THURSDAY BOOTS EXPLORER Review | Toy Soldier?

My favorite USA made boot socks → manly.link/camel-city-light
In this Thursday Explorer review, I tell you everything you need to know about this combat boot before buying. Get the Thursday Boots Explorer here → manly.link/thursday-explorer
Later in the video, I mention that the Thursday Captain might be a more versatile option if you're looking for a boot you can wear with a wide variety of outfits.
Get the Thursday Boots Captain here → manly.link/thursday-captain
Read my Thursday Explorer Review here → bootspy.com/thursday-boots-ex...
Read my Thursday Captain Review here → bootspy.com/thursday-boots-ca...
Watch my Thursday Captain Review here → • THURSDAY Boots CAPTAIN...
Watch my Thursday President Review here → • THURSDAY Boots PRESIDE...
Watch my Thursday Cavalier Review here → • THURSDAY BOOTS Cavalie...
Watch my Thursday Logger Review here → • THURSDAY Boots LOGGER ...
Watch me compare the Thursday Diplomat to Red Wing, Danner, and Thorogood → • RED WING vs THURSDAY v...
Watch me compare the Thursday Captain and President → • Thursday Boots CAPTAIN...
Watch me compare Thursday Boots with Taft Boots → • THURSDAY Boots vs TAFT...
Read my other Thursday Reviews here → bootspy.com/?s=thursday
The Explorer is Thursday’s answer to the combat boot.
This boot is closer to a more modern combat boot. More like something Danner would make for the Marines, and less like a pair of Doc Martens.
It’s decked out with a 360-degree Goodyear storm welt, so it’s built to handle tough weather, and the heavy lug sole has grip through rain and snow.
The Explorer comes in three different leather options at the time of writing: Black Matte, Dark Olive Suede, and Cedar. Both the Black Matte and Cedar editions are made with Thursday’s Rugged & Resilient leather, while the Dark Olive is made with Thursday’s WeatherSafe suede.
If I were getting ready for boot camp, I probably wouldn’t pick up a pair of Thursday Explorers. I like that these combat boots have a similar style as modern combat boots like Danners. But they don’t have the same safety ratings.
The Explorer is a stylish boot. It’s built on a slim and low profile last, so it works well with slim fit jeans and chinos. Because it has a 360-degree Goodyear storm welt, it also has a lot of durability and weather resistance as well.
0:00 Intro
0:25 Thursday Explorer Overview
0:46 Explorer Style
4:18 Leather Quality
5:44 Sole Quality
7:58 Fit and Sizing
8:54 The Verdict
#thursdayboots #combatboots #boots
Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. If you click it and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[@keithpadgett5527]

From a former Marine-tie a knot at the end of each lace so that they don't come out of the top "speed loops" then just let the slack out at the top to take them off and on. Hopefully, the laces are long enough to do that.

[@benmiller3358]

I wore these as an everyday work boot doing forestry work in the Sierra Nevadas. Good points: The storm welt is very impact resistant. Boot leather is good quality and those little rollers that replace a speed loop really help save the laces. They certainly take longer to put on and take off but those rollers also help you more easily adjust tension. Unfortunately there are some draw backs. The R&R leather is essentially a nubuck leather. It's a full top grain that is sanded slightly. That does mean it takes oil and wax waterproofing more easily but it also means it needs to be reapplied more often. Lastly, and I knew this going in, but the fact that the tongue is not gusseted and stitched to the inside of the upper is a huge draw back once the grass dries out because EVERY SINGLE GRASS SEED will make their way past the tongue and under the laces and into your socks. Super annoying and makes them not great for off trail use in the drier months. All in all the construction is great but the design flaw in the non-gusseted tongue is a let down. I would also have preferred it if they offered this boot in a full rough out as I prefer the last that this upper is built on.

[@Abhikpr.]

Yes finally someone who's mentioned this. I agree 100 percent. The non gusset on this boot is a huge design flaw in my opinion. It would be perfect if they had a rough out and gusset.

[@benmiller3358]

Agreed. Unfortunately for something like that I would have to buy their MITUSA boot which costs a bit more and comes with the "Cuban" logging heel, or I would have to go with a classic PNW logging boot like Nicks or Whites which also cost a lot more and come with the cuban logging heel. @@Abhikpr.

[@Thursdayboots]

Thanks so much for the kind words, we're so happy you love your pair🙌

[@Abhikpr.]

You need to gusset them at least 4 to 5 eye loops. It would have been the perfect boot if it had some gusseting. Especially for this style of boot

[@nolanwalsh646]

@@Abhikpr. we're testing this out based on some of the other comments. Thank you!

