Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts?

[Woodtroll]

I have so many pairs of unused laces now thanks to my seemingly eternal search for the Goldilocks of the lace world — not too thick (for hooks), not too thin, not too weak, not too slick, not too stretchy. Danner boot laces seem OK. Obenaufs laces would be great if they didn’t require me to scrub my hands every time I tie them (how much wax can a pair of laces hold?!). Paracord is useless (too slick and stretchy). I guess I’ll try Greatlaces next.

I found these laces some time ago and now have them in most of my boots. Thicker than Kiwis, but not too thick to work well with hooks, not stretchy, and lots of choices in lengths and colors if you look at the seller's other items. Reasonably priced, and fast shipping. No, I'm not getting paid to advertise these! I just think they're a good lace for most work boots, and a very good value. For the cost, you ought to try a pair:

(2 pair pack) Brown-Black Heavy Duty Round 4mm Thick Bootlaces Shoelaces *NEW* | eBay

The color is an attractive and popular brown/tan - black. They are engineered for strength and durability and built with a strong polyester core covered with a rugged polyester outer sleeve. These laces are engineered to remain tied but will always untie when pulled.

www.ebay.com

 

[Woodtroll]

I could use some help here guys...I don’t know what to do. My first pair of Whites arrived today and they are amazing! The fit is perfect, the stitching is spot on, no real issues compared to some others I’ve seen. However, as I mentioned in a previous post, Whites screwed up and built them with close trim instead of standard. Fortunately Baker’s caught the mistake but sent them to me anyways to verify that we got the sizing right. Everything else is so good though, I’m afraid to have them redone and risk some sort of other mistake being made or then wind up being lasted a little looser. Sounds stupid, but I don’t know if I can get past the close trim. I’m a big guy with narrow feet, and I feel like the standard trim would help them look a little more proportionate on me.View attachment 1480527

View attachment 1480530View attachment 1480531
For those interested, they are brown dress SD’s on the 38 swing last, 13C with an instep adjustment. Contrasting khaki stitching. Toe caps with the MP style stitching. Antique eyelets, cream liners, commando sole.

Actually, I think the close trim looks really good on these boots, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and only you can judge what you like. Don't let some of the horror stories here shy you away from getting what you really want and have paid for. White's builds LOTS of boots with no problems, and if you're unhappy with these you should get them replaced with standard trim.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Phalanx]

It's autumn in the UK now and I've started wearing boots again. I think my issue with my right sock falling down is starting to decline now so hopefully it was just an issue with break in.

My BHs next to my Loake Chatsworth in UK13G (also a fantastic pair of boots; I got them in the Loake Summer Sale for £150).

I could use some help here guys...I don’t know what to do. My first pair of Whites arrived today and they are amazing! The fit is perfect, the stitching is spot on, no real issues compared to some others I’ve seen. However, as I mentioned in a previous post, Whites screwed up and built them with close trim instead of standard. Fortunately Baker’s caught the mistake but sent them to me anyways to verify that we got the sizing right. Everything else is so good though, I’m afraid to have them redone and risk some sort of other mistake being made or then wind up being lasted a little looser. Sounds stupid, but I don’t know if I can get past the close trim. I’m a big guy with narrow feet, and I feel like the standard trim would help them look a little more proportionate on me.View attachment 1480527

View attachment 1480530View attachment 1480531
For those interested, they are brown dress SD’s on the 38 swing last, 13C with an instep adjustment. Contrasting khaki stitching. Toe caps with the MP style stitching. Antique eyelets, cream liners, commando sole.

Take it from a guy who also wears 13, anything you can do to make your shoes smaller without sacrificing comfort, you should do; huge boots with a giant trim doesn't look particularly good to me.

 

[hoppy_IPA]

I have the Obenaufs laces in my work boots. They get much better with use.

same here. the first couples weeks though they feel pretty greasy.

 

[Rymanocerous]

I could use some help here guys...I don’t know what to do. My first pair of Whites arrived today and they are amazing! The fit is perfect, the stitching is spot on, no real issues compared to some others I’ve seen. However, as I mentioned in a previous post, Whites screwed up and built them with close trim instead of standard. Fortunately Baker’s caught the mistake but sent them to me anyways to verify that we got the sizing right. Everything else is so good though, I’m afraid to have them redone and risk some sort of other mistake being made or then wind up being lasted a little looser. Sounds stupid, but I don’t know if I can get past the close trim. I’m a big guy with narrow feet, and I feel like the standard trim would help them look a little more proportionate on me.
For those interested, they are brown dress SD’s on the 38 swing last, 13C with an instep adjustment. Contrasting khaki stitching. Toe caps with the MP style stitching. Antique eyelets, cream liners, commando sole.

You should always get what you paid for. I'd reach out to them and see what they say. If they are growing on you, and you think you might want to order another pair in the future, and discount on the second purchase may also be an option. These things are $500+ both Bakers and White's will do what it takes to make sure you are happy with them and feel like you got the full value, which is why I love them.

 

[Netvine]

same here. the first couples weeks though they feel pretty greasy.

