Footwear to go with our jackets

[Edward]

Well, here´s a strong opinion against "designated beaters" and very much pro wearing and enjoying only stuff you really like:

It is my experience that SOME women indeed take note of your footwear.

However, I have never experienced that they are interesetd in new/unblemished shoes. They look for what they perceive as quality.
I have quite a few pair of dress shoes that had been relatively expensive. I love them, I care for them, I resole them when they need it, but the leather shows wear and age.

True story: only last week, a co-worker commented how he would not spend more than EUR 150 on a pair of shoes as he would fear he would not like them after a few years. A female colleague pointed at my shoes (a very, very worn pair of Derby´s in oxblood shell cordovan) and said, "But how would you think you would ever come to dislike shoes like this?".

This is where we need to draw a distinction between worn in and worn out. Which is probably not going to be in the same place for everybody!

 

[Damon141]

I feel ya on the wedge soles. I don’t like the look of them much either, but they do work pretty well for a lot of things. I’ve come around on them a lot in the past year or so. The “raptor “ sole wesco uses is great., the best grip on wet stuff I’ve ever experienced. Not the Vibram raptor, it’s a copy of the cristi soles, but better grip and wear . Heavier too, but that’s ok.

The gloxi cut soles on yours are supposed to be great, but I’ve never tried them.

I thought and still think they look good in photos of people wearing them but strangely when I received these, every single time I put them on with an outfit, they just didn’t seem to go with what I had on hand.
If they have to be replaced with wedge soles, I might try to find some with a slimmer profile and even better, all black. Then combined with the black roughout, they can be my casual daily wear pair.

Wolverine Triple-Tanned Horsehide boots from the 50s. I have this pair on the way from ebay in size 8D. In their early years, Wolverine made work shoes from 'whole horserump', which includes the both the skin and shell layer. I'm not 100% sure this pair is horserump, but the pictures look promising, but I'm excited to see how well these have held up after inspecting them and giving a good cleaning.
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Awesome find, I imagine the life these had, very little use over that timespan.
With all the boot collections out there these days we will surely see a lot of these modern Whites, Wesco, Viberg etc all in great condition 50-100 years from now.

Are you in Chicago?
Mildblend is great. I bought a pair of White’s semi dress there last year.0

Sadly no I’m down south in Florida where I have no business wearing jackets and boots, everyone thinks I’m crazy for loving them.

I do have a trip to Chicago on my list because my wife will have to visit Chicago to finish her nurse practitioner course with Chamberlain university based in Chicago.
I look forward to exploring the Windy City.

I'm pretty much in the same place. I try not to go overboard (otherwise it's too easy to keep stuff "for best" and never wear it), but I'm not into the 'worn and distressed' look, as opposed to 'looked after and aged well'.
I don't care for my leather jackets to look seventy years old either, but then what I've always sought to mimic within my own budget is the overall look of the 30s-50s (outfit depending) rather than what a 30s-50s leather jacket would look like now in 2022. Storses for courses, an aw tha.

I don’t mind the well taken care of worn look, but I too wouldn’t go overboard abd wear a jacket that had gone completely brown from peeling.
I know by looking at members photos that most really do take good care of their boots and jackets just by default if anything, because they have so many of them lol.

It is my experience that SOME women indeed take note of your footwear.

However, I have never experienced that they are interesetd in new/unblemished shoes. They look for what they perceive as quality.
I have quite a few pair of dress shoes that had been relatively expensive. I love them, I care for them, I resole them when they need it, but the leather shows wear and age.

True story: only last week, a co-worker commented how he would not spend more than EUR 150 on a pair of shoes as he would fear he would not like them after a few years. A female colleague pointed at my shoes (a very, very worn pair of Derby´s in oxblood shell cordovan) and said, "But how would you think you would ever come to dislike shoes like this?".

I just take care of my stuff, always have since my first bicycle.
But in reality, before I found this board, the most expensive boots I had purchased were $150-$200 Italian mall varieties. So I’m still shocked when I buy a pair for $500
So it’s just hard to imagine beating the **** out of them. I can technically afford to do that with a pair once in a while but I wouldn’t or couldn’t treat them all like that. I picture myself in 10 years with dozens of boots that are not new, but in great condition. That’s kind of what I meant with a pair of Thursdays, just a pair I could do labor activities but there is no reason why I couldn’t do the same with those Vibergs I posted earlier, used they were about the same price anyways.

Smart woman noticing a nice pair of shell cordovan, now shell, that is a dress shoe that I love the aging on, when people develop the rolls, and the videos where they re-sole and renew them to nearly new condition. I’m always amazed to see what can be brought back to life.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Tricker's Bourtons again, very high quality for the money.

 

[JurassicUtility]

They look fantastic for 70 year old boots.

They really do! I'm betting the leather uppers are just fine, but guessing that the biggest problem area will be the rubber sole and heel. Might be looking for resole services if I really dig this pair.

 

[Liveinstyle33]

Grant Stone Ostrich in Tobacco color after about 40 miles of walking, give or take. These boots did not give me a single blister. They are superb with an excellent comfort to strength ratio. I am very happy with these.

