Shoes that look better with age...

[burgerkong]

Some of you may have read this over at SF, here it is again.

Just got my pair of Chippewa 20065's yesterday, been wearing it all day today. I am normally a size 12 in Nike Dunk's (SB/non-SB), but after reading the LL Bean Katahdin thread I sized down half a size (due to the similarities between the two boots) and they fit PERFECTLY (no slop anywhere, I wore mid-weight merino hiking socks today since it was chilly out and I was perfectly comfortable lengthwise and width wise). Impressions? Amazing, considering I got these for $120 (Bass Pro) and all sizes were readily available (as opposed to the OOS status of the Katahdin's). They didn't require much break in and were comfortable out of the box. One tiny niggle I have is with the LACES. Man, the stock ones are pretty much metal wires due to their wax contents. Rest assured, I have some Wolverine 1000 Mile laces coming, as well as some latigo leather laces (for the record, the stock laces were 54" long, I personally think they could be shorter, you can probably get away with 48" long laces). Due to the Goodyear welt construction, I can easily replace the stock Vibram Gumlite soles when they wear out. Best part of all? Made in the USA!

I was on the edge between these and their 6" Street Engineer (25290) boot, and finally settled on these. The heel lift on the latter is ridiculous due to the extra height of the lugs, and I feel that I can get away with the Stockbridge's design (fairly deep treads IMO) for Canadian winters. One more thing to add, while not cracked, I think these would benefit from some oiling (mink oil perhaps, or some Obenauf LP). Waxing will darken it too much for raw denim IMO, was tempted to Sno-Seal it.

Specs:

-Height: 6"

-Outsole: Vibram Stockbridge Gumlite

-Midsole: Leather (dual layer at heel and arch area)

-Welt: Goodyear

-Upper/Vamp: Chocolate Bay Apache Leather

-Laces: Waxes 'Sta-tied'

-COO: USA!

Some pictures:

Edited December 13, 2011 by burgerkong

[burgerkong]

Some more pics:

Link to higher res:

I find that I enjoy the regular Vibram rubber over their Gumlite as I feel it's grippier, but that's just me. Here is a quick fit pic:

Brendan

Edited December 13, 2011 by burgerkong

[halberdklown]

speaking of horween, have you guys checked out the possible #8 cordovan White's semi dress over at Bakers?

would be very limited run, and be a gut-wrenching $950-1000

[fre-co]

Looks damn nice but a thousand bucks? can't even think about that shit...

[smittybat]

^^ Apparently they're only getting enough leather to do 5 pairs per month. The price nearly made me cry, but they do look awesome.

[hollowsleather]

I don't get why people keep using #8 for everything. There are some really cool shell colors out there, #8 feels kind of overdone and boring to me.

edit: also those laces are driving me crazy. get some flat waxed laces on there!

Edited December 13, 2011 by hollowsleather

[Gang]

Alden's definitely uses better skins than Church's. I think horween stuff is just great and whatever shoe you make from it will have great patina. I'm not sure where the English bookmakers source their skins from, but I do find them very supple and high quality especially Edward green and G&g.

In terms of durability, I think that horween cxl and cordovan is perceived to be more rugged, more American, if you know what I mean. I find my English boots more dressy, and my Alden's more casual. It's just a different vibe.

Thanks for your answer. it's helpful!!

[olmecasteve]

quick question

what are your guy's thoughts one mark mcnairy boots

are they any good, quality wise???

[marineabilly]

speaking of horween, have you guys checked out the possible #8 cordovan White's semi dress over at Bakers?

would be very limited run, and be a gut-wrenching $950-1000

Amazing! If they are customizable (last, soles, etc) then I'm sold. thanks for posting.

[stingray1381]

Really? They are decent looking, but nothing special.

[halberdklown]

they are, marineabily, congrats for you! make sure you contact Kyle over at bakers

[bl@ster]

I might need a change of pants after seeing those White's Shell Cordo's.

[ur_ugly]

the almostnice household rw collection

left to right, back row: 2992, 2992, 2971(the wife's) 2940, 2936, 8134, 9011

front row: 8113, 9012, 1908, 9030, 1907, 8138

awesome!!! the 8138 look stunning

[baldy]

I think they are some what reasonable. alden shell boots are at the $700 mark already, and white's are customizable and made to order so I can see it a bit more expensive.. I'd consider it if i can get it in whiskey or ravello though

[Maynard Friedman]

Anyone fancy these for £871 / $1350?

http://www.cultizm.com/product_info.php?info=p1458_wolverine-1000-mile-721-ltd-cordovan-boot.html

[fre-co]

Pah, they're yesterdays news man. Keep up.

