Left to Right: Lee Ross Gómez, Levi Elliot, Brigitta Csoma, and Kevin McNamara.
Our first attendees at 11AM on saturday.
Boot Camp wasn’t just an exhibition; it was a true celebration of craftsmanship, knowledge, and community. Over 37 exhibitors from all around the world gathered to connect with one another. For two days, Brooklyn’s Industry City was transformed into a vibrant hub of leather, boots, and shoes—where we shared, learned, and got together after over food and drinks.
A highlight for me was working alongside Levi Elliot, the 2023 U.S. Shoe Shine Champion. Watching Levi do his mirror shine was truly something special. The incredible thing about Levi is that he can bring a pair of boots or shoes to a mirror shine with absolute precision, all while looking as GQ as can be. He never breaks a sweat or looks fatigued, no matter how hard he works. His expertise and professionalism is truly a gift, and it was an honor to collaborate with him at Boot Camp.
Boot Camp was all about bringing the community and products out of the digital world and into real life. Nick Boots, did an incredible job, bringing hundred pairs of boots in various sizes and widths for people to try on. Good move!
The free Bison wallet I got from Nicks didn’t hurt either.
Exciting new project in the works with Nicks and others (but it’s still top secret for now!). Stay tuned for more details soon!
It was such a reward to be working alongside the Saphir team, Sergio (his passion for the brand and his company), Bridget (the one that makes it all come together) and Kevin (with his expertise and his New Hampshire edge) all of us answering questions, and sharing my expertise along with them on how to care for your most valued boot and shoe investments. Whether it was cleaning, conditioning, or shining your footwear, it was such a rewarding experience to contribute to this community at Stichdown.com – and also help others care for their footwear the right way.
A special thank you to all the really beautiful and cool people whose boots and shoes I had the pleasure of working on. A few even came back on Sunday to have another pair of their beloved boots cared for! To those who stopped by, thank you, so much from the bottom of my heart! And remember, if you need any more help, feel free to hit me up directly—I promise to hook you up (Boot Camp family) and more importantly take great care of your boot and shoe collection.
Like Ben Robinson said Boots without leather just aren’t boots. Just two of the tanneries at this year Boot Camp. Seeing their leathers in person and getting to all my questions I had was truly valuable.
Boots and shoes with a Saphir Mirror shine.
Ben Robinson and his favorite shoes just love it!
Special notice: To the at least five people who came by but, unfortunately, I was either busy or had to take a break for lunch, or wrap things up at 5PM on Sunday to help get the Saphir team off to Spain. Note: If we connected and I wasn’t able to get to your boots or shoes, I’ve got you covered—your first pair is on me! That’s right, $49.00 boot and shoe care services, $0.00—all you have to do is cover the cost of mailing them to me and back. This offer is also open to all the Boot Camp VIPs and Sponsors as well, just contact me directly and confirm your status and it’s on the house.
And for everyone who attended Boot Camp, I’m offering a 50% discount on your first two pairs of boots or shoes. I want you all to experience the care your investment in boots and shoes deserves!
Wanted to share with you all one of the most common questions I’ve been asked since Boot Camp is: “Will you be back in 2025 Boot Camp?” I’m happy to say the answer is a resounding yes! And will be ready as ever to serve more attendees. Stay tuned for updates.
They brought some boots.
Of course, I couldn’t miss out on enjoying Industry City’s incredible variety of restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and more. Did anyone else try the Palestinian restaurant, Ayat 36?—Amazing!
In the meantime, enjoy this really cool recap video from Steve from Bedo’s Leatherworks who put together a bit of a tour recap which is comprehensive and just wonderful. I can’t wait to see everyone again next year at Boot Camp 2025. Until then take care of your boots and shoes. Or contact me directly at leeross@classicshoevalet.com and I’ll be sure to hook you up!
Next year…I believe is going to be something special.
More info coming soon! See you at Boot Camp 2025!
My badge is already ready for next year.