THURSDAY CAPTAIN VS VANGUARD | Is American-Made Better?

This video compares the Thursday Boots Captain and the Thursday Vanguard. Which of these two boots is the best?
Get the Thursday Boots Captain → manly.link/thursday-captain
Get the Thursday Boots Vanguard → manly.link/thursday-vanguard
My favorite USA made boot socks → manly.link/camel-city-light
I can remember the agony trying to choose between the Thursday Vanguard and Captain.
They both look really similar, but if I could find someone who actually owns and wears both often and get their honest opinion, that would help clarify my decision.
If you’re in the same boat I was, you’re in luck. I own two pairs of Captains and a pair of Vanguards, and I’ve dug into all the differences, both major and minor.
By the end of this comparison, you’ll know exactly which of these two boots you should get.
Watch my Thursday Captain review → • THURSDAY Boots CAPTAIN...
Read my Thursday Captain review → bootspy.com/thursday-boots-ca...
Read my Thursday Vanguard review → bootspy.com/thursday-boots-va...
Read my Thursday Captain vs Vanguard comparison → bootspy.com/thursday-vanguard...
0:00 Intro
0:25 Captain vs Vanguard Overview
1:15 Origin Difference
2:30 Leather Quality
5:00 Sole Quality
6:42 Hardware Difference
7:55 Fit and Sizing Comparison
8:26 Price Difference
8:46 Verdict
#thursdayboots #thursdaycaptains #thursdaybootscaptain
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.

[@herbertsmagon5777]

I think mexicans take their leather seriously. I saw some amazing leather goods shops there, and cheap too.

[@BootSpy]

Yeah I know they have some serious artisans down there. I'd love to go check it out myself

[@Post_Leako]

Great timing with this video. I just ordered a pair of their Indigo Vanguards that I'm super excited to get. It was a toss up between them and the Grant Stone Diesel in Navy, but I elected to go with the Vanguards for being cheaper and made in USA. They'll be my first pair of Thursday boots!

[@BootSpy]

I saw those, they look really nice! Let me know how you like them

[@Post_Leako]

@@BootSpy I just got mine. They're my first ever pair of boots with laces and my first boots that aren't Aldos or Docs. I'm still getting used to them cause I guess they need yo be broken in, but these boots are certainly a vibe. I'm gonna enjoy test driving them for a week. I love how the color of mine changes depending on the lighting.

[@Post_Leako]

@@Verducci3 They were too small so I got the Grant Stone Diesel in Navy instead. No regrets. I adore those boots.

[@JohnBeebe]

I wore a pair of Captains in Airzone Adobe for a week last year in Budapest, feet never hurt and I walked a lot while I was there, I highly recommend them

[@johnathan.jerusik]

Love the videos! I have the same vanguard in French roast. And I love them!! I personally think the 66 dollar difference is well worth it! And they are very comfortable and hold up great! I actually work in a machine shop and wore my vanguard and they were amazing! I wish I could wear them everyday but I need a safety toe. Anyways great video!

[@stylesbitchly9931]

I really appreciate your video content. This has helped with my most recent purchase of Thursday Boots. Thank you Oh and most recently subscribed!

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

The Vanguard is on a slimmer last despite looking a little wider externally. A correction... both the Captain and the Vanguard use a Poron midsole and a leather midsole. Strangely the website only mentions the Poron midsole in the description for the Vanguard and not the leather midsole. The poron comes from a different, USA based, supplier than the Captain boot poron. Second correction, the Captain comes in 23 varieties. For some strange reason the website only shows all the boots in the Classic or Rugged and Resilient groups when you click on the respective category and a subset of the other category but clicking on the other category then shows all the available boots.

[@birkof1886]

Hello, great video as usual! I wish you would make a unique vlog for Casa Moto Racer, it looks like some quality boots and look wonderful but there is no information or video on KZbin about them! I wonder why? I have a pair of Captain and I am considering purchasing the Casa Moto… Any information or comparison video on the subject might be helpful ! Tnx

[@ianharris3502]

You can get the captain in natural horween chrome xl as well!

[@JamesWilliams-he4lb]

I wanted to try out one or the other and I couldn't decide if the extra cost would be worth it for the Vanguard. Then on a whim I looked on Ebay and found a brand new pair of factory second French Roast Vanguards for $130. Made up my mind for me and the "blemish" was so slight as to be unnoticeable after the first wear. I've since picked up a pair of their sneakers and I'd like to add a pair of rugged and resilient captains in the near future. I did buy true to size because I had read in two places that the Vanguard last was slightly slimmer. I feel like the toe box would be a little constricting had I sized down.

