Best Quality Boots According to r/goodyearwelt

"Nice! I got a pair of Stow in antique acorn two years ago and love them. However they were originally on the double leather soles and were by far the most slippery soles I’ve had. Unsung House swapped them to Dr. Sole half soles that are fantastic. https://preview.redd.it/0gcrd18taxgf1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b0ab765def4f94052ffc2fa19fb27771af6b228"

"Right I like the look of them but would not buy a Stow makeup on commando for a number of reasons including the feel and weight under foot."

"Great choice and I love the combo with your Alpinist! Totally understandable on the price too, both my pairs have come from UK stockists that had them on steep discounts. I adore my Stows, they really capture the heritage style I like of sharp with a rugged twist to it! Here’s a shot of my pair earlier this week, doesn’t look like it but this was not long after they got absolutely drenched and covered in road grit after cycling in an unexpected pouring rain! https://preview.redd.it/bxbeldri6gyf1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b8ac8358d719169a5db79ffa0c4a05ce5ccf3382"

"[These are great, and quite a bit nicer than RW.](https://www.edwardgreen.com/shop/shoes/galway-black-cordovan-black-london-grain-82-last.html)"

"* **Maker:** EDWARD GREEN * **Model:** Galway  * **Size:** 7UK/7.5US * **Last:** E 82 Last  * **Upper:** Utah Calf * **Color:** Dark Brown * **Sole:** Rubber - Dainite  * **Price:** $1000 US (net to me via PayPal friends & family)  * **Location:** Vancouver, Canada  * **Wears/Condition:** Worn 3 x  * **Images:**  [**https://imgur.com/a/MlZ6Bw1**](https://imgur.com/a/MlZ6Bw1) * **Notes:** Absolutely beautiful boots, but 1/2 size too small.  * No returns/ exchanges * shoe trees not included • • Original box and bags included"

"I was bothered by the prominent gash on the right boot, so I wanted to hide it somehow. The way EG burnishes rosewood calf Galways is beautiful, and I tried to replicate that. Unfortunately, the gash is a bit high on the toe cap, so the burnishing area is much larger than on a factory pair of Galways. In the future, I might get mahogany cream to cover the scratch and do a smaller burnish with brown. Also, I rarely see burnished zug, and I wanted to find out if the leather could hold some cream or pigment due to its waxy nature. After a few weeks of wear, there is still a good amount of brown cream polish remaining."

"https://www.trumanboot.com/collections/in-stock-boots/products/java-waxed-flesh Maybe look at waxed flesh which will patina in a similar manner with the wax wearing off to reveal the lighter colour and raised nap. I'm a big fan of roughout boots for work because gouges that inevitably happen can be hidden much easier."

"Sorry. I had a post with a title and everything but I couldn’t post it. Are these real or fake Truman’s waxed flesh boots. They just look wrong to me."

"For what it’s worth I like my Java waxed flesh a lot (I got them in derbies). The brown shows through as it flexes and in the front. But I don’t wear them for slush etc. They are Horween rough out I think? So they should hold up fine. And the wax would wear off quickly so there’d be more patina. Not to dissuade you from double shot which also seems lovely."

"I decided no budget means no regrets! 😅 These secondhand Onderhoud were the second purchase of the year so far. Not needed but was a good price, and I wanted to try out Onderhoud. I dig them. Not sure I want to go through the rigamarole needed to get an MTO from him though. https://preview.redd.it/20b4abt3oope1.jpeg?width=1814&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ee854535ea2214e54b69e1fdff036c31de9e63"

"My first pair of handmade boots arrived last month and I've worn this maybe 3 times but looks like the leather is cracking inside. The size of these boots were unfortunately little big on me so I have been wearing them tight but are these cracks normal? Just hoping it wouldn't get any worse as these weren't a cheap pair of boots. Also if there are ways to repair these cracks, any advise would be helpful. Thanks in advance! [https://imgur.com/a/onderhoud-boots-W9jsLQU](https://imgur.com/a/onderhoud-boots-W9jsLQU)"

"New to me secondhand boots today. I really like how they look. Semi-hard to get Onderhoud: https://preview.redd.it/sspgxys8ccoe1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f02c509badd6299f31fa9771ecc8a61674d218e2"

