yes, more pictures! No idea how all those american and australian brands look like.
Besides scrubbing with saddle soap and brown polish, I haven’t use anything else. Maybe that is the problem! I have some 303 waterproofing I use on my hot tub vinyl and pop-up shade/rain tent. I never thought to use it on boots (leather) so maybe that would be good to try???
I always wanted a set of Irish Setters in the past, but heard they were a hard to break-in boot. The Ariats fit well from the get go, but the uppers really crapped out fast. If I thought I could use something high-tech to revive them, I’d try it. But with cracks in the leather uppers that polish isn’t filling, I’m thinking about starting over after this years hunting is finished (two weeks of Canadian goose to go).
I suspect the waterproofing on many boots (and leather in general) made today is a one shot deal if using silicone at manufacturing. And the lack of “breathability” (sweating feet) in boots is the result. I would prefer to get boots that don’t have silicone added, but need some maintenance. I think I will call my old guide up north and ask him again… and start with a better boot up front this next time.
Depends on what I’m doing.
Timberland pit boss for most work.
Ecco receptors or Merrell moabs for hiking.
Bogs or an LL Bean pac boot for cold weather work.
I still have a nice pair of Stewart cowboy boots that I bought in ’86 or so; sadly, my feet have grown. I’m hoping to pass them on to my son one day.
since Keens and pictures were brought up:
and…they are discounted now = $90.
About 5 years ago I developed arch pain in one foot, and I tried about 7 or 8 different kinds of insoles. “Sole” brand inserts are the only brand that helped, and they fixed my problem. They can be heated in the oven for a couple of minutes, then put them in the footwear and stand on them; the arch sort of custom-molds to the wearer’s feet. I wear them in practically ever pair of shoes and boots. They have cork and EVA; I stick with the EVA and recommend them wholeheartedly.
Danner 200 gram insulated Ft. Lewis boots for the last 27 years. Traffic on hot asphalt, no problem. Winter hiking, no problem. I get a new pair every 4 to 5 or so years.
I wear CAT Diagnostics
For winter hiking with my dog I wear Oboz Bridger 8” insulated boots. They’re waterproof and keep my feet nice and toasty, and they have a clip for gaiters when the snow is deep. Also nice and supportive, though they could use a bit more traction on ice.
For regular boots I have a pair of the old Chippewa Katahdins from LL Bean before they moved production to Vietnam. I plan to keep them a good long time and have them resoled when necessary. It was one of the only boots I could find in half and wide sizes at my shoe size, so the fit is exceptionally good as far as my shoes go.
Danner everyday for the last 15 years. None of the rebuildable ones. Mostly pronghorns for the last 10 years.
My Stockmans
My Wolverine Loggers
My Thorogoods - Don’t look like this now- steel toe lasted three years - Nice boots but more expensive now
Time for something different. Trying ths Jim Greens
Found a neat youtube chanel Roseanvil he vuts boots in half and reviews them
also looking for a second pair of boots and thinking about some of these Jim Green Razor Backs - thinking I might want a second pair with more cushioning. Though having plantar fascisitis before a good solid boot seems help me keep that from happening. Might try some of the insoles you guys mentioned
Nick’s, I used to wear Whites, but the quality has gone down. Expensive but worth every penny, made in Spokane, Washington
Justins, been wearing them for over 15 years now on the farm. Clean them good about once a month and mink oil them to make them waterproof.
A pair of these
And a pair of these
https://www.justinboots.com/en-US/Product/Details?stylenumber=WK4666
I rotate them out every few days to let them air out. More often if it’s raining, summer, or I’m just really working. I get about 3-4 years on a pair before I replace them. Local stores here normally have a sale on them every few times a year and I’ll buy a pair to hold on as back up when one of my other pairs start to wear out. Wish there was somebody local to have them resoled but it would most likely cost more a new pair. A lot of times by the time the cattle and my shop work gets the better of the toes and the steel starts showing.
Interesting youtube channel.
You guys have a lot of choice for nice, domestically made, boots. Wish it was the same here.
I have over 20 pairs of exotic cowboy boots. J toe riding heel.
Lucchese, Tony Lama, Justin.
None right now. I have some Merrell moabs but they broke down to the point they don’t fit. To be fair they survived a few caving trips. I’d love to find some good rubber boots.