[@tadleyironwood7595]

Nice video bud. You ever consider a pair cadets? Would really like to see them in moca suede.

[@Caballero.Estate]

I have both pairs and I find the Captains a bit more comfortable after long walks. For some reason the Vanguards kind of hurts my feet after walking on them for a few hours…..can’t say that about the Captains. I still love both of them though.

[@1k1ngst0n]

great video. One of the big downsides of the Vanguard is the lack of wide sizes. the Captain comes with EE/EEE. I would love to try the Vanguards.

[@BootSpy]

Thank you for watching!

[@AlSiguenza]

I had my local cobbler add speed hooks at $1.50 a pair of hooks (Missouri). Worth the cost and time

[@riothero313]

I've never even thought about that. I just got my pair so I don't have enough time to be annoyed by them or not but, it's good to keep in mind.

[@noelvega5993]

FYI Leon Gto Mexico is a well known city for their fine boots shoes and Leather jackets and belts....they are real good artesians in what they fabricate...👍👍

[@Germanicnoble]

Could you do a video comparing the Thursday Logger to the Vanguard?

[@MahBok78]

I just started breaking in a new pair of Vanguards as of 2 days ago. (Color #8 to be more specific) & I have noticed how they are more snug on the sides & the sole is alot stiffer. The former is good for my narrow feet though. & the Cromexel doesn't wrinkle like on my Captains. I guess I've drawn the Cromexel Lotery with 2 different results.

[@MahBok78]

I just purchased a pair of Vanguard boots & I have had a pair of Captains for almost a year now. I'm about to do my own little comparison.

[@tpf4292]

I just bought my first Captain, they have these Dark Olive color (it's really dark green) that look amazing!!!

[@jgleeson11]

Beautiful leather on the Vanguard pair! The pick.

[@djb6496]

I see you got some ELDO frags on the shelf! Nice. Which ones? I have Tom of Finland and Rien myself. Nice review.

[@BootSpy]

One is fat electrician. I can’t remember the name of the other one. Not a huge fan of fat electrician. Too floral-reminds me of grandma

[@pummppkinn]

It says right on Thursday's site that the Vanguard has a Poron Insole. Not sure where you got that it's a leather insole from. I know you said midsole in the video, but I assume you meant insole since there is no Poron Midsole available in either boot. The original line of the Thursday Chrome Leather Captains have a "DuraEVA Comfort Strip" midsole, which is just a sheet of EVA foam. However all the Rugged and Resilient leather Captains as well as most of their other boots have a leather midsole and no EVA.

[@jobro524]

Great comparison

[@MadelnMachines]

Which is more comfortable in the short term and the long term? I don't think lasting a year longer really matters when it's quite a bit cheaper.

[@Crackers2549]

Another very thorough video William...! 5 Stars.... GG...IN

[@IamNexu]

I got a pair of Captains (burnt copper) and a pair of Vanguards (french roast) for Christmas, both in 10.5. The Captains are a smidge smaller. Their length is slightly shorter and the toe box is slightly tighter. The Vanguard's heel is slightly taller and the height is slightly shorter.

[@Kids11111]

Wait, how can the heel be taller and height shorter? If the heel is taller, then the shoe is taller irrespective of how tall or short the shaft is.

[@petergreen1994]

@@Kids11111if you take a closer look at the ankle area, you will notice that vanguard has a shorter ankle area.

[@petergreen1994]

@@Kids11111that why the total height(combine height of the upper leather and the heel) of vanguard is shorter than caption

[@hunterhaon4265]

I really hope they make the vanguard in a wide width I want them so bad

[@bane1240]

Have had 3 pair of Captains and the latest Storm Kings are best of bunch. Wish Thursday Boots would carry as large a variety of colors and sizes (I wear 13) in the Vanguards as I really like that boot as well but they are limited. I also think Thursdays are a great boot, well made and worth the cost when compared to other boots in that range and style.

[@watchmanexpert]

Question how long last the captain boot ? I have redwing and I want try something different

[@bane1240]

@@watchmanexpert I have had mine about 3 yrs and they were like new. But I dont wear them to death as I have a few pair of boots and wear sneakers mainly in Summer. I have no issues w/their quality.