They are the perfect diameter for work imho as well

 

[chicagoan2016]

same here. the first couples weeks though they feel pretty greasy.

I suppose I could use Obenauf's laces on my cheap Allen Edmonds boots for a few weeks before switching to White's

 

[wordfool]

I found these laces some time ago and now have them in most of my boots. Thicker than Kiwis, but not too thick to work well with hooks, not stretchy, and lots of choices in lengths and colors if you look at the seller's other items. Reasonably priced, and fast shipping. No, I'm not getting paid to advertise these! I just think they're a good lace for most work boots, and a very good value. For the cost, you ought to try a pair:

Thanks, I'll check them out. Have you (or anyone) tried any of the myriad no-name (Miscly, Delele, Lorpops, Brother Brother, etc.) boot laces from Amazon? Most of them are probably made by the same manufacturer in China, but they all seem like fairly functional polyester laces that are cheap enough to not matter if they don't last forever.

On another note, does anyone know of any update on the plan by Baker's to get into the leather belt business? I imagine everything's on Covid-hold, but currently being in the market for a new belt I thought I'd ask. Alternatively feel free anyone to offer suggestions for a basic 1.5" belt (dark brown or black and ideally stitched, not screwed) made from decent leather that does not cost silly money.

 

[Woodtroll]

Thanks, I'll check them out. Have you (or anyone) tried any of the myriad no-name (Miscly, Delele, Lorpops, Brother Brother, etc.) boot laces from Amazon? Most of them are probably made by the same manufacturer in China, but they all seem like fairly functional polyester laces that are cheap enough to not matter if they don't last forever.

On another note, does anyone know of any update on the plan by Baker's to get into the leather belt business? I imagine everything's on Covid-hold, but currently being in the market for a new belt I thought I'd ask. Alternatively feel free anyone to offer suggestions for a basic 1.5" belt (dark brown or black and ideally stitched, not screwed) made from decent leather that does not cost silly money.

I have tried one pair of the Miscly from Amazon, and they were a little too fat to work well with the White's hooks.

 

[Bigtophat]

Thanks, I'll check them out. Have you (or anyone) tried any of the myriad no-name (Miscly, Delele, Lorpops, Brother Brother, etc.) boot laces from Amazon? Most of them are probably made by the same manufacturer in China, but they all seem like fairly functional polyester laces that are cheap enough to not matter if they don't last forever.

On another note, does anyone know of any update on the plan by Baker's to get into the leather belt business? I imagine everything's on Covid-hold, but currently being in the market for a new belt I thought I'd ask. Alternatively feel free anyone to offer suggestions for a basic 1.5" belt (dark brown or black and ideally stitched, not screwed) made from decent leather that does not cost silly money.

Check out craft and lore. Not stitched but exceptional quality. https://craftandlore.com/collections/thick-leather-belts?view=grid

 

[iamntbatman]

On another note, does anyone know of any update on the plan by Baker's to get into the leather belt business? I imagine everything's on Covid-hold, but currently being in the market for a new belt I thought I'd ask. Alternatively feel free anyone to offer suggestions for a basic 1.5" belt (dark brown or black and ideally stitched, not screwed) made from decent leather that does not cost silly money.

I have a belt by Pigeon Tree Crafting that I really like, but might be considered "silly money." However, I also have a really heavyweight belt from Don't Mourn Organize (https://www.dontmournorganize.com/) that is built like a brick shithouse and which was much more affordable as well. I have the natural 16oz vegtan harness belt. They also have horsehide belts for the same price range. Built to spec. Choose your leather, width, buckle, length and he'll make it.

 

[hoppy_IPA]

I have the natural 16oz vegtan harness belt.

Holy sh|t!

 

[montanamike]

I have a belt by Pigeon Tree Crafting that I really like, but might be considered "silly money." However, I also have a really heavyweight belt from Don't Mourn Organize (https://www.dontmournorganize.com/) that is built like a brick shithouse and which was much more affordable as well. I have the natural 16oz vegtan harness belt. They also have horsehide belts for the same price range. Built to spec. Choose your leather, width, buckle, length and he'll make it.

I concur.. Scott's belts are a superb value. Sometimes communication can be slow but the belts are great. Another one in the same vein is Bill Carnes of Clintonville Leather. I love his belts and he seems like a great guy.

 

[iamntbatman]

Yeah, I was looking at those as well and they look rock solid.

 

[andy b.]

If the arch support is so great, I gotta have at least one pair of pointed toe packers. It appears that pointed toe packers have single row stitching as compared to double row on standard packers, is my observation correct?

Hmmm...
I thought mine had double. They aren't with me at present to check.
But I would say Whites would almost certainly do either single or double.

In the standard BH I wear a 9.5C with normal socks (not heavyweight winter or hiking socks). My Packers are a 10B because the pointed toe squeezed my own toes in the 9.5C. The arch still feels like it is in the correct spot, and believe me, your feet will not slip once the boots are laced up.

I only mention this because I would not assume that the size you need in the 695 last is the same as any other Whites last.