White's Boots
-
I fear for what will happen to White's, they were my first top quality boots and (to me) always had an integrity that seemed questionable elsewhere.
It's not like other companies don't make really nice boots, but White's never forgot who they were or what they are good at, working boots for working dudes not just us posers and work wear fetishists.
I'm hoping that if White's are to be scaled back in quality and their integrity compromised that Wesco can take their place in my affections, I'm certainly very impressed from what I've seen and handled so far, but you never forget your first love.
I'll be watching closely for developments as I'm sure will many others.
-
@catchgeo , those are perfect!
-
Mega, I'm obsessed with Wesco just as much as White's unfortunately the lack of arch support ala arch ease ultimately makes them worlds apart in comfort for me. I have flat feet so the Arch Ease is a godsend! For this reason Nick's would probably be the only alternate in terms of comfort, possibly Drew's although the build isn't as robust for my understanding.
-
I am also keen to see what will happen to White's. Expansion / off-shoring production (if they are considering them) may have some implications on its product line. I think they already have a diffusion line, perhaps to off shore it and keep the production of their core products in the U.S. Allen Edmonds used to be made and sourced in the U.S. a long time ago. They now have "U.S. made" shoes and shoes that are made elsewhere. Last time I heard their shoes are still pretty good (as least the U.S. made ones). Since we already have an existing thread, we can chronologically see what will happen to their boots in here.
-
I got pretty chatty with a couple of the guys and girls at Whites discussing builds and reworks etc.. and with Kyle Baker through the boots contest. I considered dropping Kyle a line, and maybe some of the guys at Whites to see if they had any clue or inclination about what the effect would be but decided against it as its their jobs at the end of the day, so I guess any concerns that we customers have are magnified if it's your living.
For me I just hope they take the approach of "it ain't broke so don;t fix it".
@aho , I have really stupidly high arches and find that the arch ease system gives me the support that other boots don't, having said that I also really enjoy wearing my Alden Indy's for comfort, which have virtually no arch support. Never worn any Wesco boots for more than a try on session but people who's opinion I trust implicitly tell me that I won't look back ( @Giles , @seawolf ), so I'm excited to land my first pair.
-
Thanks @megatron1505 I'm looking forward to you getting your first pair as well. Do you have some in the pipeline already?
My Wescos were my first introduction into quality goods and I never looked back. My White's are nice but nothing feels as good as my Wescos.
-
@aho:
Mega, I'm obsessed with Wesco just as much as White's unfortunately the lack of arch support ala arch ease ultimately makes them worlds apart in comfort for me. I have flat feet so the Arch Ease is a godsend! For this reason Nick's would probably be the only alternate in terms of comfort, possibly Drew's although the build isn't as robust for my understanding.
From the (Wesco) horses mouth…...
_I think we have substantial arch support…but it's true we do not put an added piece of leather under the arch like the "Arch Ease" construction. We simply have an arch built into our lasts...therefore giving proper weight distribution.We can definitely do an insole wrap to add arch support..it's an extra $60
We have done it with great success in the past......._
-
Thanks @megatron1505 I'm looking forward to you getting your first pair as well. Do you have some in the pipeline already?
I do, but I don't want to spoil the big reveal (sorry, I'm excited :D)
-
Indeed, but respectfully that's not the point.
It is entirely the point. How much do you pay for your jeans compared to your family and friends? I suspect a little bit more, and you know exactly why it's worth it to do so.
Wesco make these boots by hand, they are built over a last. If the last/boot has to be modified then it requires someone with years and years of experience to make the required modifications.
Yes, you or I could throw a bit of leather somewhere in the boot, but i suspect you would not want to pay an additional USD60 for that. But if a craftsman needs to sort out an orthopaedic issue and the end result is perfection and comfort, then it is USD60 well spent.
If however you don't want to pay an additional USD60 and limp from A-B, that is your choice.
-
Oooook if we need to keep going, here goes.
It was my post and my point so no that wasn't the point.
My point was my opinion on the cost of a self described 'piece of leather'. You have a great point in that in your opinion it's well worth it. But my point was my opinion, and as an opinion, it isn't wrong, it was just an opinion.
-
From the (Wesco) horses mouth…...
_I think we have substantial arch support…but it's true we do not put an added piece of leather under the arch like the "Arch Ease" construction. We simply have an arch built into our lasts...therefore giving proper weight distribution.We can definitely do an insole wrap to add arch support..it's an extra $60
We have done it with great success in the past......._
Not to derail the White's thread (almost thought this was the Wesco page!) but that's great to know they can add arch support. My only qualm with Wesco is that, and the stock inserts that come with the boots which I know you can upgrade (or just buy your own).
At the end of the day, fit is highly personal and subjective; my Wesco's haven't done it for me stock-wise (not to say they're uncomfortable by any means), and my Alden's feel like cardboard (definitely uncomfortable). I definitely feel it if I'm not wearing my White's but as you mention, most anything can be adjusted at the right price!
-
Aho, your post really illustrates how individual matters of comfort can be. My Alden Indys are my go-to boot on days when I'll be walking around more or if my ankle is sore due to an old running injury, because they are so comfortable and give me the support I need on the inside edge (from the curved heel).
-
Sugar Mountain, it really does come down to personal preference right?
Regarding the sale, I'm sure you've all read this, but straight from the horses mouth:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/aug/05/whites-boots-owners-confident-about-sale/"Kirk Layton, LaCrosse’s chief financial officer, said ABC-Mart gives guidance on how to improve boot sales in Japan and other Asian countries.
“For our U.S. operations, they’re hands-off owners,” Layton said.
The White’s Boots brand has earned widespread loyalty and LaCrosse has no plans to change how it makes boots or where they’re made, Layton said.
“They know what they’re doing,” Layton said. The only topic involving Spokane has been how to boost production at the Spokane factory, perhaps by opening a second production line, Layton said."
–---
So really, the only thing I guess we should be concerned about for now is if they can maintain a fair standard of construction/quality when and if they open a second production line as new workers come in.
