Great video. Only purchased my first boots this year. Looking for an all-around boot at a good price I went with Jim Green's African Ranger boots. Looking forward to future videos.
We all have opinions. Mine are based on my own personal bias and prejudice. My life experiences have steered me into my opinions. Over a lifetime, my lifetime, I've worn a lot of boots. What I prefer are Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, and Allen Edmonds Dalton.
As boot enthusiast there are multiple American companies. One company you’ve mentioned in the past is thorogood. They used to have a heritage line 1892 line. There is a roofer boot called portage amongst these as well as a roofer boot line. Looks like they are bringing back the roofer boot. You’re pretty far away in Australia, but many of us are intrigued by the return of this iconic boot
Funny Teik mentions carpentry while holding the Indy. I believe i heard that Harrison Ford personally advocated for the "casting" of the Alden boot in the films based on his personal use and preference of the boot in his personal hobby usage of them as an enthusiast wood worker. Great video, as always.
Excited to hear you mention William Lennon boots. Have you considered reviewing any of their boots? They're such an interesting heritage brand with very traditional styles and unique construction. I have a pair of their derby PTC boots and love them, like an English cousin of the Iron Rangers.
I've been gathering boots for some time now, and I'm just getting into boots with traditional histories in other places. China, South Africa, Australia, UK, Indonesia, Spain, etc. It has really been adding a whole new element to the joy of boot collecting (and wearing!). Finding traditional boot styles, particularly work boot styles, that have histories completely unique from the Pacific Northwest/ American heritage styles. I'll always love my moc toes and cowboy boots and service boots and all the great American styles, but exploring the world has been a blast!
In much of my life, I seemed to alternate between Clark's shoes and Nocona cowboy boots. I have a terrific Wolverine Chelsea, but long like a cowboy boot, built by the craftsman of León, Mexico. The PNW boots are too heavy for my knees, but I've grown to appreciate some Red Wings (moxford and Blacksmith), sturdy and stylish (I do use an insert to soak up instep volume and better support my arches). I AM interested in one of your excellent introductions and tutorials to British shoemaking. I've lusted for some Trickers. But I need to know more!
I always enjoy your videos because of your reasonable and thorough approach, and this is a great history. I’ve tried nearly everything, and I keep coming back to Red Wing. Definitely the best quality at a moderate price point, reliably well made, and last seemingly forever with minimal care and can be easily resoled. Really wanted to love Alden because it’s a gorgeous design with a wide toe box, but the quality of the internal materials is akin to what you’d get at a $200 price point. Since I live in Minneapolis, less than an hour from Red Wing, MN, I have the luxury of visiting their factory and flagship store with relative ease, where there is a small museum and the basement is filled with factory 2nds, 99% of which are indistinguishable from “firsts,” and a great way to get an even better deal.
@@Bootlosophy Right now is their annual warehouse sale, first time since 2019 because of Covid-19. Iron Rangers and other Heritage line are typically $150 for factory 2nds. Unfortunately, my schedule won't allow the trek this year. It's hard to know that great deals are so close. I do check from time to time because they sometimes still have out of production models like the 9011 Beckman, etc.
My casual boots are the White’s C350 Cruisers. They’re expensive but certainly worth the money, even more certainly a better value than the Alden Indy’s
Rest of the world gets my vote. I would also like to hear your analysis of the various parts of the boot industry. You’ve mentioned your background in business and I’ve learned so much about boot construction from your channel, I know I’d learn more about the world just hearing your thoughts. Basically anything expanding on your knowledge would be perfect. You have a great voice for public speaking/podcasting. I have a history degree and the way you dived into this subject matter opened up a lot of interest just by casually going through it. Great stuff, love the body of work you’ve produced.
I took the plunge into quality boots in 2017 with my RW Beckmans in black cherry. They were a challenge to break in but well worth it afterward. And little did I know they were being discontinued at the time. So glad I have them! Up next were the Moc Toe Thorogoods, which are now my work boots. After that was 2 pairs of Red Wing Moc Toe. The Oro Legacy ones are my current go to for everyday casual and the Beckmans are my classier near dress casuals. Finally, I just bought a pair of the AE Higgins Mill in Chili German Leather for $379 from their online site and my initial impressions are very good. These will be for the dressier occasions like with the Beckmans.
What an enjoyable history lesson on a great topic. Just excellent. I haven’t gotten into the older British makers but am interested. I love these American brands and their cousins, close and distant.
I feel like 5-10 years ago Wolverine 1000 Miles were a sleeper. Hitting above their weight, but I bought and returned a pair late last year as the quality was really down compared to my pairs from years back. My 10 year old pair is noticably nicer than the pairs I bought about 5 years ago.
@@Tallnerdyguy agree. It’s tough because I know Made in USA is expensive, but the build and materials is really sub par. $300 is the limit on what they can reasonable charge for their current build quality.
I've worn all of the boots you have featured in this video and the Higgins Mill fits me the best. You described the last as nothing special but I really enjoy the 1757. Also, it fits TTS in my experience, not half down.
The 1757 is one of the best boot lasts ever designed. It has a very wide toe box, especially around the big toe, yet is still somewhat stylish, as say compared to the Munson last. Healthy and comfortable for your feet.
