On the hunt for boots $4-$500. Need recommendations.

[Nicholo P]

Hello all,

I've recently been looking for a pair of boots to replace my current ones. The boots I have on probably have another winter left of wear. Leather is starting to tear. I could have it repaired, but I feel like all the repairs will do is make it last till spring.

I've done some research and found Oak Street Bootmakers and Wolverines to be my favourites. What I love about the OSB's is the overall quality, construction, and the natural chromexcel is just beautiful. What I really love about the Wolverines is the shape. Basically, I want ruggedly constructed boots that look somewhat dressy. Gusseted tongue would be great. Something that annoys me with my current boots is that the tongue keeps shifting to the side. Is there some type of work a cobbler can do to stop the tongue from shifting? The only thing I really wish the OSB's have is the gusseted tongue.

I've tried on the Red Wing Beckmans, but they look too bulky. I've seen the Alden Indy and not really digging it. Viberg is just too much money for me. We get taxed 13% here in Toronto.

I put quite a bit of wear on my boots. I wear them about 2-5 times a week. My current ones are my go-to whenever I travel for work because it is the most versatile - dressed up, down, or with jeans and a t-shirt.

So guys, any other manufacturers you can point me to? I am considering getting the OSB trench in natural cxl, but just want to make sure I see a few others before I spend the money.

Cheers!

 

[rbarthel]

I'd check out the PNW boot makers, namely White's Boots Semi-Dress (or Bounty Hunter) and Nick's Custom Boots (I've been eyeing the makeups here: http://www.vermilyeapelle.com/collections/all). Also, I know you mentioned that you didnt like the 'bulky' look/feel of the Red Wing Beckman, but I feel like the Red Wing Harvester (https://www.railcarfinegoods.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RW2943) seems like it's slightly more streamlined (It could just be the extra height and the vibram 430 instead of half commando sole that gives the illusion of being a less bulky boot).

The advantage of going with White's or Nick's (I recommend using http://www.bakershoe.com/) is that you have a decent amount of customization options available to you, for not much more than the retail price of Red Wing/Wolverine, with widely regarded better construction. White's lead time is a few weeks, Nick's a few months. Dayton boots is another option (with free shipping to Canada), but I read that their current lead time is like 5 months I like the look of their service boot.

 

[Nicholo P]

MONTHS you say!! That could work well, as I still have a few months of wear on my current ones. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[rbarthel]

I referred to this reddit thread (as well as the white's thread here on styleforum)before placing my first order, it's a great resource imo: https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwe...ide_to_ordering_custom_whites_or_nicks_boots/

 

[el Bert]

You ever think about Alfred Sargent Kelso? I used to have these they were awesome, great shape, very good construction and weight.

Honestly at that $4-500 there's many makers in your range. **** I picked up some Trickers X End on rakuten for $160 that were basically floor model in terms of ranking. eBay is also another platform you can use.

 

[RStevenson]

I'm a big supporter of http://www.trumanboot.com

They're adding 3-4 more leather types this week. The price range is the same as OSB and they're made to order in a small workshop by just two guys, which means they can do all kinds of customization on request.

From what I've heard the quality is even better than OSB. If you want a dressy boot you can get a Dainite sole and if you're out in the bush they also offer a commando sole. The construction is stitchdown instead of Goodyear welt though.

 

[Koreo]

Feel free to email me at [email protected] about any questions if you are interested. We can do a gusseted tongue for a fee.