My Truman Journey

[@tony_r_pierce]

Truman is really a success story. The company persevered through its relocations, product design changes, and the covid challenges that killed many a small business. The company is taking their next steps beyond the MTO model, introducing new machinery and modifications to their production processes. And all the while making very good boots. This video resonated with me in terms not applicable to just Truman, and not only to just boots. No manufacturer can be all things to all people. I have a pair of the cognac bison Truman boots that I recognize as among the nicest and highest quality boots that I own. There's no objective reason why I don't yet have more Truman boots. Like Teik, I like my pair very much. I like wearing them. I have no criticism at all. For me personally, I just seem to gravitate more toward other makers these days -- influenced by my preferred style, cost, and maybe something peculiar to me and what my "heart" tells me. Maybe that will change. Another very interesting and spot-on video, IMO.

[@cradd7108]

I grabbed a pair off ebay for a good discount, barely worn. They're solid boots, and the oxblood is subtle but can pop in certain lighting. Theyre breaking in nicely

[@MRIVERA4396]

Hey Teik I enjoyed your video and your honesty. I happen to be a big Truman fan, I love the 79 last because I think it fits my foot the best. I also love the choices of leather that Truman offers. I own Java waxed Flesh, Oxblood Double Shot, Moss waxy Mohawk (awesome CF Stead leather) and the SB Foot Wooly Bully Roughout. I will continue to purchase them and get different leathers and different models. The craftsmanship is excellent, they are a couple notches above all my other boots (Grant Stone Red Wing and Jim Green’s etc) honestly I feel the same way as you do but about other boots in my collection. For me Red wing doesn’t do it for me, I have one pair of 1907’s and I think I’m good after that one pair, it just doesn’t do it for me🤷🏻‍♂️. I still plan on expanding my collection into Nick’s and White’s just to experience all brands. As of right now though, Truman are my favorite. Keep up the good work brother!

[@RustHawk82]

Teik, I genuinely appreciate your videos! The format coupled with delivery, history, information and your own experience against other boots in your collection are invaluable. Many other boot reviewers these days seem to be bought and paid for their "honest" reviews. You've got a subscriber out of me! Cheers.

[@patrickmiao1698]

My favorite boots are my Grant stones, Truman, Redwings and Parkhurst. What I like about my Trumans is that they are heavy duty but not as heavy as a pacific northwest boot. My Parkhurst, Grant Stone and Redwings are not as heavy as the Truman and definitely a pacific northwest boot such as Nicks, Wesco or Drews. I find that which boot I prefer to wear depends on what clothes I am wearing. For my chinos, I usually wear a Grant Stones, Parkhurst or Red Wings. For denim, I usually wear the Trumans, Redwings, Jim Green African Rangers or Wilcox Kern. For winter snow and really cold weather, I wear Drews PNW roughout or Danner 8"rainforest. For rainy days, my Redwings and Wilcox Kern. When I travel on vacation, it is Parkhurst Niagara (my Indy boot) and Grant Stone Chukka that I wear the most. As a side note, I really love my Truman Java waxed flesh in the 20 last, such a comfortable and rugged boot, one of my favorites for loafing around with friends. Since I already have 17 boots and will not own more than 20, I want a brass boot, another parkhurst Niagara in tan and probably one more rugged Truman boot. The PNW boots are too heavy for my tastes, will keep my Drews just to have it but that's it for PNW boots regardless of what Rose Anvil says.

[@disfckinguy]

Which GS Chukka do you have? I've been on the edge of buying the Earth Chukka for some time.

[@tobygoen491]

Teik Great content, as always. I appreciate your honest assessment. It must be hard to find something new and exciting enough to justify adding to your collection.

[@jj4483love]

I had to size up a half in Truman to really appreciate them. My first pair rubbed my big toe so I sold them and kinda wrote Truman off for a while. I just got some new brown waxed flesh 79 last Trumans with the flat soles in a half size larger and they are amazing. They're in between the Nicks Americana and the Viberg 2030 in terms of build. Not too heavy like the Nicks but almost as rugged, and the last fits me better than the 2030. Truman really surprised me with the quality and fit.

[@albertmanuel5028]

Great video; I have a good sized boot collection and one pair of Trumans, an MTO storm kudu moc toes. They are absolutely beautiful and get a lot of attention. I’ll definitely buy another pair in the future.

