Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Travman on January 02, 2015, 11:11:49 AM
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I like wearing boots but most of my boots are special purpose. One pair is used for heavy work and is too heavy to hike around in. I have a pair of Vasque gortex hikers, but I wouldn't wear them with jeans to do most of my day to day activities. Do any of you have a pair of boots that you can wear comfortably for many hours. I need something that breathes well. I can't stand getting sweaty feet. So I'm thinking I need something that is all leather.
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I like wearing boots but most of my boots are special purpose. One pair is used for heavy work and is too heavy to hike around in. I have a pair of Vasque gortex hikers, but I wouldn't wear them with jeans to do most of my day to day activities. Do any of you have a pair of boots that you can wear comfortably for many hours. I need something that breathes well. I can't stand getting sweaty feet. So I'm thinking I need something that is all leather.
These here do all of the things you mention.
http://www.amazon.com/Timberland-PRO-Mcclellan-Inch-Leather/dp/B004F67PO4/ref=sr_1_12/175-3575546-3628350?ie=UTF8&qid=1420219077&sr=8-12&keywords=timberland+zip+boot
Comfortable, easy to get into, good support, breathable.
Matter of fact I bought them at the big shoe store on Loudon Street in Winchester .... !
Lannis
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My #1 choice for footwear is my Justin smooth ostrich Roper boots. I have a pair in brown and a pair in black. Round toe and shoe heel makes them very comfortable. The ostrich hide is very soft and breathable. Great boots. The two pair I have now are ten years old and have been great boots!
That's for streetwear/office wear. They're not tough enough for rough use, though they are scuff resistant.
For rough use, I wear a pair of Hi-Tec (Altitude IV waterproof) hiking boots, or a pair of Justin work boots.
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Wearing these right now! not very weather resistant, but warm when it's cold & dry.. As comfortable as a pair of converse Chuck taylors
http://naolo.com/shop/tretorn-highlander-boot-41531p.html
Tretorn Highlander.. doesn't show up on US site.. I think I got mine on ebay.. They are out there if you search
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I have been wearing Redwing boots for a couple of decades. Normally wear 953's for everyday work and play. They are comfortable like an old pair of tennis shoes, polish up well when needed, are good on the bike and don't break the bank at about $125. They last me around 3 years wearing 10 to 12 hours almost daily. l also have a pair of Redwing Brogue Ranges for dressier occasions. They were quite a bit more spendy $300+ but i'll have them for decades.
Cheap boots/shoes are like cheap riding gear. Less cost upfront but replaced much more frequently. In they long run they end up costing you more.
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I wear black leather Ariyat Ropers. They come in widths and are comfortable all day long.
I wear them to work and use them for my motorsicle riding. I am on my second pair and don't see any reason to change.
The Chippewas and Aerostich boots are worth looking at as well.
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every day wear?
rubber flop flops. even in winter, I wear socks with them.
Otherwise I wear Rockports and totally recommend them.
I have several pairs of motorcycle and cowboy boots. Moto Guzzi motorcycle boots when I ride. I haven't worn the cowboy boots in years- they look good to dude up.
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The brand that works the best for me is ECCO and that's what I wear in a dress shoe. I also picked up a pair of boots at their outlet store about 10 years ago and they are still going strong.
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http://www.muckbootsusa.com/Wellie-Classic-WIDE-Mid-Height-Full-Grain-Leather-Work-Boot-LTH904W-Brown/
very well built, true to size, comfortable and non slip.
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i wear the same shoes as Miley in her wrecking ball video, but I do wear a different underwear style of course.
;D
Dr.Martens with air cushion soles, 8 hole, they are pretty comfortable and lightweight too.
unfortunately, they are not made in England any longer.
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I wore Red Wing boots for decades then, they discontinued the model I likes. I tried Doc Martins and they were ok. I found a pair of Bates boots at an Army surplus store. The owner said he carried them for all the cops in the area. Nice vented boots for summer, went through a couple pairs of these. I would just order them online. I bought a pair of insulated waterproof Bates for riding. However, with my 6th decade on the way out, I've been noticing knee and foot pain after a long day in the shop. I went to a local shoe store and bought a pair of Worx boots by Red Wing. The salesman talked me into a pair of Aertrex insoles and my legs and feet have not felt this good in years.
