There are stores in northern wealthy areas and/or resort towns that sell these kinds of boots. I’ve never seen them anywhere else though & I imagine they don’t bother with Texas bc most people there have their tastes skewed towards cowboy boots. I know you can find them pretty easily in Colorado like in Aspen I’d imagine sure they’re in other wealthy towns in Colorado. Every summer I go to town called Charlevoix Michigan that has a store that sells Pacific Northwest boots and I’ve seen them in Coeur D’Alene Idaho as well.
Absolutely. When I pay premium for quality and excellence and don't get it, I'm going to judge rather savagely, unlike a cheap boot, where you get what you paid for. RoseAnvil knew they screwed up these boots before he took them out of the box.
Exactly. If I eat at a fine dining restaurant, I’m judging the experience by a completely different standard than when I eat at the burger joint around the corner.
This video illustrates the concern from us guys who have a hard time finding boots that fit. Also, you cannot call them a premium boot brand if their customer service isn't premium as well.
Exactly, I have Nicks, Whites, and most recently Drew's (Mexican made) loggers, and each of those companies reached out to me wither personalized updates on wait times etc... and for the Nicks, I actually made a quick change(much like Weston details trying here) and they were super cool with it and responded immediately. Don't know what could possibly make Wesco more special than the others here, and can't imagine giving them my money when their more established competition goes far above and beyond them.
Just to put things into perspective: when my $190 Becket-Simonon boots started squeaking, I emailed the company for some advice with an attached video. They came back within a couple of days, admitted this must have been a manufacturing issue (mind you - I had worn that pair for a year by then!) and offered a free replacement pair. Sent it to me with UPS Next Day Air too.
My two favorite sneakers are from Becket-Simonon. I let a bad shop try to repair my B&S Oxfords and they completely F'd them up. Been meaning to buy some more asap.
I would be furious if I had asked for a change in a $700 pair of boots 2 months into a 15 month wait and was ignored. Cut'em in half and go with a company that values customer service.
I value customer service HEAVILY. Nicks and Whites were happy to answer my questions over email. Wesco not answering emails for a special edition boot purchase is unacceptable.
This has NOT been my experience at all. I have spoken with Bruce Shoemaker various times on the phone and email for various Westco boot purchases over the years. Bought my first JobMasters over 20 years ago. Solid Oregon made woodsman boots that last. I think they are worth the money and customer service in my experience is very personable and solution oriented. I wear Westco for their durability, fit and rebuild option, sure they can be a fashion boot but thats just fad.
I'm a retired veteran with 2 titanium plates and 13 screws in my left ankle. So I now wear size 10 on my left foot and 9.5 on my right foot. It's very difficult to find boots the fit me. These boots would be perfect for me. Don't cut them I would love to own them.
I mean I got a pair of redwings from a shop in Manchester for Christmas a few years back from my wife and the guy in the shop wouldn't let her but them without me coming in and trying them on. We spent 40 minutes of his time sorting out the best size. To me that's what I would expect at the very least from a $750 boot company. That level of interaction
A good reviewer really should order anonymously, which he may have done. Otherwise they WILL gussy it up and it's not a true representation of what an average viewer would get if they order.
$750, they ignored your request for the size you really wanted? Eff that noise. I'd be blowing up their customer service number. They need to do a rush order on a left foot 9D boot. You're being waaay to nice about it. 😂
I got in on a Black Bear/Wesco collab a couple years ago. Basically what you got but not rough out. I was very disappointed. The stitching inside the pull up strap on one boot was unraveled so I had to send it back to be redone. The other boot was sewn together so that the back strap was rotated and off center. I sent it back wit the boot with the bad stitching and they claimed it was fine. It wasn’t. I won’t buy another pair of Wescos.
Especially when he said he called and requested the adjustment, and they recommend the wrong sizing at the end of the day. Definitely a gut punch seeing what I've dreaded happening with my custom Frank's. Lucky 🤞 I haven't hit the unlucky Lotto, and I've sized 2 lasts now.
Personally I would send them back and get boots that fit right. They suggested the wrong size and should expedite a replacement left boot. A huge part of an insanely high price tag is insane customer service, for me at least. Maybe you could cut the left boot in half and order a single boot in the correct size if that's possible.
My guess is that the chance of them making another boot for him is precisely zero. These companies aren’t big. I would expect very little customer service.
@@notthatproud7453 no reason they cant expedite a 9.5. and if they want to they can make a 10 on their own and sell an extra pair of 10s. but bad customer service to a big channel doesnt reflect well on your brand
@@notthatproud7453 Nick's customer service is nice and quick in my experience. Sounds like they never responded in this case which is unacceptable imo
Drew's? I'd love a link man. I need some other pair of boots but Wesco has me running scared due to sizing. I feel safe buying a Frank's or a Nick's since they are in my own back yard. But I simply don't feel safe buying something at $700+ long distance. But we are talking about a 27+ week back log. My last pair of Nick's has taken a full year for them to build.
@@Vultain I want to let you know that Franks offers the Patriot boot for $349. Built In the U.S. with all the same quality materials. I have the type 2 highlander and they are the best work boot I have owned.
Understandable. I was too but I ordered from Nick's and they offer free size exchanges for boots that don't fit as long as you haven't worn them a lot obviously.
@@kosta2177 I hear ya, but Truman does give prompt responses to emails. I ordered a pair from them a couple of months ago, they were half a size big, so returned them and my replacement pair arrives next week…fingers crossed.
Confirmed my fear of sending a tracing of my foot and $700 and hoping for a good fit. This is why I'll probably never get a nicer pair of leather boots than my redwings because I don't know where I can get nicer boots and try em on before buying.
@@bodeym Did the try on, discussed the fit over phone and sent them back, then "my" Builder Pros arrived. Initially had some misgivings as they were my 1st pair of PNWs and felt off at first (even AFTER the try-on) and the break-in was legendary. Fast forward to now, they've properly set and they're my favorites, and I've got no problem doing 16+ hour days in them. Now thinking to getting a 2nd pair to rotate
Totally hear you. I felt same as you. I was basically stuck with Red Wings and Grant Stone. I wanted a PNW Boot but would get apprehensive in the shopping cart and bail, especially at the 500+ range. Last week I saw an ad come across the screen for a Pair of Drew's Contractor boots for just 300 bucks. They were at a place Called Bakers Boot Company in OR. Turns out they were factory seconds but they looked fricken sweet for 300 and so I just did it. They just said order .5 size down, just like how I always order 10.5 at RW & GS, instead of my normal 11. Well they fit A OK and they only thing I could tell that made them blems was on the side of the sole there was a stitch too long. Who cares? Moreover, although they were 20 to ship I saved 15 from a coupon they emailed bc I put it in my cart, and waited until the next day. Moreover, since they are in OR, no frickin tax either! 305 out the door, bud. Lastly if you buy the non blems, they're only 375, so either way you win. They are assembled in Mexico is how they do it for a great price. They make fine boots there so no worries. Best boots I've ever had.
I dunno man. I think I would try to get them to fix this problem in a timely fashion. You did, after all, make a concerted effort to contact them about the sizeing, & they failed to get back. These are expensive boots & for this cost, I think you need to be 💯% satisfied. This is why, if something like this happens to me, I will make a few attempts at a phone call. I would at least see what they say about this. You might be suprised at their response. These things are very very cool otherwise.
Wesco has answered the phone when I have called and when I've gone into the showroom they were very friendly and attentive. Chris over there has been very helpful. It is clear that they have been suffering some staffing shortages lately. I am sure they would just send ya the right size.
Yeah. Chris has always patiently reply my email enquiries, the last one being couple of weeks ago when I asked about certain leather and outsole options. Wesco has also sent notice about their leadtime. Its a bummer about the sizing but perhaps call them up to find a solution?
