Walking boots -- not entirely unrelated to cycling

[Patrick Moore]

I am thinking of replacing my walking shoes, a worthy but unexceptional pair from an REI parking lot sale a few years ago.

I'd like to find something that supports the ankles, has Vibram soles, is not excessively heavy, and that has replaceable -- Goodyear welt? -- soles. Laces only, in case walking shoes have been loaded with bike-shoe-type "technology."

Bonus points if they are brown or black leather that can be wax-polished to restore looks.

Ideas?

Redwing has some likely-looking models, but I know next to nothing about walking boots.

Suggestions?

Thanks, Patrick

--

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Patrick Moore]

Oh, no lining or, if lined, leather lining -- no cloth, please.

[Garth]

Here's a host of classic leather hiking boots, sift  through them as you will !

https://hiconsumption.com/best-vintage-hiking-boots/

https://runrepeat.com/ranking/rankings-of-leather-hiking-boots

https://runrepeat.com/ranking/rankings-of-vintage-hiking-boots

[John G.]

I love my Iron Rangers—incredibly comfortable after break-in. Be sure to size down.

[Drw]

Danner light ii doesn’t fulfill many of your requirements but they are the best boot I’ve ever worn. Most comfortable, longest lasting, insanely durable. I’ve worn them on wild hikes, but more often they are shoes I take traveling. I’ve had mine for 10 years and they will easily go another 10.

https://www.danner.com/danner-light-ii-6-brown.html

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks; the suggestions are certainly worth investigating; I do like what I see about the Danner Light.

I'd be grateful for others' recommendations based on their use and personal satisfaction.

On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 3:37 PM Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Ray Varella]

Due to my feet being unequal enough in size, started buying Russell Moccasins many years ago.
Due to the way they are made, the are supremely comfortable for me.
This includes many years of working 12-14 hour days on my feet the whole time.

Check out their site, they make many styles with many leather and sole options.

Ray

[Mike Blackwell]

I highly recommend Limmer Boots, especially the Ultra-Light model.

Limmer is the Rivendell of the boot world (or, given their heritage, perhaps Riv is the Limmer of the bike world might be more accurate!).

http://www.limmerboot.com/

[Will Ashe]

I really like my Blundstones for riding. They’re the basic 500 model. They’re lightweight and comfortable, though they can’t be resoled and the leather gets beat up and they don’t take a shine well. They’re also weather resistant.

[Will Ashe]

I’ve also heard good things about the similar Rossi brand, which is made in Australia and assumably of better quality than Blundstones.

[Clayton.sf]

Personally I like Redbacks over either rossi or blunnies (had them all). I got 10 years of use out of a slip on redback boot. Would have lasted longer if it wasn't for a salt water bath. They also make lace up versions. Fantastic boots, but very different from the original requirements of the OP.

Clayton Scott

HBG, CA

[Patrick Moore]

More suggestions! Thank you.

My use will be quite light; no long-distance walking on very rough terrain with heavy backpack; just =/< 5 mile hikes unencumbered on groomed trails, though perhaps sandy.

I gather that some of these will be overkill, and that I ought to limit myself to the "light" models? Comments welcome.

I would prefer to pay $400 and get something to last out my last 25 years or so (I turn 65 shortly). And I like polishing and greasing leather.

[Deacon Patrick]

Hike barefoot for a month. Then you'll know if:

- you need ankle support

- you need beefy souls

- you need shoes at all

I prefer barefoot, but given the sharp (pun intended) increase in drug paraphanilia since legalized marijuana in these parts, I also like to have extra protection. VivoBarefoot has a lot of good options, and if you need grippier tread without increasing beefiness, XeroShoes. Their sandals are brilliant. RE ankle support: when I hiked with custom alpine boots, I rolled my ankle several times a year. When I went barefoot/minimalist, my ankles strengthened and I've never twisted one since, over a decade later, and that includes trail running.

https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us

https://xeroshoes.com/

With abandon,

Patrick

[Eric Myers]

I second all of Deacon Patrick's recommendations.  

Regarding ankle support, in my experience this is a misnomer.  Boots that cover your ankle provide *protection* (from rocks, brush, water, cold, etc) but not *support*, there just isn't enough rigidity for that.  In a similar vein, soft insoles do not provide arch support (if you need arch support, you need a hard orthotic), but they can help keep your shoe in place on your foot, a need which doesn't really exist with thin soles.