[@alexvonborstel4763]

Thank you Teik. We all have journeys to make and hopefully we can wear a good boot. Your program is one of my favorites because you give honest and heartfelt reviews. Shame we only have two feet. With more we could wear more boots. Take care and be safe.

[@themoor5498]

@alexvonborstel4763 If I had more feet, I would just own more pairs of the same boot. Gotta keep it matchy-matchy! HaHa!!! 😆👣👣👣

[@wabio]

I only own one pair so far which I purchased recently. Reverse Black Chamois. Expensive? Yes, but worth it IMO. I was on the verge of jumping on the Iron Ranger bandwagon just before purchasing them. For $150 more......I feel this is a much better boot. I'm saving up for my next pair now. I really like that they have wide sizes to fit my EE feet......which prevents me from buying from many other brands.

[@88sstraight]

Thanks for your honesty! I think your necklace was bouncing against the mic…

[@Bootlosophy]

Yes it was! 😢

[@JonathanHParker]

Hi Teik - love the structure and attention to detail in your reviews. Must be the management consulting background! How would you compare the Truman 79 in Java Waxed Flesh to the Grant Stone Brass Boot? Yes, the are different styles but similar prices, and both share rugged casual aesthetic.

[@Bootlosophy]

In toughness and durability I’d say the same. In aesthetics I lean toward the Brass. But JWF is a classic. The Truman is probably more versatile in going from really rugged outfits to relaxed casual

[@Sandblstr]

I bought the Java Waxed while waiting on my Cinnamon Waxed White's MP 5050 last to arrive. Both are my first PNW's. Since November the Patina has really started to come through on the Java. As a 10D brannock, I ended up going true to size on the Truman and they feel fine and 9.5E on the 5050 MP.

[@randynovick7972]

I have a pair of double-shot color 8 cap-toe service boots from them. They're nice. I like how roomy they are in the toe. I hope they keep offering interesting leather choices as they go.

[@Forester17]

Pleaseget a pair of the Jim Green Numzaan, they look great, well made and affordable!

[@JuanTijerina-mr3mo]

I love my chukka from Truman boots, I even took them on a month trip to Europe and I must say I have several PNW pairs…

[@mikethomasmcm]

I want a pair of smoke ramblers so bad. Hoping they come back (and in my size).

[@eagleeyes9770]

Something of interest is the upcoming rerelease of Oak Street Bootmakers’ N-1 Field shoe… in natural cxl roughout it’s almost identical to 1943 👏

[@mikekirby2085]

That happens with a lot of products we buy, especially when looking for something different. We like it, but we like other things more so it never breaks the starting lineup. Or we need to find an actual reason to wear it like a specific outfit. On an unrelated note, would you ever do some reviews of Rancourt. Thank you!

[@DalesLeatherworks]

I love Truman ❤ you’ve amassed an amazing collection my friend

[@Bootlosophy]

And this comment from the Master! LOL!

[@JRRob3wn]

I like Truman’s quite a bit and honestly, I don’t find them expensive compared to other brands in the quality range like Oak Street, which has drastically increased their prices. However, I purchased a pair of cap toe waxed flesh last fall in 10.5, perfect fit. I just purchased a pair of plain toe roughout boots in the same size, same last and they pinch my toes a bit, meaning I won’t be able to wear them all day long as I would hope. Just strange that there is sizing inconsistently within the same boot and same last.

[@kram364]

Great video. At first I made a mistake buying a used pair of Trumans in the 55 Last. Once I got a Truman 79 Last it was easy to rate all the boots I own. Fit 1. Truman, 2. Parkhurst, 3. Grant Stone. Variety 1. Grant Stone, 2. Truman, 3. Parkhurst.

[@Jimmymcnulty4]

Big Truman guy, solid boots (just pricey).

[@awdtw]

A huge number of people who are 'into boots' seem to think every boot last option should be suitable for their feet. This is why you need to bounce around and try new things. As an Australian this can get remarkably expensive haha

[@Bootlosophy]

Tell me about it. I’m lucky that there’s only been a handful of lasts where they are really bad for me.