Watching this video is like hearing a girl talk about her neglecting boyfriend who takes her for granted and takes advantage of her being blindly in love with him. She asks for him to pay more attention to her, she asks for more communication, and he just ignores her requests. He gives her what he wants, and she's so blindly in love that she just learns to be into what he gives instead of what she would of wanted. He is hot though, so you look past all his flaws.
I grew up in the shoe business and for years we relied on additional insoles and tongue padding to "custom fit" shoes and boots. This is the perfect opportunity to properly fit your foot slightly different size foot. My right foot is one whole size larger than my left, every pair is an adventure. I still have a pair of Red Wings that I got about 50 years ago, when Red Wing would break up pairs to get the customer the best fit possible. I really enjoy your content. Thank you.
1) I think those are the best looking boots youve ever had on the channel 2) contact them and get a replacement left boot, their suggestion lead to you being dissatisfied. If they send a replacement you can still cut the 10 in half. And if they refuse then that is extremely important consumer information you can bestow upon those of us trying to make a choice in the handmade boot world.
If you’re not going to wear them and considering you’ve never reviewed Wesco Boots before, cutting them open makes the most sense. It’s a bummer though…
The size issue to completely Wesco's fault. This is a result of their lack of communication with the customer and, esp. at this price point, speaks volumes about how they just don't care at all about you or anyone else. Good reason to avoid this brand, there are other companies that are much, much more deserving of our hard earned dollars. And thanks to your painful experience, we have one more brand we know to avoid.
@@saintmuerte13 same here, Nicks changed my size on my builder pro within a day and on my second boots, the Renegades W&C they changed heel and height within 2 days after emailing them my changes. i thought waiting 6 months was bad, but 15 months and bad fit is cruel.
when you choose to pay $700 for something that you can buy the exact same thing for $200 the only thing you can possibly be paying for is extreme customer service.
This video cements my stance that I will never buy a PNW boot without being able to try them on first. You have a million times more experience than I do and you still got a pair of boots that don’t fit. Thanks for the video
Waiting since 08/2022. JUST got them. 19 months. Did the custom fit with a traced footbed. They fit PERFECT. Very happy, first day. I told my wife they were YOUR fault.
I have bought boots online without trying on, but...1. The same make/model/size that I have already owned, OR 2. Used/surplus military boots for less than $100 ($35 & $50 last two pair.
I agree that when buying custom boots, the fit seems to be off on both of my Nicks even after adjusting the fit on the second pair. I know they are really well built but I don't think I can justify buying boots that expensive anymore and not know what the fit will be like.
I own a pair of Wesco volt for boots, they are extremely heavy and very noisy/sqeaky boots yes I wore them to work and used them several times using climbing spikes and I was just a fan which was a bummer for the most expensive boots I've ever bought. One good thing is they drove me to buy a very comfortable pair of wedge sole boots from thorough good that I absolutely love still after 14 months of working in them
Not being able to adjust an order for any reason AND having a 15 month wait time is just inexcusable, even for a $500-600 product that would be frustrating but something is broken in that business structure. I hope they see your video an ammend that policy because their business WILL suffer eventually if they do not. For someone like me i simply can never justify that kind of risk for that kind of money.
Call me old fashioned, but if I cannot try them on first, no sale. Nothing is like seeing them in person, before you buy, if you are going to like them. Pissing away that much money? I would be steamed for sure! Oh, and after your video on the Jim Green African Ranger boots, etc, I ordered a pair. Wow! They are maybe my new favorite general-purpose boot now. Fit, comfort, both are spot on.
I had the same issue with wesco. Did the foot tracing and everything. The boots ended up being a full size too small. Ended up selling them after 4 months of foot torture. QC was bad too. Shame because I believe wesco has the best designs, best lasts, and I love the full leather lining option. Their operation really needs improvement though.
Just had the same experience with Nicks boots. Custom fit, roughouts, was quoted 16-20 weeks, but took a little over 13 months. Was really only disappointed in the communication. I actually had to purchase another pair of boots in the interim. An additional $200+ expense on top of the $575+ price tag.
West Coast Shoe Company, commonly known as Wesco, is an American manufacturer of men's and women's boots based in Scappoose, Oregon. The company was founded in 1918 and still manufactures all its boots in the United States.
WESCO disappointed me, as well.... I bought a pair of their engineer boots off-the-shelf in the late '90's and they fit perfect. I beat them up wearing them a lot and while riding the motorcycle which was what I bought them for - They saved my right foot in an accident, a car blew a red light and T-boned me, hit me right at my foot and bent the steal of the frame on the other side of my foot but that steel shank kept my foot from being crushed. In 2007 I did a custom order with WESCO, I designed up a custom pair of the same boot adding lining, credit card packets in the lining, a knife sheath - They were bad ass BUT I had to send them back twice and they still didn't get the fit right - Never wore them - I sent the original pair back to them and had them rebuilt, still have them, they fit great but I rarely wear them anymore
I was going to order these when they came up again in March, but after seeing this there's nothing about them that should justify the $725 price tag. I'm glad this video came out when it did 😅 can't wait to see the cut in half video!
So Cordovan and horsehide is different. They are both from a horse but Cordovan is a conective tissue under the hide on the inside of the hip of a horse there is only 2 very small peices on each horse ranging between 2 to 5 square feet each. It is so expensive because of the small amount available per horse and it takes a year to tan. Horse leather is just that it is the actual skin that is tanned like a cowhide. Horse in general is tougher and tighter grained than most cowhide. The Cordovan is a very tight grain and is probably the finest and longest wearing leather product you can get.
I remember talking to nicks when I ordered my rangers. I did the sizing kit they send. I told them that my one foot is smaller than the other and I would like them sized accordingly. They strongly recommended against two different size boots. They said that most people will land in a standard size shoe and only in extreme cases do they recommend different sizes between the two feet. I’ll never really know how a half size smaller boot would’ve felt on me, but this video kinda reinforced nicks way of thinking
Uh i know the feeling. I had wrong size of my brannock and ordered through year and half my 3 dream pairs. Now i need to sell them and cry in side because i got what i wished for and than neet to get rid of them with a loss and get same ones again full size up. Horrible feeling
This video feels like when my husband decides to order an expensive steak at a restaurant, we wait forever to get it, and it arrives overcooked by 2 or 3 levels. He gets that same look on his face. LOL My advice, I know they don't really answer emails, but try contacting them and talk to them about what happened. Maybe they can make a new left boot for you and then you can use the one that doesn't fit for your other stuff. Nearly 1k bucks and over a year, you should have a pair of boots you can wear at the end of the process, ESPECIALLY when the size difference was based on their suggestion.
When you have to justify and talk yourself into a pair of $725 “work” boots 15 months later, they just aren’t worth it. Thanks for the content. Always enjoy it! (Also loving my RA wallet!)
I think it says 3.6ft2 (3.6 sq ft). It’s likely made from a horween horse strip. I get them from maverick sometimes and that’s usually the size of the larger ones.
Well I learned a valuable lesson - don’t spend a ton of money on something unless you have recourse. I would absolutely wear out their phone and email till someone replied and fixed this to my satisfaction. Or they’d go back. No way I’m keeping something like that…
Wesco is about 15 min from me. I got a pair of jobmasters about 15 years ago and they still have life. I can’t justify the cost of new hand made boots anymore, but it was sweet.
If you choose to try and work around the size issue, the simplest thing to try would be wearing two socks on the smaller foot. From my experience, you can wear one size larger then your regular fit by wearing thicker, preferably heavy wool socks.
