YouShoe reviews the BASLOW Chelsea boot

We recently had the pleasure of hearing from Ryan Bethushu (YouShoe), who shared his break-in experience with our BASLOW Chelsea boot. While he jokingly called it his “most hated” pair of boots, based on video dislikes, his update tells a very different story. After wearing the boots for a month, Ryan shared some thoughtful insights into what makes the BASLOW stand out, and what could be even better.

One of the things Ryan loved most was the heritage behind GORAL. For over 80 years, we’ve been making shoes and boots in England, staying true to traditional craftsmanship. Unlike many brands that outsource or cut corners as they grow, we’ve maintained a commitment to high-quality materials and construction. This dedication means that when you buy a pair of GORAL boots, you’re supporting a heritage brand that values local and artisanal skill, and timeless footwear.

Ryan also highlighted our attention to quality control. Every stitch, every panel, and every piece of leather is meticulously examined and assembled. The BASLOW features sidewall stitching for durability and hand-clicked leather to ensure the best sections are used.

The BASLOW is built from some of the finest materials available. Its TPU sole offers excellent grip on wet and snowy surfaces, and, importantly, it is resolable through our Rebuild+ service. Inside, a vegetable-tanned leather lasting board provides support and moulds to the foot over time for a bespoke fit. The star of the show is our Horween Chromexcel leather, tanned in Chicago, USA. At 2.2 mm thick, it’s durable, supple, and develops a beautiful patina as it ages.

Ryan also praised the elastic on our Chelsea boots, noting its quality and shape, and the pull tabs, which are strong and functional. Every part of the boot is designed with both performance and longevity in mind.

No boot is perfect, and Ryan shared some constructive feedback:

• Insole visibility and fit options - While our leather lasting board is an internal detail that most people won’t see, we could explore offering multiple insole thicknesses to allow even more precise sizing, especially for slip-on styles like Chelsea boots.
• Sole colour options - The black TPU sole performs brilliantly, but additional colour options, such as gum, could allow for a more personalised look.
• Pull tabs - Functional and strong, but a slightly more distinctive design or branding could add a subtle touch of personality.

After breaking them in, Ryan described the BASLOW as his go-to winter boot, they are easy to slip on, comfortable, and built to last. At $450, they’re an investment, but one that pays off in craftsmanship, materials, and longevity and then with our Rebuild+ service, these boots are made to stay with you for years to come.

We’re proud to see the BASLOW being enjoyed and tested in real life, and feedback like this helps us continue to refine our designs. If you have any feedback then do leave it in the comments of his video. Our goal is for every pair of GORAL boots to be more than just worn, but lived in. You can watch the full review below: