Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts?

[chicagoan2016]

I am going to say the name of 'that' company : ). How is the arch support on Wesco boots? similar to White's?

 

[Chrikelnel]

I am going to say the name of 'that' company : ). How is the arch support on Wesco boots? similar to White's?

Wesco doesn't use an arch support piece like White's or Nicks, in my experience it's on the level of Viberg or Red Wing (which isn't much).

 

[Jimk4003]

I am going to say the name of 'that' company : ). How is the arch support on Wesco boots? similar to White's?

Id say it's somewhere in-between a low-arch White's boot, like an MP, and a higher-arch boot, like something on the 55 last.

The arch support is also built around a curved steel shank rather than a leather one, which means that, whilst they maybe don't have the same arch height initially, the arch support is really solid over time. I actually noticed the arch support on my Wesco's started feeling slightly more pronounced over time, as your feet tend to press into the leather footbed around the balls and heel of your feet, whereas the arch section where the shank is stays nice and firm.

I'd say it's horses for courses really; White's probably edge it on pure, 'out of the box' arch height, whereas Wesco's slightly lower arch support is probably a bit more 'solid' (for want of a better word) because a big lump of steel won't ever flatten out or pack down under your foot.

Both makers use slightly different means to the same end, and both can modify lasts to fit your foot.

 

[ChaoticKinesis]

Funny you were asking about "chonk" and that boot company which must not be named posted these...

Make both boots like the right one, murder them out in all black, you are getting close to your desired aesthetic ...
View attachment 1574719

Pretty sure we have a winner here. Now the only question is how much does that monster weigh!

 

[Widening Gyre]

As far as I’m aware, you can request a leather shank for your Wesco’s, steel shank is the standard.

 

[Jimk4003]

As far as I’m aware, you can request a leather shank for your Wesco’s, steel shank is the standard.

You can.

I think the reason they offer leather shanks as an option is actually due to a poll on the Goodyearwelt subreddit. Several people made comments stating that steel shanks were a 'negative' against Wesco. A Wesco rep on the thread seemed genuinely curious about why a steel shank would be considered a bad thing, and basically just said, 'well, we can make them with leather shanks if you request it'. And I think a couple of people did.

I can't see what advantage requesting a leather shank in a pair of Wesco's would give you, but it's an option if you want it.

 

[theofficialhung]

Wesco doesn't use an arch support piece like White's or Nicks, in my experience it's on the level of Viberg or Red Wing (which isn't much).

My Wesco Axebreakers (basically a horsehide Hendrik with 1/4 lowered heel) have phenomenal arch support, much better than any Red Wing or Viberg I've every worn.

 

[Chrikelnel]

My Wesco Axebreakers (basically a horsehide Hendrik with 1/4 lowered heel) have phenomenal arch support, much better than any Red Wing or Viberg I've every worn.

Interesting, admittedly my experience was with boss boots but they were completely flat.

 

[klank74]

You can.

I think the reason they offer leather shanks as an option is actually due to a poll on the Goodyearwelt subreddit. Several people made comments stating that steel shanks were a 'negative' against Wesco. A Wesco rep on the thread seemed genuinely curious about why a steel shank would be considered a bad thing, and basically just said, 'well, we can make them with leather shanks if you request it'. And I think a couple of people did.

I can't see what advantage requesting a leather shank in a pair of Wesco's would give you, but it's an option if you want it.

You definitely wouldn’t want a steel shank if your using them for wildland firefighting. I’ve heard stories of guys having to stand in buckets of water to try and cool the steel shanks down.

 

[Jimk4003]

You definitely wouldn’t want a steel shank if your using them for wildland firefighting. I’ve heard stories of guys having to stand in buckets of water to try and cool the steel shanks down.

That might have been true once upon a time, but modern NFPA standards dictate that the insole surface of a boot must not exceed 111 degrees F.

That's an independent standard that any company selling NFPA boots has to meet, so as long as you buy Wesco's NFPA certified boots it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[wordfool]

Changing the subject from chonk briefly... I was playing around with a custom BH and SJ on the Baker's site and noticed that if I build a SJ with exactly the same options as a BH (including the same last), the SJ works out $35 cheaper because the single celastic toe has no upcharge. Am I missing some other difference or is a BH indeed more expensive if you want a structured toe? I'll drop Baker's an email and see what they say.

 

[redbaron1980]

Just got an email that my order shipped. Ordered on Jan 4, so it seems the 8-12 week lead time is still the standard. Really stoked to get this order, because one of the boots is in the W&C latigo. The other is an MP with medallion cap in black dress, because I decided I needed a nice looking black boot

 

[Mathazzz]

Just got an email that my order shipped. Ordered on Jan 4, so it seems the 8-12 week lead time is still the standard. Really stoked to get this order, because one of the boots is in the W&C latigo. The other is an MP with medallion cap in black dress, because I decided I needed a nice looking black boot

You guys are lucky! I ordered on November 18th and I’m still waiting. I’m guessing my choice of a Dr. Sole raw cord half sole and heel has delayed things, but the rest of the build was pretty similar to others. I called Baker’s twice, and it should be any day now! Like a few others I’ve seen on here, my first pair of “quality” boots were Thursday Captains, then I quickly realized that I needed something more heavy duty.

 

[montanamike]

You guys are lucky! I ordered on November 18th and I’m still waiting. I’m guessing my choice of a Dr. Sole raw cord half sole and heel has delayed things, but the rest of the build was pretty similar to others. I called Baker’s twice, and it should be any day now! Like a few others I’ve seen on here, my first pair of “quality” boots were Thursday Captains, then I quickly realized that I needed something more heavy duty.

Looking forward to pictures.. thinking of that sole setup on my next semi dress

 

[Mathazzz]

Looking forward to pictures.. thinking of that sole setup on my next semi dress

British Tan CXL, 10” w/ pull loop, medallion cap, single midsole.