2018 - New Purchases

I have these too and the more i wear them the more I like them. The crocking is really coming along too, which I like. They seem to be somewhat under appreciated by the red wing fan boys.

The 875 were my first pair of "quality" footwear that I purchased in a RW store while on vacation in the US. I had my feet measured in the store and I'm a little over size 11 with a D width on a Brannock device, so the store owner recommended to go down half a size and take the 10.5D (which makes sense since most people choose to go 1/2 a size down in RW). However, these boots are gruesome to wear. I understand these require a "break-in", but heck, I think there's a flaw to the construction, if they need to be beat into submission to make them fit. My main issue are the insoles. Unlike the Merchant boot, which has the leather insole and a half-sole in the heel area, the 875 only has the single-layer insole. Oddly, the edges of the sole stick up (like a lip) and are pretty sharp. I had to sand them down (see pic!) because they were cutting into my heel and I started to develop blisters and horny skin because of that after a few days of wear. I also think that the insoles are positioned to far ahead. There are a few millimeters between the heel counter and the insoles that results in my heel resting on the sharp edge of the soles when I lace them up. Same issue in the ball of the foot. The insole is oddly narrow in a part where the human foot is the widest. Consequence: my foot is resting on top of the edges (lip).
I have none of these issue with the Merchant boot, despite being the same size 10.5D. I put them on and they fit like a charm. That makes me wonder if I sized them wrong (maybe I should have gotten TTS and not go down half a size) or that my particular pair has a defect? I'd really like to know your opinions? I haven't worn these in a year or so because of this isse. I'd like to wear them more but I don't think a boot should feel painful like that.



20180109_121825 by

IMO Break in can be a very fickle thing and it's sometimes hard to know if you should give up or not.

I'm on my second winter season of a pair of Nicks in waxed flesh. The waxed flesh is a very unforgiving leather and the last these are based on is not nearly as comfortable as other brands I have. They are finally to the point where they are comfortable to wear but I'm pretty sure I had to go north of 100 wears to get here.

I would not do it again.  Too much time, money, effort and discomfort for a pair of boots when there are better fits out there. 


RE NEW purchases: I bought a pair of black pebbled bluchers from suit supply.  They are similar to a pair of Vibergs I had been looking at but way cheaper.  They have a commando sole so I wont be shy about wearing them in the snow. Snow shoes are a serious lack in my rotation. 

Now I'm shopping for TOPY's for another pair of bluchers I have so I can wear them in inclement weather as well.

100% agree with this.  By the time you have worn them enough to know whether you need to give up or not, they are (probably) too worn to return.  It's a real catch 22.  I suppose this is why ebay exists.

I sized down on my RW merchants (size 12) compared to my RW Beckmans (size 13) despite being made on the same last.  I felt like my feet were sliding around in the size 13 merchants.  I happen to know a guy who works for RW and he told me as long as you can wiggle your toes, the boots will fit eventually, and I could wiggle my toes in a 12, so I went with those.  Breaking in was a pretty long process (~3 months, wearing them about 3x/week) that was aided by a shoe tree, but now they're good and continue to get better.  Not as comfy as my Beckmans, but those are five years old.     

Thanks for your replies, guys. It was really helpful. I was a sneaker guy for most of my life, so tough work boots are somewhat uncharted territory for me. They're great boots and I really like the look of the moc toes. I think I'll give 'em another try, see if I can make them work somehow. We didn't have a RW dealer in Vienna until about a year ago but I'll visit the new place and ask if they can replace the insoles or do any work to them. If not, I'll cut my losses and my give them to my dad.

Aw man.  I love Vienna.  Last time I was there was September '16.  I'm ready to go back.

My understanding, like you, is that rough out implies the full thickness of the hide, with the smooth surface facing in and the rough surface (what would be the "inside" of the skin on the animal) facing out.  Suede implies the hide is split in some way so the full thickness of the animal skin is not used.  That said, I think those terms are loosey goosey and inconsistently applied (even when a bootmaker like Chippewa should know better).  My guess is your Chippewa boot would be rough out leather rather than suede as rough out is a stronger material.

I think suede and rough out leathers in general probably have the same type of care restrictions though (ie, don't use boot polish), but I would defer to the care instructions for the particular shoe/boot.

Pigeon Tree crafting's (couldnt find Issac's thread) new belt release headed my way. I really liked the green bridle leather belt, but this blue was not to be denied! Belt buckle is a little piratey, but I don't tuck my shirts so the added flair is just for me! Copper plated hardware looks awesome and I opted for the teardrop holes.

http://instagram.com/p/BcqIZlEgJRX

Been looking at this for months.

Eff it, bought it.

I like how the white thread pops on the black. Pockets are a little large, but I think it's a subtly interesting piece and after staring at $345 burgundy IH Flannel, this Gitman looks good at half the price. Yeah, I know, it's not Aspero.

divisionroadinc.com/collections/clothing/products/gitman-vintage-western-felt-flannel-black




The IH shirt I was talking about:

www.selfedge.com/shirts?product_id=1729&limit=213

Super dark depth of color--looks black indoors. Exceptional finishing work, this thing's a beaut!

Scored these 9lives 13.5oz raw Zimbabwe jeans from Division Road's sample sale! Got em for an absolute steal, and very impressed by the construction, super clean stitching, fit and the titled coin/watch pocket is a nice touch. Didnt need new denim but I was not walking away from this deal. Same can be said for these Vibergs pictured $385!