The Tale of the "Useless" Pull Loop on Boots - Do You Hate Them or Love Them?

[@Brajin1]

On a Chelsea, you definitely need the loop. On a lace up boot probably less needed, but they don’t bother me.

[@jameslarue2878]

That's a good rant. I had to go back and check my boots. On a pair of Wolverine BLVD Chelseas, there's a single large leather pull tab on the back. I use it. I have a lower pull tab (like your Thoroughgoods) on a pair of 6 inch Rancourt moccasins that I use, too--the leather laces are sticky enough that I tend not to loosen them all the way. I have a pair of Clark Chelseas with no tabs at all, and I don't seem to need them. One pair of cowboy boots and two Ropers--the traditional side tabs are unobtrusive and essential. But I agree that a tab too small to get your finger in is worthless and annoying. And you're right that they don't really have to catch on your pants. Boot buyers unite!

[@craig7887]

I love my Jim Green Razorbacks, but they have a short pull tab that I can’t even grab. Totally useless. I always wonder why they bothered. Great video!

[@Bluerig-qf2xc]

I cut them off my Jin Greens

[@craig7887]

@@Bluerig-qf2xc I should do the same. They really serve no purpose.

[@TEstevao]

Loops make sense for boots you want to throw on and go. If I’m headed off to work or need to run out to meet the mailman, I want it easy and don’t have the same desire for a clean aesthetic. If they’re nicer boots that I wear for looks, I’d much rather they were without loops to keep a cleaner silhouette.

[@thunderman703]

I have too many boots. You inspire me to buy more boots. Thanks. Trickers maybe my next purchase.

[@janerkenbrack3373]

The first thing I have to say is that pull tabs are useful on some boots because it is hard to grab the back of the boot shaft when there is a shoe horn there. I use a shoe horn on most of my shoes and boots. Damage done to the seam at the back of the shoe or to the heel counter will ruin your shoes. Those kinds of damages are all but impossible to fix, and very expensive. So a shoe horn is a must on most. (Of note, the Red Wing Iron Ranger has an external counter, so a shoe horn is not necessary). I don't wear boots that need a shoe horn when camping. To be concerned at all about whether or not I look manly doing something, is the least manly thing I can think of. I mean, not using a specific tool because of how it might look to someone else? That doesn't sound manly to me. (Insert clip of the Lumberjack Song from Monty Python here). I do have a pair that I worry the pull tabs might tear, so I don't use them. If they're there, I'd prefer if they weren't torn. Oh, and I don't care for pull tabs on front of shaft. It's just the look.

[@LorSTApunk07]

When I was in the military, my issued boots had pull tabs & I never used them. If my boots have pull tabs at all… I rarely use them. The only exception are my Thorogoods, where they’re useful & don’t get in the way.

[@bushisahomo]

I really only use them on new boots that aren't broken in yet.....but I love them and get them on every boot I buy

[@DenisMillar]

Thanks again, Teik. I have learnt a lot about boots from your channel and have bought many pairs after your reviews. I'll be keeping an eye out for your next video. Regards mate. 😂😂

[@prasannagunarathna3475]

Could you please do a video on explaining the difference of the types of leather used in boots ? Which type of leather is ideal for durability and wearability ?

[@Tythepainterguy]

Tiek you are getting ballsy in the last few vids, I like it!.. I'm with you, appropriate fabric pulls on chelseas and romeo's, leather loops sewn into the backstay's that are useful on the more "rugged" city boots, leave the heritage boots the way they were!.

[@Bootlosophy]

🤪

[@craig7887]

Just to weigh in again on this. I like good pull tabs on all my real work boots or hiking boots regardless of the boot height. I think it's because I'm usually wearing thick socks when I wear those, and I usually take them off hastily without really loosening the laces so they're tight when I put them on the next time. So a good pull tab comes in handy in those instances. When it comes to my casual boots, I don't have a need for pull tabs and I wish they weren't there. With casual boots I use a shoe horn and I take more care to make sure the laces are loose when I take them off and put them on. More often than not pull tabs on casual boots only serve the purpose of catching on the hem of my jeans so my jeans don't sit naturally on the boot, they're just caught up on the stinkin' pull tab! This video now has me all ticked off about the stupid pull tabs on my boots!! ;-)

[@Bootlosophy]

Sorry…..😁

[@MattLee-h5t]

Perfectly summarised ... functionality first. As for those Fred's, it seems they have managed to design it so that the loop folds into the boot rather than out of it. I can imagine being able to tuck the pull loop inside the boot and not have to worry about it. That's good design!

