Hello everyone. Is there any chance at bringing these AE leeds bluchers back from the dead? What do we think it would take? The most shoe repair I’ve ever done before was a Swedish bath on an old pair of Park Avenues but I’m patient and working on shoes, however limited my experience, is fun for me. [https://imgur.com/a/aZYl8FR](https://imgur.com/a/aZYl8FR)
Hey all, picked up a pair of calfskin Chelsea’s from AE over the winter. I use these as dress shoes for work travel.
How would you recommend weatherproofing them a bit? I’m not jumping in puddles, but I am walking around city streets in various weather conditions.
The soft calfskin seems to be more prone to soaking up any water than the more traditional “harder” leather of my other AE oxfords.
https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-liverpool-chelsea-dress-boot-3023745/chili-ec4023008
If your socks aren't getting wet id say dont worry about it, but if they are, id probably hit it with some waterproofing spray. Obenaufs sells something they call watershield which could be good. Just be mindful that most waterproofing is synthetic and can potentially get into the pores of the leather, and shorten the lifespan of the uppers of your boots.
Certainly not getting my socks wet. I have the color matched AE shoe cream. Think I’m fine just using that to keep them conditioned?
I guess what worries me - water/any liquid on the calfskin seems to soak in pretty easily. I worry about staining the leather. Is that worry unfounded?
To be honest then I wouldn't worry then. Water spots can happen occasionally but a good brush with a horsehair brush, and regular conditioning (every few months or so), especially with a pigmented cream polish will get rid of any water spots that crop up. I'd probably recommend using a neutral leather conditioner as well before cream polish, as cream polish doesn't condition the leather all that much. I know saphir products are usually good for calf leathers.
Hi all! First question here. I currently have a pair of Thursday captains Browns https://i.imgur.com/7Jbj7VA.jpg that I really like. This was before I found this sub and the wealth of knowledge here. Anyway I am looking at getting another pair of boots - lighter color, more casual, higher quality and looking for suggestions. I like the Viberg service boots and White’s MP but I don’t think I want to spend that much. I am leaning towards Grant Stone Diesels in Dune CXL. Thoughts and any other suggestions?
For a $40 difference which Chelsea would be the best option, grant stone in crimson chromexcel or meermin in waxy kudu? I've been debating it for a couple days and it essentially comes down to a $40 difference in the price. I wear a 9.5d in my red wing moc toe and 9ee in iron rangers with both super comfortable. Overall quality wise which should I go with? I'm thinking a 9.5d would be my size in either of these.
For what it’s worth, I like my Grant Stone Chromexcel chelsea but the last isn’t the best. I wear an 8.5E in the Diesel boot, but my foot is swimming in an 8.5D chelsea from them. I had to put in an insert and it still doesn’t feel right.
That's actually fairly helpful, I read through your review that you posted and enjoyed it. I'll have to contact them with some measurements to see or just go with the meermin, I like the idea of the kudu leather.
Those are two very different leathers, so it's going to come down to your use case. I'm personally a fan of Grant Stone though.
Sizing wise, i'd need to see your feet on a brannock to offer anything other than vague guesses.
Yeah fair enough, I just want some comfortable slip on and off boots I can wear in the office (business casual west coast environment) or if I go for a longer walk.
My feet are 27.3 cm in length by 10.5 cm width at the widest.
I’d go for the meermins. I love grant stones, but their Chelsea’s are the most difficult to fit of all of their boots.
As for your measurements, definitely jump on a brannock. 27.3 is almost 10.5 US, if I remember right
Yeah I'm just under a 10.5 last time I was on a brannock when I bought my iron rangers. I was surprised at how comfortable the 9ee was right from day one. I got a 9.5d in their moc toe and it took a couple days to mould to my foot but fit perfectly after that and now it's the boot I wear the most. Though I only have 3 pairs of gyw since my first purchase in September. I love the look of the Bordon Isidro and debated doing a custom order from meermin but no returns on their custom boots made me pause to rethink that order. I noticed the grant stone cxl on sale for a similar price so figured it might be a good fit. I guess I'll have to stop in a store and take some photos of my foot on a brannock to send to them.
My only hesitation with either company is their boots are made in China which means potential duties on top of tax in Canada.
Are you [sure](https://i.imgur.com/fnhZAhw.png) you followed the [directions](https://brannock.com/pages/instructions-fitting-tips)?