[Maynard Friedman]

I'm retro!

[smittybat]

The 721's are available cheaper in the US for around $725 at a bunch of places, If they were around $500 I'd buy them. $1350 is ridiculous.

Edited December 14, 2011 by smittybat

[Quack_Attack]

SuFu - I am working on doing an intro price on the shell cordovan for SuFu but to be fair I'll also be doing this for the Style Forum fans as well. Again, this will be offered 'first come, first serve' to the first 5 buyers.

Base price: $949

Less 15%

After discout price: $806.65

Also, Soles, lasts, midsoles, toe caps, pull loops, trim/welt would be customizable per your desire. Keep in mind, the lather will be in the factory in about 8-10 weeks and another 4-6 weeks make up.

If anyone is interested, please contact me at [email protected] please put in the subject like 'Cordovan Semi Dress'

Thank you all for your business and support.

We greatly appreciate it.

-Kyle

Baker's Shoes

www.bakershoe.com

www.buildaboot.com

[fre-co]

That's a great offer Kyle. I'm sure those five will be snapped up in no time.

Unfortunately I'm too broke even after getting rid of four pairs of Aldens...

My regular footwear now consists of:

White's SD (SD brown)

Trickers wetherby

Wesco Boss (black)

Less often since the weather turned bad:

Alden cigar indy

Russell Moccasin Chukka (Tan R/O)

Crockett & Jones Skye

[burgerkong]

Can't decide, Wolverine 1K laces or leather?

[smittybat]

I love the 1k laces on the 1k boots but I think the leather look better on those.

[eNonsense]

What's the best way to try to fix this ugly scratch on my wolverine 1k boots? I picked up some dark brown Fiebing's creme for a few bucks but I haven't used it yet. Later I read that there is a lot of pigment in it, but creams don't cover scratches as well as more waxy stuff does.

Edited December 15, 2011 by eNonsense

[scmah174]

Pah, they're yesterdays news man. Keep up.

I got mine some time back. They're yesterday's news but they are nice f-ing boots.

Edited December 15, 2011 by scmah174

[Senori]

What's the best way to try to fix this ugly scratch on my wolverine 1k boots? I picked up some dark brown Fiebing's creme for a few bucks but I haven't used it yet. Later I read that there is a lot of pigment in it, but creams don't cover scratches as well as more waxy stuff does.

If you're concerned about the color, try a little bit of it on the tongue in an area where it won't be seen. You should get a pretty good sense of whether it's going to change the color or not from that.

[eNonsense]

If you're concerned about the color, try a little bit of it on the tongue in an area where it won't be seen. You should get a pretty good sense of whether it's going to change the color or not from that.

I'm not really concerned about it changing color a little, as much as it blending together. I know it will never look like new, but I imagine some ways would probably work better than others. I don't want to mess up my month old boots more than i already have.

Edited December 15, 2011 by eNonsense

[Happy Hooligan]

shameless plug... my old 405's in the supermarket.

I just don't need two pairs of 405s. But they do look better with age...

[Osmosis Jones]

Finally plunking down the money to get a pair of Aldens.

Problem is which model to choose. I had always been interested in the Roy boots but the kirkwoods at Unionmade are also very nice.

http://www.unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Kirkwood_Cordovan_Cap_Toe_Boot_in_Black_3536.html

Has anybody had any experience with either boots?

[spidereye]

What's the best way to try to fix this ugly scratch on my wolverine 1k boots? I picked up some dark brown Fiebing's creme for a few bucks but I haven't used it yet. Later I read that there is a lot of pigment in it, but creams don't cover scratches as well as more waxy stuff does.

Try mustang paste,ive seen someone post it here after apply it. Nicely done.

[TheBlackGoat]

shameless plug... my old 405's in the supermarket.

I just don't need two pairs of 405s. But they do look better with age...

those are the best looking indys i have seen in a long time!

sad you are selling them. hope they find a good home.......

do you ride a motorcycle with them? they have have that look about them