"Santalum is the one that no longer exists. Sagara are definitely still around. The best Indonesian brands IMO are: - [Onderhoud](https://www.instagram.com/onderhoud.handmade/) - absolutely phenomenal work, but you'll need to keep an eye out on their Instagram to get an order slot. You can see all their patterns here: https://weltedwiki.com/makers/onderhoud/. - [Briselblack](https://www.instagram.com/briselblack_bootmaker/) - the best option for laceless boots: chelseas, engineers, tankers, cowboys, jodhpurs, sidezips. - [Midas](https://www.instagram.com/midasbootmaker) and [Winson](https://www.instagram.com/winsonshoemaker/) - technically two brands, but run by the same people. Winson make dress shoes, Midas make casual boots. The Midas lasts look a little too much like a typical Indonesian last for my taste, but in any case the work they do is very good. They've been preparing for some bigger changes lately, but I believe they still take orders through their instagram. - [Sagara](https://www.instagram.com/sagarabootmaker/) - great pick for chunkier lace-to-toes, monkey boots, and hikers, but they also make great "normal" service boots and stuff like that. IIRC their shoes tend to be a little on the heavier side of things."

"Do business at your own risk with Brisel Black. I had a very difficult ordering experience. I ended up spending an extra $100, an extra 8 months of wait, and still ended up with the original shoes that don't fit. If your size is not correct, you will be in for a difficult time. If you end up getting your sizing right, then I think you will be fine and you will have great boots."

"Great response! I fully agree with what you’re saying. I’m wearing Briselblack jodhpurs right now ;) For me it’s definitely jodhpurs, engineers, side zips, and pull ons. You can find some of these elsewhere (mostly pull ons), but good luck finding horsebutt pull ons. Good luck finding horsebutt anything really, except service boots. People have sizing issues, but I’ve ordered enough through Briselblack that I have my sizing pretty well figured out, and really the sky is the limit at this point."

"Great video, thanks — the boots he rewaxes are really handsome and I might do it to my waxy commanders one day."

"This is self-serving but the Nicks Boots Americana in Predator Orange was basically created to be an upgraded version of the IR in that leather. It will stretch your price range by around 10%."

"I actually agree. Nicks make really good boots. I was just writing down what came into my mind first."

"Hiking, camping, comfortable, and high budget. PNW brands honestly fit your needs best. My vote goes to any of the Nicks 360 degree stitchdown boots with a Vibram Sierra sole, with either Seidel WeatherShield, Horween Shackleton, or Horween Spokane leathers. 360 degree stitchdown construction gets you lighter weight, more flexibility, and more water resistance technically, while the Sierra sole has a good balance of traction and cushion thanks to the EVA foam wedge. Note that their Zero Drop boots will have less cushion since that wedge is omitted."

"I have a pair of waxy commander Grant Stone Edwards that have been worn daily for hard use for the last year and they’re fantastic. I should have gotten them a rotation buddy earlier and drag my heels badly, but the boots themselves are absolute stalwarts. 12+mile city days, high desert daily living—they’ve been great."

"I got my first laced boot recently, its a GS Edward in roughout. It really hurts around my left ankle bone when i walk. Its very strange. I have a good sense of my body but the origins of the pain confuses the heck out of me. When im standing its all good. When i take off the boot and press and pinch around my ankle i dont have pain, but when im walking ill start getting pinched around the ankle area. I want to say i feel it most during the Flexion/Dorsiflexion phase of the gait and its roughly at 2 o'clock to the ankle bone, the yellow tube that curves into an L in the image below, the saphenous nerve? or perhaps the flexor/extensor retinaculum tendon because of my past history of plantar fasciitis? I have tried gel pads, two 4" ones stacked, that reduces the pain significantly but the sensitivity is there. The sensitivity lingers and I get a slight pinch wearing a much lose fitting chelsea the next day, i was not getting this pain wearing the chelseas before. i have thick ankles and both feet has high volume and similar, with the left foot having 0.3 size more volume, HTB and HTT than the right. https://preview.redd.it/b48arxee31ae1.png?width=1902&format=png&auto=webp&s=09d14af099279b921e89a077e156c3e8afbb3e7e"