If you like going barefoot anywhere - the beach, the house, wherever - then with "barefoot shoes" you can enjoy that pretty much anywhere.

Also, since you brought up resoling, I don't know of any barefoot shoes that are designed to be resoled, but my VivoBarefoots have (for the most part) lasted way longer than any non-barefoot shoes I've ever had.

-Eric

[Garth]

Patrick Moore is asking about a certain style/type of boots... and guess what ..... he'll be walking BAREFOOT in/on his boots, like we all all-ways are barefoot regardless what we walk on or how.

[Patrick Moore]

Again, thanks for all the suggestions.

Does anyone know anything about Redwing boots? I ask because someone suggested them, tho' not from first hand experience -- he'd heard good things of them; and, second, important, Redwing has a store in town. I'd much rather try before I buy than try to fit by mail.

On Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 3:37 PM Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

[ascpgh]

I seem to find better fit from lasts used by the Italian makers. I've used La Sportiva shoes in the workplace where I'm on my feet 12-14 hours a day for many years. TX-2 (on my feet this moment) , TX-3, Bushido, Wildcat. I guess this is predictable from my preference of Sidi cycling shoes' fit.

Here's some websites for Italian makers:

Scarpa:https://www.scarpa.com/

Alico: http://www.alicosport.it/index.htm

Garmont: https://www.garmontnorthamerica.com/

LaSportiva: https://www.sportiva.com/

Lowa: https://www.lowaboots.com/

USA made:

Red Wing: http://www.redwingshoes.com/

Chippewa: https://www.chippewaboots.com/

Mark Albert Boots: https://markalbertboots.com/ 

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[John G.]

I own two sets of Red Wings: Iron Rangers and Weekender Chukkas. I’m a huge fan of both. Be sure to follow their sizing guidelines. I’m normally wear a 12.5 or 13, but I’m a size 11.5 when it comes to Red Wings. They’ll feel too tight at first, but they’ll break in soon. The Chukkas in particular really stretched out. I walk a lot—10k steps on a light day. Both boots are supremely comfortable, great for long days on your feet.

[Ray Varella]

Redwing used to do a really good job of training their “fitters”
Go in for a fitting and then try on the models that are made on the lasts that best fit your foot.

They do have some of their shoes and boots made overseas.
The U.S. made boots I bought over the years wore very well.


Ray.

[Drw]

Redwings are great. I’ve had many pairs. That said, if walking or hiking is your purpose, I’d look elsewhere. Redwings are all basically In the workwear category. Definitely capable of a lot, but not specialized for walking or hiking.

[John G.]

I’m interested to better understand how you think Red Wings fall short in the walking shoe category. I wouldn’t hike in them, but I do enjoy walking all day in mine. Not disagreeing, just wondering if there’s a better option I’m missing. I might be taking a look at Russell Moccasins, as my feet are different sizes.

[Drw]

I guess mostly In the outsole material and the lack of any sort of insole. I’m sure anyone could do almost whatever they need to in redwings...They are super solid boots.

That said there are other great boots made more specifically for walking and hiking. I have 3 pairs of redwings, but If I had to go on a hike, I’d take hiking boots. If I had to go on a long walk, Id take something something different.

[Patrick Moore]

This conversation has made it clear that I know very little about what makes a good boot, a good work boot, or a good hiking or walking boot. To ask one more question: Can anyone recommend a site, preferably not a mfr's site, that analyzes the qualities of a good walking boot or shoe -- a sort of "Hiking Boots for Dummies"?

As to barefoot: sorry, not for me, but as Garth wisely said, I walk barefoot in my socks and boots. But I recall reading, long ago, a lengthy feature by a US journalist "embedding" (what a weird term!) with the mujehaddin fighting the Reds in Afghanistan. This man, a youthful 30 or 40 something, ran 10 miles a day at home, but found it difficult to keep up with Afghan peasants walking for 8 or 12 hours straight over steep, rocky, ungroomed mountain paths in sandals home-made from old tire scraps. In particular, I recall the anecdote about a middle aged peasant who'd walked a round-trip total of 48 or 72 hours in tire sandals just so he could bring home 200 grams of cheap tea and 500 grams of coarse sugar. And when people hear that I ride 7 or 8 miles to church in damp weather (as this morning), they are impressed. We are indeed a perverse and effete generation. (Except for The Deacon.)

