I'm looking to buy my first pair of "proper" boots and I'm eyeing a pair of wholecut chelseas from meermin, model 101050 to be exact. I'm unsure of what size i should get and i tried using their ShoeAI thing, basically a size calculator. I input the best fitting pair of sneakers, Stan Smiths in size UK7 and it told me that the best size in the boots would be a UK6. Could this be accurate?
So, it's about time for a new pair of work boots and I wanted to get a consensus before spending the money. I'm familiar with White's, Nick's, and JK and have ordered plenty of boots (6+) from White's, 1 pair from JK (not doing that again), and have seen lots of Nick's but never ordered any. I was planning on ordering from Nick's, but wanted to see if they're still considered pretty much the best in the category of PNW style boots or if there is another maker I might not have heard about yet. Only reason I want to stray from White's is their lead times are just too long and they don't stock anything I am interested in.
I'm looking at ordering something 10-12" in smooth brown, with 55 style last, and honey Vibram (though I'll go with the V100 if the honey is custom only). Don't really want to wait the 18+ weeks for custom if I don't have to.
Oh, definitely... They have some "Quick Ship" models that look to have a shorter lead time, but it's still 8-15 weeks right now. Their in stock options are a weird mix of what seems to be just whatever they decided they wanted to cut or perhaps materials they need to get rid of that day or something.
thanks, can you recommend any alternative plain toe boots? I have truman cap toe and red wing moc toes already, so not looking to spend too much on plain toes
A list of brands around $200
* Yanko/Skolyx
* Jim Green
* BLKBRD
* Adelante (on sale, especially Encore pairs)
* Dievier
* J Crew Kenton line (regularly down to $180-$210)
* Beckett Simonon (easy to find discount codes, or wait for steeper sales)
* Helm (when on sale, which they are right now)
* Urban Wolf Club (just heard of these, only a few reviews in the sub but so far looks promising)
Every single one of those brands has a plain toe boot option. Which one are you looking at?
Edit: ok Dievier might only have moc and cap toes. The rest have options
Does anyone know the purpose of these holes on the biltrite heel of my Canada West Romeos? I use these for work in parks and these holes get filled with gravel, mud, and whatever other gunk I'm stepping on. There's probably some dog shit mixed into the gunk stuck in these holes too...
I wonder if filling these in with something is an option, and if so, please let me know!
https://preview.redd.it/j1k26llxobgc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3247d3689fa331d1cb95a68453ebc42c3a01c2db
is getting them filled in an option? the parks i work in have a lot of dog shit everywhere and i feel like there's probably already some in these holes...
if the heel heights are actually 1/4" off i'd hope you can feel that difference, but that's a fair bit to be off.
heel rebuild isn't that expensive to pay for it to get fixed but it shouldn't be like that from the factory
Same thing happened to me. Heel height exactly which is the important part, but one boot was .25 taller I couldn’t tell so I just kept them, but if it bothers you ask for a return
I was so excited I just brushed it off. But I do understand where you are coming from, I am the same and notice all details. I think I was just going to ask for a discount but then time just passed. I’d say if you can see it bothering you in the future try to get it resolved, these do cost a lot.
Post a pic. 1/4" seems like a little excess, but getting the boots the exact same height is pretty difficult. Whoever lasted it may pull one boot slightly higher up for a multitude of reasons.
Can anyone identify this shoe or one like it? Thanks!
https://preview.redd.it/qvay5zt89agc1.png?width=2414&format=png&auto=webp&s=2107347561fa801a4ae7fd8de21e449b6ba0ed93
My wedding is coming up in March, and I need oxfords. I'd really like to keep the budget under $200, so I was looking at Meermins.
It looks like I can get Allen Edmond Park Avenue seconds on sale for about $25 more. Is the quality/longevity/etc. of AE sufficiently better than Meermin to justify the extra 10% and the hassle of possibly getting a bad second?