The 1757 is one of the best boot lasts ever designed. It has a wide toe box, especially around the big toe, but is still a little bit stylish. Healthy for your feet, and comfortable. AE fits true to scale. A Brannock device to required to find the arch length, often larger than the physical length. According to instructions that come with the Brannock, if a person has thick feet, they may need a wider width than what the Brannock measures. If they have thin feet, they may need a narrower width.
I have the iron ranger and recently the higgins mill with a lug sole. the IR is more well worn and I acutally used it for light work but I still wear it out in town. I went with a lug sole with the higgins mill cuase the sole give it more of a rugged feel and breaking thsoe boots in as well. I like my iron rangers a bit more becasue i have these for longer but the higgins mill is not bad and I hope I can love these boots a bit more after a bit more wear.
My first pair of quality boots was the Higgins Mill bc there was an Allen Edmonds store nearby. They are dear to me, but I now know that they are in a strange space with regard to quality. Do not pay full price, but if you find a good sale (and sales are common), then maybe. Their belts I fully recommend. Really nice.
Great video! So informative. I own the Thousand Miles and just bought a set of Indy boots by a brand named Astorflex. Had never heard of them until I stumbled upon them today. Came to TH-cam to learn more about the brand and landed on your video. I’d already been a subscriber. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your wealth of knowledge! I seldom watch such long videos but yours are so interesting.
Your content is always excellent and I’ve followed your channel from the start. I’m a collector myself. I enjoy your choices and we have some crossover in taste. My main choices have been Truman, Grant Stone,Benzein,Rollimg Dub Trio and Parkhurst. With some Wolverine, Redwing and Thursdays thrown in the mix. I don’t work in an office though admin is part of my job, so dress boots are for “fun”. My recent pick ups are the Truman in China Blue Waxy Commander in the 79 and the Grant Stone Ottawa in Horween Cognac Pebble Grain. I think you’d enjoy the Grant Stone Ottawa in your collection. Always enjoy your videos. 👍👍 David Callan🇨🇦
I like both the American and English heritage styles. Owning,Redwings & Trickers & Cheaneys. The Trickers Stows I own are hard to beat in terms of quality. A lined,heavy smart boot. The Iron Ranger & Moc suit a slightly more casual asthenic and unlined which is probably easier to wear when the temp rises. Think the price is also reflected in the quality of the two. I do love all my boots though.
Love your channel, Teik! I wear a size 15D on the Brannock scale. Most boot makers don’t offer their boots in my size. My first boot purchase was a pair of 1000 Mile Cap Toes. I sent them off to Wyatt and Dad for new extra thick leather mid soles, split welts, and Vibram Corded outsoles. Moved up to a pair of White’s MP’s in black CXL. Love both of them. I’m a size 14D in both the White’s and Wolverine’s. Teik, could you help me with a list of bookmakers that offer boots in larger sizes? I know Nicks offers them in my size. They are on my bucket list for sure. Thanks for all you do for us “boot nuts” out there!
After getting into Truman boots, it has been a long time since I have put on my Iron Rangers or 1000mile boots, but they are certainly the starting point for so many people. I love my RM's for what they are, but American made boots are next level and I still enjoy their heritage even if it isn't my own.
@@NoNameNo.5 My experience with the three boots you reference here is that the Truman's are definitely worth their price. Very well designed and constructed with top notch materials. Very interesting leather options. I think they fit nicely in their price point. I have two pairs of Truman boots and both were very easy to break in. A few wears around the house and then soon wearing them for a full day. Plus, I think you can feel good about buying from a solid company.
Very nice overview and vid Teik, as always. As you are a perfectionist, you might want to add the links you're mentioning & pointing to as they seem to be missing. 🙂
Other than A/E it's difficult to get a 3E width in these American boot makers, E-mailed Alden getting a 8EEE they don't have the last for it and it would would take 18 mouths if ever for them to be made. With the ease of getting a boot that just fits Grant Stone gets the business.
Indy boot is over priced for materials. People buy them cause Indiana Jones wore them. Crazy. Sign me up for White's / Nicks or JK. I have 9 pair of Red Wing IR in different colors / combinations. Hard to beat Iron Rangers.
The Indy is arguably overpriced, but by no means junk. I'm guess y'all saw Weston's video and never owned a pair. And that's fine. But it also is what it is. You just regurgitating what somebody else told you. I own a pair. Had them for nearly a decade. Haven't needed a resole yet. Super comfortable. The leather is still getting more attractive, developing a deep, rich patina. But yeah, they are garbage. Because some guy who heard some other guy say so? Okay...😊
I find the Indy boot in that soft leader (not chromexcell) with 360 welt really nice, tried it on here in Germany but the way the heel is made it enforces pronation, which is a shame… the last it self ist perfect otherwise, the most anatomical last I have tried next to CJ 365!
Gotta go American boots. The heritage of our large land variation and variable biomes has produce rugged and ready goods. Also moc toes either low or high wall are the best, just feels so human.
People have no idea, when it comes to pricing. No consumer product is "worth" the retail price. You can buy a Chevy, GMC, or Cadillac. All the same vehicle, with different price points. Why? Because the consumer is willing to pay. Boots are the same..... No boot is worth more than "$X" in leather, laces, etc. What you're buying is the company brand name, and paying for their overhead and profit. It costs more for them to operate a corporation to sell the product to you, than it costs to to produce the product. No different than the $1 soda that's really worth10¢.