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(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff485/jetmechmarty/stuff/RW01105_0909_zpsdb55ecdd.jpg) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/jetmechmarty/media/stuff/RW01105_0909_zpsdb55ecdd.jpg.html)
I'm wearing this Red Wing shoe right now. I don't remember if I'm on the 3rd or 4th resole. I've walked every continent except Australia, plus a bunch of islands. They're as comfortable as bedroom slippers. I think they're a bargain at $200!
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I wear tactical boots with side zippers.
Cold: insulated pair (Danners). Hot: Mesh panel (Bates). You can find them in just about any price range you want. I wear them just about every day. They are my riding boots as well. I like them cause they 'fit in' at work, I can hike long distances in them, and they are pretty good at protecting my feet when riding.
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Red wing lace up work boots. Can't beat 'em.
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For winter use only:
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/blackkat-1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0422_zpsa64ad8ba.jpg)
Cabela's brand which I purchased about 20?years ago and re-soled once. Warm,mostly waterproof but not for walking long distance.
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I picked up a pair of these at sears last month for $40. The more they loosen up the more i like them. I can have that urban thug look without having to spring for genuine Tim'malaaands..
(http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_964452512?hei=333&wid=333&op_sharpen=1)
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I wear tactical boots with side zippers.
I like them cause they 'fit in' at work,
What kind of office do you work in that tactical boots "fit in" ?
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I too, hate hot feet.
Very picky about shoes , socks and clothes also.
Might want to try socks that are 80% + cotton. (gold toe makes great ones)
My personal favorite boot is ...........
Wolverine Raider
Extremely comfortable right out of box.
Can wear all day long.
Also non slip!
Come in 6 in , 8 in and an Oxford.
I happen to have all 3.
The oxfords have lasted over 3 years of 5 day/week wear.
All for $115 or so.
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For rough use, I wear a pair of Hi-Tec (Altitude IV waterproof) hiking boots.
I wear a very worn pair of Altitude IIs in the shop. Just bought a new pair of Altitude IIIs.
Cam gave me a nice pair of Danner tactical boots and I use those when I'm cutting wood and other jobs of that sort.
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US made utility boots. I'm wearing a Chippewa brand right now
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Do your wives know you talk like this about footwear?
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Currently using Alico heavy hikers, not too heavy, I can wear them all day. My old favorite, the Scarpa M, has gone all spacey looking, the originals were the most comfortable, and waterproof boots I ever owned.
For my work life, Clark's of England unstructured. I'm on my feet all day, but have to look sort of professional-and wingtips make my feet sore.
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Wilson boots. American made! :+1
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Redwing Beckman boots in Spring, Fall & Winter.
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I have been wearing Redwing boots for a couple of decades. Normally wear 953's for everyday work and play.
I think mine are 608, but they're out getting new soles right now, so can't say for sure.
The uppers are great. They've gone a few years, I think 10 years would be a real reasonable expectation, 20 if you're aren't wearing them every day.
I didn't like the sole that much. Stuck out too far in back, though this complaint with me is common to practically all boots. And they're a shell construction, with a foam core. The shell is very durable (and non marking), but when you wear through, it's practically like a tire blow-out, you're going to need new soles even though you only wore off 1/8 inch. When I go to the local cobblers, what's available is hard Vibram that marks floors, or cushy Vibram that wears out in a year.
I think after these new soles wear out, it's time for a new pair. Might look at ropers - I always thought that my narrow, flat, somewhat deformed feet were impossible for cowboy boots, but a pair of Justin bullhide ropers for occasional dress up have worked out a lot better than I expected, and it seems that in general when I look at the options, these are my people - lots of stuff made in North America, no Goretex, etc. Maybe not for every day, but could be if you wear long pants year around.
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I've had a pair of these Zamberlan Civetta's since 1999. They are very comfortable and very sturdy. They are my hiking/backpacking boots and have been to the top of Half Dome many times.