"https://preview.redd.it/lxhqr1hokqje1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e638f65b02e2d8473358f9bc50b0e0f4d75b4054 Grant Stone Edwards in Black Waxed Commander (10D) These are just over 1 year old and have been put through hell (within non-professional standards). They're my painting boots and have caught plenty of splashes; regrettably, I have not had another pair with which to rotate them and so I worry about the impact from a year year of daily use. They need a spa day. I'm now rotating with a pair of Parkhurst Allen in Anise Kudu."

"C&J Islays. Yes I'm a whore for Bond. But they're comfortable AF and take ALOT of wear and thar"

"Yeah it is really nice. The islays are actual nightmare fuel when I realize I have only 6 minutes to get ready for work because I lost track of time reading a book. Also gotta make sure the laces are tied juuuust right for comfort."

"For me, the Crockett & Jones Islay boot is the benchmark for all brogued country boots, but I have to say these are very nice"

"u/nvonwr has a 16yo pair of C&J Coniston that are testament to caring for beautiful shoes https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/s/hxPoBhOB2d"

"I have been having some rather spectacular lace failures with my new pair of C&J Conistons: [https://imgur.com/a/wf7eKlH](https://imgur.com/a/wf7eKlH) They started showing signs of wear \~1 month after I purchased the boots and used them sparingly. I reached out to C&J to see if this was something to worry about but they reassured me it was just a cosmetic thing, they did however send me a few spares. A few wears later, the first failure occurred as I was simply walking to my car. I proceeded to file the edges of the speed hooks to try and remove any sharp edges and replaced the broken lace. Somehow, the new laces lasted me even less and I have now gone through 3 full sets with just office and urban use of the boots. I have reached out to C&J once more to understand if the issue is with the hooks installed on my boots, but they have offered no further support other than sending me more laces.. which I would basically have to replace weekly at this point. Googling/checking reddit has returned no other issues from other users.. so I am wondering if anyone could point out the obvious mistake I might be making? I have included a picture of how I normally tie the laces."

"These look great! I’ve had a pair of dark brown grain Conistons for a while and have been eying the tan Conistons for just as long… I just find tam such a difficult colour to wear. Tan works well with denim, but not much else in my wardrobe. Can’t put it together with navy blue suits or you’re in hashtag menswear peak tumblr era. With grey flannels they pull the eye down too much. Khakis work sometimes, but if the khakis are too earthy it washes out your bottom half. I like how the colour of yours has shifted to something warmer. Again, lovely pair. Wouldn’t worry about the minor “vein” as you put it, in this colour the shoes are inherently more casual - you’re not wearing these with black tie. Wear them and get some life out of them!"

"You can get them resoled if you want or buy a new boot. Thats kind of the point if goodyearwelted boots, they are repairable. Yes, the sole is falling off but the rest of the leather looks pretty good. No tears or anything. I have a pair of redwing merchants for over 10 years now. At around the 8 year mark I did end up getting them resoled for about 150."

"Anyone have any good brand recommendations for people with Low Volume feet? Ideally with a line that includes Chelsea, Chukka, Desert Boots, or short boots. I'm on my second pair of RedWings and they just don't really work for me. Lots of heel lift in the Merchants, and some minor heel lift on a pair of chukkas. I've tried multiple insoles, heel pads, etc. It just shouldn't be this hard."

"Ebony Harness is probably my favorite leather and Chemigum is my favorite sole. Fit of Merchants is surprisingly narrower than IR CRT in the same size, but, despite my feet looking a little bit like sausages in tight casing when I am wearing them (you are not kidding about stretchy leather) they are quite comfortable. Color of the leather can quite differ from batch to batch (some are just dark brown, some are almost black), and some pairs crease up a lot, some pairs resist creasing. But all/any of those look great."

"Here for Jim green as well. I have 3 pairs of African rangers and love them to death. They aren’t exactly “waterproof”, though. I have used them in heavy rain and mud and stayed nearly dry, but that’s one con of that style specifically."

