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.
Ok, for those that ride motorcycles, I have to ask: Would a half sole like those pictured here provide enough traction for day to day riding on a heavy bike (Harley Road King)? I would love some boots like these, but wonder if I need the full Vibram treaded sole or if this is just as good.
I'd like to ask your opinion on some boots I'm considering.
I want to order some White's Nomads in black CXL, soft toe, brown edge treatment, double midsole and Vibram 700 1/2 half soles with a 1/4" heel lift. The Mister Freedom Road Champ is my inspiration.
A couple questions - my thought is to go after a more 30/40s style with the soft toe. I suppose it would be more accurate to just have leather soles but I want the functionality of rubber outsoles. Any "authenticity" problems here? Also, I'm very indecisive about whether to bother with Cat's Paws. I think they are really cool, but who the heck ever sees the bottom of your boots? It could also be a pain down the road when it comes time to resole. I'm buying the boots to wear, so a big part of me thinks to go with modern Vibram.
Thanks in advance.
I'm a pretty standard 10.5 D and wear size 10 in Wolverine 1000 and RW Beckman. I bought these in size 10 and they fit fine. I put a thin Dr. Scholl's insole pad - the cheapie type to take up a little extra room. I wore them yesterday for the first time for about 7-8 hours. They were comfortable, but started to rub a bit on the inside of my heels by the end of the day. I don't think it will be an issue as they aren't even broken in yet. Not sure how I feel about the top of the boot. I may punch another hole to allow me to tighten them up a bit. I've never worn engineers, but have worn cowboy boots and these are similar. The top seems loose, but the foot fits well, so they don't feel loose. I'm not sure if most people actually loosen the top buckle, put them on, them tighten that top buckle - or just slide them on. I guess I would like a smaller diameter shaft, but I'm not sure if that would keep me from putting them on easily. The leather seems thick and very nice - easily as nice as my Wolverine 1000's, although I can't imagine it compares to Wescos from a thickness standpoint. As a matter of fact, they remind quite a bit of the Wolverine 1000's. They are a little beefier, but not much. I'm not an Engineer, a biker, or a lumberjack - so I didn't need some diesel 4-wheel drive boot. I intend to wear them quite a bit, but I'm pretty easy on my shoes/boots. After a bit of wear, I'll decide if I want to upgrade to something much nicer. My overall impression is that they are pretty damn nice, but I wish the shaft was a little slimmer.
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Grayland, those look really nice! When Frye does it right, they do a very nice job. Yours look like an instance where they did a great job. I think you could have done much worse "dipping your toe" into the Engineer boot market.
By the way, how is the toe profile when seen from above - narrow, round, or in-between?
Just what I need - another pair to want....
Gray land, nice pick up, the Fryes are a good looking boot! and a nice change of pace from the lace-ups. Question..are the Whites the same size of the others? (10D)
It just occurred to me that your proposed build will look almost exactly like mine - except for the brown edges and the soft toe. See the pictures in the quote above ^^^^^^
Mine are black with double midsoles, Vibram half soles/Quabaug heel, one added lift (1/4"). I would pass on the 1/4" lift next time - I don't hate it, but it was a bit taller than I like. It is more vintage authentic in height however, and the full leather heel looks AWESOME.
I also wonder if you could ask for what White's calls a "close trim" - they cut the welt closer to the boot to make the sole profile narrower. This is an option on Semi-Dress, but I have nver heard of it being done to Smoke Jumpers or Nomads. It might lend a bit more vintage character to the build.