Calling all LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots owners

[petercoleman]

The new Katahdin's in Cordovan after 2 weeks of wear:

 

[crosswound]

damn i thought i wrinkled/crease my regular leather shoes/boots cray but this....

 

[petercoleman]

yeah they're probably a half-size too big for me. I'm normally a 13 and got a 13. They don't offer half-sizes past 11.

 

[crosswound]

that may not always be the case a couple of times i got leather shoes/boots so tight you could see the shape of my toes. still creased/wrinkled like cray.

of course this was a few years ago i don't own them anymore

 

[SirKrimzon]

Mate quick question before you leave...does the toebox look as sleek, long and flat as they do here or do they appear more clunky and shorter as it looks like here in the third picture of the profile on beans site?

 

[crosswound]

If you were talking to pete i think chippewa is using the same last in both boots its just the angles in the photo. Toebox is probably not sleek at all.

 

[seer]

My initial impression of my new LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots. First, I usually wear a 10E or 10.5D. - I ordered the 10.5D. The last (Munson last I believe) is quite full. They were a little big - I swapped out the insole with a thicker Red Wing insole - the fit is perfect. Now to the quality; I am 60 years old and have owned Tricker's, C&J, Alden, Viberg, Grenson, Allen Edmonds, Red Wing, etc... and these American made Chippewas are easily one of the best made, most rugged boots I have owned. No, they are not as "pretty" as the others, but at less than half the price they are the best deal going - by far. The leather is thick and well oiled, and the construction is nearly flawless. They will easily last the rest of my life. They are a little stiff at first but are already breaking in fine. Because they are an oiled leather they don't offer a high shine, but I did manage to get a nice luster with two coats of Saphir Renovateur, though I might just go forward with a good boot oil. All and all I could not recommend these boots more highly!

 

[newbien]

Would I be ok with wool socks and the katahdin work boots for the Russian winters?

 

[seer]

Would I be ok with wool socks and the katahdin work boots for the Russian winters?

I would say yes. I never use insulated boots here in New England, I use a heavy wool sock (actually Alpaca wool is the warmest for me) with a light nylon sock underneath. And I have gone through some pretty cold and harsh winters with no problems.

 

[FENWAY]

Seer- You picked up the newer Oxblood version? Saw them for the first time...impressive!

 

[seer]

Seer- You picked up the newer Oxblood version? Saw them for the first time...impressive!

No, I got the standard cap toe boot. And yes, I really like the new one too...

 

[FENWAY]

Oh, was confused by the Saphir reference. I prefer the dusty look of the cap toes myself. I save the great smelling Saphir for the shell and chromexcel

 

[seer]

Oh, was confused by the Saphir reference. I prefer the dusty look of the cap toes myself. I save the great smelling Saphir for the shell and chromexcel

Sure, but I like a more even color. Which they have now - did use Obenauf's LP last night, then another coat of Saphir - I love Saphir, there is nothing better to bring out the deep color and luster in leather.

 

[mixProtocol]

As the captoe limits creasing, I'd image it holds a nicer shine than the service boot or the normal Chippewas....

 

[tanapoom123]

Anyone can explain different between chippewa service boots and this LL Bean model

is it the same?