Figured I'd chime in being a boot wearer. Despite the aforementioned "hipster lumbersexual" connotations, I think you can get one hell of a good boot from them that is honestly still a fair deal. Yes they have "boutique" and limited run models that command silly prices (wait...is this the Rivendell forum...) but if you stick to the basic line you can get a US made boot that can easily last 25 years with resoles for @ 200-300 depending on style. As with every RW boot I've had, sizing and break in are key. They all seem to fit a bit different. I wear from 8-9.5 depending on style. And yes, they do seem good at fitting at a RW store. Here are my impressions and advice on a couple styles.
Moc toe boots. Started with a pair of Irish Setter moc-toes back in the 80's when I worked for the family firewood/tree service. Wore them for years, in every condition Colorado could throw at them, never took ANY care of them, and would still be wearing them had they not been stolen. Now I have essentially the same boot, but in a 6" high version. Classic moc 875. Fine for walking, but maybe overkill. However, I can and often do spend all day in them. Hiking (though poor traction), mechanic on foot all day, on a motorbike across the country, a summer of carpet installing, and, gasp, even to the coffee shop. I have even ridden the bike with them, but they are heavy and clunky. As with every RW boot I've had, sizing and break in are key. They all seem to fit a bit different. I wear from 8-9.5 depending on style. And yes, they do seem good at fitting at a RW store. Chukka (work version) Style 3140. These are probably my favorite RW boot. Still US made, resoleable, treatable leather, but less chunky and lighter weight. Still no lightweight by any means, but I've done many all day bike rides in them. These used to pop up on the feet of many Riv riders not too long ago. I don't follow as close anymore, maybe they still do? There is an even lighter version called the weekender I think, but I have no experience with them. I also have a pair of blundstone's but find them a little odd fitting and don't wear them often. I love the vastly lighter weight, and slip on aspects, but they fit my foot really sloppy so I end up with a lot of rubbing. I'm sure foot volume is the culprit. I messed with inserts to some success, but they mainly sit by my back door if I need to run out to the garage for something. And I'll agree with the above, no options for re-sole, and the leather finish does not come back with proofing. Now, if you're willing to go outside the "boot" and US made parameter, I am a huge fan of Clarks. Specifically the heavier beeswax leather / crepe soled versions of both the Chukka Desert Boot, and it's low top counterpart Desert Trek. Both can be resoled, both can be re-treated at home, and are @ $100 cheaper than redwing. I have done 3 trips to Europe in my life, and these were my shoe of choice each time. Our last one was 8 days straight of walking tours, from 7am to often past midnight. I LOVE my Desert Treks for walking. The one mark against them is water intrusion. The soles and leather uppers are fine, but where they meet seem to let water in if you're in standing water. Now it's never been a big enough issue for me to address, but a simple treatment of that edge could fix it? I used to ride bikes in my suede desert boots almost exclusively, but the elements quickly took their toll on the suede uppers while the pedal pins quickly ate away at the crepe soles. Grippy as all get out though! Aside from motorcycling, I don't specifically swap footwear for differing activities. Whatever shoes get call in the morning, often stay on till I hit the sack, no matter what the day saw. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/479605bb-5cf0-4bdd-8b99-d7019b3409ac%40googlegroups.com.
