Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts?

[discomute]

Thinking about ordering a second pair of White's, and I would appreciate some feedback on how boots should fit.

(Pics below - 9" BH, Distressed Smooth)

Kyle and White's were in agreement with my tracings, both suggested 11D.
While this has been pretty good, I feel that the sides of my feet need a bit more width. Boot comfort is hard to narrow down if you don't know what a "perfect" fit is, but I would say these boots have two issues:

• Sides of feet are bulging the leather outwards (is this normal?)
• Top of the foot (instep?) has been tight

The instep thing is actually noticeably improved by switching from leather laces.
My question is whether it's beneficial to have the leather hug the foot so darn tight. A few years ago, when the store associate was sizing me for Iron Rangers (12D), they also sized the boots so that my foot is bulging on both sides.

My thoughts are either:
1) look into the swing last, and therefore start my sizing saga all over again
2) Order another 55 last with D width in the heel and E width for the toes

It's not painful or anything to wear them, but it's tight enough that it probably isn't beneficial for foot health.

My second picture shows where the big toe ends inside the boot, and also shows where my foot is "pushing out" on the sides over the stitching.

I would send Kyle this exact post and see what he thinks.

 

[discomute]

Getting cold here in Australia. Weather is all over the place but the lockdown has eased. This is my outfit at the moment and I am loving it

Hat - akubra rabbit pelt - don't need sunnies on a walk when sun peaks out, and keeps drizzle off. Often in same hour.

Jacket - very thick and warm in a.... I dunno... waxed suede or something. Zipped up with just a tshirt it can handle anything above 5C/40F , sun comes out it gets opened and with just a t-shirt it's fine.

Bounty Hunters - yup has dealt with anything thrown at so far without losing traction or getting wet. I am thinking I should have gone for a 4811 for better arch support since it's slightly under what I wanted - but of course it's hard to get it exact, plus the benefit of the slightly more formal last is lost when I'm not going to to the pub anytime soon.

Anyway. It's good to get outside again.

 

[TH3515]

My thoughts are either:
1) look into the swing last, and therefore start my sizing saga all over again
2) Order another 55 last with D width in the heel and E width for the toes

From the pics I would guess (!) you can go one width up in the entire boot, not only the front half.
Assuming they are laced up as you typically wear them, the wide spread of the facings suggests you could use some extra width there too.

The Swing last is not wider in the areas you marked on your pic. In my experience it's actually narrower and it's only in the actual toe area that the last opens up.

From your pics and how you describe the fit of your existing 11D, I'd probably try an 11E or EE in the 55 last next. But please don't rely on internet amateurs like me for boot sizing. It's just my 2 Euro-Cents' worth...

 

[JFetter]

Hey, thanks for the detailed response.

Assuming they are laced up as you typically wear them, the wide spread of the facings suggests you could use some extra width there too.

The Swing last is not wider in the areas you marked on your pic. In my experience it's actually narrower and it's only in the actual toe area that the last opens up.

I just threw the boots on quick for the photos, so they're maybe a little looser than during wear but not much. I've laced these boots looser over time to help them be more comfortable to wear.

Good info on the swing last. I prefer the aesthetics of the 55 anyway, so hopefully a change in width gets me to where I need to be.

 

[cityofdelusion]

Should I go for US 7.5 on the Swing last if I wear US7 on the 4811 (Smokejumper) last?

 

[JFetter]

This photo has been posted a lot, but I think the owner on Reddit wasn't even sure of the leather.
Is this really Brown Dress? It is so utterly fantastic.

Also - Brass hardware, correct?

 

[ThreeLions]

This photo has been posted a lot, but I think the owner on Reddit wasn't even sure of the leather.
Is this really Brown Dress? It is so utterly fantastic.

Also - Brass hardware, correct?

My guess would be brown dress with antique hardware.

 

[discomute]

Mmm I think Brass

 

[iamntbatman]

I think that's really well worn antique.

 

[miggyramone]

Any of you wear hats with your white's boots? Maybe it's a getting older thing but I've been looking at fedoras, cowboy hat's, western inspired hats, etc. I don't know if I have the balls to try it but was curious to you guys thoughts/experience.

 

[JustinW]

Any of you wear hats with your white's boots? Maybe it's a getting older thing but I've been looking at fedoras, cowboy hat's, western inspired hats, etc. I don't know if I have the balls to try it but was curious to you guys thoughts/experience.

Same. After seeing a few cool Insta pics of guys in hats on some of the topics I follow (like PNW boots) I started looking into Stetson hats (I’m in Texas, after all). Ultimately I decided that if you live in the city and own a car, it’s going to be an awkward prop that you are holding and looking for somewhere to place.

 

[Legal Eagles]

Any of you wear hats with your white's boots? Maybe it's a getting older thing but I've been looking at fedoras, cowboy hat's, western inspired hats, etc. I don't know if I have the balls to try it but was curious to you guys thoughts/experience.

A gentleman never leaves the house without a hat.

Since I live in the country, my "go to" is a Filson Tin Bush hat... beware it has a wide brim... if you want something a little narrower check out their packer hat... for warm days I go with a Tilley hat or a woven Panama hat... it is really up to you. Since I do not live in the city, and they have been co-opted by "neckbeards", I eschew the fedora... too much of an affectation.

Hunting & Fishing Clothes | Filson

Discover Filson's collection of high-quality sportsman gear. From shooting accessories to outdoor apparel, our products are designed to enhance your hunting and fishing experience.

www.filson.com

 

[discomute]

Yup. Akubra. Rabbit pelt. To look like my hero (and I imagine non Aussies won't have heard of)

 

[montanamike]

A gentleman never leaves the house without a hat.

Since I live in the country, my "go to" is a Filson Tin Bush hat... beware it has a wide brim... if you want something a little narrower check out their packer hat... for warm days I go with a Tilley hat or a woven Panama hat... it is really up to you. Since I do not live in the city, and they have been co-opted by "neckbeards", I eschew the fedora... too much of an affectation.

Hunting & Fishing Clothes | Filson

Discover Filson's collection of high-quality sportsman gear. From shooting accessories to outdoor apparel, our products are designed to enhance your hunting and fishing experience.

www.filson.com

Filson used to make a wool packer hat which was a bit more limited in the amount of service time but was in my opinion the perfect balance of rugged, classy and cool... Sort of like Whites semi dress in my opinion. The light gray was a beautiful color. I worked there part time for 20 years in addition to my work in software. My wife and I met while working there so I am a big Filson fan to put it mildly though it has changed a lot the last 5-10 years.

 

[Rymanocerous]

A gentleman never leaves the house without a hat.

Since I live in the country, my "go to" is a Filson Tin Bush hat... beware it has a wide brim... if you want something a little narrower check out their packer hat... for warm days I go with a Tilley hat or a woven Panama hat... it is really up to you. Since I do not live in the city, and they have been co-opted by "neckbeards", I eschew the fedora... too much of an affectation.

Hunting & Fishing Clothes | Filson

Discover Filson's collection of high-quality sportsman gear. From shooting accessories to outdoor apparel, our products are designed to enhance your hunting and fishing experience.

www.filson.com

Please tell me you wear this in court.