[@telemarktumalo6978]

100% agree, Teik. I am not a fan of pull loops on 6" lace up boots. They just get in the way and serve no functional purpose. I have a pair of 8" work boots though and the tab is very useful. Engineers, western boots and Ropers they are de rigueur.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Usually I cut off the larger leather loops that stick out and get caught in your trousers. The smaller leather loops mostly get ignored if they stay vertical or get cut off otherwise. I do find the fabric loops useful and you can tuck them inside the boot shaft afterwards. Regarding needing loops for service boots and similar boot heights, I do need them quite often as I have high arches and a high vamp. The worst are gusseted tongues and boots with a large number of lace holes that have waxed or leather laces. It's often very difficult to get my foot in otherwise without unlacing half the boot. This exclude proper hiking boots which usually have speed hooks placed very wide on the boot upper despite a gusseted tongue and open up much wider than traditionally made boots And I do occasionally use a shoe horn for traditionally made boots and actually bought an extra long one (30cm I think) made from animal horn for the purpose. I'll admit it was on sale for £15 and I wouldn't pay the really high price that many retailers seem to charge for such items.

[@albertmanuel5028]

You just made me go through my collection. I’m roughly about 50 percent pull loop. They function well, but I don’t really need them. Their addition or absence will not make or break my purchase decision.

[@coinecc]

It really seems like an afterthought the vast majority of the time. I really like them on my 8" Danner side zip combat boots (even with the zipper down I need a good amount of pressure to get my heel to pop in). I've avoided every 5-6" boot with a pull tab, I think. Not sure I ever owned one with pull tab, and it definitely would've been a conscientious choice.

[@va6gkthaskey311]

I do take a shoe/boot horn camping heck just about everywhere i go in my bag. I have one that extends and works for boots. The pull tabs are definitely appreciated as well. There are metal "hooks" that are designed with a hand of sorts and you can use the hook in the smaller loops. Which are handy for those that have mobility issues. Or you can loop string to help not have to bend over as much. As always enjoyed the video!! Cheers, beers and whiskey 🤠 🥃

[@alexperez3651]

I use the loops on some snakeskin cowboy boots to hang them up on my clothes rack. It looks like and gets them off the floor! Never deeply found much use for pull loops otherwise.

[@Bluerig-qf2xc]

Usually just cut them off. It drives me crazy when they catch onto my pants

[@BWM135]

Don't think there's a right or wrong answer to the pull loop debate. If they bother you, that's cool, either avoid boots that have them or do a little surgery to flatten or remove them. Personally, I am a pull loop guy, in large part from being 6'3 and having a high arch, high volume size 13.5 ee foot, at least in the Truman 79 last boot. That boot is a (Minor) pain in the ass for me to get on from a seated position, largely because I have to lean over pretty far, the boot is 2/3 gusseted or so with leather laces, and the Java waxed flesh that it's made from is a little tough to get a good grip on. Truman has completely gone away from pull loops with their new business model, which is fine. It does mean that I have to unlace the boot down to the third eyelet or so to easily get it on. Which makes it a 5 or so minute process to get going with them. Not the worst thing in the world, but a pull loop would definitely shorten it. Last thing I would say is I don't think the need for a pull loop diminishes as the height of the boot does. From a seated position, you're actually reaching further to do what you need to do with the boot to get it on and relaced properly. I can also appreciate why a pull loop may have particular value on a taller boot as well. As far as denim or chinos getting caught on the pull tab, I see that as a non-issue. Being tall, I typically have denim hemmed or Tokyo cuffed. If it gets hung up, so be it. At least that way people know I'm wearing boots, which is kind of the point of wearing boots for those of us who wear them by choice and not for work. At the end of the day, do whatever works for you. Cheers all. 🍺

[@xMeshuggahx]

The main issue with pull loops / tabs is they cause jeans to bunch and so we need to keep adjusting it. It's not very flattering!