Any tips for getting my hands on some American boots in Australia? I can easily import or find a lot of English brands, but I’m looking at getting into the American styles now.
I live 30 minutes away from Northampton, England and own Red Wing 1907s. I love the moc toes and I’m also generally more drawn towards the American service boots than most English boots for the same reasons as mentioned in the video. Also the Rose Anvil videos do a better job of advertising well made boots than the boot makers themselves, and that channel is obviously US boot focused. Despite being local to me the English boots cost a lot and their value is ambiguous to me. Red Wing have a store in London so I can try their boots on there and I feel like I understand what I’m buying from them thanks to all the reviews. With the options available to me I wouldn’t buy any of the US boots I couldn’t try on first even though I like the look of them, so while I might one day go in for English boots, I might instead get Red Wing Blacksmiths for about 70% of the cost.
I hear you about the cost of Northampton brands, but do you think say Crockett & Jones for example is 70% better made/materials than Blacksmiths? Certainly better “finished” maybe.
@@Bootlosophy I don't have experience of them but certainly I wouldn't expect to get vastly superior durability or comfort from the Northampton brands which currently cost £500-600 full price here, compared to £300-330 for the Red Wings. If I were looking to my local brands for dressier boots that difference in price would still sting. A privilege of being so close is the opportunity to buy heavily discounted factory seconds, which would most definitely become an option if the right boots were available at the right time. I couldn't see myself buying any at full retail price for the time being.
Teik: I apologize for being critical of your "acknowledgement of country" statement in your videos. Once I got past that I came to enjoy your videos very much. So much so that I spent around 20 hours this past week watching many of your great videos. So, again, my apology. Happy New Year.
Thanks for the review, it was very well presented. You have obviously done a lot of research on the topics in general and these specific brands and I have always enjoyed your videos. However, if I may, I believe that there is one correction that needs to be made. Around the 6:50 mark, you said that these brands started "all across the US". This is not quite true. The Allen Edmonds and Chippawas are both from Wisconsin, Red Wings from Red Wing Minnesota and Wolverines from Michigan. These are all neighboring states and solidly part of the Upper Midwest of America. If you add Thorogoods, that's three companies with origins in Wisconsin, two of which still have factories there. There is also Russel Moccosins in Berlin Wisconsin, but I don't know if they are still in business. It would be possible to drive from Red Wing Minnesota to Rockford Michigan in day, it would be a long strip, but completely doable. These only brand in this video that is out of the Upper Midwest area is Alden.
Great video! US boots are everything you imagine you want in a boot, rugged and durable. I’ve actually gone full circle with my love of Northampton boots and shoes and now I’ve fallen back in love with my old Tricker’s Bourton, various Loakes and a pair of Crocket and Jones Tetbury that I currently own. They just fit my lifestyle better I guess. I sold on my Red Wing 875s and Iron Rangers, also my Thursday Captains. They never seemed to satisfy, they all left me slightly disappointed. I have a theory on why US boots are so popular now. I suspect maybe it’s because TH-cam channels are dominated by US reviewers. And also, the English are painfully terrible at singing their own praises or promoting the things they’re good at.
I think you’re absolutely right about the English being too conservative and almost too polite to sing their own praises, like it’s not the done thing - how people should “just know” per tradition. I think Asia picked up on American heritage and that’s rebounded and revived American boot making. I would buy more English boots except for the price. Not that it’s not value but the brands I like are like buying Whites and Vibergs regularly!
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 difficult to compare directly. Similar to comparing European and American sports cars. Both capable and built for the same purpose, but they both do it in different ways. The Tricker’s are tougher than they look with faultless QC and some nice design details, the Red Wings are no nonsense unapologetically tough boots, perfect for tough jobs. For my lifestyle I prefer the understated sturdiness of the Tricker’s. I can wear them in nearly any situation without looking like I’m trying too hard. I guess it comes down to where you wear your boots. I walk around town, at work and dog walks, so my Tricker’s are perfect for me. I always felt like I was dressing up and pretending to be something I wasn’t when I wore my Red Wings.
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 haha, oh dear. I found both my Red Wings very harsh to wear. Not much give. Even after over a year of moulding to my feet they still felt like wood when I put them on in the morning. The 875 last is most similar to the Tricker’s Bourton/Stow. The Iron Rangers felt wider with less length. But both good for standard foot shapes if the size is correct.
I tend to focus on the American Style Boots. Not that I wouldn't appreciate some of the English made boots. But with some of the bespoke makers over there having prices that would gladly having me purchase a pair of Kreosote(Gabard's) boots instead. I have not ventured that direction though. It's hard to justify $2000+ on a pair of boots. It doesn't help that all the PNW Boot Makers with the exception of Wesco and Truman are less than an hour away from me. I do have to say I've tried all of the ones that share the same roots (Nick's, Frank's, White's). In terms of the fitting experience and build quality I truly enjoy the Frank's. They still do the Mckay stitch and their 1977 high arch last is more orthopedic in nature. I started out with Nick's. White's is a classic and while JK's is here as well I have never ventured down that path. Only so much time and money. Nick's is launching a higher end dressier line. I am curious what they will do with it. Those old Rapid Ease machines are fairly unwieldy so I am definitely curious.