 

[Damon141]

My first pair of Whites arrived today, excellent service from Mildblend out of Chicago.

I chose based on what was in stock and in my size. A pair of MP’s in Number 8 CXL with Danite sole.

First impression is they are built like tanks. They feel even heavier and more rugged than my Viberg which were quite a shock picking them up the first time.

Sizing seems consistent with the Viberg 2030 but that will be confirmed when I can actually wear them for an extended period of time. Maybe based on design but the toe box seems roomier. I read a lot before choosing my first heritage boots (the Vibergs) and many say not to judge the fit based on where your toes land but instead look for heel slippage and any width or arch problems. Even though the Viberg 2030 are an E width compared to the Whites D width, they feel the same right now.
Some like their boots really tight and form fitting, molded to their feet, and I wonder if I could have achieved an even better fit with a size 9 E instead of 9.5d. But I would have to custom order them which I might try one day.

Sole is the Danite, some like them and some don’t. They look great and seem to have a long wear life but they are slippery on many surfaces and if I had to choose my favorite sole based on my meager collection, I would give that title to Dr Sole which are installed on my Sagara boots. After that I really like the design of the ridgeway sole on my Vibergs but they are slippery on many surfaces also but to a lesser degree than Danite, but that is not a scientific comparison, just seems that way.
The Vibram wedge sole is a nice sole but changes the look considerably.

Design seems sophisticated but you can see Whites work boot roots through and through, feel it also with the construction. They have a nice sleek shape but seem to make my foot look bigger than my other boots, not a bad thing but look better probably with a wider hemmed jeans. Similar shaped to the Viberg 2030 but not quite as almond in the toe box. I took a photo of 4 pairs next to each other for reference. I really like the shape, equally to the Viberg and most surely better than the Junkard boots, the Sagara are lace to toe so a completely different animal, I like them due to them just being different abs standing out but they are not for everyone as my wife hates them, called them clown shoes. But Sagara makes a really nice boot and far better construction than the other Indonesian boots I have, Junkard. Obviously this can vary pair to pair but I have seen some photos of well worn Junkard and not all age well. Even in Shell Cordovan, unusual creasing everywhere but boot trees and boning the leather might help.

Construction quality, I wasn’t expecting these to look like dress shoes and have heard people complaining about Whites finishing but that didn’t influence my purchase because I just wanted a well made, long lasting boot. I really have confidence that these Whites will outlive anything I have, maybe even the Viberg. If you are looking for the most finely stitched boot then the Viberg or Sagara are slightly better in some areas and a lot better in other areas.
But it’s knew what to expect and I love the imperfect imperfections.
We have all seen pictures of White Cloud, Quan Shoemaker, and others on instagram that are so perfect that they compare to the finest dress shoes, these are not that lol but what I think I do have is a boot with history and construction and a reputation for durability.

I would buy a pair again just based on first impressions and really want to own a pair on the 55 Last, a Semi Dress or 350 Cruiser, Baker boots has those Baker/Whites Stitchdown Cruisers for those looking for more of the Viberg look with the double row stitch down sole.
So many great boots out there, and leather choices, especially from Viberg which seems to have some of the most unique options for leather varieties. Whites are simple in that aspect but I love both.

 

[Psant25]

@Damon141 those are some great boots. I had a couple pair MP boots. One pair with a cap toe I had to sell they pinched my foot right at the the start of the cap toe leather on the outside. Just a hair narrow. Length feel similar to my vibergs 2030 in the same size. Might try an E in the mp. Since getting some vibergs i really like that style and im pretty picky i do like the better stitching and a little more dressy and lighter weight. Thanks for sharing the pics and review

 

[Bfd70]

With my whites I went up 1/2 size in narrow toe model.

 

[Damon141]

@Damon141 those are some great boots. I had a couple pair MP boots. One pair with a cap toe I had to sell they pinched my foot right at the the start of the cap toe leather on the outside. Just a hair narrow. Length feel similar to my vibergs 2030 in the same size. Might try an E in the mp. Since getting some vibergs i really like that style and im pretty picky i do like the better stitching and a little more dressy and lighter weight. Thanks for sharing the pics and review

If I do a custom order I would pick an E width but before getting another MP there are so many others to try so I might not know what an E on the MP feels like for a long while.
But I would like to own a SemiDress, 350 Cruiser or the Baker stitch down cruiser, which from a few pictures in the Navy Blue on Bakers website, they look really neatly put together and much closer to Viberg finishing.
I do get what you mean about Viberg finishing, they are finished very well, combined with the rotation of very interesting leather and soles and designs, they are much more classy in general. I’ll be first in line when the sample sale comes around

With my whites I went up 1/2 size in narrow toe model.

Do you mean 1/2 size down from your Viberg size? Brannock? Or general boot size?

Baker did tell me based on my info that I was probably 9 in the MP and 9.5 in the 55 last. I just didn’t want them to be too small and have to mail an exchange. Slightly too long I can deal with. But they feel pretty good walking around the house.

