Question about boots with a “cut / underslung heel” – everyday wear?

[Rick Dalton]

Hi everyone,


I’m fairly new to heritage boots and I have a question I hope some of you more experienced members can help with.


I recently came across the Red Wing Heritage x Indigofera Climber Boot, and what really caught my attention is the heel shape — it’s not a straight, block heel, but more of a cut / underslung heel, similar to what you see on some logger or lineman-style boots.

I’m not from the US, so I don’t have much cultural context for this kind of footwear. My question is:
Is this type of heel considered a “normal” or traditional style that can be worn casually on a daily basis?


I’m trying to understand whether boots with this kind of heel are something people actually wear day-to-day (with jeans, casual outfits), or if they tend to look too “work-specific” or unusual outside of that context (especially in UE).

Also, is this particular model a good buy, or is it too high of a shaft and heel to be comfortable for everyday wear?

Since I’m just getting into heritage boots, I’d really appreciate any insight — especially from those who have worn logger, lineman, or similar boots long-term.


Thanks in advance,

 

[Edward]

Found this side-profile shot online (not my boots). It doesn't seem to me to be an uncommon shape in US workboots. In terms of practicality, You won't even notice the difference in walking on it - it's not remotely close to a Cuban heel shape, or a dramatically sloped heel on a cowboy boot.

Visually, other folks will notice it even less.

 

[krebsy]

I wear boots with heels like this or with a stronger taper for (non-office) work and casually all the time. I find them perfectly comfortable.

 

[Rick Dalton]

View attachment 760605

Found this side-profile shot online (not my boots). It doesn't seem to me to be an uncommon shape in US workboots. In terms of practicality, You won't even notice the difference in walking on it - it's not remotely close to a Cuban heel shape, or a dramatically sloped heel on a cowboy boot.

Visually, other folks will notice it even less.

That picture looks great! however I’ve seen this

reviewand I think heels get narrower towards the ground, and the reviewer even said it’s not a comfortable boot . I have quite wide feet, and the pair I’m looking at is a D width, so I’m not sure whether I should buy it. Do you guys have any tips on how to assess whether it will fit?
Perhaps ask for some dimensions? I noticed there probably isn’t a removable sole, so it might be hard to measure it that way.
For comparison: I can comfortably wear Converse Chuck 70s in normal width, but I need to go half a size up.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Unless you can try these boots on in person, I would not buy them - even if they say you can get your money back. Unless they are dirt cheap, then maybe I would gamble, but probably not.

These kind of boots don't have any give. They are NOTHING like a pair of Chucks. Too big or too small really makes a huge difference. They need to be just right.

Also, if you have never worn a pair of heels like this, I would buy a cheap, used pair of stack-heeled boots first and try them. Some ankles and legs just aren't made for it. And even if they are, you really don't know if you will like the feeling of them or the look (or the attention they will bring you).

Don't waste your money - find out first with something cheap or go somewhere where you can try these on.

Just my $.02.

 

[Bfd70]

There definitely is not a removable footbed.
i think you would be happier starting off in an overall shorter boot closer to 6”.
No heel specific opinion

 

[Rick Dalton]

Unless you can try these boots on in person, I would not buy them - even if they say you can get your money back. Unless they are dirt cheap, then maybe I would gamble, but probably not.

These kind of boots don't have any give. They are NOTHING like a pair of Chucks. Too big or too small really makes a huge difference. They need to be just right.

Also, if you have never worn a pair of heels like this, I would buy a cheap, used pair of stack-heeled boots first and try them. Some ankles and legs just aren't made for it. And even if they are, you really don't know if you will like the feeling of them or the look (or the attention they will bring you).

Don't waste your money - find out first with something cheap or go somewhere where you can try these on.

Just my $.02.

This is good advice — thank you. For the same reason, I’ve never pulled the trigger on cowboy boots. I love the quality, craftsmanship, and looks of both "heritage" and cowboy boots, but the practicality… I guess I’ll stick to my Keens and Clarks, as I’ve done for many years now

 

[Jon Crow]

Unless you can try these boots on in person, I would not buy them - even if they say you can get your money back. Unless they are dirt cheap, then maybe I would gamble, but probably not.

These kind of boots don't have any give. They are NOTHING like a pair of Chucks. Too big or too small really makes a huge difference. They need to be just right.

Also, if you have never worn a pair of heels like this, I would buy a cheap, used pair of stack-heeled boots first and try them. Some ankles and legs just aren't made for it. And even if they are, you really don't know if you will like the feeling of them or the look (or the attention they will bring you).

Don't waste your money - find out first with something cheap or go somewhere where you can try these on.

Just my $.02.

Aye not like in the 70s with Cuban heels boots haha I wore cowboy boots with jeans when I was young, clopping around in those heels are not for everyone, my vintage Chelsea boots have a bit of a leather stacked heel but I like them

 

[Jon Crow]

This is good advice — thank you. For the same reason, I’ve never pulled the trigger on cowboy boots. I love the quality, craftsmanship, and looks of both "heritage" and cowboy boots, but the practicality… I guess I’ll stick to my Keens and Clarks, as I’ve done for many years now

My wife sometimes moaned about me clopping around on our wooden floors in my vintage stacked heel Chelsea's, in the street you can hear me coming they are quality like you say but not always practical, I've been on my azz a few times with a bit of water or ice