There are two bootblacking challenges that will happen at lunchtime on Saturday. Bootblacks can choose which they want to participate in. Neither challenge will be judged, though you will be given feedback. This is an opportunity for you to evaluate your own skill level against others, gain experience, and to earn a participation prize for publicly bootblacking at Boundless.

(1) Timed high-shine challenge
We will select Boundless attendees with similar boots in similar states of care to sit for the challenge participants. You will have 20mins to do your very best bar shine! Afterwards, sit back and see what others did, share tips and learn.

(2) Timed tech booth challenge
Challenge participants will be presented with ONE leather boot that is severely scuffed, scraped, possibly even cut. You will have 40mins to repair that boot (as well as clean, condition and polish it). Afterwards, you can see what others did, share tips and learn, and – if you wish – come to the workshop ‘Levelling up your bootblack game’ to get feedback from Pine – Bootblack Europe 24 and Bootblack UK 23 – and Parker, a very skilled and experienced bootblack and leather artisan to learn some easy, effective techniques.

Bootblacks must sign up for their challenge by Sunday 21st July to participate!

Non-bootblacks are warmly encouraged to come watch the challenges and to volunteer if interested to sit for the bootblacks doing the timed high-shine challenge. You are encouraged to tip your bootblack if you are pleased with their work in the range £5-15.

Our bootblacks-on-duty, Purps and Joe, will be working the Friday night social and the Saturday play party. To work the stands alongside them email vulpine.events@gmail.com. You are especially welcome if you are looking for your first experience of working publicly.

Usually, you’ll sit for a bootblack in their chair while they work on your leather. If you know how you’d like your leather cared for, do tell the bootblack at the start. A ‘bar shine’ will take about 20-30mins. This is an opportunity to talk to your bootblack, enjoy the sensations, relax or people watch, but please don’t use it to scroll on your phone or ignore the bootblack. Equally, treat bootblacking like a scene and don’t interrupt a bootblack who is working on someone else’s leather.

With negotiation and if there’s chemistry, bootblacking can involve elements of D/s and S&M. Don’t assume a bootblack is submissive though – some are Dominant or switches – or that they will lick your boots (most often they won’t) and do NOT touch them without consent! 

£ TIP YOUR BOOTBLACK £
Bootblacks work hard and have to pay for polishes and conditioners. Tips are always appreciated though most bootblacks will accept a skill swap or trade and won’t turn away those who cannot afford to pay. Suggested MINIMUM tip £10.