So mama never taught you to sew huh

[Cgrutt]

Have had a pair of timberland work boots since 2001. I know 16 years time for a new pair of boots. But they're still fine except for the 2" gash in the leather at left toe lol. Figured I'd patch it up. Punched some holes with an awl and patched it up with some waxed thread. Threw on some rubber cement for good measure. Good for another 16 years LOL. (Will probably outlast me).

Yeah the point of all this is some leather tools are a good piece of kit when SHTF.

[24Pink14Stink]

Sure are.

[Meketrefe]

My mother actually did teach me to saw and cook. LOL
I fix many things myself. Something like that used boots the old ones are better than the new ones and more comfy that is for sure.

[Cgrutt]

Well stitching didn't hold up so I bought a new pair of boots. Wanted something Made in the USA so not too much to choose from. Went with a pair of Red Wing 1412s seems like a nice boot. They're kinda snug hope they break in and loosen up a bit. Top of my feet were killing me after about 5 hrs. Went with a 10.5 E after trying on 10s and 11s in both E and EE these seemed to fit best overall aside from being a bit tight on top of my foot. Weird never had that issue with a boot before.

[24Pink14Stink]

Well stitching didn't hold up so I bought a new pair of boots. Wanted something Made in the USA so not too much to choose from. Went with a pair of Red Wing 1412s seems like a nice boot. They're kinda snug hope they break in and loosen up a bit. Top of my feet were killing me after about 5 hrs. Went with a 10.5 E after trying on 10s and 11s in both E and EE these seemed to fit best overall aside from being a bit tight on top of my foot. Weird never had that issue with a boot before.

It's a good boot. Not recraftable, but sure will do the trick. Grease them and they'll break in sooner.

ETA: Just noticed they're insulated with 400g Thinsulate. Those will get your feet nice and sweaty. My Danner Pronghorns are the same and definitely not a summer boot. Next for me is a Chippewa 20085 when funds allow.

[Cgrutt]

Grease?

Don't think they have thinsulate but do have goretex...

[24Pink14Stink]

Grease?

Don't think they have thinsulate but do have goretex...

Mink oil, boot dressing, rendered animal fat. Leather loves that stuff. Softens it right up.

When I looked those boots up online, it said they were insulated.

[Cgrutt]

Oh ok thanks. I was thinking the lithium stuff lol.

Could have thinsulate I suppose but no mention of it on boots or box. It has a gore-tex liner and tag sown on the side though.

[Cgrutt]

24Pink14Stink you're right about the thinsulate I should of bought the 914 which is same boot sans insulation. At least it's winter may pick up a pair of the 914s in Spring if these work out ok. Thanks.

[Cgrutt]

So day 2 and feet don't hurt like they did yesterday. I think I might have had them tied too tightly. Still snug but I can tell they're going to be very comfortable after the leather gives in a bit. The footbed is super comfy. They are very hot though (have thick wool socks on today) hope I didn't screw up with the insulation. The work boots they replaced were just standard leather uppers and had no issues being too hot or too cold...

[24Pink14Stink]

24Pink14Stink you're right about the thinsulate I should of bought the 914 which is same boot sans insulation. At least it's winter may pick up a pair of the 914s in Spring if these work out ok. Thanks.

Well, then you'll have a spare pair to throw in the trunk for an emergency.

[Cgrutt]

So Santa bought another pair of Red Wings!!! I swear me and the wife are "in tune" with each other in so many ways. I never thought about buying a pair of Red Wings until a few days ago. She had already bought me a pair from same store. She brought a pair made in China though they're going back. Going to trade them in for a nice pair of hiking boots...

[Cgrutt]

Boots are breaking in really nicely! I'm thinking they're turning into most comfortable work boots I'd ever owned...

[Cgrutt]

These Red Wings rock! Been treating them with mink oil every several days and they are really breaking in nicely.



Would really like to thank Pinky for the rec but alas....

[alistair]

I have a pair of Doc Martin boots I got when I was in high school, and I just turned 52. Still fit and look great after 35 years.