[@hectorb3960]

I have 4 pair of Truman’s and the only ones I LOVE are a Stone Rambler - but in the rarer 55 last. I bought an MTO in Java Waxed Flesh in the 79 last but I have a feeling I won’t like them a lot more until they get more worn. And I feel like the 79 last is a bit too tanky for my taste. I like all the boots but I prefer my Whites MP

[@JanHuraj]

Interesting review, thank you!

[@SilkStorm_101]

I started out with Grant Stone and Truman (mainly thanks to watching Dale), but after a time (6 of each) I found myself not wanting to buy anymore of either. It's not because I didn't love them, it's just because I wanted to see what else was out there. The value of a boot is a bit subjective but as Truman gets closer to Nicks pricing and now having a couple of Nicks boots, then yes the Nicks are better value, but the Trumans have some unique leathers and I wouldn't be without the coach & stone ramblers along with the Java Waxed flesh. Just waiting for the Iron Boots order to come through now :)

[@JRRob3wn]

Truman has a large selection in the $399 price range, which I think is fair compared to other brands.

[@transc3ndus]

Teik, if you are not sure about some of them, just pass them on(sell them). I would love to have the horse hide pair off you.

[@paulterry8373]

Just a correction, you mention that the construction has a foam filler, this was true for a small period of time in Truman's construction, but these days and mostly use cork fillers. Regarding the 79 last, I am sure that my 2021 pair fit very differently than my 2023 pair.... I asked Truman, who confirmed that the 79 last has not had any changes during that period..........

[@evangonsalves4347]

He explains this in an earlier video.

[@Bootlosophy]

You’re quite right! I was referring to the older JWF in my hand but I didn’t make it clear.

[@paulterry8373]

@Bootlosophy thanks, I meant to ask, what is it about the unstructured toe that you find different and less comfortable than the structured? I am just curious as I have structured toe Trumans and am considering a unstructured next, when available!

[@Bootlosophy]

@@paulterry8373 the seem to be “flatter” over the toes, and hence feeling more “tightness” over the toes.

[@paulterry8373]

@@Bootlosophy would you go up a half size for the unstructured toes?

[@cjanquart]

I had a question about their sizing and lasts, the sent me an email within three hours on a weekend, which was impressive. The downside is that the brown double shot has been out of stock for quite a while. I was looking at the stone rambler and waxed commander but just wasn't in love with them. Kinda at the point of just ponying up the $700 for the White's MP Sherman.

[@JRRob3wn]

3 month wait on those.

[@TechStruggleMan]

If you are a canadian buyer for truman boots you have to pay for shipping and then on top of that you need to pay the shipping company a brokerage fee which was 100 cad, so if you are canadian you are looking at adding over 150 cad to the advertised list price. And taxes of course!

[@awdtw]

Here in Australia is is easily $75-100usd depending on what shipping option chosen, but thankfully we only seem to get charged the taxes if we order over $1000aud worth of boots in one hit.

[@shawndevlin3286]

As a fellow Canuck, you are right, but $100 more for GS. There seems to be no logic, every time is different. Unmarked from Mexico was $25? And British, Trickers, taxes and duties were paid by them, go figure. Free trade with the U.S. is bullshit.

[@ml8067]

I have an issue with the 79 last. For me they could use a little more volume in the instep and toe box. I like how they pick crazy leathers. I'm with you on this one. Just don't love them enough to wait on a MTO or full retail price.

[@tennesseetom8687]

Tech, how do you choose between Truman in 79 last vs Iron Ranger? I am looking for a casual and rugged cap toe boot. You mentioned that you liked the Truman boot but did not love it. What is it about Truman boots that you don't love? Is it the look or fit? In the U.S. I can buy factory seconds in Red Wing from the main Red Wing store and that puts the Iron Ranger at 270.00 (tax and all). Truman does have factory seconds but I was told by the Truman Co. that the chances of finding an 11.5 D in seconds would be slim to none. So, with the price of the majority of Truman boots ranging from 480 to 510 dollars, are the Truman's worth extra 200-240 dollars compared to Iron Ranger? Thank you for your time!

[@Bootlosophy]

Truman are better built than IR’s but IR’s fit me better. What you like v love is just a personal opinion, not an objective measure of look or fit specifically

[@tennesseetom8687]

@@Bootlosophy thank you!

[@Angel-AbC9]

I like truman but don't have any yet and I've been hoping that grant stone make a rugged boot similar to truma , and I emailed them about it , but it falls to deaf ears over there.. Thank you for this review.