631 CIVETTA GTX RR
http://www.zamberlanusa.com/catalog/index.php?lang=en&pg=prod&idprod=54&idcat=2
Thanks to this thread I just ordered a pair of these.... 730 GEAR GTX I hope they are a little lighter and I'll use these around the house.
http://www.zamberlanusa.com/catalog/index.php?lang=en&pg=prod&idprod=202&idcat=2
Zamberlan are good quality Italian boots. ;-T
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Merrell's Moab Line is one of my alltime favorite shoes. Comfortable the minute they come out of the box, they are so good I no longer look for anything else. I just order the size I want online and get them. They're also reasonably cheap, the last a long time (over two years everyday use) and breathe extremely well. A light breeze across your feet will feel extremely refreshing. The vibram sole gives superb grip and hold too, I can scramble up steep rock faces without ever thinking twice about if they'll hold or not.
Vibram soles are so good I won't buy anything else anymore if I can help it.
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Ventilator-Hiking-Black-Slate/dp/B00D1HIROA/ref=sr_1_7?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1420256353&sr=1-7&keywords=merrell+moab+boots (http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Ventilator-Hiking-Black-Slate/dp/B00D1HIROA/ref=sr_1_7?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1420256353&sr=1-7&keywords=merrell+moab+boots)
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What kind of office do you work in that tactical boots "fit in" ?
Various. US Govt labs. Technical conferences. Meetings with vendors and customers (mostly engineering related). About the only place I dress up is when meeting with a general officer or making a presentation to a 'formal' group.
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I also prefer tactical boots. Right now, I'm using Danner Strikers. I've been giving some serious consideration to getting a pair of Corcoran side zip jump boots when these wear out.
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Any decent roper boots I find at Goodwill/Salvation Army, etc for under $6. If soles are leather, I bond on hew neoprene lug soles with Shoe Goo. You don't have to ride a Loop to be a cheapskate.
Ralph
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Another very satisfied Red Wing boot wearer. Believe it or not, my steel toed work boots are very comfortable. The inside tab say WORX #5290. They look exactly like the old, black, military combat boots we wore in the 80s. Retail cost is around $150, but I got a 10% government employee discount, and the commissary gave me a chit for $120. $8 and some odd cents came out of my pocket - score! :).
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Red Wing.
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These Doc Martens Forge ST are actually industrial boots, but they're really comfortable and I wear them a lot. As someone said, unfortunately not made in England anymore, but still very nicely made.
I remember paying less than €60, a few years back, so either my memory is getting worse or they've increased the price substantially, because they seem to be around €100 now. Still good value though.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/03/99ffcdf3f37765f49803f61330d56dfd.jpg)
PS: you know it's winter when you're posting pictures of footwear!! How sad is that? ;-)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Do your wives know you talk like this about footwear?
The wives of us old guys have (like us) come to realize the importance of shoes and boots that FIT and that work right for the job you're doing. Young man can wear any kind of cheap junk and his instantly heal-able feet don't care. Old men know that with the right boots, you can STILL stay on your feet all day and not be hurting. Although that doesn't explain how Ralph does it with $6 boots .... his cheapskatedness keeps him safe and comfortable, I'm sure! :D
Lannis
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(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff485/jetmechmarty/stuff/RW01105_0909_zpsdb55ecdd.jpg) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/jetmechmarty/media/stuff/RW01105_0909_zpsdb55ecdd.jpg.html)
I have been wearing this model (or something very similar) of Redwing for about 35 years. They last a loooong time (5-6 years), even though I use them as my everyday shoes as well as my MC boots.
Jon
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Yeah I like Red Wing Pecos as well, they have a version that is dyed a dark red with a cool rattle snake tread pattern.
They will ruin you for other shoes though, they's mighty comfy.
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http://www.muckbootsusa.com/Wellie-Classic-WIDE-Mid-Height-Full-Grain-Leather-Work-Boot-LTH904W-Brown/
;-T
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Forgot, my Danner tactical boots are now 6 years old. I need to send them in for a resole.
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I have couple pair of Lucchese boots for everyday wear.