 

[Bfd70]

9 in my semi dress
9.5 in my stevens dress
9 in rw ir
9.5 in rw moc toe
9.5 in lofgren engineer
10.5 C brannock
never owned viberg

 

[Liveinstyle33]

Crown Northampton! My favorite sneaker in the world, made of high quality leather in a number of variations. I have 2 pair, one in calf skin, which are well used, and this one that just came in, made of black Horween buffalo hide. Not boots, but will work well enough with leather jackets. I don't want to wear boots every single day, and when I don't, this is what I likely have on my feet, unless I am exercising. I think they are stunning.

 

[Psant25]

Found ken on IG. Got my name on his list. Love this simple silhouette. Prlly going same specs as he used on these boots pictured
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkbcQfvvdN2/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY=

 

[JurassicUtility]

Wolverine Triple-Tanned Horsehide boots from the 50s. I have this pair on the way from ebay in size 8D. In their early years, Wolverine made work shoes from 'whole horserump', which includes the both the skin and shell layer. I'm not 100% sure this pair is horserump, but the pictures look promising, but I'm excited to see how well these have held up after inspecting them and giving a good cleaning.
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Ended up returning these, unfortunately. These were definitely closer to a 7D than an 8D - way too small. These were definitely horsehide, rather than hide with shell, but were clearly very high quality boots. Thick leather, fully lined, good build quality. Might be newer than 1950s, but finding info on how to date these is difficult.

 

[El Marro]

I just cleaned my thorogood 4364's, after about an hour on the peet boot dryer ( a must have in my opinion) they'll be ready for some Obenauf's then back on the peet for a few more hours and they'll be good to go.
View attachment 466050


If you don't own a peet boot dryer you should.
I swear my boots can stink like feet from a day of wear, and the next morning they just smell like leather.
It kills bacteria, gently warms / drys them, and I never have to suffer the dread of putting my feet in a cold boot a 1:30 AM.

If you care about your boots, a peet dryer is about the greatest thing since sliced bread.
View attachment 466051
They've been American made since the 1960's and are only $50 for the basic model.

I agree 100%. I discovered the Peet boot dryer 20 years ago during a wet winter working on the Sonoma coast and I have used them ever since Not only do they completely eliminate stinky work boots, the boots also last at least 2 to 3 times as long as they would otherwise. And yes, it is awesome to slip on a pair of warm, dry work boots before heading out on a cold day.

 

[Daniel Veit]

Up until now I have only worn Red Wing boots (except for some italien made dress boots I purchased while being in italy).
But reading through this thread I am getting intruiged by the Viberg Service Boot in the 2030 last (or the ones looking similar).
Now I am wondering which size I would need.
In the RW 8 last I am a perfect 9. 5 D (US).
Any suggestions?

By the way do you think 475 € would be a fair prize for a pair of barly used kudu leather ones?

 

[Blackadder]

Up until now I have only worn Red Wing boots (except for some italien made dress boots I purchased while being in italy).
But reading through this thread I am getting intruiged by the Viberg Service Boot in the 2030 last (or the ones looking similar).
Now I am wondering which size I would need.
In the RW 8 last I am a perfect 9. 5 D (US).
Any suggestions?

By the way do you think 475 € would be a fair prize for a pair of barly used kudu leather ones?

I think Viberg is in bewteen US and UK size.

 

[Spiney]

I think Viberg is in bewteen US and UK size.

I was told that it is same as UK sizing

 

[Tom71]

Up until now I have only worn Red Wing boots (except for some italien made dress boots I purchased while being in italy).
But reading through this thread I am getting intruiged by the Viberg Service Boot in the 2030 last (or the ones looking similar).
Now I am wondering which size I would need.
In the RW 8 last I am a perfect 9. 5 D (US).
Any suggestions?

By the way do you think 475 € would be a fair prize for a pair of barly used kudu leather ones?

I wear the same US size in both Viberg (2030) and Red Wing (Iron Ranger, Blacksmith or Beckman).

 

[Psant25]

Up until now I have only worn Red Wing boots (except for some italien made dress boots I purchased while being in italy).
But reading through this thread I am getting intruiged by the Viberg Service Boot in the 2030 last (or the ones looking similar).
Now I am wondering which size I would need.
In the RW 8 last I am a perfect 9. 5 D (US).
Any suggestions?

By the way do you think 475 € would be a fair prize for a pair of barly used kudu leather ones?

I wear a 10D red wing and 9.5 viberg. I think many size them the same. I could wear a 9.5 and 10 red wing and 9-9.5 viberg. I like a little room after the footbed settles so i get them a tad long upfront. Remember 1/2 size is only about 1/6 of an inch.

 

[Damon141]

I agree 100%. I discovered the Peet boot dryer 20 years ago during a wet winter working on the Sonoma coast and I have used them ever since Not only do they completely eliminate stinky work boots, the boots also last at least 2 to 3 times as long as they would otherwise. And yes, it is awesome to slip on a pair of warm, dry work boots before heading out on a cold day.

I will look into this to see if it would be good in my Florida tropical climate. We have very few cool days and I like wearing boots even in summer but even at night it’s in the 80’s so moisture is a problem.
It’s either wear boots in the heat or not at all and I’ve really come to love the look of heritage boots.