"I try to rock something more "fun" for summer but I've yet to nail down my ideal summer footwear, mainly something that pairs well with shorts. African Rangers kinda work, at least better than most service style boots and chunky chukkas that I own. The main issue though is that those AR's have such thick layers of leather that my feet get pretty sweaty, even with thin wool socks. But I'm trying to get into slipper loafers instead of my go to boat shoes (figured I'd try something more minimal). Ordered a pair of loafers from Unmarked, but they sent the wrong color/sole option/size. Waiting for an email response in the mean time. "

"I like Jim Greens but was aiming for a different direction. Honestly I’d prefer wood but it made sense in my situation to try it. And because the lasts split into three parts I’m aiming to make separate toe parts. So I can use the same heel and instep parts but change the toe piece to create entirely different last. More or less toe spring and different toe shapes."

"yes! i'm actually looking for a jodhpur too. first idea was a saint laurent too that was made on the exact same last as the harness boots i posted above, but the jodhpur variation only rarely come in height above 30mm, and i think the last looks kinda weird with any heels lower than 40mm. the rolling dub trio is nice, but in the same niche i actually prefer the clinch jodhpur because of the more unique heel shape, the sleeker last and the single layer waist + rubber halfsole in the forefoot https://preview.redd.it/5yl7c0obwgjf1.png?width=2048&format=png&auto=webp&s=bc600cf3572ba350a9dcc84728fd77941049e18c amazing taste and reference tho, def a breathe of fresh air talking to you!"

"These look almost identical to my Roberts in Bridle Medium Brown (which is literally resistant to patina). Franks are solid though I'm never a fan of stamped branding on the quarters."

"[This pic shows it more or less. I was a 9.5 EE in the 55 last Roberts so I got the same in the moc toe. It was way too tight so I exchanged for a 10 E which was better so I kept them, but after break in they are still not right. It's long and narrow on me. Crazy as it sounds I think a 9.5 EEEE would have been best in the moc toe for me personally. ](https://i.imgur.com/sHByD8D.jpg)"

"Very nice! Those look like some Roberts that Nicks did for Filson back in 2017. It’s been fun seeing your journey! Now you need to learn to stitch. 👍🏼👊🏼"

"Just showed up - Parkhurst Allen in forest kudu, recently grabbed lightly used, from here. Not sure if it’s appropriate to mention the seller but I’ll edit if that is a thing. Been REALLY wanting these forever and they were sold out of my size before I ever knew they existed. Lucked out with this sale. Their old 18 last is pretty narrow and snug in the toe compared to the 602. I’m snug but ok with their size 9 602 (602M would probably be perfect) but these are pretty right in the outside few toes and ball. I knew the risk when I bought them, hoping they’ll stretch a bit and end up acceptable. I’m thinking they’ll be fine for anything other than long walks. The leather is really cool. They seemed to have picked cleaner parts of the hide for the vamp and heel counter, and more scarred/characteristic sections for the shaft. I’d actually have liked the latter for the vamp but either way they’re darn nice boots. Good day. https://preview.redd.it/68wmyr0b6xnc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bfdf8ea5310a24c654848dfb6e1f4ed32dec792d"

"**Parkhurst - The Allen - Dune Roughout (Read Notes!)** **Size: 9 - 9.5D** **Price:** **~~$300~~** **$205 shipped via USPS Ground Advantage to CONUS** **Pictures:** [HERE](https://imgur.com/a/URGRzGW) **Notes on Sizing**: This pair does not have a size label on it. I am speculating that they are 9 or 9.5D. For context, I typically wear 9.5EE in Red Wing and Grant Stone. This pair has a slightly low instep and is too narrow for me. Based on the [Parkhurst FAQ](https://www.parkhurstbrand.com/pages/faq), I believe these are 9-9.5D. In the photo album, I tried my best to provide measurements from the outsole of the boot. **Due to the uncertainty in sizing, I will allow returns (you will have to pay for return shipping)**. **Other Notes:** I have confirmed with Parkhurst (see end of photo album) that these are Dune Roughout boots. As far as I can tell, they are in new condition, if not tried on a few times as there is no wear on the sole and the leather seems untouched. I'll note that the waxed cotton laces seem too short and may need replacement. Otherwise, nothing else seems wrong with the boots. **All transactions will be through PayPal. The price will drop with every BST thread! Please message with any questions or photo requests.**"