Really nice looking boots but it's ridiculous to try to compare them to your unique and fantastic nick's in marbled shell Cordovan. :P P.S: I feel sorry for you regarding the sizing issue. I know the feeling after several poor purchases. :(
I would love to see you review Becks Cowboy boots. Same price as these and they are custom made for you with a great at-home measure kit that includes foam step-ins. Great video. Sorry about your size. That’s a bummer. On the bright side, I can’t wait to see you cut these open. I’m dying to see how well they are made. Thanks for the video.
been watching Rose Anvil videos for a long time. Been lusing after a pair of PNW boots for a long time. Meanwhile, the entire time I'm doing this I been wearing the same pair of Thorogoods to work in every single day and they're super comfortable and they have been holding up great. The soles are wearing down pretty bad now but due to the way they're made there is still a bunch of sole left to wear out. I've had a bunch of Vibram soles and the Thorogood soles have outlasted any Vibram by a ridiculous length of time. what I saying is.....I'm starting to question that it's possible to get $700 worth of value out of any boot. I would have worn out a vibram sole by now for sure which comes on every PNW boot and now they're charging like $200 for a resole. It just doesn't add up. Unfortunately having never owned a pair of fancy boots I really don't know. I just can't imagine what these boots can possible do that's worth that kind of money???? I don't believe it's real. I'm thinking it's just fashion. I get that they're hand made and understand why they're expensive.
Non-responsive customer service, odd construction, poor unboxing/product experience, high cost. And when a customer keeps blaming themselves, it's probably the company's fault. Thank you for going through this so your thousands of viewers don't have to.
Lots of negative comments about wesco and black bear. This really was 100% my fault and that shouldn’t reflect badly on them. So consider holding your judgement until we cut them in half which will be next month for arch march!!! 🔪🔪🔪
I didn’t articulate the email thing very well. They did emailed me back about the boot size issue but every other email I have sent them over the past few years hasn’t gotten a reply. But either way the size didn’t get changed after I emailed them. So take that for what it’s worth.
Also Black bear brand is very clear about not being willing to change order details after the order is submitted. They are also very clear about not accepting returns. That’s why the $350 pants I bought had to be given to one of my employees and why I ended up with $750 boots that don’t fit. So ultimately it’s 100% my fault that I bought $1100 worth of products from black bear brand without being able to use them.
There has got to be a better way to assess sizing when you are plunking down $500+ for boots. I just don’t understand why they wouldn’t take whatever measures are needed to make sure their customers get properly fitted boots. Look at how Limmer does their custom boots. First they make you send in very detailed measurements of multiple areas of your foot. They won’t sell you boots unless you do this. They go a little overboard with one of their other requirements, but it shows they care (you have to physically visit their shop in NH when they are finished being built so they can ensure they fit.) Their reputation has been flawless because they won’t let a pair of boots leave the building unless they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they fit perfectly.
Good on you to ensure the two companies get a fair shake and everything gets represented correctly. With that said, I’m sorry - $750 is entering into absolute top tier, luxury brand pricing and the customer service should also be top tier.
I love your stuff. All of it!!!!! I absolutely adore leather work and am super into all aspects of small batch brands . Love the quality and specialness of these brands.
I have a pair of Wescos for work and I think they are one of the best boots. It sucks that boots don’t fit you just right. I’ve had better success calling them instead of emailing in the past.
There should be some way to communicate with them. They should make you another boot in the 9 1/2 size. And then you can cut the size 10 boots and a half. It’s a win-win.
Man I love your channel! I’m a huge Black Bear fan and I’ve batted around ordering some of his xWesco boots. So, watching you unbox yours was cathartic and helped me purge me of the desire to spend $750 on them! Biggest take-away? Wesco could stand to improve their customer communications. If you emailed and requested that both be 9.5, they should have responded. Keep up the great work!
Yeah try putting an insole in the left foot to fill in the empty space. It'll have to be something as sturdy as the inside of the other one though to not uneven weight displacement as you're walking.
I have two pairs of Wesco boots. Each one measured by them at their factory in Scapoose. one in 1991 one in 2019. Each tall corked boots. The most recent being 18". The sort version is that I think times have changed. The old time shoe guys fit people different. Never mind the fact that your foot absolutely changes as you get older. Modern bootmakers just fundamentally do not understand how a foot rides in a boot working timber on steep sidehills and up an down. Whites tried to fit me in way too wide and short a boot a few years ago as well. back to the current pair. They are too short. Fine in the showroom or flat ground. But not on the slope. My 1991 pair was all I could do to get in them with an ankle sock. They stretched to the point that I could wear two sock. Two socks is an absolute necessity for working all day. the 2019 pair needed two socks from the get go. anyway sorry the book. Great boots. I just have to find out how to get the size I need. Yes I still have the 1991 pair.
Waited forever for my Nicks Americanas. They were too narrow. Heartbreaking. Really tried to just gradually and naturally wear them in but there was no way. Any way after like a year or two I finally just sent them back to Nicks to have them stretched and now they’re a little too loose and in the stretching process the insides of the boots got kinda chewed up at the factory. Major bummer. I love the boots, they look incredible. I just don’t get that thrill wearing them and they’re not that legendary level of comfort the PNW cult claims. Gotta say too that waiting over a years on something really kills the unboxing and initial use too. Currently waiting on a suppressor to be be approved and I think my wait time will be about 15 months. Awesome. Really cool.
I'm sorry to hear that. I got my Nicks Urban Loggers two and a half years ago and still get a thrill lacing them up. Have you tried some thick wool socks to take up that extra room? Try the Darn Tough Tactical Boot cushion socks.
There are lots of thing you can do. Wear thicker socks, use an insole or heel pad, or as a last resort, soak the boot with a spray bottle of water then let it dry out in the sun. Test fit and repeat if necessary because leather can shrink several times.
Yah. I bought some bespoke Ichigo boots over the internet from Russia and they are a half size too small. Nice boots, well made, and the measurement error was prob on my end, but irritating nonetheless. They did stretch out just enough so they don't cramp my toes anymore but lesson learned; if you can't try your size on, go to a cobbler and get properly sized. It's worth the extra small cost.
This is probably the worst possible review of a company that is supposed to make luxury, handmade boots. They take 15 months, ignore 6 emails, including a size correction over a year ago. That alone prevents me from ever even looking at their boots. The rest is just insult to injury. I'll stick with companies that are able to make good boots and also somehow manage to reply to a customer email.
I've been wanting a pair of custom PNW boots for a while, but the ridiculous sizing system had me on the fence because even though I can afford the premium price these boot require ,6 to 7 hundred dollars is still 6 to 7 hundred dollars.But after watching this I'll just stick with the 3 hundred dollar "I know will fit" boots. Thank you for your videos.
Off topic but I really like how you gift boots and clothing that doesn't fit you instead of returning them/selling, even when they cost many hundreds. Mark of a great friend.
The RedX sole lasts a really long time. It's the WhiteX "Fire and Ice" rated vibram sole that's super soft and doesn't even last as long as the Honey Vibram sole. The only reason to get the WhiteX is if you are a firefighter where you regularly have to walk on icy ground, because the sole stays soft and grippy in the cold. My first pair of Smokejumpers had the WhiteX sole and one fire (total of about 4 miles of hiking) in a California lava flow destroyed those outsoles. They literally had the lugs coming off in chunks from the lava rock.
Interesting I got my first pair of honey soles and White X and was going to go White X for general purpose work for the softness and chemical resistance and sparks and heat during shop work and the winter.
@@claytonblachly4031 i have 4 pairs of White's with the "white x" and have never had any issues with them chunking. They are a bit softer than the normal and red x but the trade off is worth it to me, more grip all year, especially in the winter. I'm in the trades fwiw
I never order if I have to wait 6 months or more or less just because if something goes wrong have to send back and wait again.. no thanks there is many great boots you can buy and wait 3 to 5 days or go into store to buy.
I have six different pairs of wescos, three are strictly work boots. I love them and i wear them daily,definitely will never go back to cheap boots. Last pair I ordered took just over 12 months to get. Unfortunately wesco is suffering from high demand, no workers to do the work.
As to the fire sole, I recently received my Nick’s builder pros and the included a note with the boots stating that they may have the fire sole even when not ordered due to shortages.
