Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot Review - Page 189

All relying on stretch tells me is the boot/shoe was too small to begin with.

My experience with stretching is that it's a very foot specific business, and that a shoe/boot may stretch laterally to become more comfortable, but never length wise. I have a wide foot, so boots that don't come in wide sizes tend to be a bit narrow, but CXL/Shell will stretch enough so that they become nice fitting, and it doesn't matter if the sides of my foot are touching the sides of the boot, as long as the pressure isn't too much. This is preferable than shoes that are 100% comfortable at first, but then stretch and now are too big. For me, 9.5D's start comfortable, and 9D's start uncomfortable. My 744 9's are now absolutely perfect, and the length in the toe isn't too bad. The 9.5D's I suspect, would be too big.

If you have a long, narrow foot, though, you'll find that a snug fit will only come when you don't have enough room in your toes, and that's always going to be uncomfortable. The amount they stretch there will still always result in your toes touching the ends of the boots, which is a Bad Thing.

Also, re: the question of changing the heel with a half-sole, my half-sole is about 4mm, and I didn't change my heel. Bear in mind that 1K's already come with a pretty significant heel compared to dress shoes, so it might be completely unnecessary.

Though your experience may have some merit it is not sound advice when it comes to properly fitting a boot or shoe.

Don't get me wrong, that kind of advice isn't for someone who actually has a D width foot, but for someone with an extra-wide foot it's essential. Those of us with EEE feet live in a world where shoe fitters constantly tell us "just size up," even at places you'd hope would know better, such as Leffot (twice). Sizing up, especially in unlined shoes/boots, will lead to a shoe that is much too big once they're broken in. My point was that sizing advice, just like shoes, is never "one size fits all," and I was just putting out sizing some guidance for Wide Footers trying to size properly.

Can anyone recommend a good heel/sole dressing? I haven't seen any posts about it, but I could have missed it. Thanks

 

That has not been my experience. That is also a ridiculous amount of stretch to expect.

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Edited by jhwang116 - 1/25/13 at 4:01pm

I just got them!
No missing stiches, no wierd stiches pattern, no leather damage... just a really nice pair of boots !!

Thank you Karl and Dave from Crane's Store, it was a real pleasure to deal with you!

A quick pic before they go back in the box waiting for the cobbler:



Looking at this picture make me think about just adding a thin rubber half sole to preserve the leather sole. I want to keep that slim look without adding a big layer.
Edited by rexet - 1/25/13 at 10:37am

Fiebings is available in black and brown

How would you guys recommend treating and cleaning horween predator leather? I have a pair of wolverine Austen's and they are soon to be in need of some form of leather care.

The same way you care for CXL.

I agree. For me, I don't accommodate for stretch for any type of shoe with the exception of chromexcel shoes. All my dress shoes from Edward Greens to Aldens fits perfectly to begin with and being snug or loose is a sign of an ill-fitting shoe. Its just that for some reason I do experience a noticeable amount of stretch for chromexcel leather; it might be due to the fact that I also wear my chromexcel shoes in wet environments.

Just got my Wolverines from Crane's a few days ago and they are beautiful, but unfortunately 1/2 size too big so they have to go back.  Will report when the new ones get here...

What do you think guys about adding an iron in the front of the sole to protect them?
I am used to do that on my dressy shoes.

Something like that :

I gave the W1K to my cobbler today. His reaction was "wow nice pair!" when he hold them !
But he was a little bit skeptical about adding a half sole because of the greasy leather. He have doubts that the glue will stick well on this.