Orvis boots

I need a pair of winter boots and have been looking on Sierra Trading Post. I have seen a pair of Allen Edmonds for $175, but also a pair of Orvis for $80. I'd prefer not to spend a ton of money, but also want good quality and if need be willing to pay for it (but not above the $175 AE price). I wanted them to be rugged enough to get beat up (sorry, McCallum chukka), but still "unclunky" enough to want to wear for style. Orvis Anyone care to comment on Orvis quality, and/or whether this shoe is nice looking. I kind of like it.

I'm not sure who makes Orvis shoes, and though I tend to defend Orvis, a lot of it looks very stodgy in person. However, the quality is not to be doubted, and anything that boot claims to be, it likely is. Check out Orvis.com and see if anything there is on sale, they sometimes have boots, and the prices can be great. Orvis Sale Shoes I had a pair of Vasque Sundowners that served me very well, but may be too clunky for what you're looking for. They also tend to be a favorite of prep/hippies/yippies so watch yourself if you're afraid of being associated with that crowd.

I recently bought a pair of Orvis Gokey's, the lightweight hikers. When I bought them a few weeks ago they were on sale for less than $100. They're great - not gortex, but the leather is nice and they're very comfortable. I've only had them a few weeks and worn them a few times but it feels like the footbed will eventually mold to the shape of your foot - they have a nice leather lining. The soles are very flexible, much more so than something like the Vasque sundowner (which I also own) which makes them much more useful on wet/slick city streets - better traction. For the price I think that they're a great shoe. Not a hard core backpacking boot or an insulated snow boot, but for a wet day in the city or in the country, I think they're a good choice.

How is the instep support on the Gokeys? I like the instep to be at least a little firm -- I don't like to feel like I'm walking on gel.

BTW, are they at least moderately sleek, or are they huge?

I think that, for boots, they're very sleek. I would compare them to a pair of oxfords. They can definitely be worn around town without giving the impression that you're on a mountain climbing trip of some sort. I am no shoe/boot expert, but they are apparently well made (if you believe their own marketing material anyway- check out the website - they are famous for their hunting boots). I have a high arch and while I haven't walked 10 miles in them, so far so good. When I said that the sole was soft, I meant that they are softer than a multi-day backpacking boot.

I'm surprised that members of this forum are willing to embrace RTW boots when it's so easy to do better. I have considerable experience with Russell, from whom you get your choice of leather, construction, sole, insulation, lining, lacing, etc.. My Cape Buffalo lightweights make that Orvis offering seem...pedestrian.

I'm surprised that members of this forum are willing to embrace RTW boots when it's so easy to do better. Â I have considerable experience with Russell, from whom you get your choice of leather, construction, sole, insulation, lining, lacing, etc.. Â My Cape Buffalo lightweights make that Orvis offering seem...pedestrian.

Click to expand...

and just how much did you pay for this?

I'm surprised that members of this forum are willing to embrace RTW boots when it's so easy to do better. Â I have considerable experience with Russell, from whom you get your choice of leather, construction, sole, insulation, lining, lacing, etc.. Â My Cape Buffalo lightweights make that Orvis offering seem...pedestrian.

Click to expand...

Orvis offers a made to measure program with the Gokey shoes and boots, and they guarantee the fit. I haven't purchased any Gokey footwear, but I rather like the style of them. They seem perfect for Colorado winters. Kai

But the Gokeys aren't waterproof, are they? Wouldn't the Sierra Trading Post Orvis boots be a better buy, since they're waterproof AND cheaper?

You can get a very high quality gore-tex pair of Timberlands on sale at that price point. That's what I would get.

I think that the most I've paid to Russell is around $275. This is a deal where you make several measurements of your foot, ankle, and calf and then make a tracing of your foot with the socks appropriate for the intended purpose. In addition I have sent them photos of my feet since the left one has an odd bump near the great toe. I have been quite happy with the fit. They offer quite a selection of leathers and feature those from Hornween. You can specify how you want them to close: indeed, I have sent a pair back to swap a couple of speed-lacing eyelets for military hooks and they did it for a song. Their selection of soles is huge. A boot for wear in town...I don't know what that is. These are real boots. Gokey boots are highly regarded but I have no experience with them.

I've just discovered that I don't yet know how to post a link here, so just Google Russell Moccasins. By the way, the Buffalo boots were in their "specials" section for a buck and a quarter. Regards, Bill

I can't wear Timberland -- don't fit my foot -- and I don't want Goretex. I want leather. Silica spray and a good welt is what will get me waterproofing.

But the Gokeys aren't waterproof, are they?  Wouldn't the Sierra Trading Post Orvis boots be a better buy, since they're waterproof AND cheaper?

Click to expand...

The Sierra Trading Post boots are likely a better buy.

I was just commenting that the Gokeys seem like nice boots.