TartuWolf
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,540
- Location
- Tartu, Estonia
Hey folks,
First, a teaser! These beauties for <200eu new:
I have finally managed to put in the work and finish my overview of Sendra boots.
Sendra Boots - Brand overview and review of 5 different models
At some point I found Dundas in Norway, awesome but quite pricy for a beginner.
Some brands in Portugal that I didn't care much for after checking their products. The Walkest Gago was one contender. URBAN SHEPHERD BOOTS are also interesting..
Several obscure brands in Germany, but nothing interesting.
But then I stumbled upon Sendra boots.
Big NOTE here! A lot of what I say can be applied to Sancho boots as well I think, to me these companies seem absurdly similar with extremely similar models and pricing. But I have no direct experience with Sancho boots.
First issue is that on some boots you will get 4 sizes written down - a "Spain" size, a "EU" size, "UK" size and a "US" size. For example 41, 42, 8, 8.5. In some cases only 3 sizes, still mentioned which is which. But in a lot of cases there is only one size, for example 41. And you can only guess whether it refers to the "Spain" size or the "EU" size.
Second issue, which is more common among brands I guess, is that the same size in different models fits very differently. This is partly due to the last used. But also because Sendra boots are explicitly unisex. From available sizing you can still still tell which models are more male which are more female. For example if the sizes start from 38 or 40, then you can tell that it's more of a male boot labeled "unisex" for show. But if they start at 34 and end around 42 then it's rather a female boot labeled "unisex" for show. 41 in the earlier category fits very different than 41 in the latter. So this push towards "unisex" is very unhelpful.
One pair of 41 engineers fits me perfectly, another pair of 41 engineers were ridiculously too small.
Be very careful with the sizing when buying Sendra. As always, best if you can try in person.
The naming is also rather confusing. For example "Mighty Mad Dog Tang Lavado". Here part of the name refers to the leather, part of it to the last and part of it to who knows what. No such clarity as with, for example, Red Wing where you have "Iron Ranger", "Blacksmith", "Beckman" and you know exactly what you're getting.
Personally the main places where I hunt for boots are ebay-kleinanzeigen and Vinted.
Vinted is better for Sendra boots.
I'll use Red Wing for comparison. VERY rough numbers, but you get the idea. Searching "Red Wing" vs "Sendra" listings in the footwear categories:
ebay-kleinanzeigen - Sendra ~350, Red Wing ~700
Vinted (here I will break it up a bit):
Sendra:
Women's - 125 pages x 24 listings per page = ~3000 listings
Men's - 48 pages * 24 listings per page = ~1150 listings
Red Wing:
Women's - 16 pages * 24 listings per page = ~350
Men's - 27 pages * 24 listings per page = ~650
I would like to say that these numbers are a decent example, but given how many a**holes tag their Nike/Adidas/Vans with "#RedWing" to get more views and fk up the search results - take it with a grain of salt.
But you get the point, at least in the market that is reached by Vinted - used Sendra boots are abundant in various models and sizes.
Lots of different styles and models. I'd say they mainly specialize in cowboy boots and harness boots. But they have quite a few engineer boots, service boots and zip-up boots and quite a lot of unique styles.
Review continued in next post.
First, a teaser! These beauties for <200eu new:
I have finally managed to put in the work and finish my overview of Sendra boots.
Sendra Boots - Brand overview and review of 5 different models
TLDR
Spanish GYW boot/shoe brand. Great value for money. ~200eu new, ~100eu used. Large used market. Very large selection of models and different unbranded leathers. Can go custom as well. Would especially recommend their engineer boots. Sizing and model naming/numbering is a huge pain in the ass. Customer support is very minimal. I would say that Sendra boots are the perfect way to get into GYW boots in EU. Especially if you buy used.Brand
In this section I will try to give you a general idea about the brand, what it has to offer and how did I find it.How I found Sendra
Around 2019 I started getting into GYW boots, with the "heritage" types especially sparking my interest. From reading online and watching various Youtube videos I got to know a lot of great American made brands. Some boutique Japanese ones as well. Did some research into Indonesian boot makers (ordered one pair but never received it and lost my money, ouch!). But didn't hear too much about anything EU made. Shoes (especially dress shoes) - sure. But not boots, at least not the kind that I was interested in.At some point I found Dundas in Norway, awesome but quite pricy for a beginner.
Some brands in Portugal that I didn't care much for after checking their products. The Walkest Gago was one contender. URBAN SHEPHERD BOOTS are also interesting..
Several obscure brands in Germany, but nothing interesting.
But then I stumbled upon Sendra boots.
