Best Boots?
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 291
Likes: 3
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"Half of Justin's Chippewa Boots footwear is produced in China"
Sad but true and seems to be the norm for most businesses these days.The other half is still made in the USA though and the ones I own are made in good ol' TEXAS.
Sad but true and seems to be the norm for most businesses these days.The other half is still made in the USA though and the ones I own are made in good ol' TEXAS.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 291
Likes: 3
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: California
I think i have it narrowed down to the Chippewa Stree Warrior or the redwing 988s. Thanks guys!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 2
From:
I went through this same search last year and decided on Wesco's, and contrary to comments about financial status, I'm just a working Joe.
One difference is I'm not comparing custom made Wescos to off the shelf other brands to make myself feel better about my decision. It is funny to see comments about $700 and $800 custom Wesco's being to expensive, so they buy off the rack "insert brand here" boots because they can't go to the Wesco shop.
I didn't see where they went to the "insert brand here" boot brand shop for their custom fitting for the boots they bought, so I don't see the point. Off the shelf Wesco's are not as far off from "insert brand here" boots price when off the shelf is compared. Oh and before feelings are hurt, I have worn to many pair of Redwings and similar brands to recall. After my last couple of pair of boots failed to meet expectations I started looking for something better, my search led to Wesco and White brand boots. I chose Wesco's because they were slightly less expensive, and I AM NOT WEALTHY by any means.
A boot is a boot is a boot, but the Wesco's are clearly better made, and from better materials than anything I have worn before. After breaking in a few pair of Redwings I dreaded breaking in the new Wesco's, much to my surprise they were the most comfortable, easy to break in boots I have ever worn.
All of this said, and if I EVER need another pair I may still try a pair of White's, price be damn, as my shoes are just as important to me as the over priced bikes we ride.
Hobe
One difference is I'm not comparing custom made Wescos to off the shelf other brands to make myself feel better about my decision. It is funny to see comments about $700 and $800 custom Wesco's being to expensive, so they buy off the rack "insert brand here" boots because they can't go to the Wesco shop.
I didn't see where they went to the "insert brand here" boot brand shop for their custom fitting for the boots they bought, so I don't see the point. Off the shelf Wesco's are not as far off from "insert brand here" boots price when off the shelf is compared. Oh and before feelings are hurt, I have worn to many pair of Redwings and similar brands to recall. After my last couple of pair of boots failed to meet expectations I started looking for something better, my search led to Wesco and White brand boots. I chose Wesco's because they were slightly less expensive, and I AM NOT WEALTHY by any means.
A boot is a boot is a boot, but the Wesco's are clearly better made, and from better materials than anything I have worn before. After breaking in a few pair of Redwings I dreaded breaking in the new Wesco's, much to my surprise they were the most comfortable, easy to break in boots I have ever worn.
All of this said, and if I EVER need another pair I may still try a pair of White's, price be damn, as my shoes are just as important to me as the over priced bikes we ride.
Hobe
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I hate taking 20 minutes to get boots on or off. I have a pair of these, and in addition to being incredibly well-made (in the USA), I can get them on or off in about 30 seconds
http://www.chippewaboots.com/category/rally
http://www.chippewaboots.com/category/rally
:ico n_ditto:
:icon_attention :Exactly what I have, and they wear like iron. I did get a serious blister on my heel the first year I wore them to Sturgis though. Mine need to break in a little before doing any serious walking. They're riding boots, NOT walking boots. Pretty good now, in fact I wore them out for my ride TODAY!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 970
Likes: 1
Hm. My guess is it's pretty cold in Montana about now. At least I know your feet were warm. 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 17
From:
As far as waterproof, any engineer boot made of oiled leather should be adequately waterproofed for motorcycle riding. Coming back from Sturgis last year (in the rain that turned into a HAIL of a storm by the time it got to Sturgis) my Wesco boots never absorbed any water after six hours riding in the rain. I've also got a pair of Chippewas (made in Missouri) but can't recall any long periods in the rain with them. But I can say the steel toes have never made my toes noticeably cold.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 38
From: Linden, NC
Check Online Boot Store;
http://www.onlinebootstore.com/Merch...vc?Screen=SFNT
They've got a wide selection of boots. No tax or shipping costs within the US. Use the coupon code "tencoupon" for $10.00 off.
I just got a pair of Double H engineer boots from them for $98.00. I priced them in town and it was $160.00 before tax. Painless transaction and fast shipping.
http://www.onlinebootstore.com/Merch...vc?Screen=SFNT
They've got a wide selection of boots. No tax or shipping costs within the US. Use the coupon code "tencoupon" for $10.00 off.
I just got a pair of Double H engineer boots from them for $98.00. I priced them in town and it was $160.00 before tax. Painless transaction and fast shipping.