Opinion on Woolrich Yankee boots?

[fiercekrypton]

What are yalls opinion of these boots? Any experience with them? Know of an alternative with the same quality and price but cap toes?

 

[Whirling]

I recently bought some unlined in the rough-out (aka suede) stone color Woolrich Yankee Voots. They are unlined, though Amazon had said they would be lined with wool. I am actually glad they aren't lined, so it was good for me. Various vendors online seem confused as to whether they are selling the line or unlined version. I believe the colors "Buckskin" and "Black" are lined, but the "Stone" suede and "Sunflower" are not, but I am far from certain.

The leather is absolutely first rate. There is one spot on the vamp where the is a very, very slight irregularity in the stitching. Most people wouldn't notice it. I find them extremely comfortable. The heel is actually very low, which is good for me.

Other reviewer have commented on the tongue. It is just a tad short, such that it barely reaches to the laces going across the top eyelets. I don't feel this is a big flaw, but the tongues really should be longer. I don't actually find this affects looks or comfort, but some might feel it didn't look right. Also, the tongue is not gusseted, so it can move side to side more, which is another potentially annoyance. Also, if you are really trying to keep out the snow or water, these boots wouldn't be ideal (though I think they are too nice for super heavy-duty use.)

Some other forum had people saying these were made by Weinbrenner USA/Thorogood, but that isn't true. The union label differs from those on the Weinbrenners. Also, more importantly, there are article on the web describing Portland Product Werks making these boots for Woolrich. The former is a new company in Portland, Oregon, started by some shoe industry veterans as a manufacturer of private-label footwear. As an aside, I think Weinbrenner/Thorogood boots are wonderful, and can be had at great prices. I actually bought these based on people claiming Weinbrenner made them.

At full price they certainly face some stiff competition, but, discounted, as they frequently are, they can be tremendous value. I even decided to buy a second pair, in "Sunflower," at only 25% off.

Sizing: I am very happy with the Woolwich Yankee boots in 9.5 medium...(The boots say 9.5 D, but, confusingly, Amazon calls them 9.5 B(M)). I wear 10D in most Allen Edmonds shoes, including Park Avenues, Leeds, and Dundees. I wear a 9.5D in Red Wing Iron Rangers, but find those a tad too large. The Red Wing Foreman Chukka in 9.5 D fits me very nicely. I wear Barrie-lasted Alden cordovan chukkas in 10D, but probably should have gone with a 9.5D, instead. In Weinbrenner/Thorogood, I wear a 9.5 D, which fits me very well. Most sneakers, I wear a 10.5D. My Brannock size is 10D on right and 9.5D on left.

I hope all this helps.

Regards,
Jon