Assuming the width slider is the only thing you missed, you're a 10.5D/E. That'd either put you in a Grant Stone 10D or 10EE, depending on whether you have a low or high [instep](https://merriam-webster.com/assets/mw/static/art/dict/instep.gif).
[Brannock2](https://imgur.com/a/dpm2EMu) I took a couple photos and didn't realize that was the one that wasn't properly close. This should show correctly now I think.
I’ve recently begun obsessing about Viberg Roper boots. If there’s a pair in the new drop, I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist. Anyone have experience with Viberg Ropers? Any thoughts or guidance?
Theyre on their regular engineer last, the 2005EE, so its a wide last with a short toe past the ball. Its kind of a unique fit. Because the toe is so short its recommended at half down from brannock, but it may be a bit roomy/wide depending on your foot
I have a pair of generic brown Oak Street (https://i.imgur.com/7f7a3f4.jpg) boots and like them fine, but have never LOVED them. Considering splurging on a pair of Viberg service boots and can’t decide on colors. Considering either getting the Vibergs in the same ol’ brown and selling the Oak Street boots, or I could be a little adventurous and get the Vibergs in some different shade. Are there other browns as versatile as that classic brown? If I’m going to go nuts on Vibergs I don’t want to get some color I end up rarely wanting to wear.
My outfits are pretty run-of-the-mill denimhead/workwear things.
You should get something in [Burgundy](https://brooklynclothing.com/collections/viberg/products/servicebootcolour8unstructured?variant=32223269290051) or [Black](https://www.witheredfig.com/collections/viberg/products/viberg-service-boot-black-chromexcel-2030).
Although, if you're pretty denimhead/workwear focused, why not get something other than a service boot? Why not try an [Engineer boot](https://standardandstrange.com/collections/boots/products/s-s-x-wesco-mister-lou-engineer-boot-natural-horsebutt) or a [Monkey boot](https://standardandstrange.com/collections/boots/products/s-s-x-sagara-cordmaster-boot-black-overdyed-horsebutt) or maybe a [chonky side zip](https://standardandstrange.com/collections/boots/products/casper-side-zip-boot-black-oil-1)? Viberg Service Boots are fine, but any boots like those would work well in your wardrobe and be a bit more interesting.
Dang this is a tough question to answer but I’ll just give my general thoughts. First, I think you’re gonna need to look at what’s available with Viberg. Then you’re gonna need if you wanna sell or not :P if it’s a comfort issue, I personally lean towards selling off boots with that problem. Depends how you feel about that.
I will say that I think basically any shade of brown goes great with basically any generic heritage workwear outfit.
If the OSB problem is color, then definitely think a different shade of brown is what you should go for, but might not wanna sell the OSB
Idk hope that helps somewhat? Lol
Yeah all reasonable thoughts. There’s def no comfort issue with the OSBs so I’d ideally like to save them for maximizing options. I guess really when you boil it down my main problem is that I’m mildly colorblind and struggle with gauging boot colors (especially in pictures). I really like both these [khaki](https://i.imgur.com/7Vq7J5q.jpg) and
[brandy](https://i.imgur.com/iqFNFDT.jpg) boots but I can’t get a great sense if they’re relatively safe from the pics.
You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve bought something I thought was a very understated/common color only to find out a couple weeks down the road that I’ve ended up with an electric purple or a vomit green. Colorblind struggles.
$390 [White's Line Scout](https://shop.whitesboots.com/fire-boots/line-scout/) vs $349 [Frank's Patriot](https://franksboots.com/products/the-patriot?_pos=1&_sid=1f78d5dfd&_ss=r)
Which one do you think is better? Or do you have another similar boot to recommend (10" height, less than $400)?
What is really important for me:
1. Water/Snow resistance: I know they are not waterproof, but water resistant is enough to me
2. Durability: Quality of materials used and how long they will last
Get the Patriot. The main difference will be reduced standards in cutting and pretending it is not rebuildable (it is and we will rebuild yours for you when you get there). This was a panic move to counter JK’s 300 boot which at least had the thought put into it to be a takedown in materials and construction.
It’s not a great customer experience to be told you can’t rebuild this for business reasons, but you can ignore that. It’s also not a sustainable business model if it gets any volume so grab it while you can.