On Sat, Feb 22, 2020 at 10:31 PM Drw <drewbe...@gmail.com> wrote:

I guess mostly In the outsole material and the lack of any sort of insole. I’m sure anyone could do almost whatever they need to in redwings...They are super solid boots.

That said there are other great boots made more specifically for walking and hiking. I have 3 pairs of redwings, but If I had to go on a hike, I’d take hiking boots. If I had to go on a long walk, Id take something something different.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/f84351c3-5d44-46de-bf11-d6248eaa9218%40googlegroups.com.

[Patrick Moore]

Ken: Please tell us about longer-term walking comfort. I'm tempted by Redwing because they are -- as far as I can tell -- made at least in part in the US, and because they have a long US history, and because at least for work boots they have good reviews. Oh, and because many of their models allow one to anoint and polish them.

On Sun, Feb 23, 2020 at 6:10 PM KenP <krpey...@gmail.com> wrote:

My dad bought several Redwings many years ago, and they lasted his whole life; so, I recently ordered a pair with my fingers crossed about the fit.  I got lucky that way because they fit--I wear an 8 1/2 wide. They're the Oxford style. They are sturdy and heavy, and will probably last until I'm 90.

On Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 5:26:39 PM UTC-5, Patrick Moore wrote:

This conversation has made it clear that I know very little about what makes a good boot, a good work boot, or a good hiking or walking boot. To ask one more question: Can anyone recommend a site, preferably not a mfr's site, that analyzes the qualities of a good walking boot or shoe -- a sort of "Hiking Boots for Dummies"?

As to barefoot: sorry, not for me, but as Garth wisely said, I walk barefoot in my socks and boots. But I recall reading, long ago, a lengthy feature by a US journalist "embedding" (what a weird term!) with the mujehaddin fighting the Reds in Afghanistan. This man, a youthful 30 or 40 something, ran 10 miles a day at home, but found it difficult to keep up with Afghan peasants walking for 8 or 12 hours straight over steep, rocky, ungroomed mountain paths in sandals home-made from old tire scraps. In particular, I recall the anecdote about a middle aged peasant who'd walked a round-trip total of 48 or 72 hours in tire sandals just so he could bring home 200 grams of cheap tea and 500 grams of coarse sugar. And when people hear that I ride 7 or 8 miles to church in damp weather (as this morning), they are impressed. We are indeed a perverse and effete generation. (Except for The Deacon.)

On Sat, Feb 22, 2020 at 10:31 PM Drw <drewbe...@gmail.com> wrote:

I guess mostly In the outsole material and the lack of any sort of insole. I’m sure anyone could do almost whatever they need to in redwings...They are super solid boots.

That said there are other great boots made more specifically for walking and hiking. I have 3 pairs of redwings, but If I had to go on a hike, I’d take hiking boots. If I had to go on a long walk, Id take something something different.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/f84351c3-5d44-46de-bf11-d6248eaa9218%40googlegroups.com.

--

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/34fdab4e-bed0-43a8-9526-15caec0751b8%40googlegroups.com.

[Clayton.sf]

Redwing is an overpriced hipster boot with an amazing history these days. Beckhams and Iron Rangers are perfect for the lumbersexual look and a 10 minute, dry weather walk to the next artisanal coffee roastery ;-). Very pretty, but for actual boot use you can do better with spending less. For any real hiking I wear low top trail runners and redbacks for anything that needs more debris blocking and a tad more protection.

Clayton Scott
HBG. CA

[jack loudon]

Patrick, a site I trust is switchbacktravel.com. They review all kinds of hiking gear, and I’ve bought boots, backpacks, and rain gear largely on their recommendation. On light hikers, I currently have two they recommended, Merrell Moab and Altra Lone Peak, both great shoes IMO for different purposes. They are modern non-leather construction so maybe not for you. I fully agree with others that ankle support isn’t normally needed and may be a hindrance. I would add that the ubiquitous Gore-Tex linings have their place but I don’t care for them as they aren’t effective for very long (maybe a year of steady use) but will make your feet sweat as long as you own them. I live in a rainy climate but vastly prefer ventilated boots for much of my hiking.

Jack - Seattle

[Michael Baquerizo]

i'd second (or third?) most things from danner. I have spent a good amount of time on my feet - both standing around for prolonged periods of time and walking around a bunch, and not many shoes can handle that for me. danner light 2 as well as a model called patrol. both are structurally the same and i couldnt live without a pair. the goretex helps a bunch too, and doesnt really cause too sweaty a boot the way a goretex jacket would.

On Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 5:37:39 PM UTC-5, Patrick Moore wrote:

I am thinking of replacing my walking shoes, a worthy but unexceptional pair from an REI parking lot sale a few years ago.

I'd like to find something that supports the ankles, has Vibram soles, is not excessively heavy, and that has replaceable -- Goodyear welt? -- soles. Laces only, in case walking shoes have been loaded with bike-shoe-type "technology."

Bonus points if they are brown or black leather that can be wax-polished to restore looks.

Ideas?

Redwing has some likely-looking models, but I know next to nothing about walking boots.

Suggestions?

Thanks, Patrick

[Buck Flagg]

Redwing is a venerable company. Forty-odd years ago I owned a succession of compact and lineman work boots and they were fantastically comfortable and long-lasting. I stayed with them as my daily work shoe for the better part of a decade before pivoting to running shoes for work (I'm a stagehand). Lately, they seemed to have become hip with the coming generation and, when I looked, their pricing structure seemed more appropriate to couture than work wear.

[Robert Tilley]

+1 on the Merrell Moab's. I have a pair that I really like. They have synthetic uppers but are very light, comfortable and have decent grip when hiking.

Robert Tilley
San Diego, CA

Sent from my BlackBerry - the most secure mobile device

  Original Message  

Jack - Seattle

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d6ea6013-af0b-41e1-926d-407172afc82d%40googlegroups.com.

[lconley]

Does anyone know of any hiking - walking boots in EEEE width (size 9 to 10 depending)? I spent a couple of hours in the downtown Seattle REI a few years ago when I was working out there, looking for boots and came away empty handed (empty-footed?) There is also a chain of stores for wide feet in the Seattle area for wide feet and they didn't have anything either.  I have tried a couple of the websites reference here and they don't have wides of any sort.

Laing

wide feet in Florida 

[Kiley Demond]

Shoes? Did someone say shoes? I am a wee bit of an expert in beautiful not-made-in-China boots. In addition to Redwing, check out Wolverine. Also a Michigan company (duh) making beautiful boots in the USA. I have one pair of Redwing work boots purchased on eBay, and two pairs of Wolverine 1000 Mile boots from a Wolverine sale and Poshmark, so good deals on all. I added Vibram soles on one pair so I wouldn’t have a slip&fall adventure. Both companies make every-person work shoes and ‘hipster’ boots. Rancourt has a breathtaking line of handmade shoes and boots with prices to match. Most of the made-in-USA shoes tend to run a little bit narrow, like those made in Europe. If you are looking for other possibilities and your foot runs narrow look at European brands like Solomon and Scarpa at REI. If you want your head to explode look at Nordstrom‘s website and filter through the many options of beautiful boots; go to Nordstrom’s Rack for a brick & mortar experience and lower prices. Catch a sale for a deal. Boots made in China, etc by American manufacturers (Rockport, Columbia, Dunham, Merrill) tend to run wider (if you want to know the whole sociological reasons for that, ping me offline :-)).

BTW, be glad you are a man; women's shoes positively suck by comparison.

[Garth]

Laing, Dunham has always made 2-6E shoes and boots. They are available from themselves and retailers that specialize in footwear like shoes.com .

https://www.rockport.com/dunham/extended-sizes-x-wides-4e

https://www.shoes.com/size-10-extra-wide-mens-athletic.htm

[jinxed]

Figured I'd chime in being a boot wearer.

Despite the aforementioned "hipster lumbersexual" connotations, I think you can get one hell of a good boot from them that is honestly still a fair deal. Yes they have "boutique" and limited run models that command silly prices (wait...is this the Rivendell forum...) but if you stick to the basic line you can get a US made boot that can easily last 25 years with resoles for @ 200-300 depending on style. As with every RW boot I've had, sizing and break in are key. They all seem to fit a bit different. I wear from 8-9.5 depending on style. And yes, they do seem good at fitting at a RW store. Here are my impressions and advice on a couple styles.

