
The Only Way to Break in a New Boots, According to an Expert
Boots can take upward of 100 hours to break in. Follow this expert advice to avoid blisters and speed up the process.

John Zientek has worked on Gear Patrol’s editorial staff since 2015. His passion for manufacturing, design, and the creative process has taken him from remote towns to major cities worldwide to tell stories about the people, places, and cultures that shape superlative products. When not helping guide Gear Patrol’s editorial strategy, he enjoys loud music indoors, soft music outdoors, and life’s natural song when there’s no music at all. You can often find him cooking outdoors or walking near large bodies of water in Northern California.

Boots can take upward of 100 hours to break in. Follow this expert advice to avoid blisters and speed up the process.
By John Zientek

The first one is especially important in the summer.
By John Zientek

Looking for a suit you can wear in the summer? Here's what you need to know.
By John Zientek

Where to start and what to consider before your next wedding, graduation or big business meeting.
By John Zientek and Brett Braley-Palko

The Levi's 501 style has been the most popular jean since its creation in 1873. We decided to a review a new pair to see how they stand up.
By John Zientek

Actually, everyone's go-to winter fabric shines in the summer, too.
By John Zientek

Sure, raw denim has its charms. But washed jeans have all the same hallmarks — and then some.
By John Zientek

An understated aesthetic that prioritizes function from White Mountaineering.
By John Zientek

These hard-working, long-lasting pants are guaranteed to get the job done.
By Gerald Ortiz, Evan Malachosky, and John Zientek

This classic style has modern features like waterproof suede, hand stitched details and a Gore-Tex waterproof liner.
By John Zientek

Duffle bags are versatile carry-alls for clothing, footwear, Dopp kits and other odds and ends.
By Evan Malachosky and John Zientek

Do you really need to wait months — or even years — before washing your precious high-end jeans?
By John Zientek

Great gear doesn't have to be expensive.
By Sean Tirman, Johnny Brayson, and John Zientek

We put the base-level Diverge STR to the test.
By John Zientek

Shop now, save now.
By John Zientek

These Red Wings are all on sale right now. The catch is that they're all factory seconds.
By John Zientek

To celebrate of the re-release of Knob Creek 18 Year Old, Smithey's No. 12 Traditional Skillet gets an upgrade.
By John Zientek

Grimes's pragmatism, rugged looks and straight-shooting personality made him a role model to fans of the show.
By John Zientek

After years of testing, these are the kitchen knives worth spending your money on.
By Johnny Brayson, Tyler Chin, John Zientek, and Will Price

In the unique style of 1960s and '70s "super-compressors," this is one of the best dive watches for the money.
By John Zientek