I have both English and American heritage boots, whilst I love my American boots, I much prefer the English heritage of boots. Why? They seem to be more reliable and true to their heritage, and some have picked up the global interest in heritage and adapted, think Tricker's who do many Collabs with interesting leathers... I find the English boots are more reliable in quality and finishing and are on the whole better built with better materials...... Obviously Wesco, Nicks & Whites are extremely well built, actually very overbuilt for many wearing for non-work purposes, but quality and finishing is hit and miss, although the materials are exceptional on a boot........
Does anyone have any experience with Thursday's MITUSA line? It's a mixed bag in terms of reviews but I'm hoping somebody can debunk whether or not they're worth it.
Let me say I have the captains and the American made loggers. The Mexican made caps are just as good or maybe better than the American made loggers imo. I believe the stitching is better in the caps. If someone showed you both boots and asked which one was made in America you'd scratch ur head 😅
@@Bootlosophy I just saw it and while a lot of good points were brought up I wonder how the other variants might compare to something like Grant Stone. Does Horween Chromexcel quality not carry over between brands? How is the construction quality any better?
@@souleater302 I don't even have any grant stones yet, But after watching so many reviews, the grant stones are in a league of their own, none of thursday's will compare to fit and finish.
At one time...(out of the group you have accumulated here), the Alden boot, would have been the superior boot. However...times have changed. I suspect the Chippewa would have also been a higher quality boot at one time. Today...out of those brands...it is difficult to say which boot is the superior one. Today however...none of these boots compare, to today's Pacific NorthWest boot companies, like White's, Nick's, JK Boots, Frank's, or Truman's. The boots coming out of Washington and Oregon...are far superior to any of these named brands today. If...I had a choice of the boots listed here...not really sure which one I would pick. Probably...the Allen Edmonds brand, just not the Higgins Mill model though. I truly adore the Allen Edmonds Dalton boot. But as far as the best quality of these...it us just hard to say. Not a fan of the Wolverine 1000 Mile, and the Alden Indy...is a huge disappointment in quality vs price. Not that familiar with the Chippewa's of today, but the old Chippewa...was an excellent quality boot back in the day. I'd probably pick an Allen Edmonds boot, or the Red Wing Iron Ranger...knowing however, boots from the Pacific NorthWest...are far superior.
Land acknowledgement!!! YEAH BABY!!! I stopped watching a boot/shoe repair channel after the dude flew a "don't tread on me flag" right after the January 6 US insurrection. Thank you.
Don't forget Doc Martens! Not so many still made in Northamptonshire, perhaps. And few buyers with any clue of the connection. But at least here in America where I can watch feet, they're still the runaway winners for lace-ups with heels.
As long as you do not purchase the, "Made In China" models. Even the, "Made In England" Docs, are not what they used to be from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Doc's have mostly gone the same route as old American quality brands have gone. Like Florsheim, and Johnston and Murphy, have gone overseas, so has the quality. Docs included.
@@vladyslav4 That’s ok, I didn’t mean to sound rude, but only to point out that this video was about “classic” American brands that have been around since the turn of the 19th/20th century. Nicks was founded in 1964.
God you are an uninformed dick. Take the time to Google “Acknowledgment of Country in Australia” but only if (a) you know how to spell and (b) you realise Australia and Austria are different countries.
Those are nice boots
im not crying ive jsut got something in my eye
Great video. Only purchased my first boots this year. Looking for an all-around boot at a good price I went with Jim Green's African Ranger boots. Looking forward to future videos.
We all have opinions. Mine are based on my own personal bias and prejudice. My life experiences have steered me into my opinions. Over a lifetime, my lifetime, I've worn a lot of boots. What I prefer are Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, and Allen Edmonds Dalton.
As boot enthusiast there are multiple American companies. One company you’ve mentioned in the past is thorogood. They used to have a heritage line 1892 line. There is a roofer boot called portage amongst these as well as a roofer boot line. Looks like they are bringing back the roofer boot. You’re pretty far away in Australia, but many of us are intrigued by the return of this iconic boot
Funny Teik mentions carpentry while holding the Indy. I believe i heard that Harrison Ford personally advocated for the "casting" of the Alden boot in the films based on his personal use and preference of the boot in his personal hobby usage of them as an enthusiast wood worker. Great video, as always.
Excited to hear you mention William Lennon boots. Have you considered reviewing any of their boots? They're such an interesting heritage brand with very traditional styles and unique construction. I have a pair of their derby PTC boots and love them, like an English cousin of the Iron Rangers.
I've been gathering boots for some time now, and I'm just getting into boots with traditional histories in other places. China, South Africa, Australia, UK, Indonesia, Spain, etc. It has really been adding a whole new element to the joy of boot collecting (and wearing!). Finding traditional boot styles, particularly work boot styles, that have histories completely unique from the Pacific Northwest/ American heritage styles. I'll always love my moc toes and cowboy boots and service boots and all the great American styles, but exploring the world has been a blast!
In much of my life, I seemed to alternate between Clark's shoes and Nocona cowboy boots. I have a terrific Wolverine Chelsea, but long like a cowboy boot, built by the craftsman of León, Mexico. The PNW boots are too heavy for my knees, but I've grown to appreciate some Red Wings (moxford and Blacksmith), sturdy and stylish (I do use an insert to soak up instep volume and better support my arches). I AM interested in one of your excellent introductions and tutorials to British shoemaking. I've lusted for some Trickers. But I need to know more!