Dean
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Great suggestions guys. I would like to try them all. In the end I bought a pair of Redwing Iron Rangers. My nephew showed up in a pair yesterday. I thought they looked really good with jeans or kakhis. Here are some pictures of his boots.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/IMG_1841_zps117acd7b.jpg?t=1420233131)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/IMG_1844_zps7c628a4f.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/IMG_1843_zps0b779bd0.jpg)
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Looks like a good choice. Can't go wrong with Red Wings, at least not from the input on this list. My first pair of riding boots was a pair of tall, lace-up Red Wing lineman's boots. I loved them but have lost the patience for lacing up knee-high boots!!
Lannis
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As much as I loved the amber-brown color of my nephew's Iron Rangers shown above, I went with black. The leather finish on the above boot shows every little scuff. It is no big deal you can just rub it out with your fingers, but I know how compulsive I would be with that. The black versions seem to shrug off scuffing a lot easier.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/IMG_1837_zps95eebc70.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/IMG_1839_zps041a2ca3.jpg)
These run smaller than your true foot size. My right foot is a 10.5 and my left is a 10.0. Size 9.5 is what fit me. First time I've ever worn anything smaller than a 10.5. The salesman said that is typical with this boot.
http://www.redwingheritage.com/USD/product/footwear/6-inch-boots/6-black-harness-8114-08114
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Looks like a good choice. Can't go wrong with Red Wings, at least not from the input on this list. My first pair of riding boots was a pair of tall, lace-up Red Wing lineman's boots. I loved them but have lost the patience for lacing up knee-high boots!!
Lannis
So far, so good. I've been wearing them around the house most of the day.
I still need a more outdoor boot that is waterproof, but that can wait for a little while. These are made to look like work boots, but they are really more of a dress-casual boot.
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I wear boots from Keen and Boggs.
www.keenfootware.co m
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These Doc Martens Forge ST are actually industrial boots, but they're really comfortable and I wear them a lot. As someone said, unfortunately not made in England anymore, but still very nicely made.
I remember paying less than €60, a few years back, so either my memory is getting worse or they've increased the price substantially, because they seem to be around €100 now. Still good value though.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/03/99ffcdf3f37765f49803f61330d56dfd.jpg)
PS: you know it's winter when you're posting pictures of footwear!! How sad is that? ;-)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You can still buy made in England Dr. Martins. They cost a little more and are made in the old shop in England.
http://www.drmartens.com/us/c/Mens-Made-in-England
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Another satisfied Merrell Moab wearer here...I keep at least two pair around at any given time. I also like my split-leather tanker boots and Double-H engineer boots for MC duty. The Double-Hs were nearly unwearable until I had a lowered heel nailed on. Anymore, they are all-day comfy. The tan tankers are very protective and secure, but are pretty cool in the summer...plus they require no break-in and are very easy on your feet.
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I wear some sort of motorcycle boot or shoe when riding, but Dan Post boots for dress and casual. The Milwaukee is my preferred style, and Dan Post boots simply fit me correctly from the first time I put them on. I can wear new boots from Dan all day without problem - I can't say that about other makers.
Of course, YMMV
(http://www.centervillewesternstores.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/dan-post-milwaukee-dp2110r-black-leather-mens-cowboy-boots_3768.jpg)
jdg
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You guys get it easy Redwing over $300.00 here . I used to get Kodiak high lace ups but NLA here .I think they were hunting boots from Canada.
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Vasque 'Sundowners'. Only shoes I wear, year round (unless I have to go to a wedding or a funeral). On my 4th pair in 25 years. Great on the Guzzi as well (if I'm not wearing my 30 year old Frank Thomas boots).
Unfortunately they are no longer made in Italy. I think I got the last pair made in Italia. Now they are made in China.
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You guys get it easy Redwing over $300.00 here . I used to get Kodiak high lace ups but NLA here .I think they were hunting boots from Canada.
Kodiaks are still (again?) available here in the great not-so-white-right-now north.
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I've had a pair of these Zamberlan Civetta's since 1999. They are very comfortable and very sturdy. They are my hiking/backpacking boots and have been to the top of Half Dome many times.