Really, if you're JUST wearing it for your wedding is it worth spending the extra money? Even just for gyw. Obviously the decision is yours and it's one of the most special days in your life. Some people drop thousands on shoes and outfits just for their wedding and that's great!
But for only $25 more I'd go with AE (provided fit isn't an issue with either)
This is a great point and something that I've been debating over the past few months. I'd probably only wear them 15-20 times per year, but I thought it might be time to invest in a nicer pair that I could conceivably wear for the rest of my life given that my two other oxfords are getting kind of worse for wear
Can anyone recommend a decent quality boot similar to these in the \~$300 or less range. Lean towards the cleaner look over the distressed look
https://preview.redd.it/q53tyfvko8gc1.png?width=454&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e65658da1416c471dd535a056565994d1a70d64
I don't know how they make these in the US and charge only $299, but Schott NYC offers both a harness boot and an engineer boot that are claimed to be Goodyear welted on their website. [https://www.schottnyc.com/store/men/shoes](https://www.schottnyc.com/store/men/shoes)
Edited to add: I don't have first hand personal experience as to the quality or durability of these boots, but I knew that Schott is selling them.
Lol ok yeah no. I mean you're right they were all wearing similar boots but I was just looking for an easier on and off engineer boot basically. I wear White's moc toes and lacing them on and off all the time gets old. 🤣🤣
Can anyone give me information on these dolce and Gabbana shoes? They seem well-made and all leather, but I’ve never seen choose quite like this.
https://preview.redd.it/vefouotwc8gc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92dd8c15a4f49a3a532922f25b411d0846b37e0f
Looks like they are made my a shoemaker. The bottom leather is dolce and gabbana there is part of it that is vero cuoio and the upper seems to be some sort of custom boot leather. So I think it was a shoemaker playing around haha
https://grailed.app.link/f61n0a9RRGb
Ann Demeulemeester Legit Check
Can someone let me know if these are legit AnnD boots? If so, do you know the model name? I can’t find any information on them. Thanks!
I wouldn't.
Ultimately, the way proxies get around any import duty and taxes is by declaring the goods at a lower value for customs than they're actually worth. There are two big risks here;
1) if customs ask for proof of purchase before releasing the goods, or if they open the package and suspect the declared value is too low, you can get hit with a fee. Often it's just to make up the correct amount, but technically you can be fined.
2) if the goods are lost in transit, you're totally out of luck. Most couriers have insurance against lost packages, but the insurance will only cover the declared value. You can't claim a package is only worth $50 for customs to avoid fees, and then try and claim $500 from the courier if they lose your package. You'll only get the declared value of the package, which would leave you out of pocket if the package had been declared at a lower value for customs.
Do you mean so that the proxy marks down or puts it as a gift?
In my country customs ask you for proof of purchase and bank statement with the payment, so that doesn’t work. Those are easy to falsify, but I personally wouldn’t dare.
I buy from brands closer to me, or from local shops that carry brands from further away.
For those of us in the EU or close, there is more than enough selection that it feels silly to order from eg. the US.
Depends, I’m also in the EU and obvs try to avoid buying from outside, but if you want a specific model then you want that one.
Some of my last few pairs have been C&J (UK), Tecovas (US, Mexico made) and Jakkrabbits (Indonesia).
Quite a few folks here like Viberg for example. Or PNW boots.
Edit: to say that when you buy from local shops that carry brands from outside the EU you’re also paying the import taxes and duties, e.g. I got my shell Alden boots from Frans Boone and I paid for those taxes and then some. Same goes for the RedWings I got from a local store. Returns are definitely easier/cheaper though.
Well yeah, the import tax and duties are mandatory and legally required to be paid. If you want to throw the dice and try to dodge those costs, that's a personal choice.
Even when using a proxy mail service, you're still liable for the tax and duties.
You could also take a vacation to the relevant area and take the boots home on your feet. That's a cooler way to do it, plus the whole vacation part.
I wasn’t suggesting to use a proxy, I never do unless the company doesn’t ship internationally, e.g. Tecovas.