I always enjoy your videos because of your reasonable and thorough approach, and this is a great history. I’ve tried nearly everything, and I keep coming back to Red Wing. Definitely the best quality at a moderate price point, reliably well made, and last seemingly forever with minimal care and can be easily resoled. Really wanted to love Alden because it’s a gorgeous design with a wide toe box, but the quality of the internal materials is akin to what you’d get at a $200 price point. Since I live in Minneapolis, less than an hour from Red Wing, MN, I have the luxury of visiting their factory and flagship store with relative ease, where there is a small museum and the basement is filled with factory 2nds, 99% of which are indistinguishable from “firsts,” and a great way to get an even better deal.
If I lived that close I’d be there every week! 😂😂😂
@@Bootlosophy Right now is their annual warehouse sale, first time since 2019 because of Covid-19. Iron Rangers and other Heritage line are typically $150 for factory 2nds. Unfortunately, my schedule won't allow the trek this year. It's hard to know that great deals are so close. I do check from time to time because they sometimes still have out of production models like the 9011 Beckman, etc.
Mid century Americana is perfection in high culture….muscle cars, fast women, rock n rol, and hella hood boots! Great video Tek
My casual boots are the White’s C350 Cruisers. They’re expensive but certainly worth the money, even more certainly a better value than the Alden Indy’s
I love American boots!!!! Awesome video! You never disappoint with your knowledge.
Rest of the world gets my vote.
I would also like to hear your analysis of the various parts of the boot industry. You’ve mentioned your background in business and I’ve learned so much about boot construction from your channel, I know I’d learn more about the world just hearing your thoughts.
Basically anything expanding on your knowledge would be perfect. You have a great voice for public speaking/podcasting.
I have a history degree and the way you dived into this subject matter opened up a lot of interest just by casually going through it.
Great stuff, love the body of work you’ve produced.
I took the plunge into quality boots in 2017 with my RW Beckmans in black cherry. They were a challenge to break in but well worth it afterward. And little did I know they were being discontinued at the time. So glad I have them! Up next were the Moc Toe Thorogoods, which are now my work boots. After that was 2 pairs of Red Wing Moc Toe. The Oro Legacy ones are my current go to for everyday casual and the Beckmans are my classier near dress casuals. Finally, I just bought a pair of the AE Higgins Mill in Chili German Leather for $379 from their online site and my initial impressions are very good. These will be for the dressier occasions like with the Beckmans.
Great little collection there!
What an enjoyable history lesson on a great topic. Just excellent. I haven’t gotten into the older British makers but am interested. I love these American brands and their cousins, close and distant.
I feel like 5-10 years ago Wolverine 1000 Miles were a sleeper. Hitting above their weight, but I bought and returned a pair late last year as the quality was really down compared to my pairs from years back. My 10 year old pair is noticably nicer than the pairs I bought about 5 years ago.
I got a pair for $160, but after wearing them for 3 months, cannot see them worth $400 tbh. Maybe 250.
@@Tallnerdyguy agree. It’s tough because I know Made in USA is expensive, but the build and materials is really sub par. $300 is the limit on what they can reasonable charge for their current build quality.
@@EDHBlvd maybe that's why they are on sale so much?
Nice choice to review this bunch.
Good job reviewing.
My father was a clicker in his first job at 14 for a bootmaker in Newtown, Sydney in the 1930s
I love all boots from around the world and American. I just pay for what looks good , feel good and quality built and leather . A big boot fan I am.
I've worn all of the boots you have featured in this video and the Higgins Mill fits me the best. You described the last as nothing special but I really enjoy the 1757. Also, it fits TTS in my experience, not half down.
The 1757 is one of the best boot lasts ever designed. It has a very wide toe box, especially around the big toe, yet is still somewhat stylish, as say compared to the Munson last. Healthy and comfortable for your feet.
The 1757 is one of the best boot lasts ever designed. It has a wide toe box, especially around the big toe, but is still a little bit stylish. Healthy for your feet, and comfortable. AE fits true to scale. A Brannock device to required to find the arch length, often larger than the physical length. According to instructions that come with the Brannock, if a person has thick feet, they may need a wider width than what the Brannock measures. If they have thin feet, they may need a narrower width.
I have the iron ranger and recently the higgins mill with a lug sole. the IR is more well worn and I acutally used it for light work but I still wear it out in town. I went with a lug sole with the higgins mill cuase the sole give it more of a rugged feel and breaking thsoe boots in as well. I like my iron rangers a bit more becasue i have these for longer but the higgins mill is not bad and I hope I can love these boots a bit more after a bit more wear.
Learning so much from your channel and furthering my interest (or addiction or fetish!!). Keep it coming!!!
Wondering if you'd ever review Crown Northampton shoes. Any model really. They make quality leather foot wear as well.
They’ve not been on my radar as they’re not really my style but their E Woodford line would be interesting
would love to hear your thoughts on canada west moorby
I’m trying to get a pair
My first pair of quality boots was the Higgins Mill bc there was an Allen Edmonds store nearby. They are dear to me, but I now know that they are in a strange space with regard to quality. Do not pay full price, but if you find a good sale (and sales are common), then maybe. Their belts I fully recommend. Really nice.
