5 Things YOU MUST KNOW Before Buying Boots

[@lordexcellent5610]

Fun fact. Blake stitch was actually used on boots quite often back in the day, especially in central and Eastern Europe. It was used in military boots in Poland, Germany, Czechoslovakia and USSR (even though they used to nail their soles on more often than stitching) around the 40s and in the eastern block up until the late 90s (at least with Czech military boots). We (here in Czechoslovakia) have had a model of work boot (one of the most common ones) that was made in the 40s (with only wooden pegged construction) then in the later half of 50s we switched to producing them with Blake stitch and did away with that in the late 80s when we switched to glued construction. The boot was always built on the same last by many different state owned companies, always looked the same (with slight variations like a steel toe or gusseted tongue) and was finally retired only after the fall of communism. I’d say we made them this way, because it was the ideal combination between low cost of manufacturing and durability (which was the case with many communist products) and I wouldn’t say the were particularly bad (if you exclude the last glued models).

[@arnoldodessky5298]

Hi I've been in this business for 63 years and was taught to sell fit instead of number. I know I can change anyone 3 size depend on footbed and shape of toe and 20% of the customers that I deal with walk out with a size that they never thought that they could wear. Im glad that you brought that up, but I would clarify that you could be a half size difference between like nike and new balance also . SO LEARN TO BUY FIT

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

Boots from Nick's, White's, and others are built with stitch down construction. After lasting, the edges of the vamp are folded out and then glued and stitched to the mid sole and sometimes the outer sole too (some outer soles may be glued only). Stitch down construction is relatively water proof as there are no stitches or stitch holes going to the inside of the boot as do boots with Goodyear and Blake stitch construction. The Nick's and Whites have leather mid soles and arches. Both companies will build boots to fit you and can take foot variance or problems into account. For example, I had the last padded out to give more room to the sides of my big toes as I had a perpetual problem with my big toes being rubbed. In my experience, having boots made to fit you is well worth the time and money if you are looking for longevity and comfort!

[@themoor5498]

I am loving that flannel shirt! It looks good on you! Thank you for the education on boots!

[@stevenroche9874]

Hello William, I watch nearly all of your footwear videos and find them to be well made and informed. I just want to point out that Blake Stitched footwear does not have welt. A welt is a belt-like thin strip of material that is stitched to the upper and rib and also stitched to the midsole and/or outsole.

[@BootSpy]

thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

Some great tips and enjoyable watch🥾 Thanks for the shout out too, much appreciate

[@Nick-dw8nr]

The welt isn't really tied to the construction, welts are tpyically only used in goodyear welted/hand welted. Stitchdown/cemented/blake do not use welts. A welt is the leather strip that's used to connect the upper to the sole. Your first point is definitely an important one, but you're really just talking about general construction methods vs a type of welt.

[@exexpat11]

I wear NIB Surplus Military Boots for work. They are mostly well constructed unless they are rejects and run their sizes like sneakers. I buy one 1/2 size larger to accommodate thick winter socks in cold weather. Most modern military boots soles are molded and glued on and can't be resoled.

[@BootSpy]

Interesting! Good to know!

[@kawsarahsan14]

Thank your for your information. Love you from Bangladesh.😊 🇧🇩

[@scubajim5975]

Really the only way to get a "waterproof" boot is for it to have a waterproof lining, which is basically a waterproof sock installed in the boot (like Danner's Gortex-lined boots). That's regardless of the construction (cemented or welted). To say that Goodyear welted boots are less waterproof or water-resistant than cement construction is, IMO, misleading. Other factors have more effect on the water resistance of the boot than the construction, such as sole height/material, how far up the tongue is gusseted, and the inherent water-resistance of the leather itself.

[@aj_sanjuan]

Great list. One thing I would add, after watching some of your channel and other similar channels, is if the tongue is gusseted or not. I believe that most from RW, Nicks, White, etc are but some others are not. That would play an important role in water resistance.

[@BootSpy]

great tip, I'll start adding that info from now on!

[@ryancockrel6947]

I think most people go down a full size from sneakers to Red Wing, Grant Stone, Whites, Nick's, etc. Definitely do your research.

[@BootSpy]

I agree, you should always read plenty of reviews before buying. It's really helpful to know if one brands sizing is analogous to anothers

[@avokevo5394]

Probably your best video yet IMO. Great info and well presented. Cheers!

[@BootSpy]

thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!

[@sebastianriemer1777]

Best Boot in my experience is the M77 of the Norwegian defence force Thick leather, wide toe box and a great rubber sole for a very good price.

[@hawkevick9184]

I AGREE LOVE FROM NORWAY 😘

[@martintanz9098]

The thickness of the toplift is important, but it isn't necessarily a deal breaker as almost everybody wears down the heels first, and a toplift replacement is about the cheapest repair you can do to a boot or shoe.

