The design of the Fairfax & Favor boots deserves praise. The silhouette, materials, and construction reflect a clear and intentional design approach. From the layered leather sole to the internal stabilizers, every element supports the shape and longevity of the boot. Even after cutting through the tough structure, the durability was apparent. The design held up visually and structurally, earning a confident score of four.

The sole structure revealed thoughtful engineering. Two layers of sole leather were stacked above stabilizing materials, creating a solid foundation. Cutting through the combination of leather and plastic proved surprisingly difficult, which speaks positively to the boot’s integrity. Even though I’m not a shoe-structure expert, it was obvious the boot was built to hold its shape and provide reliable comfort. This solid performance deserved another four.

Craftsmanship often separates good products from great ones, and these boots leaned toward the latter. Made in Portugal—a region known for quality shoemaking—the boots showed clean workmanship inside and out. There were no messy edges, misaligned stitches, or noticeable flaws. Everything looked intentional and controlled, earning a well-deserved score of four.

The only hardware component on the boots is the zipper, an essential part for this style. Fairfax & Favor used a YKK zipper, which is widely considered one of the better options on the market. Even though the hardware is minimal, it aligns perfectly with the boot’s overall quality, justifying yet another score of four.

The suede selected for these boots is genuinely high-grade. It features a light water-resistant treatment and a thin pigmented finish that protects the surface while maintaining the natural feel of the leather. The interior lining leather is smooth, thin, and comfortable—exactly what a boot lining should be. Constructing a boot of this size requires around eight square feet of suede for the exterior and roughly the same for the lining. The total leather material cost falls between €50 and €55 before adding the sole and structural components. Considering the finish, feel, and suitability of the materials, the leather selection earns a strong score of four.

With consistent scores of four across all categories—design, structure, craftsmanship, hardware, and leather—the Fairfax & Favor boots stand out as a premium, well-constructed product. While the €555 price tag certainly reflects some branding, the underlying build quality supports the majority of the cost.

After dissecting the boots and hearing my wife’s first-hand experience, I’m happy with how they performed on the table and in daily use. The next time I’m in the UK, I’ll likely stop by one of their stores to explore their bags and other leather goods. If these boots are any indication, the brand may have more impressive pieces worth investigating.

Have you owned a pair of Fairfax & Favor boots or shoes? How have they held up over time? I’d love to hear your experience and add more real-world insights to the conversation. And as always, feel free to suggest other brands or products you’d like to see on the Rip My Shoes Challenge.

Until next time, stay leathertained!