Please don't cut this boots!! I understand that cutting boots in half is what this channel does better than any other; and it's what a lot of folks are tuned in for. But, there are a lot of us who are really interested in knowing how a $750 pair of boots works in the wild. I'm a tree farmer on steep terrain and I've put a lot of thought into buying a pair of PNW boots...but I don't know if the long term durability is worth the price tag. Paying $700+ for a pair of boots is one thing...waiting a year for them is another. Before I make that commitment, I'd love to hear an expert opinion on whether the juice is worth the squeeze. TH-cam is full of reviewers who tell us how great it is to unbox a pair of these and how nice they smell - But, a lot of us want to know if they keep you from rolling your ankles on a 20 degree slope. Do those Vibram lugs hold your position while girdling a soft maple? Does the logger heel keep you from sliding on your can on a steep track? If you aren't in a situation to evaluate their field performance, I suspect you could find someone who is. Put them through their paces for 6 months...then cut them open...PLEASE!
In case anyone who commented reads this….. 1) Wesco Boots start at $525 for standard stitching and work leather, so among PNW boots they are the best priced. 2) Wesco is a lot smaller a company than Whites or Nicks but they are very popular which is why the wait time is the longest 3) Wesco is also the prettiest PNW boot, the white stitching, the short toe, it’s beautiful. 4) When Rose cuts these in half he’s gonna find that it’s the same as all the other PNW brands but with a steel shank. 5) $200 extra for rough out horse hide and a Black Bear Collab is a little steep in my opinion but hey, there’s one born every minute.
There's a video here on youtube from The Black Peacoat that addressed this issue. Rose Anvil isn't being truthful with Wesco not responding to his email. Chris at Wesco clearly showed they would fix the issue.
Just got my new Wesco boots and I had stitches pop out the first day I put them on my feet and stitches not even attached and 3 weeks in my souls are delaminating!!!! I’m so disappointed in Wesco !!! I’m going back to whites and Drew’s boots!!!!!!
I own 5 pairs of Wesco boots. Bought a custom pair for my wife at the Wesco factory. Years ago I met the team and the owners, Roberta, Peggy and Chris a really cool rep. Also gave me a tour of the factory. I ordered a pair for my buddy November online and Wesco let me know it would be a two month wait for them. If I wanted a custom leather like burgundy it would take12-14 months. The boots took 2 months longer than expected but I didn't care. I called them wondering why it was longer than expected and they told me they've been working around the clock and supplies from the pandemic caused a huge back up. I like Wesco a lot. They've been fair to me more than I can say here. Great American family business I will continue to buy from. I'd recommend them to anybody. Unfortunately the pandemic caused problems for EVERY business especially small businesses. *Why not call them versus sending numerous emails. They do have a customer number to actually speak to a person instead of waiting for an email reply that may have been lost?*
Can not imagine spending $750 on a pair of boots without trying them on and/or being fit for them in person. When you're approaching 1k for a pair of shoes they should fit properly.
Why did you lie about NOT receiving an email from Wesco? Chris at Wesco clearly showed your email to them and a video showing your email and their immediate response to fix any issues you had with the boots. Why did you lie?
I'm in a professional service industry (architect) and if I ever make a mistake or there's an issue with my drawings, which does happen - we're all human, whatever I'm doing gets put aside and fixing the issue comes to the top of the pile at no charge to my client. Wesco should expedite you a correctly fitting boot, plain and simple. You asked for it and have it in writing. These aren't junk throwaway shoes. I would be absolutely furious in your shoes (sorry).
I get that they're busy, but when a person is ordering a $725.00 custom product, you answer the customer's damn emails. The boots look great but that's absolutely ridiculous they need to make you a new boot and do it asap considering this would have never happened if they had actually looked at your emails.
I was going to pull the trigger on a pair of wesco morrison boots. Now I think I will go ahead and get redwing 1155 nailseat. Might not be top tier quality, but they will be "very good" quality that fit when I walk out of the store. Looking for a western style pull on boot without leather soles not an engineer style boot. Nicks and Whites seem to only offer the engineer style as far as pull on boots go. Good customer service for that price is not asking much. Love your videos, keep educating us.
I got these boots in October of 2021 and they are by far the best boots I've ever owned, even better than my other Wesco boots. I've worn them 5 days a week since I first got them and they're just perfect. Been in rain, snow, mud, and they're holding up great and look even better broken in. Sucks they didn't work out for ya. Definitely work trying again though.
I was hit by a car and crushed my left foot. That caused the arch to drop and the foot to spread out making it bigger by about half a size. I use a basic Red Wing leather insert to balance out the feel. It's worked so far and may help you. Being a leathersmith you could make your own with the thickness you need. After my first pair of White's, and getting it dialed in, I know what to buy. I use my system and don't follow directions anymore. I've been happy ever since.
Get a Rose Anvil Belt, Wallet, or MORE here - bit.ly/44jXLNu
There are stores in northern wealthy areas and/or resort towns that sell these kinds of boots. I’ve never seen them anywhere else though & I imagine they don’t bother with Texas bc most people there have their tastes skewed towards cowboy boots. I know you can find them pretty easily in Colorado like in Aspen I’d imagine sure they’re in other wealthy towns in Colorado. Every summer I go to town called Charlevoix Michigan that has a store that sells Pacific Northwest boots and I’ve seen them in Coeur D’Alene Idaho as well.
do a trickers review
Felt like you were talking yourself into liking them the whole video when you visibly looked bummed.
Agreed. That's what I got from that..
Same
@@jasonmcclish2580 Poor Weston. Time to chop those bad boys up!
Good candidate for channel sacrifice...
Seriously feel bad for him. The obvious disappointed look he had..
It's a premium hand-made boot for $750 you can absolutely judge them harshly
Absolutely. When I pay premium for quality and excellence and don't get it, I'm going to judge rather savagely, unlike a cheap boot, where you get what you paid for. RoseAnvil knew they screwed up these boots before he took them out of the box.
Exactly. If I eat at a fine dining restaurant, I’m judging the experience by a completely different standard than when I eat at the burger joint around the corner.
@@JRRob3wn exactly
Yeah I was lookin at maybe getting some wesco Mr. Lous in the future, but now I'm never wasting my money with them lol.
@@ethanbaran6158 which is exactly why videos like this are so valuable to Consumers
This video illustrates the concern from us guys who have a hard time finding boots that fit. Also, you cannot call them a premium boot brand if their customer service isn't premium as well.
Now we know not to order from them. 15 months 725 dollars and no communication. No thanks. Love the content keep up the good work..
The big red flag is that they don't answer emails. Especially from a customer who ordered a pair of $725 boots. It's like they don't give a shit.
Premium price should equal premium service and goods. And it doesn't seem either has happened
@@jasonmcclish2580 It isnt premium, its american made cost for a PNW boot made out of spec in horsehide.
Yeah, I called nicks and changed size, they notated it on my order, and I just got them and they were the new size and they are perfect!
Exactly, I have Nicks, Whites, and most recently Drew's (Mexican made) loggers, and each of those companies reached out to me wither personalized updates on wait times etc... and for the Nicks, I actually made a quick change(much like Weston details trying here) and they were super cool with it and responded immediately. Don't know what could possibly make Wesco more special than the others here, and can't imagine giving them my money when their more established competition goes far above and beyond them.
Just to put things into perspective:
when my $190 Becket-Simonon boots started squeaking, I emailed the company for some advice with an attached video. They came back within a couple of days, admitted this must have been a manufacturing issue (mind you - I had worn that pair for a year by then!) and offered a free replacement pair. Sent it to me with UPS Next Day Air too.
My two favorite sneakers are from Becket-Simonon. I let a bad shop try to repair my B&S Oxfords and they completely F'd them up. Been meaning to buy some more asap.
I would be furious if I had asked for a change in a $700 pair of boots 2 months into a 15 month wait and was ignored. Cut'em in half and go with a company that values customer service.
He should send them the link of the dissection.
Nicks has the best customer service I've ever experienced
@@mitchlol5710 that was definitely not my experience
@@Heavywall70 What happened?