[@Abhikpr.]

@@nolanwalsh646 I'll be buying another pair as soon as they are for sure.

[@mikeng7327]

@@nolanwalsh646 If testing went well, when would be the earliest we would see an updated version with gusseting? That's kind of the only thing preventing me from ordering these amazing looking boots.

[@scarlethorse5391]

@@Abhikpr. Same here!

[@majin-vegeta90]

I've been wearing these as my daily boots to work for about six months. Once they break in the go on faster, and you get better at lacing so no issues there. The sole it extremely comfortable but because it's foam it is wearing out faster but It's worth have a more comfortable boot all around.

[@locklear308]

Foam? Isn't it cork?

[@MariaMartinez-vv2wd]

Dose water get in them ?

[@kylehagertybanana]

no gusset?!?!

[@benmiller3358]

I also wore this as an everyday work boot. Working in the Sierra Nevadas doing forestry they were great in cold and wet weather (to a point) but in the summers I had issues with grass seeds sneaking past the tongue (which is not gusseted). Did you experience that?

[@benmiller3358]

@@MariaMartinez-vv2wd No they are very water tight on the stitching. The R&R leather needs to be very well oiled to be water resistant but that storm welt is the real deal.

[@Retrakk]

You missed something crucial; The tongue isn't gusseted. That prevents this boot from being a decent winter boot, not to mention a combat boot. Hopefully they switch that detail in the future, as it's the only reason this isn't a great boot.

[@azel8rrp169]

This was my first pair of Thursdays. Shadow Grey Suede. 4 years later and I still love them. Got the Matte Black Leather as well. Suede for casual, leather for more formal stuff.

[@radiationshepherd]

These def look cooler than the other Thursday models to me, usually they look too pointy for my taste

[@dl6677]

Those loops are proprietary from Thursday, but a private take on "NATO speed hooks". A person is supposed to knot the tops and leave them laced loose when off.

[@Temunic]

Chevalier, Duke, Legend, and their chukka models have some EE sizes available as well . They've been expanding their selection of wide boots, thankfully.

[@terranempire2]

Generally having a wider foot the answer with Thursday is just to order your full size.

[@AC-re3lp]

With regards to the "speed rollers" I am able to lace them in seconds. Say 3-5 secs. Guys for reference, I spread the laces (dont remove from eyelets) as wide as possible to remove the boots/feet. The opposite is to put them on (because leather is soft this part is easy and laces shouldn't be removed), pull the lace (that's why they're "speed rollers"), tight a knot and off you go. It is easy. Just take seconds. Hope this tip helps others considering purchasing these boots. Boots are great. Thank you for posting this video.

[@Elazarko]

Would be awesome to see a breakdown of the Commander Model as well! Thank you!

[@Elazarko]

Commanders are $250 and I'm curious If the extra $50 for the Commanders offer better construction compared to the legends or captains for example?

[@BootSpy]

Great idea! I have a few other Thursday models to review, but I'll definitely add the commander to my list. Thank you for watching!

[@jaysmith3622]

So very helpful and immensely informative. Thank you.

[@y11971alex]

I own a pair of 8” timbs, and I have the same time complaint about getting into and out of them. It takes a non-negligible amount of time to lace them tightly and unlace them, since I primarily wear them for snow. And then I gave up on lacing them altogether and just wore thick socks to ensure sufficient friction that they don’t fall off.

[@compasssocalresorts4259]

Thank you for your great reviews on Thursday Boots, helped me make some purchases ... but what watch and strap are you wearing?

[@chrisbennett1037]

Just ordered these today..really wanted the Captain with the Storm King sole(in olive also) but they had no idea when or even if they would be back in.. I thought about the normal sole Captains but I dont wear boots at all in the good(aka warm) weather they hibernate from early May-mid Sept..so these will see PA winters and i didnt want to slip all over(thus wanting the storm king sole) so went with these...thanks for the review.

[@scottellis6584]

Some reviewers have complained about the Explorer not having a gusseted tongue. In your testing have you had any issues with water or debris getting into your boots?

[@mintymendicant1929]

I got the captains and more recently I got some keens work boots so I don't work in my captains. But because my work is lots of weed eating with a string trimmer and the keens have a different material inside that seeds and stuff stick into, the captains have become my work boots. I'm curious to see how long they hold up, so far I'm really impressed.

[@Warillusen]

I imagine cargos of all sorts would do well for this outfit

[@stevenm4225]

Pro tip: tie knots at the end of the laces.

[@Tailyn222]

Great review. You should do a lookbook on how to wear some of these boots.

