They have a couple of every level for $289 with a vibram wedge sole https://shop.whitesboots.com/lifestyle-boots/perry/
Went ahead with White’s Perry Moc Toe in Red Dog. If the build quality is as expected I’ll probably invest in a full hand sewn model. Might look into Nick’s or something like that down the road as well.
About to go for my second pair (I have the roper in black). I got the GF a pair for Christmas during the black Friday $25 per $100 spent, so I've got $50 to burn. I'm thinking the brown zip boot, but I really like the suede. Want something I can wear for my (very casual) work environment when I travel to the NE. Por que no los dos?
So update on the White’s - the arrived and I got them laced and tried on. All seemed well. The next day I wore them 4-5 hours and noticed I was starting to rub on the right heel, but nbd, it will likely break in. Sunday I did the same and could definitely feel the blister coming, so I investigated more throughly. There was a cluster of hard thread ends that worked their way through a seam joint where two sewn seams crossed and were what was actually jabbing me. They agreed that it was QC issues and they gave me a RMA, but they’re low on my size in EE in stock, so I’m waiting to see what they’ll do as far as a replacement or refund. I can’t imagine they’ll repair that boot. Makes me a little sketched by anything that isn’t their top line tbh. Materials were very good, but I’m guessing they fly through construction. Meanwhile I found a pair of Smoke Jumpers in my size that look in pretty good shape for $150 from someone who appears to be getting out of the wild land fire game. Waiting on those to arrive. Absolute worse case On those is I send them for a rebuild and I’m into them under 400 total. Do I need them? Absolutely not. But I want them.
Update - White’s just refunded the Moc toes because of stock and them being their entry model. Smoke Jumpers have not disappointed. They are re-breaking in very nicely. Took a week or so on the really high arches to stop having discomfort, but once it did it feels nice. I noticed that the high arch is taking the pressure off the outside ball of my foot, which is where I generally have an issue. Definitely going to order a custom pair from White’s or Nick’s. Probably a more casual style like an MP, Semidress, or Officer. Xtratuf has been doing well in the snow. I was out for an hour in -5 or so the other day with just the uninsulated boots and mid-weight socks. My feet did not get cold at all. I was skeptical if they’d stay warm. I’ve also been down the boot making/review/cobbler YouTube rabbit hole lately, which has been fun. Also got in a mood and cleaned and oiled every pair of boots I own.
Interested in casual boots. Classic style, maybe slightly on the alt/hipster end. Looks like Red Wings and Wolverine are what I should be looking at based on perusing the last few pages
https://thursdayboots.com/products/mens-captain-terracotta?collection=boots How do you guys like these?
https://nicksboots.com/americana-mto-heritage-boot/ I’ve been down the handmade and custom boot rabbit hole and I think I’m going with this, but no toe cap in Color 8 Burgundy as my next purchase. Those or these White’s MP Sherman in plain toe. https://shop.whitesboots.com/lifestyle-boots/mp-sherman-toe-cap-dainite-sole/
Big fan of these: https://oakstreetbootmakers.com/lakeshore-boot-natural-chromexcel-dainite-sole Spoiler
Interesting YT channel, Trenton and Heath. Watched the rebuild process on a pair of Carolina loggers, which i've owned for years. Cool af. Had a pair of Danners re-soled last year, and this makes me wish I could have watched it in person.
Pretty rugged, not super comfortable, heeled leather boots. Come with a kiltie, if you like that sort of thing. Great for working outdoors.
I’ve actually gotten to like casually wearing loggers now that they’re broken in. Much more comfortable than I imagined. Really tops of the rugged casual aesthetic.
Alright, so I’m looking for a new pair. My job is indoor/outdoors so they need to be comfortable. My current ones were just a pair I got from Dicks sporting goods last year but would like something of higher quality. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My last pair of actual work boots were Georgia boots and they’re great. They’re extremely comfortable uppers but they are on the heavier side compared to others.
You need something rugged, or just more sturdy than a typical shoe, but still looks nice casually kind of thing?
Ordered up a pair of Nicks 8” moderate arch plain toe logger heel in Wicket & Craig English Bridle Tan. Cut top for the softest feel. 430 Mini-Lug sole. Closest stock models are Officer, but add a lighter stack, logger profile heel. A little treat to myself for landing a new job with a nice raise and sticking to my plan of working a retail gig while I searched. Now we wait like a million years for the build.
Production lead times page show them working on orders placed through EOW prior to my order date. Hopefully they’re made soon. A little over 6 months at this point.