[@Nicholas-V]

They’re useful on Chelsea boots but i don’t use the front pull tab and wish they’d exclude it since my jeans just get caught up on it. I wish they’d make them so they easily tuck into the boot where they’re out of the way.

[@kusountenshi7305]

I really like the pull loops on my ~12 yr old Clarks Clarkdale Gobi Chelsea boots. Very clean, unobtrusive, and easy to use. I hate the ones that stick up.

[@joshuashylla8899]

My pull tabs catch my trousers every time I climb stairs or sit down.... It's sooooo annoying.

[@ABD5667]

The problem with pull loops is 2 fold firstly not always functional and two the boot and pull loops are not designed in unison, it's sometimes like the loop was added as an after thought I agree with your evaluation and view of pull loops and how it can be resolved

[@kd5byb]

I think it depends! On Chelsea boots, pull loops seem like they catch my pants legs! On my loggers, they are fantastic for helping get the boot on, but I find if I really need to tug on the loops, it means that I didn't unlace my boots fully enough when I took them off. I think the question depends on the boot, the type of pull loop / pull tab, and the wearer!

[@seedubhuntx]

even on my boots with pull loops i always find myself grabbing the shaft itself, whether its a 6 inch chelsea or a 10 inch packer

[@cowcrapper]

If I didn't use shoe-horns. To me the pull loop is something I don't actually pull my finger through, I just grab it like a large back tab. But yeah that cordobes tab is useless.

[@OfDeath]

On Chelsea boots, and if they are high enough to not constantly get caught on my jeans, i like them. I have cut a few "pull tabs" off of boots if they keep getting the bottoms of my jeans stuck on them. So annoying to constantly have to fiddle with all day long.

[@ZachBie]

I have a personal preference for a 6” boot, and while I have had three pairs of PNW 6” boots with pull loops, my preference is to now skip them as my pants leg catches on them. I sold one pair, cut another pair’s off, and the third pair is thin enough and flush enough with the top of the boot that it’s usually not an issue.

[@markcesena4670]

I like loops,they are very useful,but what I do hate and doesn’t make sense is when the loop too small for ones finger,companies waste time and money,if you ask me.

[@mikekirby2085]

Im a Rancourt fanboy and have the Harrison Redux boot. The pull loops are part of the back panel that run the full height of the boot. So they sit super flush until you need to pull on them. Others i have are just a faux pull. For aesthetic purposes only apparently.

[@milkbaby99]

I always prefer the pull loops because even though I need to unlace even my 6" boots down to the first four or three eyelets to get my feet to squeeze in, it's still difficult to get my feet in, and the pull loops help a lot!

[@KevinMoura-xk1ps]

On 6” boots I hate them they always get hung up and are more annoying than they are useful. On 8” and taller they are useful.

[@R_Rod]

I like them in utilitarian boots (blundstones and such) and there's boots that definitely need them. I'd rather not have them in dressier boots or only have the back one. Only time I hate them is when they break off or especially when they are too small to put a finger and be used.

[@Daywalker222]

Set of 2 textile types are the best for Chelsea's! I can't feel them, at the same time they provide the quickest pull on! My 4 pairs of Rhodes Chelsea and Taft Legion boots have them, they are durable and long enough to quickly get a grip. Astorflex indeed left me scratching my head, with their just short enough pull loop for my pinky finger NOT to fit. I love them otherwise. I got 8 pairs so I had to strategies. I made a little hook that fits the pull loop, out of a large paperclip😅 By the way, definitely check out Taft Stitchdown Legion Boots in Rust and Black Bison! They got that Bordon look and construction at $300 sale price, right now.