631 CIVETTA GTX RR
http://www.zamberlanusa.com/catalog/index.php?lang=en&pg=prod&idprod=54&idcat=2
Thanks to this thread I just ordered a pair of these.... 730 GEAR GTX I hope they are a little lighter and I'll use these around the house.
http://www.zamberlanusa.com/catalog/index.php?lang=en&pg=prod&idprod=202&idcat=2
Zamberlan are good quality Italian boots. ;-T
I like Zamberlan and Asolo a lot as well. I still have a pair of 20 year old Asolo 520s that have been retired but still use in the shop in winter. I have several pairs of Zamberlan low-cut hiking/trail shoes and they are all high quality stuff and not that expensive. I have narrow feet and a lot of shoes and boots don't fit me well. I currently have a pair of these and they are excellent:
http://www.zamberlanusa.com/catalog/index.php?lang=en&pg=prod&idprod=13&idcat=2
Of the boots folks have listed, which if any of them are available in a narrow width or run narrow?
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One of the Zamberlan line looked awful tempting, one of the few without a Goretex liner. But ... $400 for shoes? I know, I know, but what if they got sliced up walking in barnacles or something?
While I'm taking some time to get used to that idea, I put in an order for some boots from a place in Ethiopia where they make them out of local materials and car tires, inspired by a car tire based shoe called selate that they used to wear - while fighting the Italians.
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Still wear these gortex Cabelas now 30 years running. Still keeping my feet warm and not too hot either.
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc57/bpreynolds/boots/imagejpg1_zps4665b079.jpg) (http://s212.photobucket.com/user/bpreynolds/media/boots/imagejpg1_zps4665b079.jpg.html)
For a nice casual boot that doesn't break the bank I've recently discovered and been impressed with King Rocks footwear (www.kingrocks.com) based out of California. They sell work and casual boots you can get through Amazon or one of their distributors. Here's a pic of the low cuts I wear to work now even with dresspants.
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc57/bpreynolds/boots/imagejpg2_zpse17f8029.jpg) (http://s212.photobucket.com/user/bpreynolds/media/boots/imagejpg2_zpse17f8029.jpg.html)
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Perhaps a bit specialized for some, but I love my Irish Setter (made by Red Wing) Elk Tracker hunting boots. They're surprisingly light for tall boots, waterproof, not over hot in summer, easy to break in, yadda, yadda ...
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For a nice casual boot that doesn't break the bank I've recently discovered and been impressed with King Rocks footwear (www.kingrocks.com) based out of California. They sell work and casual boots you can get through Amazon or one of their distributors. Here's a pic of the low cuts I wear to work now even with dresspants.
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc57/bpreynolds/boots/imagejpg2_zpse17f8029.jpg) (http://s212.photobucket.com/user/bpreynolds/media/boots/imagejpg2_zpse17f8029.jpg.html)
Nice. These look like the Redwing Iron Rangers I posted above.
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I wear tactical boots with side zippers.
Cold: insulated pair (Danners). Hot: Mesh panel (Bates). You can find them in just about any price range you want. I wear them just about every day. They are my riding boots as well. I like them cause they 'fit in' at work, I can hike long distances in them, and they are pretty good at protecting my feet when riding.
Ditto!! :+1 :+1 :+1 Thanks Charlie for saving me all that thinkin and typin. :D
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Massive amounts of diverse information here.
Boots may be the only thing more diverse and individual than motorcycle seats ... what suits one guy will be torture to another .....
Lannis
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My Iron Ranger Redwing boots have been breaking in nicely. They are more comfortable each time I wear them. However, they don't have any traction in the snow. I was climbing a snow covered hill in my backyard when suddenly I was flat on my back. These boots have a flat bottom the sole is made of nitrile cork. I'm not sure why. Perhaps this sole has a purpose, but walking in snow and ice is not it. ???
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I wear some sort of motorcycle boot or shoe when riding, but Dan Post boots for dress and casual. The Milwaukee is my preferred style, and Dan Post boots simply fit me correctly from the first time I put them on. I can wear new boots from Dan all day without problem - I can't say that about other makers.
Of course, YMMV
(http://www.centervillewesternstores.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/dan-post-milwaukee-dp2110r-black-leather-mens-cowboy-boots_3768.jpg)
jdg
Actually, in this case, "yfmv". My feet vary so much from most peoples' (apparently) that they are incapable of being stuffed into a Western-style pair of boots with pointed toes. I like the styling and quality (especially craftsman American-made quality) of Western boots, but I've never even been close to being able to get my wide-toed feet into them ....
