Help me pick! Red Wing Gentleman Traveler vs. Thorogood No. 685 (Epaulet Special)

[markdc]

Which one would you recommend? Quality, durability, color, sole traction, whatever. Thanks in advance! Thorogood x Epaulet No. 685

- $245 - Horween horsehide - Goodyear welted - Limited run of 144 Red Wing Gentleman Traveler in Cigar Featherstone

The leather looks a little more reddish here, though: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/ca...stid%253D38443 And another pic from TheChefs:

- $225 at Baker's Boots - Featherstone leather (Red Wing is all cowhide, from what I recall?) - Goodyear welted - Part of the 2010 Beckman Collection

 

[TheChefs]

I think you will find that this pic is mine. 1st thing you need to ask yourself is if you like shell

 

[ruben]

That first pair is nice.

 

[markdc]

TheChefs, sorry for the misattribution. Ceekay had quoted you, and I mistakenly put him as the author.

What do you mean exactly about shell? The Horween in the Thorogood isn't shell, from what I understand, but rather their Chromexcel.

How has your experience with your cigar GTs been?

 

[markdc]

Also, how does traction of neoprene soles compare with full rubber lugged soles? I'm planning on using this boot for winter wear, and not just as a dressy boot. (Hence no leather-soled Wolverine 1k at this time).

 

[Mr. Moo]

Correct - the Thorogoods aren't shell.

 

[Johdus Fanfoozal]

Just aesthetics: GT is more interesting with the contrast stitching.

Also the thin lug sole on the GT may prove to be more versatile depending on what you want these boots for - snow, hiking, etc.

 

[markdc]

Originally Posted by Johdus Fanfoozal

Just aesthetics: GT is more interesting with the contrast stitching.

Also the thin lug sole on the GT may prove to be more versatile depending on what you want these boots for - snow, hiking, etc.

Agreed.

Any thoughts on break-in, for either one? I've read in other posts than GTs can be pretty brutal, but know also that leather boots almost definitionally need to be broken in.

 

[confab]

Personally I would go with the first pair just because the horsehide will give a more unique character with age. Another SFer posted pictures of broken-in Thorogood for Epaulet horsehide boots here and the patina is really beautiful (they're not the model you're interested in but I assume the leather is of comparable quality).

 

[bbhewee]

Mine took about 5 wears to break. They're amazing now though...

 

[markdc]

Originally Posted by bbhewee

Mine took about 5 wears to break. They're amazing now though...

You have the GTs?

 

[johnH123]

That's a pretty solid deal on RW GTs.

 

[kiya]

This is not even close, the Thorogood x Epaulet No. 685 boots are amazing and more importantly are FAR more comfortable than a pair of GT Red Wings.
I have a pair of both and the Thorogood boots kill the Red Wings on almost every level.

 

[about11oclock]

Originally Posted by kiya

This is not even close, the Thorogood x Epaulet No. 685 boots are amazing and more importantly are FAR more comfortable than a pair of GT Red Wings.
I have a pair of both and the Thorogood boots kill the Red Wings on almost every level.

/thread

 

[impolyt_one]

Tons more value in the first pair, for $20 more - no brainer