boots, so this review will compare them to other B&S offerings. The pullup leather is softer than Beckett and Simonon's regular leather, so it takes less break-in. It's also dyed all the way through, so scratches don't show as much. Their regular leather has a fairly thin color layer and is sometimes nearly white under the color layer. This stuff is just gorgeous, too. The boot is also perfectly made, with a wonderful lining, too.

If they would just use a lightweight sole with some tread, this boot would be perfect. As it is, it's a bit heavy and clunky and the rubber sole is pretty smooth. Almost zero texture to it. Not a boot you want in the snow and ice, although it is an upgrade over the plain leather soles on most B&S products. Like with my Columbus boots (named changed by PC police to Oscar) It'll help keep the shoe dry. My Columbus/Oscar boots are a size 10, and I wish they were a 10.5.

As for size, I recommend a half size up if you are on the fence at all. I range from a 9.5 to a 10.5, depending on the brand and type of shoe. As with all B&S dress shoes/boots, these have a slightly narrow toe box. If that's a problem for you, go up a half size. The 10.5s don't squeeze my pinky toe like the B&S size 10s can do. The extra room also allows me to use the included thin extra insoles for extra padding, which I appreciate. B&S's…