Moc toe boots. Started with a pair of Irish Setter moc-toes back in the 80's when I worked for the family firewood/tree service. Wore them for years, in every condition Colorado could throw at them, never took ANY care of them, and would still be wearing them had they not been stolen. Now I have essentially the same boot, but in a 6" high version. Classic moc 875. Fine for walking, but maybe overkill. However, I can and often do spend all day in them. Hiking (though poor traction), mechanic on foot all day, on a motorbike across the country, a summer of carpet installing, and, gasp, even to the coffee shop. I have even ridden the bike with them, but they are heavy and clunky. As with every RW boot I've had, sizing and break in are key. They all seem to fit a bit different. I wear from 8-9.5 depending on style. And yes, they do seem good at fitting at a RW store.

Chukka (work version) Style 3140. These are probably my favorite RW boot. Still US made, resoleable, treatable leather, but less chunky and lighter weight. Still no lightweight by any means, but I've done many all day bike rides in them. These used to pop up on the feet of many Riv riders not too long ago. I don't follow as close anymore, maybe they still do? There is an even lighter version called the weekender I think, but I have no experience with them.

I also have a pair of blundstone's but find them a little odd fitting and don't wear them often. I love the vastly lighter weight, and slip on aspects, but they fit my foot really sloppy so I end up with a lot of rubbing. I'm sure foot volume is the culprit. I messed with inserts to some success, but they mainly sit by my back door if I need to run out to the garage for something. And I'll agree with the above, no options for re-sole, and the leather finish does not come back with proofing.

Now, if you're willing to go outside the "boot" and US made parameter, I am a huge fan of Clarks. Specifically the heavier beeswax leather / crepe soled versions of both the Chukka Desert Boot, and it's low top counterpart Desert Trek. Both can be resoled, both can be re-treated at home, and are @ $100 cheaper than redwing. I have done 3 trips to Europe in my life, and these were my shoe of choice each time. Our last one was 8 days straight of walking tours, from 7am to often past midnight. I LOVE my Desert Treks for walking. The one mark against them is water intrusion. The soles and leather uppers are fine, but where they meet seem to let water in if you're in standing water. Now it's never been a big enough issue for me to address, but a simple treatment of that edge could fix it? I used to ride bikes in my suede desert boots almost exclusively, but the elements quickly took their toll on the suede uppers while the pedal pins quickly ate away at the crepe soles. Grippy as all get out though!

Aside from motorcycling, I don't specifically swap footwear for differing activities. Whatever shoes get call in the morning, often stay on till I hit the sack, no matter what the day saw.

[in Dallas nick]

I thought Redwing was a Minnesota Company.

Perhaps that's what was meant rather than Michigan. 

Just looked it up.

Redwing's site says it started in Redwing, Minnesota and shows their mailing address there.

Interesting video of one factory there in Redwing ,Minnesota. 

http://www.redwingshoes.com/Red-Wing-Video---The-Factory

Wikipedia indicates they also have factories in Kentucky and Missouri.

On a bike tour years ago I crossed Minnesota among other states and Red Wing, Minnesota was on the route.

The folks I encountered all across Minnesota were very nice and hospitable. 

Paul in Dallas

[Edwin W]

I remember a piece in Backpacker one year where they asked 10 Appalachian Trail through hikers who had worn the same shoes the whole time what they had worn. The only shoe that had more than one was Redwing work boots! I wouldn't choose mine for that task, but I have had mine for 20+ years and two or three resoles. A little obenauf's type treatment every couple of years.

Edwin

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/34fdab4e-bed0-43a8-9526-15caec0751b8%40googlegroups.com.

[John G.]

This is really well stated. The hipster lumbersexual comment is lame and the attacks on the price of Redwing Heritage boots shows a pretty funny lack of self-awareness, considering this is a Rivendell forum. They're made in the USA and high quality, good for all-day wearing in most-non-hiking conditions. Iron Rangers and Weekender Chukkas are some of the most comfortable, useful pieces of footwear I've ever owned.

[Pat Smith]

Don't sleep on Chippewa boots either, I find they fit my wide foot/narrow heel a little better than my Redwings. That said, neither brand is particularly 'all day comfort' for me.

I did have Redwing work boots (safety toe) with the "king toe" feature a few years back when I needed them for my job and those things were comfortable on my feet for 12+ hours a day. Since moving to an office job with dress shoes (Allen Edmonds in EE or EEE widths) I seem to be having more foot problems. Also the time I got into cycling so maybe the two are related....

[Evan E.]

Thursday Boot Company:

https://thursdayboots.com/

Many boot enthusiasts (search online) testify that these boots are just as well-made and durable as boots that look similar and cost more. Supposedly the Thursday Boot people charge a lower markup. Don't know if that's true or not. 

