Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts?

[Rymanocerous]

I've never owned it, I was just going off what Kirby Allison said. Yes you can shine of course but he said there is virtually no need for it. He said there was no patina because it's a membrane not a skin (i.e. not technically leather).

I'm not sure what you mean by "evolution" and I'd be interested. Again, I claim no expertise, I was just reciting what someone said who I thought would know. Doesn't mean I've fully understood what he meant either.

Edit:
If anyone is interested

Lots of reviews and photos out there to Google and check out. But here are two updates from Reddit that include Initial Impressions links and then post wear images.:

Reddit - Dive into anything

www.reddit.com

Reddit - Dive into anything

www.reddit.com

 

[linafelt]

^Unglazed natural shell, which of course will age much more and faster than anything else.

 

[iamntbatman]

Though my Quabug heels wear faster than I'd ideally like, I would have a rough time going from them to anything else for one important reason: they're by far the grippiest heel caps I own on wet, slick surfaces like rain-soaked marble. My Vibram commando heel capped MPs can ice skate like Dainite sometimes.

So far I've only needed one re-heeling, and I got it done at Burrough's Shoe Repair in Fukuoka. I'd hop back over there if I needed it done again.

 

[Woodtroll]

Though my Quabug heels wear faster than I'd ideally like, I would have a rough time going from them to anything else for one important reason: they're by far the grippiest heel caps I own on wet, slick surfaces like rain-soaked marble. My Vibram commando heel capped MPs can ice skate like Dainite sometimes.

So far I've only needed one re-heeling, and I got it done at Burrough's Shoe Repair in Fukuoka. I'd hop back over there if I needed it done again.

I remember reading somewhere that White’s prefers the Quabaug heels for that very reason - that they are “grippy”. And I’ve always assumed that extra grip meant softer compound, like snow tires, and that accelerated wear was the accepted trade-off. Luckily, as y’all point out, the heels are easy enough to recap as long as the wear doesn’t reach the leather heel stack.

I’m intrigued by your reference to walking on rain-slick marble, as I’ve never experienced that. It certainly sounds slick! Where do you find such a thing? Steps on big-city buildings, perhaps? Honest question, and in no way am I trying to say I don’t believe you. In some ways, I guess I’m still a naive bumpkin.

 

[ghdvfddzgzdzg]

shell looks great imo, including black shell. in terms of age, over time the darker dyes fade lighter, and, I believe, the lightest colors get darker, though I have no personal experience with the lighter colors. no experience with White's (yet), just Alden's shell.

 

[iamntbatman]

I remember reading somewhere that White’s prefers the Quabaug heels for that very reason - that they are “grippy”. And I’ve always assumed that extra grip meant softer compound, like snow tires, and that accelerated wear was the accepted trade-off. Luckily, as y’all point out, the heels are easy enough to recap as long as the wear doesn’t reach the leather heel stack.

I’m intrigued by your reference to walking on rain-slick marble, as I’ve never experienced that. It certainly sounds slick! Where do you find such a thing? Steps on big-city buildings, perhaps? Honest question, and in no way am I trying to say I don’t believe you. In some ways, I guess I’m still a naive bumpkin.

For some reason Korea has a habit of paving lots of public spaces in polished stone (flat, smooth granite or marble). Plus then lots of building interiors have marble floors and people track water inside.

 

[discomute]

For some reason Korea has a habit of paving lots of public spaces in polished stone (flat, smooth granite or marble). Plus then lots of building interiors have marble floors and people track water inside.

Australia has the latter. My work lobby is very difficult in my Main Streets when it's been raining.

 

[tocohillsguy]

Another silly question. I asked Kyle @ Baker's if it possible to get 6" packers, and was told that the shortest that White's would go on packers is 8". Now I have seen some 6" packers in the wild! Is this a recent option or just accidental?

They exist....

 

[tocohillsguy]

 

[geremy]

Hi! Maybe I didn't ask the question correctly or misunderstood what Kyle was saying. Thanks for the confirmation. Did you order them directly through White's?

 

[linafelt]

View attachment 1341848

Toco hills? Atlanta?

 

[tocohillsguy]

Toco hills? Atlanta?

Yep

 

[tocohillsguy]

Hi! Maybe I didn't ask the question correctly or misunderstood what Kyle was saying. Thanks for the confirmation. Did you order them directly through White's?

No, they were an Ebay purchase. Still not positive as to the last that was used.

 

[linafelt]

Yep

Lived there for several years in the 80s and 90s. “Toco hills” was a sort of blast from the past..

 

[tocohillsguy]

So. here's my question of the day. Can a Traveler's heel be converted to a Cuban heel through sanding and perhaps a new top lift, or must you replace the entire heel stack?