@@Heavywall70 what happened?
I value customer service HEAVILY. Nicks and Whites were happy to answer my questions over email. Wesco not answering emails for a special edition boot purchase is unacceptable.
Agree completely.
Agreed, customer service is important for premium products like these. I've had good experiences with White's and JK Boots.
This has NOT been my experience at all. I have spoken with Bruce Shoemaker various times on the phone and email for various Westco boot purchases over the years. Bought my first JobMasters over 20 years ago. Solid Oregon made woodsman boots that last. I think they are worth the money and customer service in my experience is very personable and solution oriented. I wear Westco for their durability, fit and rebuild option, sure they can be a fashion boot but thats just fad.
"Special edition" = "A way to unload crap at a premium due to the invention of artificial scarcity"
@@Naeidea"the stamp on the outside is special" 😂
I'm a retired veteran with 2 titanium plates and 13 screws in my left ankle. So I now wear size 10 on my left foot and 9.5 on my right foot. It's very difficult to find boots the fit me. These boots would be perfect for me. Don't cut them I would love to own them.
Giving you a bump, hopefully he sees!
Top
Bump bump!
bump
Hope he sees this ...liking and commenting just for that .. thank you for your service.
No one should pay 725$and wait 15 months on a pair of boots that are just nice
And don't fit!
And are made like a $350 boot lol
I think the biggest issue was the lack of communication.
I mean I got a pair of redwings from a shop in Manchester for Christmas a few years back from my wife and the guy in the shop wouldn't let her but them without me coming in and trying them on. We spent 40 minutes of his time sorting out the best size. To me that's what I would expect at the very least from a $750 boot company. That level of interaction
If I knew I was sending my product with my name to an expert with an audience, I would make _damn sure_ I nailed the presentation
110%
A good reviewer really should order anonymously, which he may have done. Otherwise they WILL gussy it up and it's not a true representation of what an average viewer would get if they order.
If you’re charging that much, every pair that goes out better be excellent. No picking and choosing to try to make yourself look better than you are.
Dude they recommended the size(s) they gave you AND Ignored your email asking them to change it.
It’s not your fault XD
Agree. They need to work out a solution. You don't pay that much money for "oh well, they don't fit."
Yeah that’s disappointing
Wesco has never ignored my email
$750, they ignored your request for the size you really wanted? Eff that noise. I'd be blowing up their customer service number. They need to do a rush order on a left foot 9D boot. You're being waaay to nice about it. 😂
@@christopherjames3027 "size you really wanted"? Why didn't he order that size to begin with if its what he really wanted?
I got in on a Black Bear/Wesco collab a couple years ago. Basically what you got but not rough out. I was very disappointed. The stitching inside the pull up strap on one boot was unraveled so I had to send it back to be redone. The other boot was sewn together so that the back strap was rotated and off center. I sent it back wit the boot with the bad stitching and they claimed it was fine. It wasn’t. I won’t buy another pair of Wescos.
I know supply chain issues have been very disruptive and all that, but waiting 15 months, only to find you can't wear them is such a let down.
Especially when he said he called and requested the adjustment, and they recommend the wrong sizing at the end of the day. Definitely a gut punch seeing what I've dreaded happening with my custom Frank's. Lucky 🤞 I haven't hit the unlucky Lotto, and I've sized 2 lasts now.
Personally I would send them back and get boots that fit right. They suggested the wrong size and should expedite a replacement left boot. A huge part of an insanely high price tag is insane customer service, for me at least. Maybe you could cut the left boot in half and order a single boot in the correct size if that's possible.
That’s a great point.
My guess is that the chance of them making another boot for him is precisely zero. These companies aren’t big. I would expect very little customer service.
@@notthatproud7453 no reason they cant expedite a 9.5. and if they want to they can make a 10 on their own and sell an extra pair of 10s. but bad customer service to a big channel doesnt reflect well on your brand
An automatic red flag, they don't answer emails.
@@notthatproud7453 Nick's customer service is nice and quick in my experience. Sounds like they never responded in this case which is unacceptable imo
Yup. No Wesco for me now. Drew’s has some amazing 8oz leather boots for $349 that are blowing up the space. They are ready to ship as well
Drew's? I'd love a link man. I need some other pair of boots but Wesco has me running scared due to sizing. I feel safe buying a Frank's or a Nick's since they are in my own back yard. But I simply don't feel safe buying something at $700+ long distance.
But we are talking about a 27+ week back log. My last pair of Nick's has taken a full year for them to build.
@@Vultain I want to let you know that Franks offers the Patriot boot for $349. Built In the U.S. with all the same quality materials. I have the type 2 highlander and they are the best work boot I have owned.
Mikhail approves this message, your name and picture!
@@joeb5183 franks are great boots . I've had a pair for a while.
I'm scared to spend so much on a boot that I haven't been fitted for in person
That is basically what’s holding me from buying multiple Truman boots that I like 😩
@@kosta2177You should buy a pair of Truman's. They are great, and the guys will help you with the fit. Just my opinion, I own 2 pairs.
@@mikesherry8817 thank you for sharing your experience
Understandable. I was too but I ordered from Nick's and they offer free size exchanges for boots that don't fit as long as you haven't worn them a lot obviously.
@@kosta2177 I hear ya, but Truman does give prompt responses to emails. I ordered a pair from them a couple of months ago, they were half a size big, so returned them and my replacement pair arrives next week…fingers crossed.
Sums up exactly why I have not tried Wesco yet
Can’t say I agree that you can’t be to hard on a 750$ boot. If I paid an insane price like that I would expect it to be perfect!
Confirmed my fear of sending a tracing of my foot and $700 and hoping for a good fit. This is why I'll probably never get a nicer pair of leather boots than my redwings because I don't know where I can get nicer boots and try em on before buying.
Nicks has way faster lead times and lets you exchange boots that don't fit. They'll also send you sizing boots to try on if you choose.
@@bodeym Did the try on, discussed the fit over phone and sent them back, then "my" Builder Pros arrived. Initially had some misgivings as they were my 1st pair of PNWs and felt off at first (even AFTER the try-on) and the break-in was legendary. Fast forward to now, they've properly set and they're my favorites, and I've got no problem doing 16+ hour days in them. Now thinking to getting a 2nd pair to rotate
I am the same way. I stick with my redwings. Iron rangers and classic chelsea all I need
Totally hear you. I felt same as you. I was basically stuck with Red Wings and Grant Stone. I wanted a PNW Boot but would get apprehensive in the shopping cart and bail, especially at the 500+ range. Last week I saw an ad come across the screen for a Pair of Drew's Contractor boots for just 300 bucks. They were at a place Called Bakers Boot Company in OR. Turns out they were factory seconds but they looked fricken sweet for 300 and so I just did it. They just said order .5 size down, just like how I always order 10.5 at RW & GS, instead of my normal 11. Well they fit A OK and they only thing I could tell that made them blems was on the side of the sole there was a stitch too long. Who cares? Moreover, although they were 20 to ship I saved 15 from a coupon they emailed bc I put it in my cart, and waited until the next day. Moreover, since they are in OR, no frickin tax either! 305 out the door, bud. Lastly if you buy the non blems, they're only 375, so either way you win. They are assembled in Mexico is how they do it for a great price. They make fine boots there so no worries. Best boots I've ever had.
I dunno man. I think I would try to get them to fix this problem in a timely fashion. You did, after all, make a concerted effort to contact them about the sizeing, & they failed to get back. These are expensive boots & for this cost, I think you need to be 💯% satisfied. This is why, if something like this happens to me, I will make a few attempts at a phone call. I would at least see what they say about this. You might be suprised at their response. These things are very very cool otherwise.
He should 100% call them and ask for some type of compensation. Shit is ridiculous.
For $750, I would expect priority customer support and better presentation!
Wesco has answered the phone when I have called and when I've gone into the showroom they were very friendly and attentive. Chris over there has been very helpful.