[@Basboy]

Almost always hate them. Sometimes I'm indifferent and only on one boot am I glad to have them and that's on my only 8" boot. Any lower and my pant leg always get caught on them. On my 8" boot it doesn't catch and actually helps with putting them on easier.

[@simongrushka983]

I hate boots without the pull loops. I hate even more when boots have a small pull tab that's too small to be useful

[@tony_r_pierce]

I use one of those longer shoehorns for my boots that are more difficult to pull on due to gusseted tongue or soft upper, or for whatever reason. Bordon recommends using one to prevent smashing the heal counter. I never use the loops except with Chelseas (shoehorn actually helps with Chelseas, too). At least one pair of my boots has a pull loop that a small child couldn't put a finger through. So for me, I don't really care about loops and can live without them.

[@derrickmartin9717]

i like them on chelsea boots. indifferent about them on lace-ups. i don't miss them on my grant stone brass boots. I don't mind them on my cordobes cap toes- though if I did, I think a pair of sharp scissors would make quick work of that tab.

[@lgroves336]

It is called the "pass-through". Some makers make the full gusset to narrow to really get your foot in the boot. I have returned som. A gusset of 5/8 of the way up work best. Some gussets of 75% up are too tight. Do not need a loop if the do not over do the gusset. IMHO

[@lt3880]

To me pull tabs are becoming one of those vestigial details that are attached as an accessory and not as a function, like bottom buttons on a blazer. But I dont have any complaints, the market is in a good place where people who want them can get them and the people who dont can avoid it.

[@slugworthy1]

I have a pair of Nick’s 8” boots, and it would be impossible for me to pull on my left boot without the pull loop because my high arch makes my heel jut disproportionately outward. Perhaps it sounds barbaric, but maybe just snip them off if you don’t like them? Hopefully, they’ll stick around like the lanyard hole on folding knives that people always complain about😂

[@favidh1934]

I just throw on a metal bull nose ring on small pull tabs (maybe a carabiner or scrap rawhide laces lengths would also work?). Allows you to use three fingers for better leverage. After all the boot collars will be hidden by your pant cuffs.

[@Bootlosophy]

Genius!

[@QV1010]

I like pull tabs that are made from the same leather as the upper & attached to it. It blends in easily. I don’t mind it to much since I most likely end up using a shoe horn to get my feet into I better.

[@jj4483love]

Pull loops really bother me on 6 inch lace up boots. I literally won't buy the boots based on the pull loops. Not needed and get in the way. Also, most brands need to design better pull loops. Nicks pull loops are a lazy design, they need to take notes from Wesco, who have a beautifully designed and intigrated pull loop. To me, the most acceptable pull loops are the RM Williams style cloth loops that don't hang up your pants and the flush Wesco style leather loops.

[@gnomersy1087]

Eh if I want to de-lace my boots all the way I probably don't need pull loops for a 6" boot but if I'm keeping them partially laced I need to grab the sides and back stay to yank on for pressure which isn't an issue for me right now but if I had arthritis or a hand injury or something and my grip was poor I could see having a loop that keeps your finger locked in be very helpful. Ones that you can't get a finger in are worthless definitely.

[@richyclubsport5155]

I have a Loake hoop, with a long handle, 100% useful for hooking in the pull tabs, all my boot's, Crockett and Jones, Trickers, Ian Harold, Loake, Grenson have pull on tabs use it every time I put my boots on

[@MomijiTMO]

Probably don’t need them on lace ups as you say. That said, I love the pull tabs on my RMs Chelsea’s. I like when the tabs sometimes catch my pants - something to fix during the office. People also notice the branding (lots of questions on the different pull tabs on my different RMs)

[@John_in_da_UP]

I just noticed that my Merrell hiking SHOES have loops. That's just plain stupid.

[@bobjohnson6321]

on my Nicks shorty engineer they are horrible, have to wear only certain pants so they dont get hung up, thorogoods they are a help, the solovairs are cloth and im worried they will tear out. on my Santa Rosa snake boots they are only decorative so i pulled them off first time on, this is a good topic because they can be a help, too small to grip, or get hung up on the pants which is irritating.