[@woltews]

#1 your size in the particular manufacturer of your boot ( no a size 10 is not the same in all boots ) and generally is like saying you generally have the correct medication #2 what it is actually made of ( genuine leather is actually mostly plastic ) #3 if its actually water proof and not just water resistant which means it leaks like a siv and will rot #4 is there a safety toe ad metal shank ( its nice to still have toes later in life ) #5 is the sole made of something that will not wear out fast ( think vibram not leather ) and will not slip ( broken feet are a major probem )

[@devvoid1312]

The Redwing's don't really have a cork midsole. the cork is filler and then there's a hard rubber midsole. You can see this in Trenton & Heaths resole video with Nick from Stridewise where they resole and replace the midsole with leather.

[@sourcererseven3858]

I think you're the first one to not dismiss cemented boots entirely. I often see it proclaimed as not resolable, with the occasional disclaimer that it's just harder, but after looking at a couple German work-boot manufacturers, they all provide a re-soling service regardless of welt or cemented. So yeah, you might have to go to the manufacturer and pay 80-120€, another reason to buy locally. Not sure how that compares to having a cobbler re-sole a goodyear welted shoe (I only looked at one company's website and it said 40-70€ for resoling, I'll assume they can only do GY-welted).

[@BootSpy]

Yep, there are some good reasons for cemented construction for sure. Thank you for watching!

[@RealMuperSan]

One thing to know is that boots are heavy. I usually wear light weight sneakers, so I feel like I’m clomping around in mine.

[@taiweannoona1204]

They say that the Thursday boots are lightweight and feel more like a sneaker. I don't like heavy clunky boots myself. Seriously looking at getting some of these in the next few days. Have you tried these yet?

[@M_Ladd]

Any boot that is super light weight is nothing but garbage! Leather is not light! You get what you pay for!

[@taiweannoona1204]

Since replying to your comment, I have bought the Thursday boots. I like them very much. They are good for walking in and working in. Of course they were never intended to be taken to a construction site but they are fine for gardening in. I wear them with just about everything and I hate taking them off at the end of the day. There was no break-in time to speak of. When I get them resoled I will opt for a non-slip tread with a little more bite, but other than that I am really enjoying them. They were worth the $200 in my opinion.

[@M_Ladd]

@@taiweannoona1204 Rude? Just stated a fact! If your that sensitive then you sure as hell don't belong on utube!

[@taiweannoona1204]

@@M_Ladd 😂😂😂

[@billystpaul8907]

Another good video. I tend to ware out the back heal. It's worse on a crepe or soft sole. I always like your video's, even when I don't like the boots your reviewing...

[@BootSpy]

thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!

[@Kingfisher1215]

Have you tried putting on heal savers? You can get them from a cobbler (if you have one nearby, they are becoming a bit rare) or even from Amazon. They work well, and are easy to attach but be sure to wear them outside on concrete right after installing so that they get worn down and smooth out. They can scratch floors when newly installed.

[@borrisagassinoida]

Great sharing buddy , from India

[@Plague_Doc22]

I would correct your walk of walking. 9:05 , shows you stepping very heel heavy which will lead to issues further down the line.

[@xxflamezxx1able]

Really curious as to what those green pants were that you were wearing, they are a beautiful shade of green.

[@BootSpy]

Those are the Taylor Stitch chinos -- great pants. I have them in a few of my recent style videos if you want to give them a closer look. Check out the Red Wing Iron Ranger style video and you'll see them up close. thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!

[@edwinsantos7937]

Frye 8R Harness boots are the best.

[@FrownyMascot]

That last part, no.5 thanks for that!

[@ronwang86]

There is no welt in Blake stitch construction.

[@exexpat11]

Some combine sole stitching with a Goodyear to reinforce the boot.

[@mtkoslowski]

0:31 Now that is a darn handsome boot!

[@BootSpy]

Grant Stone Diesel!

[@JFKADLive]

Great channel, helpful advise. What is your opinion on Solovair boots in general? I'm thinking of getting a pair and I'd love something along the style of their 11 eye boots, just not sure how durable they are.

[@darrens7040]

I’ve had mine for 14 years haven’t missed a beat I look after them very well

[@CaptaiN.095]

Bro what type of boot is the 1st one? ( Model name)

[@justanish6966]

I've been looking for a foot store for a while

[@M_Ladd]

Great job! Thank you very much! Might I ask what brand shirt you're wearing? Loved it!

[@BootSpy]

It's an Outerknown Blanket shirt -- I believe they have a fatty sale coming up for Black Friday, so definitely check them out. i love that shirt and I may get another one later this week

[@M_Ladd]

@@BootSpy Yes, thank you, I have been searching but not able to find the one like you had on. You wouldn't happen to remember what color it was named? Would you? They have a lot of colors and styles.

