BLKBRD Boots Review: Fenrir Chukkas In Chromexcel

Style & Appearance

As an airline pilot frequently traveling across the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawai’i, and the East Coast, I need footwear that can handle a variety of climates and settings.

My previous shoes—a pair of double monks—struggled in rain and snow, while a pair of moc-toe boots, though functional, looked out of place in tropical climates, set off metal detectors, and weren’t convenient for quick on-and-off situations.

The Fenrir chukka boot fills this gap perfectly, with a style that’s formal enough to pair with my uniform but rugged enough to handle different conditions. Its slightly taller build gives it a nod to classic military desert boots, making it both practical and refined.

The first modification I made to the Fenrir was to swap the standard leather for black Horween Chromexcel, both to match my uniform and to enhance water resistance.

Chromexcel, one of my favorite leathers, is hybrid-tanned, combining the softness of chrome tanning with the durability of veg tanning. Packed with oils, it naturally repels water—a useful feature for someone who travels in all kinds of weather. Fun fact: Chromexcel was originally developed to seal engine gaskets, which speaks to its toughness.

Chromexcel does tend to scuff easily, but it has a “self-healing” quality. A quick five-minute brush brings it back to life, redistributing the oils for a refreshed look.

Although some may worry about the scuffs, I find it quite forgiving with a bit of care. BLKBRD offers a page of leather upgrade options, and at $90 for the Chromexcel upgrade, it’s a bargain compared to other brands, which may charge closer to $200 for the same leather.

One minor downside is that the leather is prone to creasing around the toe area. This might be why BLKBRD’s original leather choice for the Fenrir is more crease-resistant. With shoe trees and the occasional use of a heat gun, the creases are manageable, though. For those who can’t stand creases, a shell cordovan upgrade could be a crease-resistant alternative, albeit at a higher price.

Above is a photo showing the boots after five days of flying, with and without brushing. Below, you can see how just 30 seconds of brushing smoothes out the scuffs, thanks to the natural oils in the leather.

Fit & Comfort

The Fenrir boots are incredibly comfortable right out of the box. Moreover, BLKBRD already had multiple measurements and scans of my feet from my previous order, so these boots fit perfectly.

The interior is dyed black, adding a nice finish, and the removable foam insole provides just the right amount of cushioning, especially under the heel.

One standout feature is the hand-welted construction, which is becoming a rare art in shoemaking. Compared to Goodyear welting, this method requires less material, making the boots lighter and more flexible—a big plus if you’re wearing them throughout the day.

The boots are built on BLKBRD’s proprietary “ROYCE” last, which, as a nod to Rolls Royce, has a roomy, asymmetrical shape similar to Alden Indy boots. This last is fantastic for providing extra wiggle room for your toes and allows for natural foot expansion—particularly useful on long flights when cabin pressurization can cause swelling.

For an added customization, I requested a leather shank instead of the standard steel one to avoid setting off TSA metal detectors. Mission accomplished!

Leather shanks are said to mold to the foot over time, offering a personalized feel, whereas steel shanks maintain their shape. Personally, I haven’t noticed a significant difference, but I appreciate the option for flexibility.

Dress Code & Formality

I specifically chose the Fenrir boots to pair with my pilot uniform, and they fit the role perfectly.

The black Chromexcel leather does give them a slightly more casual look, which also works well with the beat-up black selvedge denim I keep in my overnight bag for off-duty wear.

Later this month, I’m planning to wear them with a suit to a forest wedding—ideal for an outdoor setting. However, if you’re aiming for a more formal look, like a boardroom or a black-tie event, I’d recommend considering a different leather option.

The Fenrir’s standard Vibram lug sole is a great feature, especially for tackling the long, rainy season here in the Pacific Northwest. But if you’re looking to dress up the boots further, swapping the Vibram sole for a leather one would make them more formal and versatile for a wider range of settings.

Closing Thoughts

Here’s a fun fact to wrap up with: in an interview with The Boot Hunter, BLKBRD co-owner Sandeep shared that the brand’s name is inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the sky and famously favored by the X-Men. He also mentioned that “the sky is the limit” when it comes to what BLKBRD can customize for their customers.

For me, as an airline pilot, these Fenrir chukkas are the ultimate pair of boots—combining durability, style, and functionality in a way that’s hard to beat. If you have a unique footwear need, BLKBRD Shoemaker is a brand I’d wholeheartedly recommend.