It is clear that they have been suffering some staffing shortages lately. I am sure they would just send ya the right size.
Yep, my experience has been identical. Always had good communication, and Chris is great.
Yeah. Chris has always patiently reply my email enquiries, the last one being couple of weeks ago when I asked about certain leather and outsole options. Wesco has also sent notice about their leadtime. Its a bummer about the sizing but perhaps call them up to find a solution?
Nice try Wesco PR person
Watching this video is like hearing a girl talk about her neglecting boyfriend who takes her for granted and takes advantage of her being blindly in love with him. She asks for him to pay more attention to her, she asks for more communication, and he just ignores her requests. He gives her what he wants, and she's so blindly in love that she just learns to be into what he gives instead of what she would of wanted. He is hot though, so you look past all his flaws.
I grew up in the shoe business and for years we relied on additional insoles and tongue padding to "custom fit" shoes and boots. This is the perfect opportunity to properly fit your foot slightly different size foot. My right foot is one whole size larger than my left, every pair is an adventure. I still have a pair of Red Wings that I got about 50 years ago, when Red Wing would break up pairs to get the customer the best fit possible. I really enjoy your content. Thank you.
1) I think those are the best looking boots youve ever had on the channel
2) contact them and get a replacement left boot, their suggestion lead to you being dissatisfied. If they send a replacement you can still cut the 10 in half. And if they refuse then that is extremely important consumer information you can bestow upon those of us trying to make a choice in the handmade boot world.
Yes. This.
If you’re not going to wear them and considering you’ve never reviewed Wesco Boots before, cutting them open makes the most sense.
It’s a bummer though…
He should send the link to Westco.
He did, then the video was promptly set to private.
@@toolshed6078 why? And do you have a link?
The size issue to completely Wesco's fault. This is a result of their lack of communication with the customer and, esp. at this price point, speaks volumes about how they just don't care at all about you or anyone else. Good reason to avoid this brand, there are other companies that are much, much more deserving of our hard earned dollars. And thanks to your painful experience, we have one more brand we know to avoid.
Compare that to Parkhurst, where the owner of the company (he’s a one man show) personally emails you back within 1 hour.
Absolutely..
I've communicated with Nick's multiple times about my orders, always respond within two days and always super nice and helpful.
@@saintmuerte13 same here, Nicks changed my size on my builder pro within a day and on my second boots, the Renegades W&C they changed heel and height within 2 days after emailing them my changes. i thought waiting 6 months was bad, but 15 months and bad fit is cruel.
when you choose to pay $700 for something that you can buy the exact same thing for $200 the only thing you can possibly be paying for is extreme customer service.
This video cements my stance that I will never buy a PNW boot without being able to try them on first. You have a million times more experience than I do and you still got a pair of boots that don’t fit. Thanks for the video
Waiting since 08/2022. JUST got them. 19 months. Did the custom fit with a traced footbed. They fit PERFECT. Very happy, first day. I told my wife they were YOUR fault.
Why was the follow-up video where you cut these boots in half made private??
Same question
This is why I would NEVER spend that amount without being able to try on. Insane.
I have never seen an online boot purchase fit
right, but if you get a custom boot at a local cobbler they need to make it before you can try it...
I have bought boots online without trying on, but...1. The same make/model/size that I have already owned, OR 2. Used/surplus military boots for less than $100 ($35 & $50 last two pair.
These boots do look very authentic, never seen design like this before. Nice to look at :)
I agree that when buying custom boots, the fit seems to be off on both of my Nicks even after adjusting the fit on the second pair. I know they are really well built but I don't think I can justify buying boots that expensive anymore and not know what the fit will be like.
I own a pair of Wesco volt for boots, they are extremely heavy and very noisy/sqeaky boots yes I wore them to work and used them several times using climbing spikes and I was just a fan which was a bummer for the most expensive boots I've ever bought. One good thing is they drove me to buy a very comfortable pair of wedge sole boots from thorough good that I absolutely love still after 14 months of working in them
I’ve thought about buying WESCO boots but I won’t know, the customer service seems horrible based on your experience .
Not being able to adjust an order for any reason AND having a 15 month wait time is just inexcusable, even for a $500-600 product that would be frustrating but something is broken in that business structure. I hope they see your video an ammend that policy because their business WILL suffer eventually if they do not. For someone like me i simply can never justify that kind of risk for that kind of money.
Did you pull the cut in half of these off the main channel?
Pendleton Woolen Mills - Chief Joseph print wool jacket. Very cool.
You've been fooled again, dude...all these limited editions are a gimmick and a scam to take another couple hundred bucks from you.
Call me old fashioned, but if I cannot try them on first, no sale. Nothing is like seeing them in person, before you buy, if you are going to like them. Pissing away that much money? I would be steamed for sure! Oh, and after your video on the Jim Green African Ranger boots, etc, I ordered a pair. Wow! They are maybe my new favorite general-purpose boot now. Fit, comfort, both are spot on.
I had the same issue with wesco. Did the foot tracing and everything. The boots ended up being a full size too small. Ended up selling them after 4 months of foot torture. QC was bad too. Shame because I believe wesco has the best designs, best lasts, and I love the full leather lining option. Their operation really needs improvement though.
I love the look of the boot. I might copy .
Just had the same experience with Nicks boots. Custom fit, roughouts, was quoted 16-20 weeks, but took a little over 13 months. Was really only disappointed in the communication. I actually had to purchase another pair of boots in the interim. An additional $200+ expense on top of the $575+ price tag.
West Coast Shoe Company, commonly known as Wesco, is an American manufacturer of men's and women's boots based in Scappoose, Oregon. The company was founded in 1918 and still manufactures all its boots in the United States.
WESCO disappointed me, as well.... I bought a pair of their engineer boots off-the-shelf in the late '90's and they fit perfect. I beat them up wearing them a lot and while riding the motorcycle which was what I bought them for - They saved my right foot in an accident, a car blew a red light and T-boned me, hit me right at my foot and bent the steal of the frame on the other side of my foot but that steel shank kept my foot from being crushed. In 2007 I did a custom order with WESCO, I designed up a custom pair of the same boot adding lining, credit card packets in the lining, a knife sheath - They were bad ass BUT I had to send them back twice and they still didn't get the fit right - Never wore them - I sent the original pair back to them and had them rebuilt, still have them, they fit great but I rarely wear them anymore
I had the same problem with a few boots and had a expensive lesson glad to know I wasn’t alone
I was going to order these when they came up again in March, but after seeing this there's nothing about them that should justify the $725 price tag. I'm glad this video came out when it did 😅 can't wait to see the cut in half video!
So Cordovan and horsehide is different. They are both from a horse but Cordovan is a conective tissue under the hide on the inside of the hip of a horse there is only 2 very small peices on each horse ranging between 2 to 5 square feet each. It is so expensive because of the small amount available per horse and it takes a year to tan. Horse leather is just that it is the actual skin that is tanned like a cowhide. Horse in general is tougher and tighter grained than most cowhide. The Cordovan is a very tight grain and is probably the finest and longest wearing leather product you can get.
I remember talking to nicks when I ordered my rangers. I did the sizing kit they send. I told them that my one foot is smaller than the other and I would like them sized accordingly. They strongly recommended against two different size boots. They said that most people will land in a standard size shoe and only in extreme cases do they recommend different sizes between the two feet. I’ll never really know how a half size smaller boot would’ve felt on me, but this video kinda reinforced nicks way of thinking
Uh i know the feeling. I had wrong size of my brannock and ordered through year and half my 3 dream pairs. Now i need to sell them and cry in side because i got what i wished for and than neet to get rid of them with a loss and get same ones again full size up. Horrible feeling
This video feels like when my husband decides to order an expensive steak at a restaurant, we wait forever to get it, and it arrives overcooked by 2 or 3 levels. He gets that same look on his face. LOL My advice, I know they don't really answer emails, but try contacting them and talk to them about what happened. Maybe they can make a new left boot for you and then you can use the one that doesn't fit for your other stuff. Nearly 1k bucks and over a year, you should have a pair of boots you can wear at the end of the process, ESPECIALLY when the size difference was based on their suggestion.
