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Since my deep dive on leather craft, I've been wanting to get myself a good pair of moctoe boots, good kicks for casual and everyday wear, so for months, I've scoured the internet to get a pair of the famous and classic brands, unfortunately to no avail. Issues like size, quality and shipping took place during the search so I had to stop and decided to wait for a better deal out there.

I talked about this to a friend and he recommended that I try local brands instead, that's how I found Spades Philippines among other local brands.

Initial inquiry is easy, thanks to their FAQs section on their IG, I immediately learned these things: 1.) they provide a guide for feet measurement so you can measure it your own and send it to them, 2.) you can set an appointment and go to their shop to have yourself measured, it'll take a good 10-15 minutes, 30 minutes tops. 3.) you can customize your own shoe, send the design to them and they'll make it for you.

Spades Philippines offers a variety of work boots, riding boots and bespoke boots, specializing in their craft of chelseas from which they started.

I set my eyes on their work boot moctoes, Pablo.

Pablo is made of crazy horse leather, with pig skin leather lining, reinforced with blake stitch and hand welt and soles made from EVA foam, for the sum amount of P3500(+300 if sizes 10.5 to 15), I believe that this is a good deal!

I booked an appointment and went to their workshop in Mandaluyong and had myself measured. They said that the shoes will be ready in about 10 days, and can be picked up or delivered.

Mid way through the wait, I saw that they do add steel toe caps, and for whatever reason, I spontaneously asked them to put one on my pair, for an additional fee of P300.

After 10 days, I had my pair delivered and I'm amazed of the craftsmanship and the quality of the final product!

By means of quality, upon wearing, what I noticed first hand is how light it is especially for a steel toe, yet it doesn't compromise quality nor comfort! It's like wearing a pair of sneakers!

What surprises me the most is how comfortable it is, I'm expecting to wear it for quite some time before it starts to break in and be comfortable with it. Based on experience on leather shoes, either I do long excruciating walks and have blisters or wear them for a short period of time every other day, but that wasn't the case! I was able to wear it for more than 8 hours when it arrived!

Spades Philippines didn't fail to deliver a good quality product that has the potential to compete with the international market, highlighting our craftsmanship as shoe-makers, it is more than just an alternative to the big brands out there, it can be a big brand of its own.

Why should you get your pair from Spades?

Quality

They use genuine leather, hand-crafted from upper leather to the sole. Durable, sturdy, comfortable, and lightweight although I noticed that there are uneven stitches on some parts but personally, it just made the shoe better, giving itself character right from when you bought it, you can see that it is really hand welted.

Price

What you get is more than what you paid for, there might be cheaper local options out there, but Spades' versatility and quality is very competitive. Services such as accurately measuring your size and giving them your own design gives them a really nice edge against their competitors.

I'm really looking forward to seeing them together with the big names out there,

Interested? Get your pair now and message them on their Instagram page!