Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts?

[nwlifer]

They're here! Took about 7 weeks but they're worth the wait. The very first thing I did was put on my boot socks and check the fit. It was spot on. As tight as a new cxl boot should be. Fit and finish seams great outta the box. Nice and tight vamp creasing as well. I took pics besides my Blacksmiths and Grant Stones for a comparison. Super early but I do recommend these to anyone looking for a boot that looks just as good with chinos as they do with jeans. Planning on ordering my 2nd pair later this week.

That leather really looks great. British tan?

 

[Turns31]

That leather really looks great. British tan?

Yep I like it better in real life than the stock images.

 

[manowar]

They're here! Took about 7 weeks but they're worth the wait. The very first thing I did was put on my boot socks and check the fit. It was spot on. As tight as a new cxl boot should be. Fit and finish seams great outta the box. Nice and tight vamp creasing as well. I took pics besides my Blacksmiths and Grant Stones for a comparison. Super early but I do recommend these to anyone looking for a boot that looks just as good with chinos as they do with jeans. Planning on ordering my 2nd pair later this week.

Nice choice getting White's. The leather is amazing! If it were me I would consider breaking them in for a few weeks before placing a second order, just from personal experience with such things. Over time you can better formulate what you'll like in another pair, whether it be sizing adjustments, a different style heel, etc.

 

[miggyramone]

Religious use of properly fitting shoe trees - along with resting the boot - can help minimize toe curl.

Do you notice it more on your 38 Swing boots more than your 55 boots? I never noticed it before.

Do you use shoe trees? They generally help reduce toe spring when used regularly.

Yup, I do. They aren't too tight but not loose either. They just kind slip in and out.

 

[nwlifer]

Yup, I do. They aren't too tight but not loose either. They just kind slip in and out.

The shoe trees I use ( woodlore ) have a pretty good spring tension when in place, I think that's the part that's going to help most with toe spring.

 

[discomute]

Righteo, very much a newb question I believe, I think I've under the wrong assumption for a long time.

Is this
a) leather, or
b) wood?

 

[MisplacedCHEE]

Here's a better shot, lining up the heels shows how the size difference much better, with a better shot of the crooked lasting on the left. I completely agree that some mismatching is bound to happen but I would think this is beyond that. Any other input is welcomed!

 

[Legal Eagles]

Righteo, very much a newb question I believe, I think I've under the wrong assumption for a long time.

View attachment 1321509

Is this
a) leather, or
b) wood?

Leather

 

[Turns31]

Let the break-in begin.

 

[Legal Eagles]

Do you notice it more on your 38 Swing boots more than your 55 boots? I never noticed it before.

If you look at the lasts in profile, I think the 38 (and 461 for that matter) have a more "sprung" toe than the 55 from the outset.

I have not noticed the curling getting worse on the 38 compared to the 55.

But then again I keep tight fitting shoe trees - with good spring tension - in all my boots anytime they are not on my feet.

I think the curl comes from repeatedly drying the boots when wet (including wet from perspiration) without a shoe tree or other mold to hold the shape. Just like leather curls when it dries, so does the boot without something to hold it flat. Over time and repeated drying you can get the toe curl you sometimes see... however some like that look and deliberately try to cultivate it.

 

[nwlifer]

Here's a better shot, lining up the heels shows how the size difference much better, with a better shot of the crooked lasting on the left. I completely agree that some mismatching is bound to happen but I would think this is beyond that. Any other input is welcomed!

View attachment 1321521 View attachment 1321524

They do appear to be different lengths. That's too bad. Mistakes can happen, have you contacted whites and given them a chance to make it right?

 

[MisplacedCHEE]

They do appear to be different lengths. That's too bad. Mistakes can happen, have you contacted whites and given them a chance to make it right?

Not yet, I wanted to gather some other opinions before contacting them. I have no doubt White's will make it right as I've had nothing but good experiences with them so far.

 

[discomute]

Leather

Yup, I only just worked this, I'm an idiot

What I don't understand is why soles either:
- run all the way through, interrupting the heel stack, or
- stop before the arch

Why wouldn't (and do any soles) run from the toe to the heel, then again onto the heel. Thus covering the entire bottom of the foot without interrupting the heel stack?

 

[linafelt]

Yup, I only just worked this, I'm an idiot

What I don't understand is why soles either:
- run all the way through, interrupting the heel stack, or
- stop before the arch

Why wouldn't (and do any soles) run from the toe to the heel, then again onto the heel. Thus covering the entire bottom of the foot without interrupting the heel stack?

My (amateur) sense of boot/shoe history is that the first rubber to be added to otherwise all leather boot bottom was a rubber heel, so that you had a leather sole and a rubber heel. Then rubber was added to the front of the sole (as in your pic). Then eventually full rubber soles. Now it's just a question of aesthetics -- some of us like the half sole as seeming a bit more old fashioned. It's slightly less functional of course, leaving that leather gap which is bit more slippery on your motorcycle foot pegs, ladder rungs, etc; but we all make our practical sacrifices in the service of style at some point...

Those who know more of the history may well correct that part above.

 

[Legal Eagles]

Now it's just a question of aesthetics -- some of us like the half sole as seeming a bit more old fashioned.

Bingo! I prefer the uninterrupted heel stack... if I want an uninterrupted heel stack and protection on the ball of the foot from wet and rain and traction... I have to go with the half sole, or a toppy... as @linafelt said, the half sole just looks old school classic...