Thank you for sharing this. Now I know... I am never ordering shoes and boots like this.! :D
When you have to justify and talk yourself into a pair of $725 “work” boots 15 months later, they just aren’t worth it.
Thanks for the content. Always enjoy it! (Also loving my RA wallet!)
I think it says 3.6ft2 (3.6 sq ft). It’s likely made from a horween horse strip. I get them from maverick sometimes and that’s usually the size of the larger ones.
Yes, it's a good job he's too young to have needed to use a slide rule. That's one big-bummed horse he's imagining!
Well I learned a valuable lesson - don’t spend a ton of money on something unless you have recourse. I would absolutely wear out their phone and email till someone replied and fixed this to my satisfaction. Or they’d go back. No way I’m keeping something like that…
Wesco had threats on their Facebook page so they had to shut it down. My god people that's completely uncalled for.
Wesco is about 15 min from me. I got a pair of jobmasters about 15 years ago and they still have life. I can’t justify the cost of new hand made boots anymore, but it was sweet.
If you choose to try and work around the size issue, the simplest thing to try would be wearing two socks on the smaller foot. From my experience, you can wear one size larger then your regular fit by wearing thicker, preferably heavy wool socks.
Really nice looking boots but it's ridiculous to try to compare them to your unique and fantastic nick's in marbled shell Cordovan. :P
P.S: I feel sorry for you regarding the sizing issue. I know the feeling after several poor purchases. :(
I would love to see you review Becks Cowboy boots. Same price as these and they are custom made for you with a great at-home measure kit that includes foam step-ins. Great video. Sorry about your size. That’s a bummer. On the bright side, I can’t wait to see you cut these open. I’m dying to see how well they are made. Thanks for the video.
been watching Rose Anvil videos for a long time. Been lusing after a pair of PNW boots for a long time. Meanwhile, the entire time I'm doing this I been wearing the same pair of Thorogoods to work in every single day and they're super comfortable and they have been holding up great. The soles are wearing down pretty bad now but due to the way they're made there is still a bunch of sole left to wear out. I've had a bunch of Vibram soles and the Thorogood soles have outlasted any Vibram by a ridiculous length of time.
what I saying is.....I'm starting to question that it's possible to get $700 worth of value out of any boot. I would have worn out a vibram sole by now for sure which comes on every PNW boot and now they're charging like $200 for a resole. It just doesn't add up.
Unfortunately having never owned a pair of fancy boots I really don't know. I just can't imagine what these boots can possible do that's worth that kind of money???? I don't believe it's real. I'm thinking it's just fashion. I get that they're hand made and understand why they're expensive.
This is a very thought-provoking comment. Thank you very much.
Non-responsive customer service, odd construction, poor unboxing/product experience, high cost. And when a customer keeps blaming themselves, it's probably the company's fault. Thank you for going through this so your thousands of viewers don't have to.
Lots of negative comments about wesco and black bear. This really was 100% my fault and that shouldn’t reflect badly on them. So consider holding your judgement until we cut them in half which will be next month for arch march!!! 🔪🔪🔪
Why are you defending a company that ignores multiple emails?
I didn’t articulate the email thing very well. They did emailed me back about the boot size issue but every other email I have sent them over the past few years hasn’t gotten a reply. But either way the size didn’t get changed after I emailed them. So take that for what it’s worth.
Also Black bear brand is very clear about not being willing to change order details after the order is submitted. They are also very clear about not accepting returns. That’s why the $350 pants I bought had to be given to one of my employees and why I ended up with $750 boots that don’t fit. So ultimately it’s 100% my fault that I bought $1100 worth of products from black bear brand without being able to use them.
There has got to be a better way to assess sizing when you are plunking down $500+ for boots. I just don’t understand why they wouldn’t take whatever measures are needed to make sure their customers get properly fitted boots.
Look at how Limmer does their custom boots. First they make you send in very detailed measurements of multiple areas of your foot. They won’t sell you boots unless you do this. They go a little overboard with one of their other requirements, but it shows they care (you have to physically visit their shop in NH when they are finished being built so they can ensure they fit.) Their reputation has been flawless because they won’t let a pair of boots leave the building unless they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they fit perfectly.
Good on you to ensure the two companies get a fair shake and everything gets represented correctly. With that said, I’m sorry - $750 is entering into absolute top tier, luxury brand pricing and the customer service should also be top tier.
I love your stuff. All of it!!!!! I absolutely adore leather work and am super into all aspects of small batch brands . Love the quality and specialness of these brands.
Seems like Wesco customer service is kinda shit.
I have a pair of Wescos for work and I think they are one of the best boots. It sucks that boots don’t fit you just right. I’ve had better success calling them instead of emailing in the past.
There should be some way to communicate with them. They should make you another boot in the 9 1/2 size. And then you can cut the size 10 boots and a half. It’s a win-win.
Man I love your channel! I’m a huge Black Bear fan and I’ve batted around ordering some of his xWesco boots. So, watching you unbox yours was cathartic and helped me purge me of the desire to spend $750 on them! Biggest take-away? Wesco could stand to improve their customer communications. If you emailed and requested that both be 9.5, they should have responded. Keep up the great work!
Yeah try putting an insole in the left foot to fill in the empty space. It'll have to be something as sturdy as the inside of the other one though to not uneven weight displacement as you're walking.
I have two pairs of Wesco boots. Each one measured by them at their factory in Scapoose. one in 1991 one in 2019. Each tall corked boots. The most recent being 18". The sort version is that I think times have changed. The old time shoe guys fit people different. Never mind the fact that your foot absolutely changes as you get older. Modern bootmakers just fundamentally do not understand how a foot rides in a boot working timber on steep sidehills and up an down. Whites tried to fit me in way too wide and short a boot a few years ago as well. back to the current pair. They are too short. Fine in the showroom or flat ground. But not on the slope. My 1991 pair was all I could do to get in them with an ankle sock. They stretched to the point that I could wear two sock. Two socks is an absolute necessity for working all day. the 2019 pair needed two socks from the get go. anyway sorry the book. Great boots. I just have to find out how to get the size I need. Yes I still have the 1991 pair.
I'd enjoy hearing and seeing your thoughts on Hoffman boots. I have a pair of Pole Climbers.
Waited forever for my Nicks Americanas. They were too narrow. Heartbreaking. Really tried to just gradually and naturally wear them in but there was no way. Any way after like a year or two I finally just sent them back to Nicks to have them stretched and now they’re a little too loose and in the stretching process the insides of the boots got kinda chewed up at the factory. Major bummer. I love the boots, they look incredible. I just don’t get that thrill wearing them and they’re not that legendary level of comfort the PNW cult claims. Gotta say too that waiting over a years on something really kills the unboxing and initial use too. Currently waiting on a suppressor to be be approved and I think my wait time will be about 15 months. Awesome. Really cool.
I'm sorry to hear that. I got my Nicks Urban Loggers two and a half years ago and still get a thrill lacing them up. Have you tried some thick wool socks to take up that extra room? Try the Darn Tough Tactical Boot cushion socks.
@@steveeab2364 I have and that does help. It’s been the best solution so far. Darn toughs are the goat.
There are lots of thing you can do. Wear thicker socks, use an insole or heel pad, or as a last resort, soak the boot with a spray bottle of water then let it dry out in the sun. Test fit and repeat if necessary because leather can shrink several times.
Jim green podcast was great
If I ever wanted laced boots, I’d dig these with a kilty simply for the abrasion protection but take a razor to the frillies first.
I think that’s another vote for Red Wing. You can usually find some in a store to try on.
Yah. I bought some bespoke Ichigo boots over the internet from Russia and they are a half size too small. Nice boots, well made, and the measurement error was prob on my end, but irritating nonetheless. They did stretch out just enough so they don't cramp my toes anymore but lesson learned; if you can't try your size on, go to a cobbler and get properly sized. It's worth the extra small cost.
