I always liked my Whites over the one pair of wescos I had . That being said, I don't do much manual labor now and am in the pickup almost all day.... I ordered a custom pair of Russell's that will hopefully be here in the next couple weeks.... I'm a sucker for high quality boots.
I love my Whites, have a pair of the Packers and a pair of the Farmer/Ranchers. They are a bit spendy but well worth the bucks if you wear them a lot. I've sent both pair in for rebuilding. Grease them up and keep them on boot dryers and you'll love them. JMHO
Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it is empty.
I checked out the little that can be seen on how Wesco makes their boots. Looks like they have a few more machines involved.
Back in 97 I bought a pair of Vasque hiking boots when they were still made in Italy. I’ve had them resoled once. The leather is abused and worn down and the lining leather worn through. I paid just under 200$ then and feel I’ve gotten my money out of them. November will be 25 years.
Based on that experience and the obvious jump in quality and craftsmanship in these boots compared to the Vasque I may start saving up.
So far besides Nick’s Russel, White’s, Wesco have been mentioned. What other American handmade boots are in the running?
That was excellent!! I wanted to know more about the company so I watched the "About Us" video:
I have always been a Danner stitchdown sole customer. I think that will change with Danner's prices going up and more options moving overseas. Thanks for posting this. Props to the guy that bought Nicks and making it an American success story. He took care of the employees first.
I'm a forester and wear a pair of JK Boots every day during the work week. Up and down and over all sorts of different terrain any given day. Same build quality and style as Nick's or Whites. I've had them 2 years now, still plenty of life left before a rebuild. Break in was a pain, but now they are the most comfortable pair of footwear I own. I chose JK over Nick's and Frank's. I liked their customer service and the build time was quicker. Plus they use a little heavier duty leather and have more build options.
-Matt
"The proof of the whisky is in the drinking, the proof of the rifle is in the shooting."
Got a pair of handmade ML Leddy's setting in my closet. Bought them about 20 years ago. $600 Seldom wear them. In 2021, I had surgery to lock my ankle in place.
JK, Franks, Nicks, Hoffman, Whites....I have them all and they all are great. The first two are very small spin offs from the Nicks and Whites that made their own way... all are great quality.
Originally Posted by BrentD
I would not buy something that runs on any kind of primer given the possibility of primer shortages and even regulations. In fact, why not buy a flintlock? Really. Rocks aren't going away anytime soon.