Always comfort first for me ....
Lannis
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Ugh! I fell again in my yard. There was less snow so I thought I could get by. I was running with the dogs when I tried to stop on an icy patch in the shade. I actually landed on my head & shoulders.
These are 100% NOT a good shoe for snow & ice... there's no traction. Red Wing is a Minnesota company... why do they have such slippery soles? I still like them a lot and feel good about my purchase. Just be careful in the snow.
Does anybody know why they make boots with soles like this? They advertise that the soles are oil resistant. Maybe they have good traction on oil-soaked concrete?
(http://thinkingchapblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/red-wing-shoes-8114-iron-ranger-black-harness.jpg?w=487)
Most of their boots have a more typical looking sole like this Redwing Beckman
(http://www.redwingamsterdam.com/image/fit/1988/606/436/red-wing-shoes-9011-beckman-black-cherry-featherstone.jpg)
Lannis, I'm with you. My toes always feel pinched in Cowboy style boots.
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For bike riding I have a pair of UK made Doc martens 8" black. They have held up extremely well and super comfortable, maybe 6 or 7 years old now. They were bought as leftovers from maybe 05 production. At work I have a USA Redwing 2223 black steel toes that took a few weeks to break in but are now pretty comfortable with orthotic insoles. I also currently have a leftover pair of brand new 6" Doc Martens UK made steel toes for work when the Redwings give it up. Really like Doc Martens but have not wrapped myself around the non UK versions.
Plus a Redwing USA made 4437 steel toe boot sitting third in line for work. You may wonder why this fool has two new pairs of steel toe boots at home for work. The 4437 boots have been discontinued and are super comfortable to me. So when I saw a new pair on Ebay for $141 shipped to my house I jumped on them. Last price from Redwing was well over $200.00 with a discount. I work 12 hour shift having to walk on steel grating, concrete and railroad ballast rock. We use a larger ballast rock now that really sucks to walk any distance on. Plus I have plantar fasciitis and occasional bouts with gout. I have to have really comfortable boots and orthotic insoles. Of course when gout does occasionally show up it is no boot time for me, hell I don't even want anything to touch my foot.
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My shoe size is 13B. This severely limits my options. In steel toe work boots, motorcycle boots, etc. Red Wing is often the only player or one of two. Fortunately, their USA made stuff is first quality. Their Chinese manufactured stuff isn't offered in narrow, so I won't comment on it. Real motorcycle boots aren't offered in my size by anyone AFAIK. The only offerings I'm aware of are from Red Wing or Gasolina. Biker boots.
(http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/ilharotch/cabinet/2011aw/red-1012-8-1.jpg)
(http://www.gasolinaboots.com/images/gasolina_classic1_large1200px.jpg)
I did buy some Chinese made pull-on boots a couple years ago. I save $50 over a pair of Red Wings. The straps broke straight away because they wire vinyl. I paid a local shoe repair shop $50 to replace them. Break-in was painful. I seldom wear them as they're not nearly as comfortable as the Red Wings. Sometimes it's true, you get what you pay for.
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For slopping around in the snow this is my daily wear -- very warm and comfy but I need my custom footbed for support:
(https://skiyoungernow.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/jibs.jpg)
Of course, 8:30 to 4:30 this is office attire:
(http://www.skiboots.com/v/vspfiles/photos/LB12030-2.jpg)
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I must be easily influenced. I went to my local Red Wing store and ordered a pair of pull on boots. It was really nice having a knowledgable sales person who helped match the boot shape to my feet. Turns out I have smaller, but wider feet than I thought. The western style just wouldn't fit. Should be another week till they arrive.
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For the custom and big motorcycle boots made for the motorcycle police/official officers ....
http://www.publicsafetyspecialties.com/motorcycle_officer_uniform.htm
They have a detailed order form for custom sizes........
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/158a2a8c0_zpscbd8d8dd.jpg)
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My shoe size is 13B. This severely limits my options.
I'm 13B too, or somewhere in that vicinity depending on which foot. Vendramini are a decent fit, I believe they're the "Daytona" model.