[@bradleythomas5445]

Not a loop fan. It’s just a pants-catcher. Something you have to pull your khakis or jeans around. Love your channel. Like others have said, Teik. You and your channel make me want to buy more boots! Fortunately, but really unfortunately, most boot manufacturers don’t offer their boots in my size (15D).

[@Bootlosophy]

Hmmm. You may have to go bespoke 😂😂😂

[@bradleythomas5445]

😂 I have a pair of White’s MP’s. Nicks also offers larger sizes. So does Allen Edmonds. Looks like Bordon does as well. I’ve reached out to them. Always look forward to your videos. Thanks so much!

[@kelvinleong4322]

Please advise your opinion on the r m William banbury side zipped model? I don’t see you own one of this type of side dipped model boots ?

[@thomasharris5151]

Can you remove the pull tab on Chelsea boots? I hate them!

[@Bootlosophy]

@@thomasharris5151 not if you want to pull them in! Cloth ones are better.

[@aradoran]

I hate them on my Helm Zinds. Pants always getting caught on them.

[@Christoph1888]

I hate cloth pull loops. Have them on all my work boots, difficult to get your finger in, relatively useless. Rossi chelsea work boots use a proper leather tab which is the main reason I've always liked them

[@arindambasu9850]

The only pull loops I have are on my Trickers Stows and I dislike them passionately 😅 thankfully all my GS, Trumans which make up the majority of my collection do not have them. On my Indonesian boots my MTO specifications clearly exclude them so no annoyances there. In my view they are a needless and avoidable appendage.

[@howyduinyall7653]

Wish I had them on my Truman ink cheaha rough outs and grizzly cattails. Just an afterthought I wonder if someone could sew one on?

[@renangaidheal1320]

Love me some pull loops, even the ones that don't matter much. Too small to grab, not so good. Too big detract from the aesthetic. RM Williams gets it right: two even, long enough. On Chelseas a necessity. Wanna rant? Let's talk speed hooks. Speed hooks are loathsome, unnecessary devices. Hate me some speed hooks, yes indeedy all speed hooks. Put an eyelet on that one. 😅😎

[@Bootlosophy]

😂😂😂

[@davidfrazier1186]

Good video

[@MrStreetninja007]

I believe I'm a no pull tab under any circumstance kind of man

[@Hardcastle83]

How could anyone think they they aren't useful? I use them each and every time I put on boots. I need them. Maybe people who don't get it can easily touch their toes? Lol. I will say I hate when my pants get caught on them, but just have to check that and you're good to go.

[@toneohm]

i prefer em.. as long as they dont extend above the upper.. even though I think they look slightly better without them at all.. it's convenient to have. I don't mind them getting caught on my pants cause I keep my uppers showing in most cases anyway.. I just hate a non leather loop protruding up above the boot.. that's just ugly hah.. apparently the owner of Oak Street despises them

[@jimr880]

I actually appreciate a good pull loop...if done right...if not, I cannot stand them and are far worse than no boot loop at all.

[@ml8067]

I have a few boots with useless pull loops. This drive me nuts. Why put it on if it can't be used by an adult human! They add nothing visually.

[@AVIONN2]

The taller the boot the more i want them tbh

[@robertgallagher2226]

agreed...Thorogood got it right

[@jgb0017]

I find side loops useful. Back loops, less so.

[@davidfrazier1186]

Yes I don't like them because your pants legs get caught. The Carolina Domestic 8 "will collapse the pull when you double loop laces around ankles 👍

[@barbaratheillustrator02484]

I use pull loop on all my boots

[@StarWarriorMusic]

I think they are totally useless except for ropers and cowboy boots. If I get mto boots I get them made without them. If I am buying rtw I cut them off. I hate them lol.

[@Doodleman2020]

Chelsea boots I appreciate pull tabs. Other than that I don’t care for them.

[@markdearlove8634]

Dude, type in 'boot pull hook'. Loops ftw

[@grahamhardin8]

Pull loops are pretty much useless apart from pull in boots.