[@mogroot5790]

Captain is good for waterproof? Or all Thursday boots?

[@centenoj85]

Captain all day!!! Once again awesome video Salute and be blessed

[@Boy777USA]

Thank you for the review. What leather is better for these boots - full-grain or chromexel?

[@alexsherel3344]

Google Chromexel…it’s full grain. Almost, best of both worlds it says.

[@brendenbrandi]

William what is your favorite color of boots from Thursday?

[@dpilaitis7647]

Hey William, great video (as always). I thought your comparative was spot on. I to have both the Captain and Vangaurd boots. I tend to wear the Vangaurd more often, I love the french roast color. While I love my Thurday boots they crease far more and worse than any other boot I own. I mean these creases are like fault lines (appeared after one or two wears). These are the only CXL boots I own that have this issue (my Alden Indy, Whites MP, and Viberg 2030 have a nice gentle crease the kind that add character). Your Vanguards looked relatively unworn, have you had creasing issues yet? Best regards, David.

[@BootSpy]

Interesting! I've actually worn my vanguards a lot but haven't had any unusual creasing that I haven't had with other cxl boots. But I'll definitely keep an eye out. Thank you for watching!

[@Flat_Stanley]

I picked up a pair of new Vanguards in Grizzly Wheat color. My initial impression is mixed. The feel very well built. The extra leather is noticeable. The only thing I see that I don’t like is the wider opening where you put your foot in. My IR’s are a much nicer fit around the ankles. I also snagged a pair with the vibram sole which is great because they were bought to wear as work boots. I loved my 8111 IR’s so much I couldn’t bring myself to wear them to work. I have never had this happen before. Help me baby Jesus!

[@Alex-eh4ot]

Man i spent the last two days looking for a Thursday Boot Captain Black Matt alternative which is available in Europe and not find one... Could somebody PLEASE help me? Cant find these Black Matt style anywhere?!?!

[@111wash]

Can someone weight on Samuel Hubbard boots?

[@CocoKoi321]

Please tell me the vanguard fits wider and wider then even the captain in wider sizing Pretty awful quality tho no gusseted tongue

[@vertigo2112]

I have the whiskey stormkings and just bought the black classic. Love Thursdays.

[@BootSpy]

Heck yeah sounds like the start of an amazing collection

[@billyjoepanginen4504]

I always want to have a pair of boots..i love your videos sir..😊

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

Would you rank the Thursday President as the same “value” as the Captain? The only difference is the toe cap, correct?

[@Jimmymcnulty4]

Big fan of NO speed hooks. Plus the waxed cacao vanguard is sharp. Might give that a shot

[@MrBport11]

One thing i can't find is the overall height of each model. Perhaps it's a trick of the camera, but the Vanguards look a bit lower to me. Has anyone worn both?

[@tomgarcia9200]

theres a ton of vanguards on ebay at the moment for under 150 New.. At that price they are a steal

[@GoatzombieBubba]

You don't need speed hooks with Vanguards you just loosen the aces and pull of the boot then next time you just pull them on and tighten the laces.

[@dm9078]

Hey I just ordered my Captains! Now you tell me!

[@BootSpy]

I think you're gonna love them!

[@DMorgan77]

Hi, why you didn't use the 4 year old Captain's in this video for the comparison?

[@BootSpy]

They look pretty beat up... And by pretty beat up, they basically don't have a heel anymore. I just hold on to them because I eventually want to make a resole video with them

[@DMorgan77]

@@BootSpy that would be a cool video.

[@Squids_Vlogs]

Is that color tobacco?

[@sho95100]

We need to see the Vanguard be resold to finally see if the xtra 60$ is worth it.

[@albertvalenzuela9700]

Damn I like the vanguard more But it's a bummer that they don't have speed hooks I love speed hooks on my boots

[@davidcoleman2796]

I just need the speed hooks .

[@BootSpy]

I know, me too!

[@aradoran]

If you don't have time to savor putting on your good boots and lacing a couple of eyelets, then you need to slow down. Stop and smell the roses.

[@Thursdayboots]

🙌🙌🙌

[@readyme]

Interesting note. The Captain is available in Natural Chromexcel Horween. The Horween leather was a big positive for the Vanguard... but now it is available in the less expensive boot, give the pros/cons list a significant shift.

