Hey all, I'm looking to get a pair of semi-beater boots. By "semi-beater," I mean I plan to wear them regularly but perhaps more importantly, they will be my go-to pair of boots for clubs and bars, where they might get trampled on by drunk people. I am leaning toward chukkas or dress boots.
I live in Canada and that means two things: 1. I will probably have to buy online and I am worried about getting sizing right (I've had bad luck with this) so customer service is important and 2. I would much prefer to buy a shoe that has been made in North America or in the European Union so that they are duty free.
Brands I have looked at so far...
Loake - Decent prices for their seconds via their outlet. Some of their shoes appear to be made in India and it sounds like their sizing varies a lot depending on the last.
Meermin - Top end of my budget. Good leather and Goodyear welted but I've read a lot about QA issues and a really tough break-in period. I have also heard that their customer service sucks so that has me worried in case I need to make an exchange or return.
AE - I have a few of their shoes and I did the QA dance with them several times. I might consider getting seconds from them but I would prefer trying a different brand.
Bexley - I believe they are the cheapest option and, while not bad, their materials and construction reflect that. I saw someone post a photo of how the metal eyelets on their boots quickly scraped off the dye from the tongues. That's concerning. But most people seem to be fairly happy with the value. If they were local I would probably snatch them up and call it a day.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Any other brands I should be looking at? Any help is much appreciated!
I live in Canada and that means two things: 1. I will probably have to buy online and I am worried about getting sizing right (I've had bad luck with this) so customer service is important and 2. I would much prefer to buy a shoe that has been made in North America or in the European Union so that they are duty free.
Brands I have looked at so far...
Loake - Decent prices for their seconds via their outlet. Some of their shoes appear to be made in India and it sounds like their sizing varies a lot depending on the last.
Meermin - Top end of my budget. Good leather and Goodyear welted but I've read a lot about QA issues and a really tough break-in period. I have also heard that their customer service sucks so that has me worried in case I need to make an exchange or return.
AE - I have a few of their shoes and I did the QA dance with them several times. I might consider getting seconds from them but I would prefer trying a different brand.
Bexley - I believe they are the cheapest option and, while not bad, their materials and construction reflect that. I saw someone post a photo of how the metal eyelets on their boots quickly scraped off the dye from the tongues. That's concerning. But most people seem to be fairly happy with the value. If they were local I would probably snatch them up and call it a day.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Any other brands I should be looking at? Any help is much appreciated!