[@davidcoleman2796]

The top lift goes on my boots . It's a pain in the ass . I just fixed one pair of boots and now my Thursdays captions need it done . After only 4 months ! Wtf . This gets so expensive.

[@BootSpy]

i feel you!

[@davidcoleman2796]

@@BootSpy I saw your 4 year video on your Thursday captain boots . ( great video ) you let yours go almost into the leather . Lol . I hope you had them fixed ? Ps . I like the videos from Trent and Heath. I do not have a good boot maker near me . ( outside Toronto) I have to go to a guy at the mall . He did the top lift on my boots but I would not trust him to do real work on them .

[@popuppete]

I find if the heel is too high I wear it down really fast. It is counter intuitive but for me a thin heel wears more slowly as it doesn’t strike as hard when walking. If you ever get your boots resoled you can get a thin heal and it might not wear as fast.

[@Elazarko]

Thank you for braking down a lot of the important factors! I need your help. would you recommend the 'Thursday - Commander' Boots? I can't find enough info on them. I really like the way they look as an everyday casual boot (aside for the kinda shiny eyelets), though I don't know how water proof they are and just not sure if they are legit worth $250 (why are they more expensive than the 'Captions' and 'Diplomats' idk, I'm kinda hesitant)

[@BootSpy]

I'd go for the Captain because it's more versatile. The commander is a solid boot for sure, but I think the Captain just makes sense in more situations from a style perspective

[@ricetanzania4148]

blisters? I don't get any since I stated to wear double socks like the military

[@MrSfinn9mm]

Another awesome video bro

[@BootSpy]

thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!

[@Jebro439]

Grateful for the content

[@BootSpy]

thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!

[@adamp5951]

Seeing you walk through water in those muleskinner mocs makes me think you should do a comparison of different leather treatment sprays. Before and after so people can see if it darkens the leather, how well water beads, how long they last, how well they protect, best one for the money, and best overall.

[@BootSpy]

Great idea! I'll write that down cause that could be really helpful

[@markco4911]

This is great!

[@michaelangelo6947]

I really like that first boot you're showing when talking about the welt. What boot is it?

[@coreymonday1375]

To me it looks like an allen edmonds but i think he said a grant stone diesel

[@BootSpy]

It's the Grant Stone Diesel. It's such an amazing boot-- definitely check it out. I think it's my fav right now

[@aroostookbarbell5549]

That is a great shirt! Gotta know where you bought that.

[@BootSpy]

Thanks man! It's called the Outerknown Blanket shirt. I just put a link to it in the description: → manly.link/outerknown-blanket-shirt (affiliate link, fyi)

[@aroostookbarbell5549]

Awesome! Thanks so much.

[@marvinsolano3981]

Nice flannel shirt. What brand is it?

[@resellpanda88]

What's a good all around boot where I can wear with jeans and dress pants? Something I can resole over and over again if needed and great leather that would patina amazing throughout the years?

[@AndyPorter79]

I'm at work, not some fashion show. People who buy workbooks for the look aren't there to work, they're there to try to pick up.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

There is no such thing as a waterproof boot as there is a big hole in EVERY boot where your feet go. This means in properly wet conditions water invariably makes its way down into your boots via your trousers or water splashing over the top of your boots. Then, when you have these nice waterproof containers, the water cannot get out again and you end up with your feet sitting in a puddle all day. Alternatively with Goretex boots, grit gets into your boots and over time punctures the membrane and the boot leak, again with most of the water becoming trapped. Either way your boots will take many days to dry out and develop a smell that will remind you of the sludge when the local pond dries out in summer. Realistically, it is better to proof your non membrane leather boots and progressively repel the water and accept that sometimes your feet will get wet but that they will also dry out again. Having good wool socks helps in maintaining your foot comfort.

[@Iskaral_Pust]

Great video! What boots are you wearing in the pictures around the 1:00 mark? Are those the Grant Stone Diesel boots? They look excellent.

[@BootSpy]

Yep, Grant Stone Diesel -- love that boot!

[@Iskaral_Pust]

@@BootSpy Thanks for helping me out!!

[@Iskaral_Pust]

@@BootSpy oh, which color, if you don't mind?

[@BootSpy]

@@Iskaral_Pust its the brown chromexcel

[@majcyl]

Just brought a pair of Loake Sedbergh, thanks for advices!

[@BootSpy]

Good choice!

[@Tcoldsteel]

I have a pair of Sedberghs too 👍🏻

[@dwrdwr1000]

I like Ecco boots and shoes.

[@natalinosmeralda2355]

Have you looked into Parkhurst boots?

[@timgeist1450]

They're awesome!

[@BootSpy]

I have -- I'm trying to get a pair soon here and put a review up!