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I wear steal toe danners at work. They are comfy. I do lot of running in them and sliding around on the concrete. They hold up against the tough stuff. I get them replaced for free.
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Justin Light Work Boot. Bought in 2006. From the first day the soft leather upper felt like I'd worn them for years. Upside: new cost $114 (maybe less if you shop around) very light, comfortable right out of the box and durable. Plus I can get them resoled locally for $35.00 (these just had new ones put on them). Downside: soles wear rather quickly, now made in China, pull on straps too small to get my index fingers through comfortably.
(http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b492/Frulk/untitled_zpsef906a41.png)
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Just got my Redwing model 2230 pull on boots. Steel toe and waterproof. Not cheap, but what a great fit. Out of the box, these are the most comfortable boots I think I have ever had. I guess there really is a benefit to having shoes fitted by someone who knows what they are doing.
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I have had Timberland boots, but now that I've tried Danners, I will never buy Timberlands again. I wear Danner Acadia boots with light insulation. They're waterproof, extremely comfortable, very tough, and dry, even in hot weather. The local retailer told me to buy the insulated ones even though I'm in South Florida, and I thought he was nuts, but he was right. I wear them with wool Wigwam El-Pine socks.
My MSF instructor recommended Corbin boots, so I bought a pair. They go on and off fast, but they're stiff and uncomfortable. Also, the soles are useless. If you put one down on the oily part of a road, it will slip out from under you without warning.
The Timberlands I owned either rotted or simply fell apart, and they were nowhere near as comfortable as Danners.
http://www.danner.com/product/law-enforcement/acadia-8-black-200g.html (http://www.danner.com/product/law-enforcement/acadia-8-black-200g.html)
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1st choice: Original style (Vietnam through OIF/OEF) Army tan or black tactical boots make great 3-season boots that are acceptable for motorcycling, altho they're not as protective as full leather, and they are designed for LOTS of walking once broken in. The tan ones do show oil stains pretty quickly, so if you're riding an "oiler" they won't be too good for dress-up occasions. Beware of many of the current "tactical" boots on the market - they look neat & are reported to be very comfortable, but some of them have soles that separate easily from the boot &/or wear unacceptably quickly if you walk in them a lot over anything rougher than your lawn. Not waterproof, but dry quickly while riding.
2nd choice: Army winter boots, thinsulate lined & full leather, for real winter riding & excellent protection. Essentially waterproof if kept reasonably polished & non-scuffed. Too hot for late Spring thru early Fall in the Mid-Atlantic region, but, again, they're designed for a LOT of walking & are comfortable in my experience, once broken in. Mine are a bi#@h to put on though, because I have high arches.
Both types can be had for somewhat reasonable prices at Army surplus stores - if you check the sewing & other workmanship carefully. They are there instead of being held as official military issue for a reason, but often the reason is just a slight blemish/scuff, an erroneously located tag, or slightly crookedly sewn seams.
3rd choice: I had a pair of Timberland 8" (now called "the original Timberland") that I wore probably 6 days out of 7 for about 10 years & which I finally killed by walking thru hot coals for a couple of hours & melting the soles... I would have replaced them with another pair, but I've accumulated about 8 pairs of the 1st & 2nd choices above & don't anticipate wearing them out in my lifetime.
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Old stuff of the Italian Army. I'm wearing them right now.
(http://img2.annuncicdn.it/3a/8c/3a8cec48de14c9754dd17393c816ef64_orig.jpg)
(http://img3.annuncicdn.it/ed/32/ed32858f78df4e4be41fc68d7e032075_orig.jpg)
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Various. US Govt labs. Technical conferences. Meetings with vendors and customers (mostly engineering related). About the only place I dress up is when meeting with a general officer or making a presentation to a 'formal' group.
I'm surprised Charlie, most general officers that I've delt with appreciate good boots, especially if you can spit shine the toe. The most comfortable boots I've ever owned were provided by the US Army, but I made the mistake of getting rid of them years ago.
My riding boots are Red Wings. I had side zippers installed to help slip them on and off. Since I only use these for riding I keep them shined to a high gloss. I believe I bought them in 1984, and they still look like new.
Stan