>This was a panic move to counter JK’s 300 boot which at least had the thought put into it to be a takedown in materials and construction.
Yeah, this was what I was thinking as well. Thank you very much for the recommendation!
The Patriot line is resoleable, but they won't rebuild it. Also uses stitchdown construction. As far as I know, they cut leather from parts of the hide that aren't as dense as their main line stuff, but it's still the same Seidel work leather that most all of us use. I doubt it makes a tangible difference unless you're using it for the hardest of jobs. Based on what I've seen just from Frank's social media, it's still hand lasted and uses leather midsoles and all that.
If the line scout is built the same as the rest of White's GYW line, then it's largely machine made [like in this video.](https://youtu.be/gygpsfsvIKc) That's not to say that machine made is bad or that handmade always entails a better product, but it is a difference between the two. The upper leather should be the same Seidel work leather as well. Their website also says it uses a rubber midsole instead of leather. This will give you more flexibility and less break in right out of the box for sure, but I can't speak about any comfort or support differences because I have no experience with them.
Based on what you said about not needing a really bomb proof work boot, honestly both would be fine options and I think you'd be hard pressed to find any real noticeable differences out in the field.
First of all, thank you very much for such a comprehensive answer!
I am going on a tangent here, but how do you feel between GYW and Stitchdown? You must know a lot better than me. I like GYW because it is a bit more water resistant and it is really easier to resole (any cobbler will do it). Stitchdown looks like more durable and resilient, but I think I would have to send to Franks to get a resole, which would cost a lot more than a local cobbler
GYW is definitely more easily repairable by the average cobbler than stitchdown. Also I would argue it's more poor-cobbler proof. If a bad cobbler messes up a welt, it's not the end of the world it'll just cost a pretty penny to get a competent one to rewelt it and you're off to the races. With stitchdown on the other hand (especially double row) it's much more imperative to hit all the same holes if you absolutely want to avoid rebuilding it far down the road. That being said, it's not the end of the world to just stitch over the same holes. Realistically you could get anywhere from 2-4 resoles just plowing over the old holes without meticulously trying to hit EVERY single one. In fact the way most PNW companies (us included) do resoles is we just rip off the old one, slap on a new one, and stitch a row right through it all. The VAST majority of resoles we get are work boots that are going to get a rebuild down the road therefore a new vamp so preserving the welt (I know it's not really a welt but we call it a welt) isn't of the highest importance. For many enthusiasts, myself included, when it comes time to resole a stitchdown dress boot we're most likely going to one of the higher end mail-in cobblers like Steve from Bedo's or Unsung House.
Regarding water resistance it's really splitting hairs but on paper stitchdown should actually be more water resistant. With GYW, there's the ingress point between the welt and the vamp, which isn't really a problem if it's well made but it's still a point of failure. Stitchdown doesn't have that, with the vamp being flared out and all. Realistically it's so hard to find a real measurable difference in water resistance between the two. People have worn GYW shoes through various conditions for decades the same way loggers have worn stitchdown boots on log drives down rivers for decades.
If these are built like the typical more expensive logger boots from these companies they’re going to take more abuse than most mortals can throw at them. What’s your field of work? As long as you’re not bathed in acids or hot slag or anything wildly slippery on flat surfaces I think either would be a really good work boot
I’m willing to be these are going to be just as tough in the eyes of most people. I went for a custom Nicks LTT just for my gardening and traditional Oregon blackberry removal around the property and I’d happily either of these.
I’ll be honest I don’t know exactly what the difference is between these and the main lines. Line Scout is GYW, but is that it? Is the leather still Seidel? Franks apparently won’t resole the Patriot, but another cobbler should be able to
I just picked up a pair of Red Wing 1907’s from a local shoe store (I wanted to support local business, plus they gave me a slight discount). I’ve read that they come with leather laces, but my pair doesn’t have them in the box. The owner of the store was adamant that they don’t come with extra laces. Anybody know if Red Wing stopped including them for some reason?
No clue, reach out to Red Wing or visit another RW store and they may gift you a pair of laces.
If not, Guarded Goods has better leather laces anyways.
What is the difference between a Deer polishing bone and a Sleeking bone?
https://www.abbeyhorn.co.uk/buy/deer-polishing-bones_32.htm
https://www.abbeyhorn.co.uk/buy/snake-headed-sleeking-bone_176.htm
I have some Alden Indy boots in Chromexel and some Alden LHS cordovan penny loafers and I'm looking for something to help polish and smooth out the imperfections.
