Chippewa Work boots

[carldamnit]

Yep my dress shoes aren't for work.

I am mainly looking for a pair of American Made, rebuildable 8" boots. Vibram Sole a plus.

Whites and Nicks are the most reputable in this area, I know. I just don't need or want to wear high heel, 10 lb boots.

I live in the south so I really don't want insulated, or otherwise "puffy" boots (they get really sweaty).

These look to be exactly what I am looking for http://www.chippewaboots.com/boots/utility/20085 .

Can anyone give me some feedback on Chippewa Boots?

I hate buying stuff that I can't put my hands on.


Thanks

 

[Drewhunz]

I actually sell these boots, so you are in luck.
These sell very well for me so I can give you an overview of the feedback that I hear.
Plusses:
-American made at Justin factory in Carthage, Mo.
-Vibram sole (Good cushion, long wearing)
-Apache leather (Nice thick, waxy leather)
-Recraftable.
-Well cushioned footbed.
-Steel shank.
Minuses:
-Unlined upper, muslin lined foot area. (Let them dry well overnight or the inside will go slimy.
-Minimalistic padding.
-Apache leather scratches easily. (Easily remedied with Obenauf LP).
-Cheap, waxy laces.
-Not the best finish on minor features.

Overall this is a great boot if you're looking for a boot that is rugged, handsome, and no frills.

 

[Norse23]

I have a pair of Chippewas similar to those, and I'm very happy with them. Highly recommended.

 

[thebikingengineer]

I have the 6" version of this boot. I mostly use them for clomping around town and a bit of rockier hiking, but they've been stellar so far. Drewhunz nailed the rundown of my experiences, so I won't rehash them, but I think that you'd be very happy. I'd say the build quality is slightly below that of Redwings (which I wear for work) mostly due to the slightly thinner leather used, but if taken care of they'll last a very long time.

 

[intotheforge]

Chippewa is a great boot. I prefer danner for heavy work conditions though.

 

[KW Driver]

yeah, I'd have said Danner stylistically, but I've never worn these. but I would stay away from Danner's tactical, lighter weight, Chinese made boots, and stick with some Acadians or similarly still American made boots.

 

[blary54]

I have those exact same boots(although with a different sole). Very well built, the Apache leather is high quality and looks very nice(that picture doesn't do it justice). An excellent boot for the price.

 

[carldamnit]

Like I said, I hate buying something I can't put my hands on. I live in a small town in East Texas, so my selection is mostly from China here. I have a pair of Carolina Loggers with vibram soles that I loathe. I don't like wearing high heels, but the vibram soles are a requirement for a small part of my job (I hate having a pair of shoes that just gather dust in my closet).

Just to push one point. Do you think the leather uppers will last for the long haul?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Iceberg168]

You could always try some really nice handmade boots from Canada. Dayton boots get rave reviews but they take a long time to break in. Check them out @ http://www.daytonboots.com

 

[Seadooer]

Dayton are great work boots.

 

[carldamnit]

Thanks for the Dayton recomendation. I mostly only said I wanted American made boots, to steer clear of third world sweat shop (low quality) products.

 

[macleod319]

Thanks for the Dayton recomendation. I mostly only said I wanted American made boots, to steer clear of third world sweat shop (low quality) products.

I wouldn't call Canada "third world". C'mon man.

 

[Doc4]

I wouldn't call Canada "third world". C'mon man.

Hah! You've never been to Saskatchewan.

(I could have said "Newfoundland" but Newfie Jokes are a bit cliche'.)



All kidding aside, I didn't take him to mean "Canada=3rd World", but just that he was looking for "USA=\=3rd World", and he's more than willing to consider Canadian boots. (I'd toss Viberg into the mix, as well ... another quality Canadian brand from BC ... )

 

[p.m.a.]

I wouldn't call Canada "third world". C'mon man.

I took his comment to mean thanks for recommending a Canadian boot which he hadn't considered, and that the reason he was asking about American boots was to avoid imports made by cheap labor. Not that Canada was one of those.

 

[Miles]

It's always nice to see recommendations for quality boots. We just need more pics in this thread...

 

[Doc4]

You could always try some really nice handmade boots from Canada. Dayton boots get rave reviews but they take a long time to break in. Check them out @ http://www.daytonboots.com

There used to be "no Daytons allowed" signs outside a lot of Vancouver area bars &c, as a means of keeping "riff raff" bikers out.

http://www.daytonboots.com/nodaytons

Gotta love it.

 

[Iceberg168]

The Dayton double soled Black Beauty is a mighty fine boot. Not cheap though. $500 + tax

 

[SpartanFan]

I had a pair of Chippewa boots - was very UNHAPPY with them. Like you, I wanted a U.S. made boot, they looked to be of good quality but did not last me 1 year. I was working in Land Surveying which can be tough on boots. I later was talking to another Land Surveyor and he had a similar situation and he actually contacted the company - they said that Land Surveying was more than normal use and did not stand behind their product. I have had multiple boots over the years - I always want a Vibram sole and Gore-Tex lining, real Gore-Tex not just off brand waterproof. I found a pair sold through Cabela's but guess what - made in China. However, I have been very happy with them. I am willing to pay a high premium for made in U.S. but not if the product is not quality and does not stand up. I won't buy another pair of Chippewa's.

 

[Doc4]

I am willing to pay a high premium for made in U.S. but not if the product is not quality and does not stand up.

What about Made In Canada?

 

[KW Driver]

not to speak against the Canadians, but again, I'll say Danners if you need them to be American. I lived under a ruck (backpack) for years. wearing Danners. they hold up, the company stands behind the product, and are rebuildable for the logger looking styles.

I also have Asolo Fugatives, and they are the most comfortable I've ever worn. they've been issued and worn in Afghanistan. they do happen to be an Italian company.