Choosing A Boot

[Jay687]

I've been looking for a slim, dark brown work boot. I like the look of more distressed leather, not looking for something dressy/shiny. And I'd really like the boot to handle weather and be durable through the years, so cannot just be about looks. Also, would rather not spend more than $200. Need opinions on these boots in terms of comfort, durability, and weatherability: LL Bean Katahdin Engineer Boot: these seem perfect in terms of everything except not dark enough for me. I can treat them to get the dark color, but not sure I like as much as the other ones I found. Oh well. Still nice and under consideration.

Rockport Bilkis: I think these are a nice alternative to the more expensive Frye Fultons, but unsure about durability and what not.

Frye Fulton: Expensive for me at $225, but love the look.

Aldo Dicaprio:

Steve Madden Wynner:

Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice/opinions on the above and also would appreciate some other boot recommendations as well.

 

[Dentata]

I know you're trying to save money and all, but you're gonna look awfully silly just wearing one boot. Not to mention the fact that it'll totally **** up your gait.

 

[Jay687]

Haha... good one, guess I titled this wrong.

 

[jet]

Check the 98 other boot threads on this page.

 

[Jay687]

I have. I've check literally 100+ pages. Overwhelming to say the least.

I expected to get a reply like this. You guys here need to deal with new posts. Sometimes people are still looking for tailored answers. I searched as much as possible to refine the style and look I want, I got as much out of the threads I looked at. I searched for the above boots, many of which, like the Rockports or Steve Maddens, have nothing on them (well Rockports have one thread with like 5 replies).

So, please, deal with an extra post. Are you paying for the bandwidth here? I don't think so. Is this extra thread really a bother?

I'm sorry to fill part of this precious message board with another new thread, but I am looking for some specific help. If you don't want to help, don't come in and reply. Sorry for the attitude, but it just annoys me. I did look on the other threads. For a very long time. Now I want some specific help... is that so terrible?

 

[Razele]

Yes.

If everyone gets to start a new thread, for every garbage question they come up with, then our front two pages become garbage, it no useful discussion ever happens.

Why don't you ask in one of the many pinned threads for questions, one of the non-pinned discussion threads or, send a P.M?

 

[Jay687]

Whatever then... if that's how you guys do things here, basically just all post in the same few threads for hundreds of pages, then I'll go do that and add more to one.

I don't think I can delete this thread though, can I? If not, moderators, feel free to do so or if someone can lemme know how I can... thanks.

 

[Fiddy]

You might also want to check out the Red Wing GT and Iron Ranger boots...

Out of the options you posted, I vote for the Beans. Hit them with Sno-Seal or Obenauf's and they'll darken up nicely.

 

[Jay687]

Thank you for the info. I actually do like the Iron Rangers, unfortunately a bit expensive. The Beans are very similar though, and more reasonably price.

Thakns for that vote as well... as of now, I'm leaning towards them. I just wonder how well they will darken or if I'll mess it up and make them look bad. Easier if they start nice and dark. Oh well.

Anyways, this is on the "question" thread now, so if mods wanna delete this or people want to let it slide to bottom, that's okay. I'm not really used to message boards that are so against new posts... but guess I should follow the ways you guys do things. I guess you aren't looking for new threads around here and more so to add volume to the "official" threads you've already got.

 

[Stylin-1]

They all suck with the exception of the Katahdin. The Frye looks like it could be interesting, but the made in Mexico aspect and the quilted upper kill it for me. RW Iron Ranger is nice, as mentioned; I own them, but they aren't particulaly slim.

You should really think about coughing up an extra hundred and buying some Fiorentini & Bakers on sale.

 

[Stylin-1]

Originally Posted by Jay687

Thank you for the info. I actually do like the Iron Rangers, unfortunately a bit expensive. The Beans are very similar though, and more reasonably price.

Thakns for that vote as well... as of now, I'm leaning towards them. I just wonder how well they will darken or if I'll mess it up and make them look bad. Easier if they start nice and dark. Oh well.

Anyways, this is on the "question" thread now, so if mods wanna delete this or people want to let it slide to bottom, that's okay. I'm not really used to message boards that are so against new posts... but guess I should follow the ways you guys do things. I guess you aren't looking for new threads around here and more so to add volume to the "official" threads you've already got.

Dude, I paid $168 shipped for Iron Rangers from Papashoes. There are deals out there.

 

[Jay687]

I agree that the Frye are probably the best bet besides the Katahdin I guess. But does made in Mexico really mean less quality? Anyone have first hand experience with them of Frye?

The other ones are probably all lesser quality really, so don't think i'll get any... but they still give an idea of the look I am going for.

And I'll have to look around for RW IR for a good price and then will consider those as well since they are nice.

 

[wannabeagiant]

I don't want to pull out the special flower comment but this is definitely a special flower thread (especially if you've searched the other threads). If you can't come to a conclusion after reading the stylish/durable boot thread, red wing thread, etc., then the problem is that you can't make the decision for yourself and want approval of others. Just go with the Katahdins. I have them and they're great. They darken up after treated, have a vibram sole which is good for wet conditions, goodyear welted, full grain leather, economical, etc, etc.

 

[Fiddy]

Originally Posted by Jay687

Thakns for that vote as well... as of now, I'm leaning towards them. I just wonder how well they will darken or if I'll mess it up and make them look bad. Easier if they start nice and dark. Oh well.


Visit the streetwear shoes and boots thread, I actually posted a few shots of my Katahdins there not too long ago.

Also worth mentioning: Katahdins are made in the USA and Bean has the best customer service I've ever encountered, period.

 

[Stylin-1]

Originally Posted by Jay687

I agree that the Frye are probably the best bet besides the Katahdin I guess. But does made in Mexico really mean less quality? Anyone have first hand experience with them of Frye?

The other ones are probably all lesser quality really, so don't think i'll get any... but they still give an idea of the look I am going for.

And I'll have to look around for RW IR for a good price and then will consider those as well since they are nice.

Yup, three pair of the USA made and two pair Mexico. The leather on the Mexican made ones is much lower quality and looks cheaper. Soles on the Mexican ones are ok however.