I requested the normal heel height, but with the half-sole and double-mid it ended up being 1/4" inch higher than my black version with vibram 700..Is the heel standard height or an extra stack?
I requested the normal heel height, but with the half-sole and double-mid it ended up being 1/4" inch higher than my black version with vibram 700..Is the heel standard height or an extra stack?
Ok, here are some pics of the new White's Nomads! It only took me three pairs to get to the classic black color. These are pretty much built to my "signature" specs - round toe (no option on White's anyhow), double midsoles, and Vibram Composition Half soles. Since White's uses a thinner Quabaug heel, I took a leap of faith this time and ordered the boots with an extra heel lift. This added an entire 1/4 inch to the height of the heel. I would probably have been happier with 1/8" extra, but I'm going to give it a chance. The heel did end up being the same height as the heel on the standard Nomads with Vibram 100 lug soles, so it should be manageable. Otherwise, they are just what I expected. The standard black smooth leather is very nice, and the build quality is superb as always.
I think the pics describe them better than I can, so here you go! I included some heel height comparison pics for reference.
I went with double midsole plus vibram composition half sole, IMHO a double mid is required for a half sole. The buckle being visible depends on where you wear your jeans
Nice one Bretron, congrats, (I hope you got your Dustbowl issue sorted) I see wesco double stitch whereas Whites triple, what other differences are there between the wesco boss and the whites nomad would you highlight?
Simon,
Both White's and Wesco make a top quality product that will be well worth the money. You really can't go wrong either way. However, I will try to break down some of the issues so you can make an educated decision:
Fit / Sizing - White's seems to have a better handle on the custom fit thing. They care a lot about measuring your foot in several places as well as your calf. They will try to put you in a standard size (it will save you money) but they can also make you a custom last if you are hard to fit, have bunions, etc. White's are work boots (meant to be worn wit hthick socks) so they run about a half size large in my experience. Your mileage may vary. I believe Wesco CAN make you a custom last, but when I visited their facility, they handed me a few boots and had me try them on - that's it. They run true to size for me.
Arch support - I have owned boots by White's, Nick's, and Wesco. White's and Nick's sub scribe to the "Arch-Ease school of thought - they are built with high, rounded arch support, and they feel that this allows you to walk all day and feel great. Wesco builds a boot with standard flat arches like most shoes you will find. This is a matter of personal preference - I love the arch support on my White's, but someone with flat feet might not. It takes a little getting used to, but you adjust to it quickly. Don't like the idea? Go with Wesco.
Price / Options - This is nearly a wash, but White's Nomads are about $20 cheaper in standard format. White's only offers a few options, while Wesco offers a myriad of choices. However, customizing your Wesco's can get expensive quickly. Basic options aren't too bad with either company - double midsoles and Vibram Composition half soles with standard leathers have cost me about $450 from both White's and Wesco. If you want to go two tone, Wesco is the only real choice. White's will only do a very rigid two tone where everything above the vamp is one color.
Craftsmanship - People will argue this, but I think they're comparable. I like White's attention to detail and beautifully shaped heels, but my Wescos are beautifully built as well. Sure White's come with triple stitching, but the double stitching on my Wescos is stout.
Materials - Again, both are made with top quality materials. Both brands claim their standard oil tanned leathers are 8oz thickness, and I have found no reason to doubt this. Both use all leather construction and quality hardware. The instep buckles on White's are bigger than the ones used on Wesco - they are not obnoxious, but it's worth noting. The Wesco brown leather is very dark, while the White's brown leather is a very nice medium shade - it is my personal favorite if brown is the way you want to go. Wesco's leather softens up a bit more qucikly, while White's leather is a bit more stiff. Both age nicely, so again, it's just a matter of personal preference.