Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts?

[chicagoan2016]

It all boils down to personal preference. Viberg, Wesco, Nicks, White's. We all build them a little different. Some machine more, hand welt, Mckay stitch. All use the same basic tanneries as far as sole, midsole and upper leather. All will outlast any other manufacturers boots in the world. We at White's are always trying to make the best product and try to back it with exceptional customer service. Adding cork was to help fix the squeak issue and we didn't take anything out of the boot. So it didn't lessen the product. The double row cap stitch was only done for a short period to help upper sewing efficiency. Wasn't a time saver so we have since gone back to stitching both lines through the vamp. With 1000's of toe caps out there, none have come back with issues and none will. It a Ford/Chevy thing. Everyone should be happy that they have so many quality boot makers in the PNW who are still fighting to stay in business. We will never bad mouth any of them because we no how hard it is to keep the doors open. So choose what fits your style and your feet.

I like that White's employees don't badmouth their competitors.
I know I am a fan : )

 

[montanamike]

After 4 months, I had two arrive on the same day which was pretty cool. Special thanks to @Sledge42 for the idea to add the black elk tan tongue on the Bounty Hunters. It is the perfect combo of weighty and soft. Stitching on the black elk tan semi dress was really nice. On the Bounty Hunters, no so much but passable. Viva black elk tan!

 

[chicagoan2016]

After 4 months, I had two arrive on the same day which was pretty cool. Special thanks to @Sledge42 for the idea to add the black elk tan tongue on the Bounty Hunters. It is the perfect combo of weighty and soft. Stitching on the black elk tan semi dress was really nice. On the Bounty Hunters, no so much but passable. Viva black elk tan!

Share some details please
The black pair of boots are bounty hunters? what kind of leather and soles?
The other pair is semi dress? what kind of leather and soles?

 

[montanamike]

Share some details please
The black pair of boots are bounty hunters? what kind of leather and soles?
The other pair is semi dress? what kind of leather and soles?

Black pair are semi dress, black elk tan leather, medallion toe, white contrast stitching, 430 mini vib. nickel hardware

Roughout is bounty hunter, red dog leather (roughout lower, smooth upper) lace to toe 100 lug sole. black elk tan tongue.

The box was marked as black dress but.. it was ordered as black elk tan, has a bit more heft than regular dress and appears to be dyed through so I am thinking that was an error as they look so similar.

 

[Sledge42]

@montanamike I received my 8" Black Elk Tan BH's this week also. You and I must be thinking alike!
I also had them made with a medallion toe and nickel hardware. Need to unbox them and get some pics on here.
Totally digging the white stitching!!!

 

[chicagoan2016]

@montanamike , those bounty hunters look badass but semi dress also look sharp. According to folks here, CXL is mostly a lottery lol. What's the consensus on Elk Tan leather?

 

[montanamike]

@montanamike , those bounty hunters look badass but semi dress also look sharp. According to folks here, CXL is mostly a lottery lol. What's the consensus on Elk Tan leather?

I dont know there is a consensus as it is not a super common choice. The reasoning I dont understand esp now I have a complete boot in it. My reasons for choosing it is I am a 6'6" 260 lb guy. The brown dress is superb but a bit more heft is what I was after with the same look. The black elk tan nails it. The use for tongue leather is also a nice step ahead of anything I have ever had. Your mpg's may vary wildly. @Legal Eagles and @Sledge42 can give more direct experience as I only have a couple of days to draw on. You can search elk tan which will have some pictures.

 

[Legal Eagles]

@montanamike , those bounty hunters look badass but semi dress also look sharp. According to folks here, CXL is mostly a lottery lol. What's the consensus on Elk Tan leather?

Awesome leather... like dress leather on steroids and best of all will take a shine... the medallion cap toe is a sign of indisputable good taste!

 

[Sledge42]

I own two pair in the Elk Tan Smooth:
1. Brown Elk Tan
2. Black Elk Tan
I also have a work boot with a Black Elk Tan Tongue. It gives it the softness at my ankle that I like.

I was tossing up *************** Elk Tan and a Black HH. Once I got my Brown HH in- it is spectacular, but I loved the Brown Elk Tan boots I have been wearing for over a year. So I went with a Black Elk Tan Build. Both HH and Elk Tan micro-crease. It is right now my favorite leather.

I own two pair of Whites in Waxed Flesh (Olive BH and a Cinnamon MP)
I own a pair of Red Dog Work Boots (Which is also a badass leather!)

 

[wordfool]

I wish I'd known about Elk Tan earlier this year when I ordered my black dress BHs. Then again my feet do run very hot so a slightly lighter leather is probably for the best -- my roughout (ie reversed, thick, oil tan) SDs feel much hotter after walking a few miles than my brown dress SDs.

I know the stats on the leathers, but I'm curious just how noticeable IRL the difference is between the elk and dress leathers in terms of thickness, suppleness and breathability. Does it feel as substantial as oil tan, for example?

 

[chicagoan2016]

Awesome leather... like dress leather on steroids and best of all will take a shine... the medallion cap toe is a sign of indisputable good taste!

I remember asking you about Horsehide and you highly recommended it. What other types of leather you find 'better'"? I know the word 'better' is very subjective but I would prefer something a ) thicker and b) not have to worry about 'lottery' like in CXL.

So far we have two choices
1) Horsehide
2) Elk tan
3)....
4)....
.
..

 

[chicagoan2016]

I couldn't find the option for Elk tan leather in BHs on Baker's website? do I need an appointment with my optometrist? lol

 

[ExtraitdeMinimalist]

All this talk about elk tan, let's see some actual elk tan boots pls.

 

[Sledge42]

Black Elk Tan 8" BH.
Sorry for the garage pictures. Decided to rain today! HA!

 

[Sledge42]

Brown Elk Tan- 8" BH when new.