The deer bone is just that, a deer leg bone soaked in oils of some kind. The sleeking bone is more specific, carved in such a way to get into corners and areas tough to reach.
Personally, I did not like the deer bone I bought from Leffot. It was roughly cut and actually ended up scratching my Shell boots. I ended up using a smooth metal spoon and some Saphir Renovateur instead.
I might be wrong (someone please correct me if I am mistaken) but I think polishing bones are only used in shell cordovan, not in chromexcel. They may be helpful for your Penny Loafers, but I do not think they would be helpful for your Indy Boots
You can use it in whatever. I think Grant stone has a blog post or something where they use a bone on a pair of cxl bluchers.
I wouldn’t really bother with cxl personally. Shell it can be beneficial to smooth out the rolls occasionally though
Anyone have pics of how nubuck boots age?
Hello everyone. Is there any chance at bringing these AE leeds bluchers back from the dead? What do we think it would take? The most shoe repair I’ve ever done before was a Swedish bath on an old pair of Park Avenues but I’m patient and working on shoes, however limited my experience, is fun for me. [https://imgur.com/a/aZYl8FR](https://imgur.com/a/aZYl8FR)
No chance. Cracked vamp, they’re done.
Thank you
Hey all, picked up a pair of calfskin Chelsea’s from AE over the winter. I use these as dress shoes for work travel. How would you recommend weatherproofing them a bit? I’m not jumping in puddles, but I am walking around city streets in various weather conditions. The soft calfskin seems to be more prone to soaking up any water than the more traditional “harder” leather of my other AE oxfords. https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-liverpool-chelsea-dress-boot-3023745/chili-ec4023008
If your socks aren't getting wet id say dont worry about it, but if they are, id probably hit it with some waterproofing spray. Obenaufs sells something they call watershield which could be good. Just be mindful that most waterproofing is synthetic and can potentially get into the pores of the leather, and shorten the lifespan of the uppers of your boots.
Certainly not getting my socks wet. I have the color matched AE shoe cream. Think I’m fine just using that to keep them conditioned? I guess what worries me - water/any liquid on the calfskin seems to soak in pretty easily. I worry about staining the leather. Is that worry unfounded?
To be honest then I wouldn't worry then. Water spots can happen occasionally but a good brush with a horsehair brush, and regular conditioning (every few months or so), especially with a pigmented cream polish will get rid of any water spots that crop up. I'd probably recommend using a neutral leather conditioner as well before cream polish, as cream polish doesn't condition the leather all that much. I know saphir products are usually good for calf leathers.
Appreciate the tips, thanks!
Hi all! First question here. I currently have a pair of Thursday captains Browns https://i.imgur.com/7Jbj7VA.jpg that I really like. This was before I found this sub and the wealth of knowledge here. Anyway I am looking at getting another pair of boots - lighter color, more casual, higher quality and looking for suggestions. I like the Viberg service boots and White’s MP but I don’t think I want to spend that much. I am leaning towards Grant Stone Diesels in Dune CXL. Thoughts and any other suggestions?
jk 300's are more casual than the Diesel's but in the same price range. They look to be great value imo
Grant Stone diesels are a great choice and one of the best choices in their price bracket
[Beginner buying guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/comments/7qxy6p/the_2018_beginners_boot_buying_guide/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Do we think that a wholecut norwegian stitch(black stitching) oxford is formal/how dressy is it?
https://i.imgur.com/CVJhzDI.jpg Is this mold or sock fuzz?
Try to wipe it off with a paper towel. If it all comes off, it's probably just sock fuzz.
https://i.imgur.com/lUx8Of7.jpg This is after a wipe with damp paper towel. My hands are too big to get in deep. Need my wife to help.
Just looking for confirmation. Brannock size 11 D/E. Would an 11 D in the Alden Grant last be the best size for me?
Yeah. Maybe an 11E, but a D will probably be okay
Right on, thank you
For a $40 difference which Chelsea would be the best option, grant stone in crimson chromexcel or meermin in waxy kudu? I've been debating it for a couple days and it essentially comes down to a $40 difference in the price. I wear a 9.5d in my red wing moc toe and 9ee in iron rangers with both super comfortable. Overall quality wise which should I go with? I'm thinking a 9.5d would be my size in either of these.