[@BootSpy]

Thank you! That's a great idea.. maybe a "how to style Thursday boots" and do multiple styles. I'll get cracking on it! Thank you for always watching and commenting. I really appreciate it!

[@Tailyn222]

@@BootSpy Np keep up the good work

[@davidoffrance]

it is a speed lacing system and it is very usefull, you do not have to unlace it

[@dak.5.123]

Who made the decision to not add a gusset? They look nice but aren't very functionable.

[@tarasmathers7423]

Brother William, great presentation. I have only 1 question for you. Do you know if the welt is a "real leather welt" on this model??? Thank you for your time and best wishes. Cheers.....🥃

[@tenchikid80]

I just bought the matte black ones today, can't wait to get them :)

[@BootSpy]

let me know what you think!

[@tenchikid80]

@@BootSpy I haven't got to wear them too much yet but so far they're really comfortable and I love the look, they're a little tough to get on but worth it!

[@jerichosamurai]

New Flex is a high density foam but from what I could find it's actually one of their best. Apparently there's shoes that use it with a sole as thin as 3mm so it must be pretty durable to be that thin.

[@gandalf3453]

I’m a marine and yeah, these look very similar to our combat boots

[@DimitrosSJ]

Thursday are actually one of the best boots out there! Especially considering Thursday's price policy and exceptional quality. Would love to have a pair..

[@kylehagertybanana]

they dont have a gusset!

[@BenaiahPS]

Would you consider doing a video comparing the JK 300x (black) against the Nicks Tactical? Both are PNW boots with similar style. Is the Nicks Tactical really worth $170 more?

[@nikitasavtchenko4418]

Do these fair well as winter boots?

[@vincentmiller2711]

Is this boots for like rural areas or hiking or can you wear it elsewhere? I am looking for a nice cold weather boot but I live in NYC. 😂 Also does it go well with bomber jackets and tactical jackets? il take your advice on getting captains first but this is like my 2nd target when temperature drops or when it is cold but rainy.

[@TinkerTailorSailorTy]

Any chance you can do a review on Thursday Boots’ “Commander” boot? I’ve been interested in them but I can’t seem to find any proper video reviews on them.

[@prasannagunarathna3475]

Can we get the same boot in other tupe of leather like good year welted ?

[@shaunpugh3287]

I've recently started wearing taller boots for dog walking due to the amount of wet weather we have been having here (northern UK), and found similar issues with lacing up long boots - it takes an age. I bought a pair of Iturri Patrol boots that have the typical UK military style lacing system with hoops rather than hooks at the top of the boot. Totally different type of boot, but the lacing system is similar at the top. While I like the look of the Thursday Explorer, especially in matte black, I would only wear them for casual stuff, with the occasional bit of off road. The leather quality is probably very good, but without a gusset they wouldn't be good for wet and muddy conditions that I typically walk in. They would be good in a bar though, and I"m sure the would survive the odd bit of spilt beer, p*ss and broken glass that are on the floor of most music venues.

[@pocket1122]

How long exactly did it take you to put them on/take them off? You never actually told us the official time trial time.

[@Mn-yh2bp]

It wouldn’t take you so long to put the boot on if you didn’t unless the boot when you took it off. you’ll need longer laces for that but if you get really long leases once they’re laced up tie small nuts in the very end both laces. Then when you take the boot off you don’t on lease it you just loosen the laces as much as you can and pull them out until the the nuts stop at the eyelets and won’t go through. I’ve been doing this on my issued boots for more than a decade

[@jaenoma3839]

Style is subjective. Wear what you want with whatever you want

[@Detris]

Great video. Any chance you could review the Thursday Vanguard and maybe compare them to the Captains? They seem pretty similar to each other.

[@BootSpy]

Yep, it's on the way!

[@Detris]

@@BootSpy Sounds good man. Also want to say your channel is perfect for a guy like me who is more into the fashion side of things rather than the rugged look (which seems to be what your channel is focused on). Great stuff

[@lazybagpipe]

Could you please recommend brand of jeans for these

[@omenlock]

These boots are missing a gusset, i was very disappointed in them when i saw there was no gusset at all..

[@firemarshaldil]

I own these in black matte, also own the captains. The biggest gripe I have with them is the padded top part, if you pull the padded section when pulling the boot on, it will rip. I got mine fixed at a cobbler, and Thursday refunded me for the boots.

[@mintymendicant1929]

You got them fixed and refunded?! I'm confused, are you saying they refunded you and let you keep the boots too?

