Show us your boots
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I've just bought a pair of these from LL Bean:
Not as nice a pair of Red Wings, but a lot cheaper and they seem to have a very positive following on Styleforum.
Should be with me in about two weeks.
M.
I have a pair of these and I really like them. They're very comfortable and great for actually doing work in them without having to worry about wrecking them. They take a nice patina over time
I have two pairs of RW GT's and I have pretty bad gouges in both.
Hi Doug
That's great to know - it's always a bit of a risk buying boots like this online from another country, but they seem to have a good reputation. I used to sell outdoor equipment and walking boots etc. and hate not being able to try them on before buying. They're winging their way to me as I type, I should have them in a week or so.
Can I ask what wax/polish/dressing you put on them, if any?
Cheers!
Michael
Sorry for the slow reply. Somehow this thread escaped me
I don't use any treatment on these boots. Some people have used Obenauf's treatment on them with positive results, but I didn't see the point.
They will develop a smooth patina on their own with time and wear.
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As long as it has Vibram logger sole and the leather is water proof …or do you mean like snow boots ?
We can do anything
http://bybeatle.com -
Red Wings are really tough - no probs with salt and snow and muddy trails
We can do anything
http://bybeatle.com -
From WAYWT:
@Seul:I'll check with them where those were produced - not buying if it is indeed India…
Your inquiry was submitted and will be responded to as soon as possible. Thank you for contacting us.
Little research learns this:
someotherstyle said…
Grenson shoes are no longer made in England. The got rid of the "Rose" and "Masterpiece" collections, which were still made in England. Now, they're mostly made in India. Tom Little bought the company in 2010.Who knows, he may bring back a few of the English made models.
That's bad news indeed
I kind of suspected as much when I saw the price. Looks like I won't be buying Grenson any more. -
Simon
There is a typo in the quoted information - it was TIM (not TOM) Little that bought over Grenson.
To be honest Grenson quality has been deteriorating over a while and the diffusion stuff wasn't up to scratch.
I can however recommend TIM LITTLE shoes - got 2 pairs of Black Sole 5's (Burnt Pine and Black), 1 pair of Eyesight to the Blind (Truffle Suede) and 1 pair of 40 Days and 40 Nights boots - they really are top quality
Get them here:
http://www.timlittle.com/shop/index.php
there's a bit of a sale on at the moment too
Geo
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From WAYWT:
@Seul:I'll check with them where those were produced - not buying if it is indeed India…
Your inquiry was submitted and will be responded to as soon as possible. Thank you for contacting us.
Little research learns this:
someotherstyle said…
Grenson shoes are no longer made in England. The got rid of the "Rose" and "Masterpiece" collections, which were still made in England. Now, they're mostly made in India. Tom Little bought the company in 2010.Who knows, he may bring back a few of the English made models.
That's bad news indeed
I kind of suspected as much when I saw the price. Looks like I won't be buying Grenson any more.Bad news indeed, although it does look like you can still buy some of the older models online. I'm presuming they're old UK made stock.
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Thanks for the Tim Little lead Geo. I like the look of those a lot, particularly the Mockingbird II which is on sale as well!
No worries and nice choice Simon! I guess that is the Tim Little take on the IH rugged philosophy?
Oh - and when TL says tough - they are. My 40 days have has 40 shades of shit knocked out of them and they still look great and the sole is outlasting any Vibram footbed I own (and it won't be a hassle to replace if I need to)
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In my humble opinion this is the greatest boot maker in the world, every part of the boot is totally customable: http://www.westcoastshoe.com/wesco/stock2010.asp. If you are going for a pair i suggest to stay away from the chunky vibram sole and go for a smooth sole, unless of course you are using them for hill climbing or are into a super hardcore s n' m look. The Boss boot is the one for me. Have a look at "customize your boot" its fun and interesting to learn what goes into a good boot.
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Try this link: http://www.westcoastshoe.com/
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Yup - I have to agree Wesco is just about as good as it gets quality wise. The only down for me is most of the boots are high (10-16") which I never feel too comfortable with.
I think a near match to Wesco is White's - I like their range of semi-dress packers
http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=184
and this one in particular:
http://www.mrmuddandmrgold.com/en/categories/footwear/white-s-semi-dress-two-tone-1.html
In mentioning Vibram (blandly) I meant units like the Christie and so on, which have become fashionable and only disappointed me.
When it comes to what Vibram are good at - then usually all is well. Wesco, White's and those good people all use them!
For hillwalking and mountaineering I would only ever recommend using specific boots designed for the job - saw too many unfortunate situations with people not being properly equipped. These are my current boots:
Cleanest you'll normally see them thanks to the snow! Anyway that's me - sorry for being a bloody bore - but I love boots!
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IF you're looking for engineer boots, and don't want to spend a fortune, you might want to try Chippewas, Carolinas or Sendra Longhorns. All make very nice boots that'll last long and aren't made just for posing
Stay away from stelltoes unless you really need them or unless you ride a bike. There is no need for that and it usually makes boot a bit clumsy.just my 2 cents worth
ps. to me (i'm not native english speaker) boots allways mean something you pull on and are at least 10" high, them other boots are…well shoes or "hiking-boots" and so on
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IF you're looking for engineer boots, and don't want to spend a fortune, you might want to try Chippewas, Carolinas or Sendra Longhorns. All make very nice boots that'll last long and aren't made just for posing
Stay away from stelltoes unless you really need them or unless you ride a bike. There is no need for that and it usually makes boot a bit clumsy.just my 2 cents worth
ps. to me (i'm not native english speaker) boots allways mean something you pull on and are at least 10" high, them other boots are…well shoes or "hiking-boots" and so on
so the question is, when is a boot not a boot?
PS You've listed some good value boots - I think the Whites and Wescos are bit bit more expensive because of the material and processes - but you pays yer money and you makes yer choice
