Calling all LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots owners

[matthewh]

Is the quality worth it for $210?

For me, yes.
As I've said too, LLBean's customer service makes the decision to try them easier.

However, if the cost is prohibitive, then there are decent (American made and less expensive) options from Thorogood, Carolina boot and even Chippewa.

 

[Embargo63]

Those who now own or have owned Katahdin boots, how would you compare them to, say, a pair of Red Wing Beckmans or Gentleman Travelers? I understand not everyone who has Katahdins has experience with Red Wings. But, I imagine that many who are much more experienced than I know enough about them to make a decent comparison.

Is there anything so significantly "better" in terms of quality or style in the RWs that makes the comparison unfair? I'd be pairing them (in the cordovan colorway) with dark jeans and sweaters for what I think is a pretty classic fall/winter look. At $210 and with a 10% coupon code from Bean available more often than not, I'm leaning toward getting a pair and keeping what amounts to almost $150 in my checking account. With LL Bean's satisfaction guarantee, it's hard not to give them a shot. Then again, there has to be a reason the Beckmans and GTs are so popular, doesn't there?

 

[supernsx]



Those who now own or have owned Katahdin boots, how would you compare them to, say, a pair of Red Wing Beckmans or Gentleman Travelers? I understand not everyone who has Katahdins has experience with Red Wings. But, I imagine that many who are much more experienced than I know enough about them to make a decent comparison.

Is there anything so significantly "better" in terms of quality or style in the RWs that makes the comparison unfair? I'd be pairing them (in the cordovan colorway) with dark jeans and sweaters for what I think is a pretty classic fall/winter look. At $210 and with a 10% coupon code from Bean available more often than not, I'm leaning toward getting a pair and keeping what amounts to almost $150 in my checking account. With LL Bean's satisfaction guarantee, it's hard not to give them a shot. Then again, there has to be a reason the Beckmans and GTs are so popular, doesn't there?

I think Katahdin is more similar to RW Iron Ranger. I have my Katahdin for three years now and if you ask me to pick today, I will go for the RW if you don't mind the price different. I prefer the lower profile toe box of the RW over Katahdin.

 

[dieselman89]



I think Katahdin is more similar to RW Iron Ranger. I have my Katahdin for three years now and if you ask me to pick today, I will go for the RW if you don't mind the price different. I prefer the lower profile toe box of the RW over Katahdin.

The fact that RW doesn't sell through their website is annoying. I don't want to buy shoes on Amazon.

 

[dieselman89]

Does anyone have experience with LL Bean and RedWing? I'm looking at these boots and would like to know which is better constructed. They are both similar in appearance.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/78205?page=katahdin-iron-work-engineer-boots-plain-toe-mens

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Red-W...ar_MH00105_Color=BRWN&contentpos=18&cgid=0522

 

[mixProtocol]

They're both well-constructed. The Iron Ranger is more rigid with typically better leather (more smooth and polishable). The Katahdin will likely take less time to 'break in'. If you go with the Red Wing, there are places that offer it for less than Brooks Bros...

 

[dieselman89]



They're both well-constructed.  The Iron Ranger is more rigid with typically better leather (more smooth and polishable).  The Katahdin will likely take less time to 'break in'.  If you go with the Red Wing, there are places that offer it for less than Brooks Bros... 

Thanks. Brooks Bro has 30% off soon. Any suggestions for competitors?

 

[mixProtocol]

Amazon typically has the Iron Ranger for $280ish and is running a 30% off sale on shoes ...

 

[dieselman89]



Amazon typically has the Iron Ranger for $280ish and is running a 30% off sale on shoes ...

Thanks, at $248 I think I would rather buy from BB than a seller on Amazon. Plus I've heard the sizing can be an issue with RW shoes and it is suggested to try on before.

 

[bosatlbwi]

some shots of my katahdins. had them for about 3 years, still going strong.

 

[mixProtocol]

some shots of my katahdins. had them for about 3 years, still going strong.

Wow, those are lookin' pretty good for three years old. Do they see much abuse? Do you treat them with anything (Obenauf's, Lexol, etc?).

 

[bosatlbwi]

they get a decent amount of wear, not a ton. maybe once a week average? more in the winter, less in the summer. that's fresh after a conditioning with obenauf's lp.

 

[otc]



some shots of my katahdins. had them for about 3 years, still going strong.

Ok, I am definitely going to return mine then.
Yours are what mine should look like after several years.

 

[jayw]

Are there any sites who sell it for less than the $210?

 

[ruben]

Am I right in thinking that Red Wing Iron rangers are on the same last as these?