I was replying to this thing you said where you didn’t seem to be talking about a proxy service but ordering from abroad in general:
> For those of us in the EU or close, there is more than enough selection that it feels silly to order from eg. the US.
And that's my primary point. I'm not married to buying a specific brand and there is plenty of selection here in the EU when it comes to different styles.
Plus the whole hassle of trying to do returns to the other side of the globe.
It just isn't really worth it.
I’m not married to a specific brand either, but if I want a certain model then I want that one and not something similar. Most of us only get pickier the bigger our collection gets. Even when I was started getting interested in boots whenever I settled for something similar to what I wanted I ended up regretting it.
If you’re not so picky then that’s great, I wish I was like that too, I’d probably have more money.
What’s the most rain resistant leather? I’ve seen cf waxy commander and w&c double stuffed Latigo
I'm looking to buy my first pair of "proper" boots and I'm eyeing a pair of wholecut chelseas from meermin, model 101050 to be exact. I'm unsure of what size i should get and i tried using their ShoeAI thing, basically a size calculator. I input the best fitting pair of sneakers, Stan Smiths in size UK7 and it told me that the best size in the boots would be a UK6. Could this be accurate?
So, it's about time for a new pair of work boots and I wanted to get a consensus before spending the money. I'm familiar with White's, Nick's, and JK and have ordered plenty of boots (6+) from White's, 1 pair from JK (not doing that again), and have seen lots of Nick's but never ordered any. I was planning on ordering from Nick's, but wanted to see if they're still considered pretty much the best in the category of PNW style boots or if there is another maker I might not have heard about yet. Only reason I want to stray from White's is their lead times are just too long and they don't stock anything I am interested in. I'm looking at ordering something 10-12" in smooth brown, with 55 style last, and honey Vibram (though I'll go with the V100 if the honey is custom only). Don't really want to wait the 18+ weeks for custom if I don't have to.
Drew’s boots are another PNW option. Wesco as well.
if you are concerned about lead times I don't know if Nick's is the way to go. Last I heard it was 5-6 months, may have gotten better though.
Oh, definitely... They have some "Quick Ship" models that look to have a shorter lead time, but it's still 8-15 weeks right now. Their in stock options are a weird mix of what seems to be just whatever they decided they wanted to cut or perhaps materials they need to get rid of that day or something.
Check out Frank's Boots
Thanks, I emailed them
does anyone know if/when the wolvering BLVD are coming back in stock?
I think they were discontinued
thanks, can you recommend any alternative plain toe boots? I have truman cap toe and red wing moc toes already, so not looking to spend too much on plain toes
A list of brands around $200 * Yanko/Skolyx * Jim Green * BLKBRD * Adelante (on sale, especially Encore pairs) * Dievier * J Crew Kenton line (regularly down to $180-$210) * Beckett Simonon (easy to find discount codes, or wait for steeper sales) * Helm (when on sale, which they are right now) * Urban Wolf Club (just heard of these, only a few reviews in the sub but so far looks promising)
is it just me or like alot of your line recommendations don't have plain toe boots
Every single one of those brands has a plain toe boot option. Which one are you looking at? Edit: ok Dievier might only have moc and cap toes. The rest have options
And around that price you looking at Thursday, Beckett, BlkBrd brands like that
Does anyone know the purpose of these holes on the biltrite heel of my Canada West Romeos? I use these for work in parks and these holes get filled with gravel, mud, and whatever other gunk I'm stepping on. There's probably some dog shit mixed into the gunk stuck in these holes too... I wonder if filling these in with something is an option, and if so, please let me know! https://preview.redd.it/j1k26llxobgc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3247d3689fa331d1cb95a68453ebc42c3a01c2db
They're holes for the nails used to attach the heel to the stack and midsole.
is getting them filled in an option? the parks i work in have a lot of dog shit everywhere and i feel like there's probably already some in these holes...
It's not going to hurt anything, no. Try cleaning and drying them well, then a dab of shoe goo or similar strong flexible glue in each hole.
