Boots vs. Boots
Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: new hampshire
i've worn my HD 91080 boots 5yrs now and the soles are just starting to show wear. the inner soles have come loose and need to be glued down. they are heavy but I can and do wear them all day without much trouble.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
Well my Shott and my Redwings are old -- both at least 10 years. Can't do to much about the Levi's, last USA pair, I wore out the rear end after years of service. I ain't gonna walk around with my undertrow showing even though that seems real popular in some circles... -L-
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 970
Likes: 1
There was a sort of a scandal not all that long ago about Redwings. They were forced to take down the "Made in the USA" signs at Redwing dealers...because they're not any more. A lot of them are made in China. So if patriotism is your reason for buying Redwings, fuhhgidaboudit.
If made in China doesn't bother you, contrary to what I've read here, my HD boots (purchased at very steep discount at Sears of all places) have held up very well and are quite comfortable. They are my every-day riding boots. If the soles wear out, big deal, it takes only a few bucks to have new soles put on, and the last time I did that with boots (riding boots) they put on some unreal super tough soles, for like $30. Those shoes will never wear out now...
For long rides or in rough weather, I turn to my Chippewas. Chippewas are, imo, the best boots made, period. And they are still made in the USA.
If made in China doesn't bother you, contrary to what I've read here, my HD boots (purchased at very steep discount at Sears of all places) have held up very well and are quite comfortable. They are my every-day riding boots. If the soles wear out, big deal, it takes only a few bucks to have new soles put on, and the last time I did that with boots (riding boots) they put on some unreal super tough soles, for like $30. Those shoes will never wear out now...
For long rides or in rough weather, I turn to my Chippewas. Chippewas are, imo, the best boots made, period. And they are still made in the USA.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 752
Likes: 23
From: Acton, CA
I don't have experience with either of those boots, but I will give another vote for Chippewa boots... have had mine only for just over two years, and they still look and feel great... and I don't only wear them for riding, I wear them almost every day. They're comfortable enough to wear all day long doing whatever. I keep thinking I will get another exact pair, but it looks like these will hold out for many years to come - and I've ridden with them in rain plenty of times, still look great, they clean up nice. I think I'll get the same pair but in brown.
The leather is high quality and very thick. Double leather on the riser, so the inside of the boot is not just the unfinished flip side of the leather, but is lined with another semi-finished thick leather piece and sewn to the outside layer, it creates a great feel and plenty of protection. I see a lot of other boots that don't have this, and they feel very flimsy and can't imagine they would be as comfortable.
They have a Vibram non-slip sole, and made in USA since I think 190x.
http://www.onlinebootstore.com/Merch...roduct_Count=4
The leather is high quality and very thick. Double leather on the riser, so the inside of the boot is not just the unfinished flip side of the leather, but is lined with another semi-finished thick leather piece and sewn to the outside layer, it creates a great feel and plenty of protection. I see a lot of other boots that don't have this, and they feel very flimsy and can't imagine they would be as comfortable.
They have a Vibram non-slip sole, and made in USA since I think 190x.
http://www.onlinebootstore.com/Merch...roduct_Count=4
Last edited by caberto; Oct 5, 2010 at 12:59 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
+1 on Chippewa. I got these a few years ago: http://www.chippewaboots.com/boots/motor_trooper/20242
Steel toe and a steel shank, and they're unbelievably comfortable. Laces and zippers, so they're easy on and off, too.
Steel toe and a steel shank, and they're unbelievably comfortable. Laces and zippers, so they're easy on and off, too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
Well my Shott and my Redwings are old -- both at least 10 years. Can't do to much about the Levi's, last USA pair, I wore out the rear end after years of service. I ain't gonna walk around with my undertrow showing even though that seems real popular in some circles... -L-
I bet your underwear showing through your 501s are made off shore. Unfortunately, mine are.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
That said; as far as the two options the OP posted I'd go with the Redwings - high quality boot plus I think they look a lot better than the HD ones. $230 doesn't seem like an awful lot for a good pair of boots to me.
This pic if of the Prospector Tactical GTX (I couldn't find a pic of the Patriots) but they appear very similar.
Last edited by CRF; Oct 7, 2010 at 03:03 PM.