"Parkhurst is making stitchdown construction boots. I unfortunately don’t have the funds right now to nab a pair … but oh man. These. Are. NICE: https://www.parkhurstbrand.com/collections/factory-seconds-and-samples/products/the-allen-stitchdown-burgundy-samples"

"https://preview.redd.it/eit7ofdj4vzd1.jpeg?width=5335&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=04d990661d5a35768e47d20df8f45087835392eb Here's mine Carmina jumper boots in natural shell. Had them almost 10 years. They have gone throug hell. :)"

"I had one small beer at the local pub before going to the park with my son. For travel, I always go with my Carmina jumper boots in natty shell. Just super comfortable."

"I have a pair of Thursdays and a pair of the Redwing weekender chukka’s and I’ll wear the redwings all fall winter and into spring. The have held up really well to daily use and have broken in quite nicely. As for the Thursdays I just can’t seem to break them in to a point where they are comfortable."

"Is your redwing weekender the slip ons? All the reviews say they are tight, narrow, and too small."

"I love my redwing weekenders. A little more time to break in than others I guess. Very sharp, beautiful leather Just make sure to size in store or check the sizing guides"

"Allen Edmonds Patton in brown suede for $110 at[ Nordstorm Rack](https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/allen-edmonds-patton-boot-men/5424312?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FMen%2FShoes%2FBoots&color=202). few sizes only."

"The Allen Edmonds Patton comes with a breathable, weather resistent liner. The Dainite rubber soles work well. I'll add a link to the main page, but if you're patient, they can be had for far less cost on the factory second page. The Patton, as well as the model called Higgins Mill, are nice boots. I personally prefer the leather without the weather liner because it's cooler wearing them in warmer weather, but if you're in the slush, then I guess the weatherproof version would make more sense. I wear both pair of boots commonly. In combination with good wool socks, you'll have all-day comfort with your car-free schedule. [https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-patton-weatherproof-cap-toe-boot-with-dainite-rubber-sole-3023420?srsltid=AfmBOoqTRsEhdzc6xYfobkp1aITBeC00nuJB1BQ0dLDDGpSoN1xPEKZ3](https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-patton-weatherproof-cap-toe-boot-with-dainite-rubber-sole-3023420?srsltid=AfmBOoqTRsEhdzc6xYfobkp1aITBeC00nuJB1BQ0dLDDGpSoN1xPEKZ3)"

"I'm a first time GYW buyer trying to sort through sizing. Went to an Allen Edmonds to get measured and try on boots. Brannock measurement was 9.5 HTH, 10 HTB, D width. Selection was a bit limited at this location - I tried on Higgins Mill in 9.5D and Patton in 10D. The 9.5D Higgins was a bit snug. The 10D Patton was much more comfortable overall - though the leather itself was way more pliable. I also had to completely tighten the laces so that the eyelets were touching. I like the Patton better overall. Should I go for 9.5D and just hope it breaks in? 10D and add a tongue pad or something? Take a risk and try 9.5E? My current cheapo Macy's chukkas I've had for nearly a decade are "9.5M" and fit well, FWIW. As a side note, are there other brands worth looking at in low-mid budget range that are this shorter style, but having more eyelets than 2-eyelet chukkas? Other than the Patton from AE, I see the Cadet from Thursday, but I know they're...controversial."

"It depends on the pants and the shoes/boots. I have a pair of redwing beckmans that I think looks really sharp with a cuff on my tapered jeans. But I’d never cuff my pants when I’m wearing my RMW Chelseas."