[@firemarshaldil]

@@mintymendicant1929 yeah because I had so many issues. First ones I returned because the size didn't really line up with my feet and then second pair I got that fit correctly. Had a tear in the padding at the top and with that I asked if I could swap her out for the captains so they refunded the difference and sent me a pair of captains so I ended up with two pairs of boots for the cost of captains

[@crow_g1639]

Damn you negative asf

[@crow_g1639]

@@firemarshaldil sounds like a you problem tbh... looks like somebody dint know their size

[@firemarshaldil]

@@crow_g1639 I can see how you would think that. It's still a good boot, comfortable and functional. But the padding at the top is a weak point in the boot. That's not a size issue, it's a reality of the design.

[@asankasolomons3700]

Great job brother !!!!!!!! Thank you !!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@BootSpy]

thank you for watching and commenting-- I really appreciate it!

[@sungcha3563]

Love the super water resistant feature. Now I can recapture my childhood and jump into water puddles when it rains.

[@Retrakk]

The tongue lacks a gusset, which makes it far from a waterproof boot.

[@dl6677]

Oh BTW...I changed the laces out (yes Thursday, you need to improve). I am now able to put both. BOTH boots on in less than 30 seconds

[@r3fotzirx]

I was considering them, assumed it was speedhooks like my old issued miitaryboots, no speed-hooks is a dealbreaker for sure.

[@_iErik]

How does the thickness of the weathersafe suede on these compare to the thickness of the rugged and resilient leather on your President’s? Have you worn these boots in snow?

[@carlwest5936]

Six inches is the limit for me… i wear slim straight jeans that cover the upper part so its pointless for me to get over 6”. Still love my Diplomat mocs and Duke chelseas to death tho!

[@ilandprnce]

Great review. But now I'm curious what that jean shirt/jacket is and where to find it...

[@BootSpy]

It's from Everlane, but they've discontinued it unfortunately.

[@wendellvigilia8896]

Hi. I wear a US 9.5 in most of my Nikes and a size US9 in Jordan 1s. Should I get a US9 in the Explorers? Or an 8.5? Thanks!

[@nghiatrang]

8.5 . But Thrusday recently has quality control problems and they kinda mess up with the size. But you can return for free to exchange your size

[@aniqanuar6320]

really wished they made this exact colour but in the rugged leather instead

[@Krunkscooters]

I've had these for 4 months or so. I like them but would prefer normal speed hooks. Also they're a little looser than captains in the same size which just means I use thicker socks, but it's still a little annoying...

[@MrSnake9419]

I usually go for black but I have to say these dark olive ones look so nice but my wardrobe is mostly black so I don't know if it would be better to get black

[@sovereignstate6760]

I'm also debating on getting the black or brown. Did you end up buying any?

[@KR-bn4bg]

This olive color looks almost like a super dark brown/black

[@TheeManWIthNoLife]

With those roller speed lace things, you're not supposed to unlace the boot. You just, untie them and let them dangle. Preferable with a knot at the end of each lace. Then when you put them on you just grab em and yank em! Making mechanical noises to make it feel like the Back to the Future self lacing shoes is optional...

[@treysanchez3487]

I just got mine today, I normally wear a 11.5 so I got these in an 11 and they’re way too small, I’m going to exchange for a 12

[@JAG214]

Question to ask you as a short guy and that is I am 5'4 and wanted to know how tall the shaft is on the boot because I do not want the boots to make my legs look shorter

[@creationbackyard580]

5’4 isn’t short. I swear people nowadays think anything under 6 ft is short

[@crow_g1639]

@@creationbackyard580 fr

[@carlinstiehl5091]

I wear these with jeans and a T-shirt, sometimes no shirt, sometimes I just wear these boots.

[@Joe-by4ty]

Question: Since this boot doesn't have a gusseted tongue do you have any problems with the tongue moving to the sides or any problems with rain or water from big puddles goin in?

[@majorawol]

That missing tongue gusset seems like a deal breaker, but who knows until you try them I guess... maybe it's over rated?

[@Joe-by4ty]

@@majorawol have you had any problems personally with the tongue moving to the side like these cheaper combat boots? and having to adjust the tongue here and there for comfortability?

[@majorawol]

@@Joe-by4ty -- I don't own this Thursdays boot so I don't know, but it's a good question.

[@Joe-by4ty]

@@majorawol oh ok

[@NycX360]

instead on going and copying Dr Martin. they went and copied Timberlands but added on it.

[@GG-nr1lb]

How’s the sizing fit combared to the diplomats

[@BootSpy]

Same sizing as the diplomats

[@Tain950]

I’m extremely torn on whether to get Thursday Explorer Boots or Solovair Astronaut boots.