[@stanislavmikhailiukov1005]

the last advice for me personally doesn't work. cuz in my case the higher heels - the less comfortable boots are.

[@h34p]

The first thing you must know is to not wear your trousers rolled up like the ones shown in your video. Thats the first and most important one. just stop it.

[@nateyoung6331]

What boots are you holding at the beginning?

[@adeanh1]

first comment! (I'm the winner). This is good info. What boots are in the last section?

[@BootSpy]

that last one is the Grant Stone Diesel -- great boot! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@financialadvisor1000]

who makes those army green pants at 1:45, they are fire!

[@BootSpy]

Taylor Stitch. You can see me rocking them in a few of my latest style videos. Love that brand!

[@truegee247]

Red wing too uncomfortable for me

[@M_Ladd]

Might I ask the color of your shirt? Searched for it at the Blanket Shirt web site but was unable to find that same color/style! Many thanks!

[@BootSpy]

I believe they've run out of stock for this particular color -- a few people have asked and we haven't been able to find it again. But I think this shirt is awesome, and any color you like -- you'll be happy

[@M_Ladd]

@@BootSpyThank you! The color you have is the only color I liked! If I'm to spend that much on a shirt it must be one that I like!

[@blauer2551]

What would be the value of a boot you would get resoled considering the price of doing it?

[@BootSpy]

If you really like the leather and construction quality. I'd only do it with boots over $300, as there's a big jump in quality there

[@Loyal.T23]

What’s the name or brand of the boot you held up that has a woven look?

[@BootSpy]

that is the Taft Dylan. Love that thing

[@water737]

can cemented waterproof be resoled or just too difficult? yet a goodyear welt can be waterproofed no?

[@BootSpy]

Goodyear welt is usually very water resistant. I think the only time you really need 100% waterproof is if you're an avid hiker or walk a lot in the rain. Otherwise, any Goodyear welt is plenty to keep your feet dry, even if you get caught in the rain. I wouldn't count on any cemented shoe getting a resole. It's possible, but I doubt it'd stay waterproof

[@felixmarihessenauer3158]

Hey! Would you say the Jim Green Boots are water resistant enough for rain, snow or hard weather in general?

[@BootSpy]

Yes, they're not waterproof, but there are very few situations where you actually need a fully waterproof boot

[@felixmarihessenauer3158]

@@BootSpy Would still be enough for me! Thank you for your answer

[@brandonh9598]

What brand is that shirt? I want to get one

[@BootSpy]

Outerknown Blanket shirt..its great

[@natevollmer3628]

where did you get that flannel??

[@BootSpy]

this is the Outerknown Blanket shirt. As far as I know, this color is out of stock, but they have a ton of other really cool options

[@kornfedboy]

True waterproof? Veldtschoen is the way to go, but is $$$$.

[@matthewjohnson6360]

Cowboy/girl boots are BEST.

[@BootSpy]

a man who knows what he likes!

[@SamKemet1]

Great 👍

[@BootSpy]

thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!

[@youtubecowboy6044]

What boots are there at 5:35?

[@BootSpy]

They're the Red Wing Iron Ranger. I love em!

[@MrStreetninja007]

Did you pull the trigger on a pair of Nick's?

[@BootSpy]

yes i did! The americana. should be here in about 4 years

[@MrStreetninja007]

@@BootSpy lol I cant wait for the video

[@troyheffernan1261]

he'll. You've in a humid climate to go on vacation and buy your cowboy boots in a dry climate. If you do and you return home your feet will be swimming in then. Ask me how I know.

[@pat557]

#6 : how they will reshape your feet; not the other way around. You dont really "break them in"; they break YOU in.Just saying. They look good though...#steelshank #crampedtoebox

[@robertoroma2913]

Best wide toe boots everyday walking

[@aidelibrahim6379]

Done sub, mantap

[@allenjami3894]

HELP FULL, BUT YOU NEVER REPLIED MY HELP

[@BootSpy]

couldn't find your question, but thank you for watching!

[@pamelah6431]

What I'd like is where on this planet to find quality WOMEN'S boots.

[@BootSpy]

Check out M.Gemi -- I got my wife a pair and they're pretty sweet. Also, check out some Thursday boots. They have a pretty cool women's selection and that's the next brand I'm going to go with when I pick up another pair for her. I have a ton of Thursday boots for myself and the quality is great

[@pamelah6431]

@@BootSpy thank you. I'm a landscaper and shopping for boots is the bane of my existence! I always end up having to get men's.

[@b.johnathanwarriorinagarde7980]

RM Williams for women.

[@pamelah6431]

@@b.johnathanwarriorinagarde7980 thanks, will check them out!

[@b.johnathanwarriorinagarde7980]

@@pamelah6431 Also Nick's can't go wrong between the two.

[@ben2808]

Jesus loves you.