"I've been looking for a possible alternative to the Red Wing Beckman model 9011, with the OG bump toe. I fell in love with the aesthetic early in my boot journey, and I found a pair in excellent shape 2nd hand, but unfortunately, they were too big, and I had to sell them. While I love the Black Cherry color, I am not a fan of the Featherstone leather, the finish is far too plastic/cheap looking, and when they get good and broken in, there are microcreasing that just reminds me of cheap coated leather (even if RW/SBF considers it their top line leather), so I am not interested in getting another. Originally, nearly 3 years running now, the rumors were the Beckman would be re-released with RW/SBFs newer Excalibur leather, particularly their Black Cherry, which I was excited about as the Beckman in a color 8ish, CXL style leather was an ideal boot to me. Alas, while the rumors of the leather being used were confirmed, so too was the use of the flatbox last (a look I am not a fan of) as opposed to the OG Beckman bumptoe last. The Blacksmith is the closest I have found, but I already have the Briar (3340) and dont like the other leathers; also the lack of a midsole is a deal breaker on getting another pair, even if they had a leather I liked. I was suggested to check out the nick 67 last, but their CS confirmed its just a sprung toe, and not a bump toe. The Viberg 310 seems to be the only model with a bump toe, however, it seems very difficult to find with limited leather options. Their 2040 last seems to have a slight toe bump, but Ive seen RL pics of them and it is barely visible. The Truman 20 last on non-mocs I was told has a bump toe, but all the reviews here and images I have found online show no toe bump whatsoever. I am not interested in the Origin boot that somewhat fits the bill. Ideally I would like a color 8/burgundy, natty, dark navy, or green leather, bump toe, leather midsole, GYW or stitchdown, min 6", open to Bovine/HH/HR/Shell but not roughtout or suede (the exception being Horween Waxed Flesh). Also, I'm not super interested in calf, but I would be open to it. I would also entertain Kudu, Roo, Elk, Bison, and possibly even Water Buffalo. Any ideas?"

"I was going to comment something similar. I bought Redwing Iron Rangers in amber harness for 170 on ebay and they were basically brand new. Also just got a pair of virtually unworn OG Redwing Beckmans in black cherry for 75 bucks on FB marketplace. You have to wait and browse but it's worth it if you find a gem."

"WTS Clinch Boots Selling the elusive Clinch Graham Boots. Crafted by Minoru Matsuura in his studio in Shimo-Kitazawa in Tokyo, they are often considered the best Ready-to-Wear boots in the world. Crafted with supple Black French Calf with a pebble pattern, they are reminiscent of old style boots and with absolutely perfect stitching. DM me for more info. Maker/Model: Black Clinch Graham Boots Size: 10US Leather: Embossed Black French Calf Sole: Thin Rubber Sole Last: MR Price: ~~$1600~~ ~~$1450~~ ~~$1350~~ ~~$1250~~ $1200 shipped CONUS Location: Los Angeles, USA Condition: 5 light wears [Images](https://imgur.com/a/clinch-graham-boots-10us-E8oO984)"

"WTS Clinch Boots Selling the elusive Clinch Graham Boots. Crafted by Minoru Matsuura in his studio in Shimo-Kitazawa in Tokyo, they are often considered the best Ready-to-Wear boots in the world. Crafted with supple Black French Calf with a pebble pattern, they are reminiscent of old style boots and with absolutely perfect stitching. DM me for more info. Maker/Model: Black Clinch Graham Boots Size: 10US Leather: Embossed Black French Calf Sole: Thin Rubber Sole Last: MR Price: ~~$1600~~ ~~$1450~~ ~~$1350~~ ~~$1250~~ $1200 shipped CONUS Condition: 5 light wears [Images](https://imgur.com/a/clinch-graham-boots-10us-E8oO984)"

"WTS Clinch Boots Selling the elusive Clinch Graham Boots. Crafted by Minoru Matsuura in his studio in Shimo-Kitazawa in Tokyo, they are often considered the best Ready-to-Wear boots in the world. Crafted with supple Black French Calf with a pebble pattern, they are reminiscent of old style boots and with absolutely perfect stitching. DM me for more info. Maker/Model: Black Clinch Graham Boots Size: 10US Leather: Embossed Black French Calf Sole: Thin Rubber Sole Last: MR Price: ~~$1600~~ ~~$1450~~ ~~$1350~~ ~~$1250~~ $1200 shipped CONUS Condition: 5 light wears [Images](https://imgur.com/a/clinch-graham-boots-10us-E8oO984)"