Calling all LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots owners - Page 8

I would read the entire shoe antiquing thread before any attempts at dyeing shoes. While it is not hard, it takes a long time and any shortcuts will result in some sloppy looking shoes.

Just a heads-up about these: I was about to treat mine with Oberlauf's, when I realized that the left side of the left boot was split-grain, not full-grain leather (it's thinner, with a wrinklier outside and fuzzier inside). I asked LL bean about it and they told me that it's supposed to be full-grain all through, and they'd send me a new pair.

I think my entire right boot (well, the sides and the back) are like that. I've already treated them with sno seal though. Can I still send them back?

They have an unconditional lifetime satisfaction guarantee, so you could wear them for ten years and probably still successfully return them (it would be a dick move, though- these sorts of guarantees depend on people not abusing them). It's really up to you- I was ready to just accept these are work boots and I shouldn't bitch about the leather looking a little different, but then I realized that the split-grain felt thinner and a lot less sturdy than the full-grain, and asked customer service whether that was something I should expect.

I sent them an email and they're sending me a replacement pair for free. If both the left and right boots were split-grain it wouldn't be so bad, but the right one, which is split-grain, is all wrinkled looking and the left one, which isn't, looks brand new. It was bugging me, so I'm glad I came across your post ealier today. Thanks for the heads up.

Would these Katahdin's be out of place when worn w/ anything besides denim? Perhaps w/ cords or trousers?

No, I don't think so, but they are work boots. In cold / bad weather you could wear them with any casual pants.

I'd like to see pictures of the split grain / full grain leahters, if anyone has camera can illustrate.

The lot numbers inside the boots might also be helpful.

Is this what you guys are talking about as split grain leather? I had to return a pair due to sizing issues but when I bought those initially in March, I remember that pair having thicker/stiffer leather. My exchange pair is thinner/floppier. These have been sno sealed and the leather was wrinkled like this when I got them. I just assumed that it was a characteristic of the type of leather (not an expert). [IMG][/IMG]

Here's my boots:



I've had them for about a month, and I haven't worn them outside yet. The boot on the left seems to be what dshack has described as full-grain leather, whereas the boot on the right seems to be split-grain. The leather on the right boot is thinner/flimsier, more wrinkled (as you can see), and fuzzier on the inside.

Here's a few shots of the inside:

Left Boot (Full-grain)


Right Boot (Split-grain)


And here's the lot #s:

This is from the left boot. The #s on the right boot are already starting to wear off, and look like they were stamped on differently. Though the #s do match.

Why would LL Bean even sell that boot if it is defective? It's great that they replace them, but they should be sending this boots back to the manufacturer to be properly made... Luckily, my pair have been perfect!

Kind of upsetting to see this from LL Bean, though it's nto entirely their fault. Chippewa is the ones making these with split-grain leather, and LL Bean is just failing to catch the bad ones.

...after a coat of Sno-Seal, Kiwi brown, and 4 days of wear.

w/ flash:





w/o flash:

Any comments on owners who are narrow in the foot width? I wear a size 10C Park Ave's so i'm curious to see if any workboots that are D would be alright to wear for the long term.

Don't think Ive posted these before.