[Patrick Moore]

Thank you all again. I will read Jack Loudon's linked overview site before I choose, but even with all the criticisms, Redwing still gets much praise; will take a look at the Chukkas particularly, since these look like the sort of shoe that the cheap Bata "Safari Boots" we grew up wearing in Kenya ought to have been; I certainly put miles of walking and cycling in wearing those, and of course your big game guides always work them. And they'd go with the canvas bush hat with venting screens that we boys also wore, one of which I mean to buy to replace my aging straw cowboy hat. (We -- teenage boy peer group -- used to pull out the vent screens to use at the bottom of the bowls of pot pipes we home-made from the local bamboo; the screens kept the seeds and other debris from falling down and plugging the stem.)

[Patrick Moore]

Blast from past:

https://batakenya.com/brands/10

The most expensive at Ksh 2799/- comes out to about $28. We wore the cheapos with low-grade crepe rubber soles, which usually wore a hole through at front sole or front upper within 3 months.

On Tue, Feb 25, 2020 at 9:28 PM Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thank you all again. I will read Jack Loudon's linked overview site before I choose, but even with all the criticisms, Redwing still gets much praise; will take a look at the Chukkas particularly, since these look like the sort of shoe that the cheap Bata "Safari Boots" we grew up wearing in Kenya ought to have been; I certainly put miles of walking and cycling in wearing those, and of course your big game guides always work them. And they'd go with the canvas bush hat with venting screens that we boys also wore, one of which I mean to buy to replace my aging straw cowboy hat. (We -- teenage boy peer group -- used to pull out the vent screens to use at the bottom of the bowls of pot pipes we home-made from the local bamboo; the screens kept the seeds and other debris from falling down and plugging the stem.)

[chocotaco]

Hi Patrick:

I walk a lot. Check out the Red Wing Postman Chukka model number 9196. These (and the "Foreman Chukka" variant thereof) have been my main shoe for the last ten years both for cyclocommuting (now resoled with stiff Vibram neoprene soles) and for walking six miles round trip to work two or three days a week. They take a resole nicely, and they look great. The original crepe soles are very comfortable but also wear fairly quickly with all the miles, hence the resoling with my local cobbler.

That said, they are great for walking on city streets, but I had a second pair resoled with a blown rubber Vibram hiking sole. These work well for hiking on dirt roads, but one unexpected downside - the chukka design is loose fitting around the ankle, which is ordinarily a feature, but when you walk on loose surfaces it is frequent that pebbles and debris get kicked up into the collar of the shoe and end up between your foot and the insole. I found myself stopping not infrequently to empty out my shoes. On dirt trail hikes, I usually wear ordinary trail-running shoes (Brooks Cascadia in my case).

James Black

Los Angeles, CA

[Peter H]

Hi Pat,

I like my blundstones for kicking around and short walks/hikes with the dog and kids. I’ve had probably upwards of 7 pairs or so over the last 15 years. That said, I wouldn’t say they are all that durable. For me the toes wore through pretty quick, and they stretched out in width. The soles on each pair wore out slower maybe with in a year and a half, but I’m also kinda hard on stuff and wear them in my woodshop and occasionally on jobsites. The reason I keep getting them? They slip on quick, and are super comfortable when standing on your feet for long periods of time.

For me, I'd have to say best boot/shoe I've ever had are Redwings. I have 2 pairs of Redwings, one a 6” boot moc toe, and the other is a oxford moc toe/shoe type. I wear the shoe seasonally mostly for work in the summer and the boots the rest of the year. They are super durable and just real comfortable, the sole has a lot of cushion and give which is nice for any sort of casual walking or impact.

I’ve had both Redwings re-soled, which was definitely a perk of the Redwings, probably possible with some other boot manufacturers but not sure. 

Redwing will dip em’ in a vat of oil, fix any blown out stitches, eyelets etc, resole and re-lace for around $100. (before/after pictures attached) I’m about to do so again. I’ve had these two pairs of boots/shoes for the last 12 years. They definitely are my go to for comfort, work, and they are super durable and worn nearly every day at work and often outside of work too. They'll last even longer if your oil somewhat regularly, (monthly I'm told) but I usually do it a few times a year with the change of seasons if I can remember to do so.