[@ab_hogs]

just grabbed a pair of these bc of your comment. thanks

[@readyme]

@@ab_hogs nice! Hope they serve you well. I just bit the bullet on a pair of Grant Stone Diesel boots. Almost twice as much… but I hear nothing but great things. And the natural veg tan leather looks amazing.

[@deepstarsix]

This may not be the most popular of opinions, as I've found many boot-tubers tend to shower Thursday Boots with quite bit of praise. Stridewise comes to mind. But in my personal opinion, I see Thursday Boots as primarily a transitionary type boot from sneakers to real heritage boots. A stepping stone boot if you will for perhaps younger men. And I think there is evidence in that thought; Thursday has Poron insoles, in nearly every boot they make. They shy away from veg tan leather insoles, and this makes Thursday's boots more accessible to those of sneaker origins. If you're entering the heritage boot world from sneakers, jumping into thick leather insoles that can sometimes take weeks to mold to your foot could be a bit jarring. Not to mention more traditional heritage boots often come with a fairly high price bracket, another jarring aspect if you're a younger guy who's in college or just finishing it and entering the corporate world and starting to take an interest in your foot wear. The $200 Thursday President/Captain price tag is much more accessible in that case than say Allen Edmonds' Higgins Mill ($445) or Red Wing's Iron Ranger ($350). Another telling sign is in the suggested sizing, Thursday says right on their site, 1/2 size down from your sneakers. Not half size down from the Brannock device, or half size down from your dress shoes or traditional size etc. They say sneakers and are careful to do so, because they've chosen their audience. I don't mind Thursday Boots, I have a Captain. It's decent. It's certainly better than a mall cement boot. And it has it's place, as a stepping stone. But if you're over 30, and you're working full-time and have been for a few years, maybe consider skipping Thursday's transitionary boots altogether, and just go straight to a real heritage boot. Just my two cents.

[@JaeSpec1]

Nailed it! Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@df540148]

Thursday is a fantastic intro for folks who are just getting into boots, like myself. I got a pair of Diplomats and Vanguards (Grailed for just over $100), and I really like them. They got me excited about boots and to look into other makers like Nicks, Whites, Indonesian MTOs etc. They're a fantastic value, have a huge variety of options and can appeal to a lot of customers. Not all boot buyers care about heritage or origin or whatever. They want something that's solid, a good value and looks nice. Think Thursday fills that niche well.

[@jimmy2055]

Thursdays are beaters.

[@HeritageCast]

They are the Corolla of fancy boots... The 20 year old Crown Vic that wont die. The Old Iron Sides Debra to your Crowbar lol.....

[@MichaelPlum]

vanguards looks slimmer. Think I might give it a shot and wear my to a wedding

[@SuperMysteryboi]

There’s absolutely no reason to not have speed hooks on the vanguard.. like I returned them purely because I hated that putting on my boots is a whole process every morning

[@alexsherel3344]

Btw, I’ve NEVER seen anyone irl, wear boots like these with cuffs to the top of the boot. No idea why KZbinrs do this.

[@Zelinc]

I own one pair of Thursdays and they don't feel good so I'll stick to different brands.

[@Squids_Vlogs]

W !

[@LAGUY88]

was going to order Thursday's Vanguard Indigo and asked for a black leather lace substitution and was denied.............no customer service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not asking for the Moon.........silly

[@sed6]

My French Roast Vanguard busted a lace the first time I tied them. Thursday won't replace it and doesn't sell them separately. So I'm gonna replace sell them for a loss. I specifically bought the Vanguard because it's made in the USA,y mistake!

[@deusex5702]

They do sell them separately, $12 on their website. Look harder. Why would you sell them, pride?

[@Reaperszs]

it's weird that you want to sell a pair of boots just because the laces were busted, well, for me at least. There are many factors that may break the laces, especially if it's raw hide laces. Do remember that this type of lace does need condition just like your boots to maintain durability.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

What do laces have to do with the quality of the boots?

[@zncuentertainment712]

Captain all day erryday

[@harrybrown7680]

The Vanguard is to low

[@AJ-by6pd]

I like your videos and I think you make some great suggestions. My only critique is your facial expressions. I wish you didn’t have them.

[@ubangiestomp]

If it’s made in Mexico, then it’s American made! Stay consistent by country not continent. 😂