[@shawndevlin3286]

If Grant Stone makes a similar boot as a truman, I'M IN! I think I have 14 pairs of GS, every pair is loved.

[@ryanh5187]

When is the video of how to get permission from the wife to buy so many boots! You're a true jedi master and I need to learn this mind trick 😂 The value for Truman boots just doesn't compute for me either and I drive by the factory a couple times a month. Goodyear welt, 1.8mm leather are fine but when you're asking $$$ their are just better choices for me.

[@evangonsalves4347]

I messed up and tried Vibergs & Nicks. I may order a boot from a different brand occasionally, try it out, but nothing compares. I’ve been ruined.

[@Bootlosophy]

“Messed up”, 🤣🤣🤣

[@drzaius844]

Interesting! I just picked up my first pair of Vibergs, which I love, and have been camping on the Truman site for a bit. I’m glad to for your honest review, might steer clear for now unless a great EBay opportunity arises. Cheers!

[@Daywalker222]

I wonder why they don't make Chelsea boots?

[@Daywalker222]

What is the benefit of unstructured toe?

[@eagleeyes9770]

Great listen 👍 I purchased two pair of Truman’s and returned both (one was Coach Rambler). Division Road is doing the MP in Rosewood Unicorn (aka Coach Rambler) Go with Thursday, or spend $650+ usd.

[@Angel-AbC9]

Truman has gotten better with ready to ship boots , you just have to react once there in.. As for wait , I would never purchase a boot if I have to wait a month to 6 months no way

[@bovinejoni4243]

They had my size in stock last week and I wasn’t quick enough. You really can’t afford to think about it for even just a few hours.

[@Angel-AbC9]

@bovinejoni4243 yea its limited for each size . Once u get a email u have to pull trigger

[@ryanh5187]

Waiting for MTO or ready to ship drops is still waiting? I guess you miss the dreaded when are they gonna ship, when are they going to get built. However you then have to react quickly, see email and pull trigger immediately. I've been known to do that on ebay and end up with some boots I'm thinking why did I buy these?

[@qltyboots]

Great video

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you sir!

[@qltyboots]

@@Bootlosophy you’re welcome

[@davepaek5014]

Teik, appreciate your honesty. I'm with you. My one pair of Truman boots in brown double shot might be it for me. love the build. love the materials. i get a lot of complements on these. but for me, they don't feel as comfy underfoot as my other boots. and i don't love the rounded toe box. My preference is the Parkhurst 602 last. I may pick up another Truman in the future but for now, I'm one and done. But like you, I will stay subscribed to their emails and closely follow along because as a fellow boot collector, i have enormous respect for the brand.

[@jseskausk]

I have to say until cork filler, celastic toe, leather counter and other parts became more natural it looked not great of a value. Coach rambler is still in brake in stage. For us in EU pricing is just too much:) you have to love the look of any PNW or other US made boots.

[@lgroves336]

Just got my Java Waxed Flesh from "in stock". I love the boots. It has a unique personality. Java is still the nbr 1 seller.

[@dyersnider5406]

I felt the same way about my Trumans. Great boots, but in the end, there were just others in my collection that I wear a lot more.

[@BenjaminDeonovicPhD]

What is the clicking throughout the video?

[@johnathanblack8894]

I'm guessing those wristbands on his right wrist

[@Bootlosophy]

Sorry! My Lav Mic was just at the right spot on my T shirt to be level with my chain

[@Bootlosophy]

@@johnathanblack8894 nope! It’s my mic against my chain!

[@rogerrheault2137]

I have one pair of Truman boots I like them but I have not even thought about getting another pair there are so many other brands that I am more interested in. Also trying to not be a boot collector only an enjoyer of quality footwear. Currently have 9 pairs of boots and thinking I just about have all the boots I need. We will see how that plays out for me.

[@elephantricity]

I love truman for their leathers.. but the 79 last has not been consistent across my 3 truman boots. Also, I prefered the stichdown construction and unstructured toe of my coyote roughout truman vs the good-year welts on my stone rambler and black waxed flesh.

[@victorc8896]

Hi Tek. I feel the same way. I had 5 pairs all mto and sold them. They are not that comfortable or fun to wear. Iron rangers are much more practical comparatively. Once you get to whites Nicks Viberg Alden - everything else fall out (parkhurst Oakstreet and even grant stone. They are not as sturdy or comfortable.