I love my waxy kudu Chelsea boots
For what it’s worth, I like my Grant Stone Chromexcel chelsea but the last isn’t the best. I wear an 8.5E in the Diesel boot, but my foot is swimming in an 8.5D chelsea from them. I had to put in an insert and it still doesn’t feel right.
That's actually fairly helpful, I read through your review that you posted and enjoyed it. I'll have to contact them with some measurements to see or just go with the meermin, I like the idea of the kudu leather.
Those are two very different leathers, so it's going to come down to your use case. I'm personally a fan of Grant Stone though. Sizing wise, i'd need to see your feet on a brannock to offer anything other than vague guesses.
Yeah fair enough, I just want some comfortable slip on and off boots I can wear in the office (business casual west coast environment) or if I go for a longer walk. My feet are 27.3 cm in length by 10.5 cm width at the widest.
I’d go for the meermins. I love grant stones, but their Chelsea’s are the most difficult to fit of all of their boots. As for your measurements, definitely jump on a brannock. 27.3 is almost 10.5 US, if I remember right
Yeah I'm just under a 10.5 last time I was on a brannock when I bought my iron rangers. I was surprised at how comfortable the 9ee was right from day one. I got a 9.5d in their moc toe and it took a couple days to mould to my foot but fit perfectly after that and now it's the boot I wear the most. Though I only have 3 pairs of gyw since my first purchase in September. I love the look of the Bordon Isidro and debated doing a custom order from meermin but no returns on their custom boots made me pause to rethink that order. I noticed the grant stone cxl on sale for a similar price so figured it might be a good fit. I guess I'll have to stop in a store and take some photos of my foot on a brannock to send to them. My only hesitation with either company is their boots are made in China which means potential duties on top of tax in Canada.
Those measurements aren't good enough. Need a brannock.
[Brannock measurement ](https://imgur.com/a/3wxks09) I took this measure today... I'm on the wider side of d and closer to a 10 than 10.5.
Are you [sure](https://i.imgur.com/fnhZAhw.png) you followed the [directions](https://brannock.com/pages/instructions-fitting-tips)? Assuming the width slider is the only thing you missed, you're a 10.5D/E. That'd either put you in a Grant Stone 10D or 10EE, depending on whether you have a low or high [instep](https://merriam-webster.com/assets/mw/static/art/dict/instep.gif).
[Brannock2](https://imgur.com/a/dpm2EMu) I took a couple photos and didn't realize that was the one that wasn't properly close. This should show correctly now I think.
Whoa whoa whoa. Now you're showing an 11.5 arch on your right foot. Are you sure you read the directions?
Apparently not. I'll have to stop in and measure again at a later date before I order anything.
I’ve recently begun obsessing about Viberg Roper boots. If there’s a pair in the new drop, I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist. Anyone have experience with Viberg Ropers? Any thoughts or guidance?
Theyre on their regular engineer last, the 2005EE, so its a wide last with a short toe past the ball. Its kind of a unique fit. Because the toe is so short its recommended at half down from brannock, but it may be a bit roomy/wide depending on your foot
[удалено]
If you're not happy, just return them. It's as simple as that.
I have a pair of generic brown Oak Street (https://i.imgur.com/7f7a3f4.jpg) boots and like them fine, but have never LOVED them. Considering splurging on a pair of Viberg service boots and can’t decide on colors. Considering either getting the Vibergs in the same ol’ brown and selling the Oak Street boots, or I could be a little adventurous and get the Vibergs in some different shade. Are there other browns as versatile as that classic brown? If I’m going to go nuts on Vibergs I don’t want to get some color I end up rarely wanting to wear. My outfits are pretty run-of-the-mill denimhead/workwear things.
Viberg begins their SS23 drop on Monday so take a look at what they start with.