I did have a pair of Redwing boots with the black vibram sole thinking the traction would be better in the winter (over the non marking white soles) but my feet would just get so cold in the New England winters with them so I stopped wearing them. My other two Redwings have the flat white sole non-marking type, and I find it not only more comfortable than the harder black vibram sole but also much warmer in the cold when spending long days standing on my shops concrete floor, or working outside.

Outside of boots... my weekend kickers are Birk Clogs with backs (great for cycling too!) super comfortable.

Hope that helps!

On Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 5:37:39 PM UTC-5, Patrick Moore wrote:

I am thinking of replacing my walking shoes, a worthy but unexceptional pair from an REI parking lot sale a few years ago.

I'd like to find something that supports the ankles, has Vibram soles, is not excessively heavy, and that has replaceable -- Goodyear welt? -- soles. Laces only, in case walking shoes have been loaded with bike-shoe-type "technology."

Bonus points if they are brown or black leather that can be wax-polished to restore looks.

Ideas?

Redwing has some likely-looking models, but I know next to nothing about walking boots.

Suggestions?

Thanks, Patrick

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks, Peter, particularly for the photos. I'm tending toward the Redwing Chukkas, but their moc-style boots might be an option if I want more ankle coverage (I now understand that this is more to keep debris out than for support). I recall now from 30+ years ago, that my, probably less well made but still decent, LL Bean moc-toed boots were comfortable and lasted me a long time.

Good to know about Redwing's refurbishing service as well; I don't know about elsewhere, but cobblers are few here in Albuquerque; the last one I hired worked from home by appointment; wonder if he's still in business.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/bbb8d8c2-fed1-459e-8127-424370c18b5c%40googlegroups.com.

[Patrick Moore]

And: thanks to all the other commentators and advisors too.

[christian poppell]

FYI if anyone on the list were considering the Rossi boots.

I've been wearing a pair of Rossi Endura 301 for about three months now and I have not been impressed. The sole was poorly glued on the right boot and is now pulling away from the leather at the heel and outer sole. The back of the boot is unlined which rubs the back of my ankle all day. I got some thin calf leather and lined the inside heel which has helped. 

Those things aside, they are more comfortable to stand in than my Dr Marten Chelsea boots. The Docs are very thin with no arch support. 

I purchased the Rossi because they are made an Australia and my assumption was they would be higher quality. However, in the future I would purchase Blundstones or similar. My fiance, who is a muralist, has them and they have been durable and comfortable for her to wear all day painting.

FWIW & YMMV,

Christian 

Berkeley, CA

On Friday, February 21, 2020 at 1:42:09 PM UTC-8, Will Ashe wrote:

I’ve also heard good things about the similar Rossi brand, which is made in Australia and assumably of better quality than Blundstones.

[Drw]

I bought redbacks for the same reason you noted. i sort of chose randomly between redback and rossi, because they both got better reviews than blundstones and were australian made. I havent really put them through much yet, but i wear them once a week, all day. So far so good, and they ended up being cheaper than blundstones. 

There's a guy on youtube who did extensive reviewing of all of these australian chelsea boots and came to the conclusion that because of the glue or the sole material (cant remember the specifics), the longer they sit without being worn, the faster the glue dries up/separates. He suggested buying directly from australia, so you don't get something that sat in an australian warehouse, then a long boat ride, then a US warehouse. he also suggested that you wear them every few days. 

Also he could be crazy. 

[Michael Morrissey]

I have the redwing chukkas, and another pair of redwings, plus a really expensive pair of dress boots called Vibergs, but my favorites are Danner Mountain Lights. They look like cop boots, but the soles are only slightly heavier than adidas sneakers. They work with wool socks in the winter and lighter socks in the summer. I rode my motorcycle 5000 miles with them, but also hike through snow with them. I can’t recommend them enough.

[kim young]

Wow - that’s impressive. I had no idea that was even possible with any shoe company. 

On Wed, Feb 26, 2020 at 7:14 PM Peter H <peterjack...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks all very much, again. I've reviewed the many different "top picks" lists and looked at many different Redwing and RW Chukkas reviews, and the upshot is that, for my purposes -- comfort, durability, some provision against debris, and looks, the Redwing Chukkas are the best fit. They'll be fine for my kind of walking, they look fine with khakis and with shorts, the company offers (at least now -- but it has been around a long time) a comprehensive and affordable makeover service, they're all leather, which allows me to play around with ointments., and they have a sentimental connection to my childhood.