[@johno1104]

Love the leathers but the 79 just isn't snug and feels flat. Whites MP have a similar aesthetic and they are lovely and snug and great arch support. I actually prefer the look of C-65 last. I purchased a size 10 and I have to bandage one pinky toe before wearing so I bought a 10.5 C-65 and have heel slippage. They just don't work for me

[@Bootlosophy]

Some lasts just don’t work for some people, sad fact 🤷‍♂️

[@mitchellhalpern6796]

I own three pairs of Trumans. I really like them and they have excellent customer service. However, I am concerned business model and pricing are stuck betwixt and between. They are no longer MTO so you cannot customize although their pricing is inching up to the PNW level where you can get anything you want. They have difficulty keeping their ready to ship boots in stock so unless you are literally able to order as soon as they make a micro drop, you may be out of luck until they restock. In short they appear to be in a business model never-never land.

[@awdtw]

I have picked up 6 of their boots in the last 7 months. They have also done 4 public MTO's in the last 12 months. Experiences will vary it seems.

[@madbaroncalls]

You did not say what specifically you did not like?

[@whkoh7619]

There’s some clicking or tapping sound in this episode that’s pretty distracting

[@Bootlosophy]

Mic v Necklace

[@shawndevlin3286]

WARNING: Unstructured Toe box. You will feel downward pressure on your big toe. I have two pairs, black tea core unstructured cap toe and black bison structured plain toe. My size is the same as Teik, 8 is perfect in the structured toe, wish I had gone up a half size on the unstructured to maybe a better fit? Also don't be fooled by the photos on the web site the bison are not that shinny, to my disapointment. I prefer the service boot style to the work boots for I wear a pair all day at work and don't want to repeat after work I need a break. Great motorcycle boots but they will get damaged, I'll still sacrifice my pairs of Higgins mills off of Amazon sale. I first saw a pair in black horse on 1damn8nvision, but with the old stich-down, wow. no longer made, dam. I like my Grant Stones more. I will buy another pair now I'm educated, wish they would do custom orders.

[@StolenAlias]

Idk how I feel about the guy running the company. He hasn’t responded to my emails and ignored my DMs. I remember a few years ago we actually got into a small argument in one of his comment sections because I didn’t like that he had used fake toe caps.

[@Bootlosophy]

I’ve had no interaction with Vince but the internet is full of praise AND criticism of their customer service 🤷‍♂️

[@awdtw]

Fake toe caps are remarkably common in the boot industry, not just Truman. Getting into an argument over it seems silly when you can just buy someone elses product. They have done true double layer toe caps and still do for the various motorcycle collaborations (butterscotch is one of them, there are one or two others I believe). I have seen a split community when it comes to customer service but my experience has been very positive. I don't know the guy who built my house, maybe I should hold off liking the home until I check into the builders personal life.

[@StolenAlias]

@@awdtw eh, this was back when I was starting with my boot hobby and was very obnoxious. I still don’t love the idea of fake toe caps (especially because I’ve seen failed examples) but it’s not a big deal.

[@shawndevlin3286]

You are that type of person, you pointed out the "falseez" . Do they say this in the boot description on the web site. Its like a chic who stuffs her bra, your right, he needs to say their not natural, this can be very upsetting.

[@Sturnburn772]

My friend, you spent 15 minutes basically to say " i don't like them"...but you failed to articulate why. Please dive a bit deeper next time

[@boozedad3773]

Listen once again

[@DanielGibus]

Must not have paid attention but in short he basically says that for the high price point they’re nothing special, he likes them but doesn’t love them and there’s boots at lower prices he loves

[@boozedad3773]

@@DanielGibus yes. He is happy to pay high prices for vibergs, or whites ( which he loves ) but thinks Truman doesn’t deserve that full price .it’s his personal opinion. Btw me too believe whites n vibergs (and Edward greens ) deserves that price .

[@Bootlosophy]

@@DanielGibus yup, thanks

[@shawndevlin3286]

I feel the same as Teik, Higher price, look really good on the site, but are more of a work boot. I prefer a service boot. But they sell out fast, so there is a high demand and a lot of the guys love them. I have two pairs, and will buy more, for their an 8 out of 10. Don't like the rough outs.