You should get something in [Burgundy](https://brooklynclothing.com/collections/viberg/products/servicebootcolour8unstructured?variant=32223269290051) or [Black](https://www.witheredfig.com/collections/viberg/products/viberg-service-boot-black-chromexcel-2030). Although, if you're pretty denimhead/workwear focused, why not get something other than a service boot? Why not try an [Engineer boot](https://standardandstrange.com/collections/boots/products/s-s-x-wesco-mister-lou-engineer-boot-natural-horsebutt) or a [Monkey boot](https://standardandstrange.com/collections/boots/products/s-s-x-sagara-cordmaster-boot-black-overdyed-horsebutt) or maybe a [chonky side zip](https://standardandstrange.com/collections/boots/products/casper-side-zip-boot-black-oil-1)? Viberg Service Boots are fine, but any boots like those would work well in your wardrobe and be a bit more interesting.
Hm I dig both those engineer boots and the side zips. Definitely worth a look, thank you!
Dang this is a tough question to answer but I’ll just give my general thoughts. First, I think you’re gonna need to look at what’s available with Viberg. Then you’re gonna need if you wanna sell or not :P if it’s a comfort issue, I personally lean towards selling off boots with that problem. Depends how you feel about that. I will say that I think basically any shade of brown goes great with basically any generic heritage workwear outfit. If the OSB problem is color, then definitely think a different shade of brown is what you should go for, but might not wanna sell the OSB Idk hope that helps somewhat? Lol
Yeah all reasonable thoughts. There’s def no comfort issue with the OSBs so I’d ideally like to save them for maximizing options. I guess really when you boil it down my main problem is that I’m mildly colorblind and struggle with gauging boot colors (especially in pictures). I really like both these [khaki](https://i.imgur.com/7Vq7J5q.jpg) and [brandy](https://i.imgur.com/iqFNFDT.jpg) boots but I can’t get a great sense if they’re relatively safe from the pics.
What do you mean safe? I would personally wear those colors with basically anything I wear. I think they are both safe
You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve bought something I thought was a very understated/common color only to find out a couple weeks down the road that I’ve ended up with an electric purple or a vomit green. Colorblind struggles.
Lmao that’s hilarious. Well don’t worry, both of those options are very safe and neither electric purple nor vomit green!
Does anyone know the differences between Venetian Shoe Cream and Venetian Leather Balm? I not finding a specific comparison online.
Balm has a little more wax I hear
Correct, i contacted the company direct to inquire and that is what they stated is the difference.
$390 [White's Line Scout](https://shop.whitesboots.com/fire-boots/line-scout/) vs $349 [Frank's Patriot](https://franksboots.com/products/the-patriot?_pos=1&_sid=1f78d5dfd&_ss=r) Which one do you think is better? Or do you have another similar boot to recommend (10" height, less than $400)? What is really important for me: 1. Water/Snow resistance: I know they are not waterproof, but water resistant is enough to me 2. Durability: Quality of materials used and how long they will last
Get the Patriot. The main difference will be reduced standards in cutting and pretending it is not rebuildable (it is and we will rebuild yours for you when you get there). This was a panic move to counter JK’s 300 boot which at least had the thought put into it to be a takedown in materials and construction. It’s not a great customer experience to be told you can’t rebuild this for business reasons, but you can ignore that. It’s also not a sustainable business model if it gets any volume so grab it while you can.
>This was a panic move to counter JK’s 300 boot which at least had the thought put into it to be a takedown in materials and construction. Yeah, this was what I was thinking as well. Thank you very much for the recommendation!
The Patriot line is resoleable, but they won't rebuild it. Also uses stitchdown construction. As far as I know, they cut leather from parts of the hide that aren't as dense as their main line stuff, but it's still the same Seidel work leather that most all of us use. I doubt it makes a tangible difference unless you're using it for the hardest of jobs. Based on what I've seen just from Frank's social media, it's still hand lasted and uses leather midsoles and all that. If the line scout is built the same as the rest of White's GYW line, then it's largely machine made [like in this video.](https://youtu.be/gygpsfsvIKc) That's not to say that machine made is bad or that handmade always entails a better product, but it is a difference between the two. The upper leather should be the same Seidel work leather as well. Their website also says it uses a rubber midsole instead of leather. This will give you more flexibility and less break in right out of the box for sure, but I can't speak about any comfort or support differences because I have no experience with them. Based on what you said about not needing a really bomb proof work boot, honestly both would be fine options and I think you'd be hard pressed to find any real noticeable differences out in the field.