But another, academic question. I am generally familiar with pull-on boots, having owned many pairs of Wellingtons and especially cowboy boots, but I've never owned a pair that is ideal for walking. That's in spades for cowboy boots, which I wear simply for looks, and that much less nowadays; and the Wellington pair I have for snow -- so, around here, 2-3 times a year -- is a bit too big.

Do any listmembers have experience with any Wellington or pull-on type boots that make good walking shoes? The Russian infantry used pull-on boots instead of Blucher-style ones and they certainly covered a lot of ground in WW2. It might be nice to replace my Wellingtons with something the fits better, though only if a good deal comes up.

[Ian A]

Patrick wrote "Do any listmembers have experience with any Wellington or pull-on type boots that make good walking shoes?"

This inspired me to do a quick Google UK search (I am from the UK and know it to be the spiritual home of wellies). I found these for only $400 a pair https://www.welly-king.co.uk/m/Aigle-PARCOURS-2-SIGNATURE-Rubber-Boots-in-brown-a-high-tec-welly-with-leather-lining.html

If you do buy those Patrick, make sure you have enough left over for a series 2a Land Rover to pair with the boots for driving to the Pub of a Sunday.

IanA Alberta Canada (a long way from home).

[Patrick Moore]

Those are indeed elegant, too elegant for me (and overkill for high desert Albuquerque, NM where we get a citywide average of 9" of precipitation a year). Nor do I have a Land Rover (I would only accept a Series IIa -- that's what were common in Kenya back in the '60s and '70s when I was a boy), though I do have an old Burberry. Seriously though, if I did a lot of walking on muddy ground, I'd at least look at them closely.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/85708f82-2507-4fe3-b75b-4b9edefde4b3%40googlegroups.com.

[Drw]

I’m sure there’s a difference between pull on boots and the Chelsea sort of boots, but if you look previously in the thread at blundstone, Rossi and redback boot comments, I think those all are decent to good lace less walking boots.

[Philip Williamson]

I got a great set of well-used Redwing fireman boots at Goodwill ($10) a few years ago, and had the soles replaced with a soft flat Vibram sole ($80). They fit my narrow 13 feet really well, and the laced-in zippers ($35 when I had to replace them) make for the easiest boot-donning of my life.
I hotrodded them as a hipster fashion statement, but ended up wearing them to build a chicken coop, plant trees, prune a giant oak several times, and now they look like hell.

With their steel toe and steel last, I would not hike with them, but I love them.

Philip
Santa Rosa, Cal.

[Jay Lonner]

Enjoyed this discussion, and wound up buying a pair of Red Wing mocc toe boots (see attached photo). The chukkas didn’t have enough room for my high-volume forefoot. The breaking-in process is going smoothly, and I look forward to wearing these for years to come. 

Jay Lonner

Bellingham, WA

On Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 2:37:39 PM UTC-8, Patrick Moore wrote:

I am thinking of replacing my walking shoes, a worthy but unexceptional pair from an REI parking lot sale a few years ago.

I'd like to find something that supports the ankles, has Vibram soles, is not excessively heavy, and that has replaceable -- Goodyear welt? -- soles. Laces only, in case walking shoes have been loaded with bike-shoe-type "technology."

Bonus points if they are brown or black leather that can be wax-polished to restore looks.

Ideas?

Redwing has some likely-looking models, but I know next to nothing about walking boots.

Suggestions?

Thanks, Patrick

[Philip Williamson]

Those boots look great, I spent part of my Sunday tuning up my Red Wings with leather prep and polish that I got from the RW store in town. Well worth the trouble. It’s enjoyable to keep something good in full fettle.

Philip
Santa Rosa, Cal.

[Patrick Moore]

After mulling over the Oh! So many possibilities! I am now leaning hard toward those Redwing Moc Toed boots. I had a pair of doubtless lower quality LL Bean boots very much like those, that I used and abused for years, and they were very comfortable and practical; but I'm sure that the Redwings are practically and aesthetically better. Yours certainly look nice.

However, my purchase is on hold since the trip I anticipated in May, where I thought I'd use the new boots, was cancelled -- and, better reason, I have just talked to Chauncey Matthews about ....

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/1cca2641-7245-4d00-9b32-783b9c87ebcd%40googlegroups.com.

[Drw]

Also check thorogood, if going the mock toe route. Equal in quality to redwing, or at least were 4-5 years ago at a fraction of the price. I’ve actually have a thorogood pair that outlasted a redwing pair that is waiting for a resole.