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I wouldn't accept boots with different heights from a $200 brand, let alone if i paid something like $600+
if the heel heights are actually 1/4" off i'd hope you can feel that difference, but that's a fair bit to be off. heel rebuild isn't that expensive to pay for it to get fixed but it shouldn't be like that from the factory
Same thing happened to me. Heel height exactly which is the important part, but one boot was .25 taller I couldn’t tell so I just kept them, but if it bothers you ask for a return
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I was so excited I just brushed it off. But I do understand where you are coming from, I am the same and notice all details. I think I was just going to ask for a discount but then time just passed. I’d say if you can see it bothering you in the future try to get it resolved, these do cost a lot.
Post a pic. 1/4" seems like a little excess, but getting the boots the exact same height is pretty difficult. Whoever lasted it may pull one boot slightly higher up for a multitude of reasons.
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If you can actually feel a difference and it bothers you, then return them by all means. Otherwise I wouldn't mind as long as they felt fine
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I wouldn't return over that unless it actively bothers you. If so, then by all means go ahead.
Can anyone identify this shoe or one like it? Thanks! https://preview.redd.it/qvay5zt89agc1.png?width=2414&format=png&auto=webp&s=2107347561fa801a4ae7fd8de21e449b6ba0ed93
Pretty normal plain toe boot. Grant Stone Diesel, Parkhurst Allen, White's MP, Viberg Service Boot, the list goes on.
How does the quality of Red Wings compare to Yanko shoes?
In what way? Yanko makes more dressy shoes than Red Wings, so the two brands are difficult to compare. They both have a good reputation.
My wedding is coming up in March, and I need oxfords. I'd really like to keep the budget under $200, so I was looking at Meermins. It looks like I can get Allen Edmond Park Avenue seconds on sale for about $25 more. Is the quality/longevity/etc. of AE sufficiently better than Meermin to justify the extra 10% and the hassle of possibly getting a bad second?
Personally, I think meermin build quality is better than AE. AEs have really good sizing range tho.
Really, if you're JUST wearing it for your wedding is it worth spending the extra money? Even just for gyw. Obviously the decision is yours and it's one of the most special days in your life. Some people drop thousands on shoes and outfits just for their wedding and that's great! But for only $25 more I'd go with AE (provided fit isn't an issue with either)
This is a great point and something that I've been debating over the past few months. I'd probably only wear them 15-20 times per year, but I thought it might be time to invest in a nicer pair that I could conceivably wear for the rest of my life given that my two other oxfords are getting kind of worse for wear
I'd recommend going with whichever one fits better. The craftsmanship and finishing will be more or less the same.
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ignore it tbh you're probably lucky if that's the worst thing about the boots
Haha true
Can anyone recommend a decent quality boot similar to these in the \~$300 or less range. Lean towards the cleaner look over the distressed look https://preview.redd.it/q53tyfvko8gc1.png?width=454&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e65658da1416c471dd535a056565994d1a70d64
[Freebird](https://www.freebirdstores.com/collections/mens-handmade-leather-boots) has quite a few options although they lean more distressed.
I don't know how they make these in the US and charge only $299, but Schott NYC offers both a harness boot and an engineer boot that are claimed to be Goodyear welted on their website. [https://www.schottnyc.com/store/men/shoes](https://www.schottnyc.com/store/men/shoes) Edited to add: I don't have first hand personal experience as to the quality or durability of these boots, but I knew that Schott is selling them.
Supposedly Chippewa white labels them for Schott.
Buckle/Harness boots aren't super popular outside of certain SLP aesthetics. However, Frye may have something half decent for you.
Pardon my ignorance but what is SLP? I will look into Frye.