Great video! So informative. I own the Thousand Miles and just bought a set of Indy boots by a brand named Astorflex. Had never heard of them until I stumbled upon them today. Came to TH-cam to learn more about the brand and landed on your video. I’d already been a subscriber. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your wealth of knowledge! I seldom watch such long videos but yours are so interesting.
Thank you. Astorflex are one of my favourite brands (for comfort) but I didn’t know they had an Indy style - what’s the model name?
@@Bootlosophy Nuvoflex. I have them in Whiskey. Excited to try them out tomorrow. Keep up the great content!
Your content is always excellent and I’ve followed your channel from the start. I’m a collector myself. I enjoy your choices and we have some crossover in taste. My main choices have been Truman, Grant Stone,Benzein,Rollimg Dub Trio and Parkhurst. With some Wolverine, Redwing and Thursdays thrown in the mix. I don’t work in an office though admin is part of my job, so dress boots are for “fun”. My recent pick ups are the Truman in China Blue Waxy Commander in the 79 and the Grant Stone Ottawa in Horween Cognac Pebble Grain.
I think you’d enjoy the Grant Stone Ottawa in your collection.
Always enjoy your videos.
👍👍
David Callan🇨🇦
Sounds like you have a great collection!
I like both the American and English heritage styles. Owning,Redwings & Trickers & Cheaneys.
The Trickers Stows I own are hard to beat in terms of quality. A lined,heavy smart boot.
The Iron Ranger & Moc suit a slightly more casual asthenic and unlined which is probably easier to wear when the temp rises.
Think the price is also reflected in the quality of the two.
I do love all my boots though.
Love your channel, Teik! I wear a size 15D on the Brannock scale. Most boot makers don’t offer their boots in my size. My first boot purchase was a pair of 1000 Mile Cap Toes. I sent them off to Wyatt and Dad for new extra thick leather mid soles, split welts, and Vibram Corded outsoles. Moved up to a pair of White’s MP’s in black CXL. Love both of them. I’m a size 14D in both the White’s and Wolverine’s. Teik, could you help me with a list of bookmakers that offer boots in larger sizes? I know Nicks offers them in my size. They are on my bucket list for sure. Thanks for all you do for us “boot nuts” out there!
Not easy to find at all!
Sure isn’t. Maybe someday.
After getting into Truman boots, it has been a long time since I have put on my Iron Rangers or 1000mile boots, but they are certainly the starting point for so many people.
I love my RM's for what they are, but American made boots are next level and I still enjoy their heritage even if it isn't my own.
I’m ready to move on from my thorogood and redwings…are Truman’s worth the price? How’s break in? Thanks
@@NoNameNo.5 My experience with the three boots you reference here is that the Truman's are definitely worth their price. Very well designed and constructed with top notch materials. Very interesting leather options. I think they fit nicely in their price point. I have two pairs of Truman boots and both were very easy to break in. A few wears around the house and then soon wearing them for a full day. Plus, I think you can feel good about buying from a solid company.
@@telemarktumalo6978 hey, thanks buddy, great input!
Very nice overview and vid Teik, as always.
As you are a perfectionist, you might want to add the links you're mentioning & pointing to as they seem to be missing. 🙂
Yeah, some of them dropped off for some reason when uploading
Good comparison, I wear my 1000 miles way more than my Iron Rangers.
Other than A/E it's difficult to get a 3E width in these American boot makers, E-mailed Alden getting a 8EEE they don't have the last for it and it would would take 18 mouths if ever for them to be made. With the ease of getting a boot that just fits Grant Stone gets the business.
What a fantastic video! Also very informative
My wolverine 1000 mile are pigskin lined (at leadt it said so on the tag on it)
Indy boot is over priced for materials. People buy them cause Indiana Jones wore them. Crazy. Sign me up for White's / Nicks or JK. I have 9 pair of Red Wing IR in different colors / combinations. Hard to beat Iron Rangers.
Are there even 9 different models?
@@markjfedelehe keeps buying new pairs after ruining his older pairs with Obenauf’s. 😂
Indy boot is Garbage materials
The Indy is arguably overpriced, but by no means junk. I'm guess y'all saw Weston's video and never owned a pair. And that's fine. But it also is what it is. You just regurgitating what somebody else told you. I own a pair. Had them for nearly a decade. Haven't needed a resole yet. Super comfortable. The leather is still getting more attractive, developing a deep, rich patina. But yeah, they are garbage. Because some guy who heard some other guy say so? Okay...😊
I find the Indy boot in that soft leader (not chromexcell) with 360 welt really nice, tried it on here in Germany but the way the heel is made it enforces pronation, which is a shame… the last it self ist perfect otherwise, the most anatomical last I have tried next to CJ 365!
What is the jacket/overshirt you are wearing in this video? 🔥 🔥 🔥
It’s a trucker jacket from Target
Gotta go American boots. The heritage of our large land variation and variable biomes has produce rugged and ready goods. Also moc toes either low or high wall are the best, just feels so human.
Great video. Could you do a review of the boots your father wore in the war that lasted in the jungle? That would be very interesting.