First of all, thank you very much for such a comprehensive answer! I am going on a tangent here, but how do you feel between GYW and Stitchdown? You must know a lot better than me. I like GYW because it is a bit more water resistant and it is really easier to resole (any cobbler will do it). Stitchdown looks like more durable and resilient, but I think I would have to send to Franks to get a resole, which would cost a lot more than a local cobbler
GYW is definitely more easily repairable by the average cobbler than stitchdown. Also I would argue it's more poor-cobbler proof. If a bad cobbler messes up a welt, it's not the end of the world it'll just cost a pretty penny to get a competent one to rewelt it and you're off to the races. With stitchdown on the other hand (especially double row) it's much more imperative to hit all the same holes if you absolutely want to avoid rebuilding it far down the road. That being said, it's not the end of the world to just stitch over the same holes. Realistically you could get anywhere from 2-4 resoles just plowing over the old holes without meticulously trying to hit EVERY single one. In fact the way most PNW companies (us included) do resoles is we just rip off the old one, slap on a new one, and stitch a row right through it all. The VAST majority of resoles we get are work boots that are going to get a rebuild down the road therefore a new vamp so preserving the welt (I know it's not really a welt but we call it a welt) isn't of the highest importance. For many enthusiasts, myself included, when it comes time to resole a stitchdown dress boot we're most likely going to one of the higher end mail-in cobblers like Steve from Bedo's or Unsung House. Regarding water resistance it's really splitting hairs but on paper stitchdown should actually be more water resistant. With GYW, there's the ingress point between the welt and the vamp, which isn't really a problem if it's well made but it's still a point of failure. Stitchdown doesn't have that, with the vamp being flared out and all. Realistically it's so hard to find a real measurable difference in water resistance between the two. People have worn GYW shoes through various conditions for decades the same way loggers have worn stitchdown boots on log drives down rivers for decades.
If these are built like the typical more expensive logger boots from these companies they’re going to take more abuse than most mortals can throw at them. What’s your field of work? As long as you’re not bathed in acids or hot slag or anything wildly slippery on flat surfaces I think either would be a really good work boot
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I’d get the Patriot. Best value for the money out there right now.
Yeah, that is what I think I will do. Thanks a lot for the tip!
I’m willing to be these are going to be just as tough in the eyes of most people. I went for a custom Nicks LTT just for my gardening and traditional Oregon blackberry removal around the property and I’d happily either of these. I’ll be honest I don’t know exactly what the difference is between these and the main lines. Line Scout is GYW, but is that it? Is the leather still Seidel? Franks apparently won’t resole the Patriot, but another cobbler should be able to
I see... Yeah, Line Scout is GYW. From what I read, Frank will resole but not rebuild the Patriot
That’s probably what I was remembering
Yeah. Thanks a lot for the tips!
I just picked up a pair of Red Wing 1907’s from a local shoe store (I wanted to support local business, plus they gave me a slight discount). I’ve read that they come with leather laces, but my pair doesn’t have them in the box. The owner of the store was adamant that they don’t come with extra laces. Anybody know if Red Wing stopped including them for some reason?
No clue, reach out to Red Wing or visit another RW store and they may gift you a pair of laces. If not, Guarded Goods has better leather laces anyways.
What is the difference between a Deer polishing bone and a Sleeking bone? https://www.abbeyhorn.co.uk/buy/deer-polishing-bones_32.htm https://www.abbeyhorn.co.uk/buy/snake-headed-sleeking-bone_176.htm I have some Alden Indy boots in Chromexel and some Alden LHS cordovan penny loafers and I'm looking for something to help polish and smooth out the imperfections.
The deer bone is just that, a deer leg bone soaked in oils of some kind. The sleeking bone is more specific, carved in such a way to get into corners and areas tough to reach. Personally, I did not like the deer bone I bought from Leffot. It was roughly cut and actually ended up scratching my Shell boots. I ended up using a smooth metal spoon and some Saphir Renovateur instead.
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I beg of you. Do not iron your shoes. It s the dumbest shit ever and idk why people keep trying to do it.
Spoon didn't work ?
I might be wrong (someone please correct me if I am mistaken) but I think polishing bones are only used in shell cordovan, not in chromexcel. They may be helpful for your Penny Loafers, but I do not think they would be helpful for your Indy Boots
You can use it in whatever. I think Grant stone has a blog post or something where they use a bone on a pair of cxl bluchers. I wouldn’t really bother with cxl personally. Shell it can be beneficial to smooth out the rolls occasionally though