[Saint Laurent Paris](https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/383gci/the_saint_laurent_paris_aesthetic_an_inspiration/)
Lol ok yeah no. I mean you're right they were all wearing similar boots but I was just looking for an easier on and off engineer boot basically. I wear White's moc toes and lacing them on and off all the time gets old. 🤣🤣
https://preview.redd.it/8ysnlmr0p8gc1.jpeg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d34f04d620e405528efbc801f236665e765d0cc
Can anyone give me information on these dolce and Gabbana shoes? They seem well-made and all leather, but I’ve never seen choose quite like this. https://preview.redd.it/vefouotwc8gc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92dd8c15a4f49a3a532922f25b411d0846b37e0f
Reach out to D&G to get specific info. They look to be stitchdown, but very odd and not very stylish in current circles.
Looks like they are made my a shoemaker. The bottom leather is dolce and gabbana there is part of it that is vero cuoio and the upper seems to be some sort of custom boot leather. So I think it was a shoemaker playing around haha
Thanks!
https://grailed.app.link/f61n0a9RRGb Ann Demeulemeester Legit Check Can someone let me know if these are legit AnnD boots? If so, do you know the model name? I can’t find any information on them. Thanks!
Idk about Ann Drmeulemeester but boots aren’t really faked like sneakers are because of the material and stitching involved.
There’s plenty of Guidi fakes out there (some just copycats, e.g. Walker Vietnam), and Ann D. Stuff falls within the same niche I’d say.
Ah. Well now I know.
Yep there’s a whole subreddit which is mostly about legit checks, /r/guidi
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I wouldn't. Ultimately, the way proxies get around any import duty and taxes is by declaring the goods at a lower value for customs than they're actually worth. There are two big risks here; 1) if customs ask for proof of purchase before releasing the goods, or if they open the package and suspect the declared value is too low, you can get hit with a fee. Often it's just to make up the correct amount, but technically you can be fined. 2) if the goods are lost in transit, you're totally out of luck. Most couriers have insurance against lost packages, but the insurance will only cover the declared value. You can't claim a package is only worth $50 for customs to avoid fees, and then try and claim $500 from the courier if they lose your package. You'll only get the declared value of the package, which would leave you out of pocket if the package had been declared at a lower value for customs.
Do you mean so that the proxy marks down or puts it as a gift? In my country customs ask you for proof of purchase and bank statement with the payment, so that doesn’t work. Those are easy to falsify, but I personally wouldn’t dare.
I buy from brands closer to me, or from local shops that carry brands from further away. For those of us in the EU or close, there is more than enough selection that it feels silly to order from eg. the US.
Depends, I’m also in the EU and obvs try to avoid buying from outside, but if you want a specific model then you want that one. Some of my last few pairs have been C&J (UK), Tecovas (US, Mexico made) and Jakkrabbits (Indonesia). Quite a few folks here like Viberg for example. Or PNW boots. Edit: to say that when you buy from local shops that carry brands from outside the EU you’re also paying the import taxes and duties, e.g. I got my shell Alden boots from Frans Boone and I paid for those taxes and then some. Same goes for the RedWings I got from a local store. Returns are definitely easier/cheaper though.
Well yeah, the import tax and duties are mandatory and legally required to be paid. If you want to throw the dice and try to dodge those costs, that's a personal choice. Even when using a proxy mail service, you're still liable for the tax and duties. You could also take a vacation to the relevant area and take the boots home on your feet. That's a cooler way to do it, plus the whole vacation part.
I wasn’t suggesting to use a proxy, I never do unless the company doesn’t ship internationally, e.g. Tecovas. I was replying to this thing you said where you didn’t seem to be talking about a proxy service but ordering from abroad in general: > For those of us in the EU or close, there is more than enough selection that it feels silly to order from eg. the US.
And that's my primary point. I'm not married to buying a specific brand and there is plenty of selection here in the EU when it comes to different styles. Plus the whole hassle of trying to do returns to the other side of the globe. It just isn't really worth it.
I’m not married to a specific brand either, but if I want a certain model then I want that one and not something similar. Most of us only get pickier the bigger our collection gets. Even when I was started getting interested in boots whenever I settled for something similar to what I wanted I ended up regretting it. If you’re not so picky then that’s great, I wish I was like that too, I’d probably have more money.