People have no idea, when it comes to pricing. No consumer product is "worth" the retail price. You can buy a Chevy, GMC, or Cadillac. All the same vehicle, with different price points. Why? Because the consumer is willing to pay. Boots are the same..... No boot is worth more than "$X" in leather, laces, etc. What you're buying is the company brand name, and paying for their overhead and profit. It costs more for them to operate a corporation to sell the product to you, than it costs to to produce the product. No different than the $1 soda that's really worth10¢.
Chippewa looks great
One of my favourites
Any tips for getting my hands on some American boots in Australia? I can easily import or find a lot of English brands, but I’m looking at getting into the American styles now.
Go to their websites and buy from them directly.
I live 30 minutes away from Northampton, England and own Red Wing 1907s. I love the moc toes and I’m also generally more drawn towards the American service boots than most English boots for the same reasons as mentioned in the video. Also the Rose Anvil videos do a better job of advertising well made boots than the boot makers themselves, and that channel is obviously US boot focused.
Despite being local to me the English boots cost a lot and their value is ambiguous to me. Red Wing have a store in London so I can try their boots on there and I feel like I understand what I’m buying from them thanks to all the reviews. With the options available to me I wouldn’t buy any of the US boots I couldn’t try on first even though I like the look of them, so while I might one day go in for English boots, I might instead get Red Wing Blacksmiths for about 70% of the cost.
I hear you about the cost of Northampton brands, but do you think say Crockett & Jones for example is 70% better made/materials than Blacksmiths? Certainly better “finished” maybe.
@@Bootlosophy I don't have experience of them but certainly I wouldn't expect to get vastly superior durability or comfort from the Northampton brands which currently cost £500-600 full price here, compared to £300-330 for the Red Wings.
If I were looking to my local brands for dressier boots that difference in price would still sting. A privilege of being so close is the opportunity to buy heavily discounted factory seconds, which would most definitely become an option if the right boots were available at the right time. I couldn't see myself buying any at full retail price for the time being.
Teik: I apologize for being critical of your "acknowledgement of country" statement in your videos. Once I got past that I came to enjoy your videos very much. So much so that I spent around 20 hours this past week watching many of your great videos. So, again, my apology. Happy New Year.
Thanks for the review, it was very well presented. You have obviously done a lot of research on the topics in general and these specific brands and I have always enjoyed your videos. However, if I may, I believe that there is one correction that needs to be made. Around the 6:50 mark, you said that these brands started "all across the US". This is not quite true. The Allen Edmonds and Chippawas are both from Wisconsin, Red Wings from Red Wing Minnesota and Wolverines from Michigan. These are all neighboring states and solidly part of the Upper Midwest of America. If you add Thorogoods, that's three companies with origins in Wisconsin, two of which still have factories there. There is also Russel Moccosins in Berlin Wisconsin, but I don't know if they are still in business. It would be possible to drive from Red Wing Minnesota to Rockford Michigan in day, it would be a long strip, but completely doable. These only brand in this video that is out of the Upper Midwest area is Alden.
Great, extremely interesting video.
Great video!
US boots are everything you imagine you want in a boot, rugged and durable. I’ve actually gone full circle with my love of Northampton boots and shoes and now I’ve fallen back in love with my old Tricker’s Bourton, various Loakes and a pair of Crocket and Jones Tetbury that I currently own. They just fit my lifestyle better I guess.
I sold on my Red Wing 875s and Iron Rangers, also my Thursday Captains. They never seemed to satisfy, they all left me slightly disappointed.
I have a theory on why US boots are so popular now. I suspect maybe it’s because TH-cam channels are dominated by US reviewers. And also, the English are painfully terrible at singing their own praises or promoting the things they’re good at.
I think you’re absolutely right about the English being too conservative and almost too polite to sing their own praises, like it’s not the done thing - how people should “just know” per tradition. I think Asia picked up on American heritage and that’s rebounded and revived American boot making.
I would buy more English boots except for the price. Not that it’s not value but the brands I like are like buying Whites and Vibergs regularly!
That's great...how does that Tricker's Bourton last compare to the Red Wings and others?
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 difficult to compare directly. Similar to comparing European and American sports cars. Both capable and built for the same purpose, but they both do it in different ways. The Tricker’s are tougher than they look with faultless QC and some nice design details, the Red Wings are no nonsense unapologetically tough boots, perfect for tough jobs.
For my lifestyle I prefer the understated sturdiness of the Tricker’s. I can wear them in nearly any situation without looking like I’m trying too hard.
I guess it comes down to where you wear your boots. I walk around town, at work and dog walks, so my Tricker’s are perfect for me. I always felt like I was dressing up and pretending to be something I wasn’t when I wore my Red Wings.
@@darrenhall7454 Thanks for the thorough response lol but I was just wondering about the shape of the last on the foot specifically, thanks!
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 haha, oh dear.
I found both my Red Wings very harsh to wear. Not much give. Even after over a year of moulding to my feet they still felt like wood when I put them on in the morning.
The 875 last is most similar to the Tricker’s Bourton/Stow. The Iron Rangers felt wider with less length. But both good for standard foot shapes if the size is correct.
I tend to focus on the American Style Boots. Not that I wouldn't appreciate some of the English made boots. But with some of the bespoke makers over there having prices that would gladly having me purchase a pair of Kreosote(Gabard's) boots instead. I have not ventured that direction though. It's hard to justify $2000+ on a pair of boots.
It doesn't help that all the PNW Boot Makers with the exception of Wesco and Truman are less than an hour away from me.