Big NOTE here! A lot of what I say can be applied to Sancho boots as well I think, to me these companies seem absurdly similar with extremely similar models and pricing. But I have no direct experience with Sancho boots.
Sizing
This is where my main warning comes - Sendra sizing horribly inconsistent.First issue is that on some boots you will get 4 sizes written down - a "Spain" size, a "EU" size, "UK" size and a "US" size. For example 41, 42, 8, 8.5. In some cases only 3 sizes, still mentioned which is which. But in a lot of cases there is only one size, for example 41. And you can only guess whether it refers to the "Spain" size or the "EU" size.
Second issue, which is more common among brands I guess, is that the same size in different models fits very differently. This is partly due to the last used. But also because Sendra boots are explicitly unisex. From available sizing you can still still tell which models are more male which are more female. For example if the sizes start from 38 or 40, then you can tell that it's more of a male boot labeled "unisex" for show. But if they start at 34 and end around 42 then it's rather a female boot labeled "unisex" for show. 41 in the earlier category fits very different than 41 in the latter. So this push towards "unisex" is very unhelpful.
One pair of 41 engineers fits me perfectly, another pair of 41 engineers were ridiculously too small.
Be very careful with the sizing when buying Sendra. As always, best if you can try in person.
Model numbers and names
This is also a negative/confusing aspect from my perspective. Main issue is that sometimes the model number is a 4 digit one and sometimes a 5 digit one. But on the boots it seems like always only 4 digits are marked. Even if it is a 5 digit model! For example on one of my boots you can read out 3416, but online there is no such model. You have to know that you have to add a "1" to the beginning of that and only then you will find the actual 13416 model.The naming is also rather confusing. For example "Mighty Mad Dog Tang Lavado". Here part of the name refers to the leather, part of it to the last and part of it to who knows what. No such clarity as with, for example, Red Wing where you have "Iron Ranger", "Blacksmith", "Beckman" and you know exactly what you're getting.
Customer support
Basically non existent apart from info about orders, shipping, returns, etc.. If you ask them anything the lasts or the leather - they have no answer or no idea. At least that has been my experience. Will not really get any help regarding the sizing from them.Pricing
Basically everything is around the 180-250eu price mark. Which to me sits comfortably in the "budget" category - I would not really expect a decent boot to cost less than that. But the main selling point for Sendra boots for me is the used marked. Can get a decent used pair for 50-150eu. All of the used ones that I bought were 50-80eu.Availability used
Here is the most important message of this whole post. Sendra boots have a large supply and a relatively low demand in the used boots Market. Which means you can snag an amazing pair in great condition for 50-100eu easy.Personally the main places where I hunt for boots are ebay-kleinanzeigen and Vinted.
Vinted is better for Sendra boots.
I'll use Red Wing for comparison. VERY rough numbers, but you get the idea. Searching "Red Wing" vs "Sendra" listings in the footwear categories:
ebay-kleinanzeigen - Sendra ~350, Red Wing ~700
Vinted (here I will break it up a bit):
Sendra:
Women's - 125 pages x 24 listings per page = ~3000 listings
Men's - 48 pages * 24 listings per page = ~1150 listings
Red Wing:
Women's - 16 pages * 24 listings per page = ~350
Men's - 27 pages * 24 listings per page = ~650
I would like to say that these numbers are a decent example, but given how many a**holes tag their Nike/Adidas/Vans with "#RedWing" to get more views and fk up the search results - take it with a grain of salt.
But you get the point, at least in the market that is reached by Vinted - used Sendra boots are abundant in various models and sizes.
Quality
Very Decent. Not amazing. I'd say above the price point in many cases.Variety
This is where the bread and butter of Sendra is from my perspective.Lots of different styles and models. I'd say they mainly specialize in cowboy boots and harness boots. But they have quite a few engineer boots, service boots and zip-up boots and quite a lot of unique styles.
Leather options
A lot of different options. I really like their "crazy horse" style leather with lots of pull up. Nice and waxy. All of their leather is from unknown tanneries, unclear whether it is combination or chrome tanned. Probably local Spanish leather. Some if it is very nice from my perspective.Comfort
In my experience all models have had very comfortable foot beds, soft to stand and walk on. That does mean shorter longevity as it's not a slab of veg tan leather. But very comfortable nevertheless. Most are lined as well.Custom
You can actually go custom with them! I have asked directly and got quoted ~250eu for a pair of custom boots. I guess you pick from their existing models, lasts ,soles , leathers, etc.. Not sure to what extent you can customize, but it is an option.Review continued in next post.
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