Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts? - Page 67

Originally Posted by gd1944 

It's Brown Horween Chrome Excel Leather, and Standard Height Cuban Heel. Double Row Stitched Standard Trim. The Outsole is Vibram 430.

Originally Posted by grendel 

Thanks very much!

Originally Posted by brokeassp 

been wondering can they do close trim on soles with vibram 700?

Originally Posted by gd1944 

You are welcome!
Yes, they can.

Originally Posted by minkus 

If I get rained on in these boots wearing raw denim, will they stain?

Originally Posted by bl@ster 

My new White's SD are in from Baker's. Went with the "classic brown" leather this time around, with tapered heel, and 1/4" lowered heel. Couldn't be happier with them. According to Baker's, the "classic brown" leather is dry-tanned and will take a polish nicely and patina with age similar to the dress brown. It will develop a crackly finish and patina fairly quickly.
Here's the full config:
Last Standard, Sole Leather, Size - Length 11, Hardware All Antique Eyes, Edge Natural, Upper (Shaft) Leather Classic Brown, Midsole Single, Pull Loops No Thanks, Leather Liner Tan, Sole Trim Close Trim, Toe Vamp Leather Classic Brown, Size - Width D (medium), Toe Cap No Thanks, Celastic Toe Box Single Celastic Toe, Heel Base Standard
Here are a couple shots (click for high-res). I tried to color correct these as best I could, but in real life they are more of a deep brown and less saturated in color:

Originally Posted by Whacky 

Getting some pics together for the forums here.
However, Initial impressions of my Natural Chromexcel Bounty Hunters:
- Compared to my single leather sole, brown Semi-Dress, these boots are noticeable heavier.
- Equally as well made as any custom White's Boots you can own.
- I do not really notice too much a difference in comfort between my Semi Dress with the block heel that is lowered 1/4, compared to the full size cuban heel. Both are/were incredibly comfortable out of the box.
- The Natural Chromexcel leather is rich, oily, and smells wonderful. I will not be treating this leather. At least not initially. It has too much natural depth, and I am excited to see what natural patina it develops. It appears very solid, yet supple. However, I did have my boots lined with a cream leather liner for fear the chromexcel would stretch, etc.
- The height difference between the Bounty Hunter and the Semi Dress is noticeable during everyday wear. My particular Semi Dress with the single leather sole feel more like a casual boot and the Bounty Hunters with the Vibram 269 obviously feel more like a working boot.
I really enjoy the casual style of my SD boots, but wanted to try something different
.
I realize I have only had the boots for one day, but I almost wish I would have just custom made another pair of Semi Dress boots. Not entirely sure I needed the added height, and tighter laces, added weight.
Plus, I had them made with the Vibram 269 sole as a compromise to get a full rubber sole, but without the bulk of the other Vibram offerings.
I had a lot of debate about the sole considering I already own a single sole pair of Semi Dress, of which I enjoy the casual look/feel.
We'll see how I end up liking the 269 sole in the long run.
So, summarizing the initial impressions:
Pros: Beautiful leather. Uncompromising craftsmanship, intimately comfortable out of the box, flawless fit.
Cons: Heavier, bigger, taller than the SD. Less casual appearance and overall feel.
TBD: Leather sole vs Vibram 269, chromexcel leather stretch, fit, and patina over time.
I promise to get some pictures up as soon as I can.