I do have to say I've tried all of the ones that share the same roots (Nick's, Frank's, White's). In terms of the fitting experience and build quality I truly enjoy the Frank's. They still do the Mckay stitch and their 1977 high arch last is more orthopedic in nature.
I started out with Nick's. White's is a classic and while JK's is here as well I have never ventured down that path. Only so much time and money.
Nick's is launching a higher end dressier line. I am curious what they will do with it. Those old Rapid Ease machines are fairly unwieldy so I am definitely curious.
Take a look at English makers like Grenson and Barker.
@@Bootlosophy Will do and thank you for your suggestion.
This guy Boots!
I have both English and American heritage boots, whilst I love my American boots, I much prefer the English heritage of boots. Why? They seem to be more reliable and true to their heritage, and some have picked up the global interest in heritage and adapted, think Tricker's who do many Collabs with interesting leathers... I find the English boots are more reliable in quality and finishing and are on the whole better built with better materials...... Obviously Wesco, Nicks & Whites are extremely well built, actually very overbuilt for many wearing for non-work purposes, but quality and finishing is hit and miss, although the materials are exceptional on a boot........
Does anyone have any experience with Thursday's MITUSA line? It's a mixed bag in terms of reviews but I'm hoping somebody can debunk whether or not they're worth it.
Let me say I have the captains and the American made loggers. The Mexican made caps are just as good or maybe better than the American made loggers imo. I believe the stitching is better in the caps. If someone showed you both boots and asked which one was made in America you'd scratch ur head 😅
I’ve done a review of the Vanguard
@@Bootlosophy I just saw it and while a lot of good points were brought up I wonder how the other variants might compare to something like Grant Stone. Does Horween Chromexcel quality not carry over between brands? How is the construction quality any better?
@@souleater302
I don't even have any grant stones yet, But after watching so many reviews, the grant stones are in a league of their own, none of thursday's will compare to fit and finish.
Those Wolverine 1000 Mile boots look so sexy. 🔥
Great video
Awesome 👍🏽
잘 했어요!
At one time...(out of the group you have accumulated here), the Alden boot, would have been the superior boot. However...times have changed. I suspect the Chippewa would have also been a higher quality boot at one time. Today...out of those brands...it is difficult to say which boot is the superior one. Today however...none of these boots compare, to today's Pacific NorthWest boot companies, like White's, Nick's, JK Boots, Frank's, or Truman's. The boots coming out of Washington and Oregon...are far superior to any of these named brands today. If...I had a choice of the boots listed here...not really sure which one I would pick. Probably...the Allen Edmonds brand, just not the Higgins Mill model though. I truly adore the Allen Edmonds Dalton boot. But as far as the best quality of these...it us just hard to say. Not a fan of the Wolverine 1000 Mile, and the Alden Indy...is a huge disappointment in quality vs price. Not that familiar with the Chippewa's of today, but the old Chippewa...was an excellent quality boot back in the day. I'd probably pick an Allen Edmonds boot, or the Red Wing Iron Ranger...knowing however, boots from the Pacific NorthWest...are far superior.
Quality over sticking to one country .
Best attitude
Land acknowledgement!!! YEAH BABY!!! I stopped watching a boot/shoe repair channel after the dude flew a "don't tread on me flag" right after the January 6 US insurrection. Thank you.
Don't forget Doc Martens! Not so many still made in Northamptonshire, perhaps. And few buyers with any clue of the connection. But at least here in America where I can watch feet, they're still the runaway winners for lace-ups with heels.
They're hated in the boot enthusiast community but I love them
As long as you do not purchase the, "Made In China" models. Even the, "Made In England" Docs, are not what they used to be from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Doc's have mostly gone the same route as old American quality brands have gone. Like Florsheim, and Johnston and Murphy, have gone overseas, so has the quality. Docs included.
Didn't mention Nicks?
What year did Nicks start?
@@Bootlosophy ok, I don't know. Sorry
@@vladyslav4 That’s ok, I didn’t mean to sound rude, but only to point out that this video was about “classic” American brands that have been around since the turn of the 19th/20th century. Nicks was founded in 1964.
@@Bootlosophy you didn't sound rude. I am fine aknowledging my mistake or ignorance
I nearly got a pair of used Indy boots on eBay. Beautiful boots but I'm not loving that cork leather.
Cork leather?
15:35 sorry to point it out but were you hungry Tech?😂
Huh?
@@Bootlosophy I kind of heard a faint Gurgle of a stomach I thought
Ed: my volume was all the way up so that's why I heard it
@@estevan1918 haha! My neighbour’s mid-life crisis starting up, his Harley
Very inspiring, I really want to have Iron Ranger (#41) boots but they don't exist in my country, can you gift me one?
lost their soles, hahahaha, i get it.
What is English heritage boots? Trickers. I guess that's the next video.
Crockett & Jones, Grenson, Barkers, Church’s, Edward Green, William Lennon, J Cheaney & Sons, Loake
Almost forgot the acknowledgement of the custodian of the land.😂
Hello from USA
Instead of acknowledge you live on stolen land, you should give it back too an aboriginal family and stop the pathetic virtue signaling
God you are an uninformed dick. Take the time to Google “Acknowledgment of Country in Australia” but only if (a) you know how to spell and (b) you realise Australia and Austria are different countries.