Make that 3 pairs of red wings!
@TheJohn8765: If you can find a half length insert that raises your heel up, that may fix your problem. That will draw your toes back. Take care.
This is probably the worst possible review of a company that is supposed to make luxury, handmade boots.
They take 15 months, ignore 6 emails, including a size correction over a year ago. That alone prevents me from ever even looking at their boots. The rest is just insult to injury.
I'll stick with companies that are able to make good boots and also somehow manage to reply to a customer email.
I've been wanting a pair of custom PNW boots for a while, but the ridiculous sizing system had me on the fence because even though I can afford the premium price these boot require ,6 to 7 hundred dollars is still 6 to 7 hundred dollars.But after watching this I'll just stick with the 3 hundred dollar "I know will fit" boots. Thank you for your videos.
Hard to argue against that logic.
Off topic but I really like how you gift boots and clothing that doesn't fit you instead of returning them/selling, even when they cost many hundreds. Mark of a great friend.
The RedX sole lasts a really long time. It's the WhiteX "Fire and Ice" rated vibram sole that's super soft and doesn't even last as long as the Honey Vibram sole.
The only reason to get the WhiteX is if you are a firefighter where you regularly have to walk on icy ground, because the sole stays soft and grippy in the cold. My first pair of Smokejumpers had the WhiteX sole and one fire (total of about 4 miles of hiking) in a California lava flow destroyed those outsoles. They literally had the lugs coming off in chunks from the lava rock.
Interesting I got my first pair of honey soles and White X and was going to go White X for general purpose work for the softness and chemical resistance and sparks and heat during shop work and the winter.
@@claytonblachly4031 i have 4 pairs of White's with the "white x" and have never had any issues with them chunking. They are a bit softer than the normal and red x but the trade off is worth it to me, more grip all year, especially in the winter. I'm in the trades fwiw
I never order if I have to wait 6 months or more or less just because if something goes wrong have to send back and wait again.. no thanks there is many great boots you can buy and wait 3 to 5 days or go into store to buy.
Dude call wesco the reason they don’t fit is because they didn’t answer you. Stop being so passive my dude.
I have six different pairs of wescos, three are strictly work boots.
I love them and i wear them daily,definitely will never go back to cheap boots.
Last pair I ordered took just over 12 months to get.
Unfortunately wesco is suffering from high demand, no workers to do the work.
As to the fire sole, I recently received my Nick’s builder pros and the included a note with the boots stating that they may have the fire sole even when not ordered due to shortages.
Please don't cut this boots!! I understand that cutting boots in half is what this channel does better than any other; and it's what a lot of folks are tuned in for. But, there are a lot of us who are really interested in knowing how a $750 pair of boots works in the wild. I'm a tree farmer on steep terrain and I've put a lot of thought into buying a pair of PNW boots...but I don't know if the long term durability is worth the price tag. Paying $700+ for a pair of boots is one thing...waiting a year for them is another. Before I make that commitment, I'd love to hear an expert opinion on whether the juice is worth the squeeze. TH-cam is full of reviewers who tell us how great it is to unbox a pair of these and how nice they smell - But, a lot of us want to know if they keep you from rolling your ankles on a 20 degree slope. Do those Vibram lugs hold your position while girdling a soft maple? Does the logger heel keep you from sliding on your can on a steep track? If you aren't in a situation to evaluate their field performance, I suspect you could find someone who is. Put them through their paces for 6 months...then cut them open...PLEASE!
In case anyone who commented reads this…..
1) Wesco Boots start at $525 for standard stitching and work leather, so among PNW boots they are the best priced.
2) Wesco is a lot smaller a company than Whites or Nicks but they are very popular which is why the wait time is the longest
3) Wesco is also the prettiest PNW boot, the white stitching, the short toe, it’s beautiful.
4) When Rose cuts these in half he’s gonna find that it’s the same as all the other PNW brands but with a steel shank.
5) $200 extra for rough out horse hide and a Black Bear Collab is a little steep in my opinion but hey, there’s one born every minute.
Simon
I have narrow ankles too, I feel your pain!
There's a video here on youtube from The Black Peacoat that addressed this issue.
Rose Anvil isn't being truthful with Wesco not responding to his email.
Chris at Wesco clearly showed they would fix the issue.
Just got my new Wesco boots and I had stitches pop out the first day I put them on my feet and stitches not even attached and 3 weeks in my souls are delaminating!!!! I’m so disappointed in Wesco !!! I’m going back to whites and Drew’s boots!!!!!!
I own 5 pairs of Wesco boots. Bought a custom pair for my wife at the Wesco factory.
Years ago I met the team and the owners, Roberta, Peggy and Chris a really cool rep.
Also gave me a tour of the factory.
I ordered a pair for my buddy November online and Wesco let me know it would be a two month wait for them.
If I wanted a custom leather like burgundy it would take12-14 months.
The boots took 2 months longer than expected but I didn't care. I called them wondering why it was longer than expected
and they told me they've been working around the clock and supplies from the pandemic caused a huge back up.
I like Wesco a lot. They've been fair to me more than I can say here.
Great American family business I will continue to buy from.
I'd recommend them to anybody.
Unfortunately the pandemic caused problems for EVERY business especially small businesses.
*Why not call them versus sending numerous emails. They do have a customer number to actually speak to a person
instead of waiting for an email reply that may have been lost?*
Can not imagine spending $750 on a pair of boots without trying them on and/or being fit for them in person. When you're approaching 1k for a pair of shoes they should fit properly.
Why did you lie about NOT receiving an email from Wesco?
Chris at Wesco clearly showed your email to them and a video showing your email and their immediate response to fix any issues you had with the boots.
Why did you lie?
hi Chris
I'm in a professional service industry (architect) and if I ever make a mistake or there's an issue with my drawings, which does happen - we're all human, whatever I'm doing gets put aside and fixing the issue comes to the top of the pile at no charge to my client.
Wesco should expedite you a correctly fitting boot, plain and simple. You asked for it and have it in writing. These aren't junk throwaway shoes. I would be absolutely furious in your shoes (sorry).
I get that they're busy, but when a person is ordering a $725.00 custom product, you answer the customer's damn emails. The boots look great but that's absolutely ridiculous they need to make you a new boot and do it asap considering this would have never happened if they had actually looked at your emails.
I was going to pull the trigger on a pair of wesco morrison boots. Now I think I will go ahead and get redwing 1155 nailseat. Might not be top tier quality, but they will be "very good" quality that fit when I walk out of the store. Looking for a western style pull on boot without leather soles not an engineer style boot. Nicks and Whites seem to only offer the engineer style as far as pull on boots go.
Good customer service for that price is not asking much. Love your videos, keep educating us.
I got these boots in October of 2021 and they are by far the best boots I've ever owned, even better than my other Wesco boots. I've worn them 5 days a week since I first got them and they're just perfect. Been in rain, snow, mud, and they're holding up great and look even better broken in. Sucks they didn't work out for ya. Definitely work trying again though.
Please do a podcast. The last one was amazing. I think you would be a great host for the boot community!!!
$725!? 😅
I’ve got 3 pairs of Vibergs that were all above that price in £. It’s kinda normal for handmade heritage boots.
@@ragetobe I get it…and they’re beautiful. I was more reacting to the fact that it’s $725 and he can’t wear them.
@@javieralonzo7265 The cutting-in-half video will net him several thousand dollars in monetization
I was hit by a car and crushed my left foot. That caused the arch to drop and the foot to spread out making it bigger by about half a size. I use a basic Red Wing leather insert to balance out the feel. It's worked so far and may help you. Being a leathersmith you could make your own with the thickness you need.
After my first pair of White's, and getting it dialed in, I know what to buy. I use my system and don't follow directions anymore. I've been happy ever since.
I liked the looks of it