[@flmi9315]

Almost bought a pair of astronauts instead but they don't make the plain brown leather anymore

[@hydroaegis6658]

Is the tongue gusseted?

[@victorsanchez8160]

I wonder if these can be used for daily work as a LEO 👀

[@TheFirstAmendment]

I'll go with the Logger thursday's over these for riding boots and general basic camping/hiking wear

[@travisroach8847]

Do y’all think this boot could have a steel toe added into it

[@danielkramer8586]

Your link to buy doesn't work....for me, at least!

[@MariaMartinez-vv2wd]

Has water got in to urs?

[@BootSpy]

Nope not since I’ve had them

[@chanceweatherford1421]

I want to use this boot for work but I'm afraid I'll tear the soles up doing factory work

[@rockygabriel7096]

Its like longer timberland

[@blairjordan7420]

So…. T shirt and Levi’s . Got it.

[@exexpat11]

Looks like a variation of NATO Speed Hooks. More boots should use them as to tighten them you just pull the laces and tie. If it took a long time putting them on you are doing it wrong. What kind of parties require taking off your shoes at the door. Japanese? Full Moon Party? LOL! Military Boot? Maybe a European - German Combat boot. Most US Military boots do not have a cushy padded collar top. I can get NIB Old/Dead Stock Belleville Flight Boots for $65 that are the real thing and tough as well. My favorite NIB Military Boots are Danner RAT Boots. Loosen laces, insert foot, one pull on the laces, tie. NATO Speed Hooks! BOOM!

[@beep3101]

Call ... Speed lace. Sir

[@c0r8d877]

The tongue is not gusseted.

[@thesharpercoder]

Do these have a gusseted tongue?

[@BootSpy]

They don't, but on this one the tongue is so high that you don't really notice

[@KRTLyfe]

@@BootSpy I am also interested in the gusset and tongue area. It has to be connected to some height just curious how high it is connected.

[@mariusmarius4832]

No gusset on these boots... Big, big no no. 😳

[@funNactive1]

This boot 👢 is the dis-invite to the shoeless party 🎉! 😅🤣😂

[@mycatsballs8195]

Yea i bought the explorers Never used them They are in the closet in their original box that was shipped with

[@doriansmith6707]

Wanna sell them? What size?

[@mycatsballs8195]

@@doriansmith6707 8.5

[@Thundermuffin93]

Why'd you never use them?

[@mycatsballs8195]

@@Thundermuffin93 not my style, still haven’t touched them, im planning on putting them on ebay

[@ryankelly1846]

Looks nothing like a modern combat boot lol still pretty cool tho

[@rexfordlord3142]

I think you're wrong on the style, same as timberlands I would say

[@rockygabriel7096]

Yes, i also think that when i saw it

[@BootSpy]

There are some similarities for sure (mainly the cuff at the top), but I think the speed laces make them unique enough.

[@dewikdi6504]

Can women wear them?

[@smokeyb7120]

If you want to wear them, just wear them. But you would have to work out the size difference because they are in men's sizes. They also make a women's combat boot that looks fairly similar.

[@danrichard7969]

This does not look like a combat boot at all. It looks like a steel toe work boot remake which is why I am considering one

[@alvinkoeswanto8622]

These boots are clearly designed for a specific need. If you are going for a short walk to friend's house or grocery store you definitely don't need these.

[@Abhikpr.]

This boot is perfect almost. But why aren't they gusseted at least half way up. It makes no sense for this style Of boot. It would have been perfect if it was gusseted even a little bit. But it's straight to the bottom. I don't understand that.

[@Samo106]

Let's see 👀

[@ronaldcachoo]

This would be amazing if they came in a shorter height:/

[@atherbukharii]

How about i lace the boot up first then tell my friends see you later😂

[@dm9078]

Enjoy the review but the boot is a just no!

[@BootSpy]

Respect, thank you for watching!

[@MC-hv2jt]

Well these are toy soldier boots. No gusseting is a joke, so these are just style boots without function. What a shame.

[@fiercekrypton]

Your vids are dark homie.

[@dmitrykarkov4747]

Someone doesn’t know how to quickly tie up his combat boots lol

[@BootSpy]

Yeah huh

[@cIoudbank]

is this dude wearing womens jeans

[@victorsaenz9452]

I’m a vet and I refuse too wear cowboy boots, low ankle boots, boots with the white sole lining the side, and modern military boot. These seem perfect

[@blackwaterfrog]

Lowa beats all of them.

[@andresmeza1516]

The boot is made with good quality leather but for me i get blisters in the back of my foot. I dont know why🥲

[@davidhenry3938]

Is the tongue gusseted?

[@BootSpy]

Nope, no gusset