The price used to be forgivable because they would last forever (though I hear that’s not so much the case anymore) but yeah, I’ve had some of my worst blisters from DMs…
It all depends on the brand, you just have to research which brand you buy into.
I got a pair of Solovairs which have been wonderful thus far. They used to produce the OG 1970 Doc Marten before they flipped over to Chinese production, so the solovairs can still be resoled with a local cobbler and the materials are quality too (shoelaces were meh but those are cheap to replace).
So basically NPS Solovair, and Gripfast are solid lines of shoes to choose from for quality boot build.
$130 brand new army surplus. Incredibly high quality, genuine leather, indestructible build, totally waterproof (I have literally submerged my foot past the ankle in puddles and not so much as gotten my sock damp) and extremely comfortable.
Secret number two is how you wear them. For proper boots like this you need to a) buy a separate inner sole, and b) go up a half size to allow room for thick boot socks.
With those two things in mind you will have a boot that can tackle anything you throw at it. They’re real leather (and I mean thick, full chap leather) so you will have to break them in. Rub them down constantly with mink oil to keep them moisturized so that they’ll become more flexible. They’ll be uncomfortable at first, but give it time. And once they’re broken in, they’ll basically last the rest of your life if you treat them right.
Am I gonna wear them all the time? Fuck no. Give me a good pair of Vans anyday. But if you want nice boots that last, this is how you get them.
What in the actual fuck kind of argument is this? You say this as if leather conditioners don’t exist.
This is like saying, “yeah, buy a Tesla because the F150’s engine will seize if you dive it for 15000 miles without changing the oil”
I think “sneaker culture” is kind of dumb but don’t really give a fuck if that’s what people are into, but my Alden 405s are from 2004 and have been resoled once. Sneakers are disposable and eventually dry rot whether you take care of them or not. If you’re not a slob, quality footwear will last and is timeless. You also don’t look like a manchild wearing them when you find yourself on the wrong side of 40.
Shoes on the left will be 3x more expensive and will give your legs blisters.
If you get blisters from that shoe but not the other over the same distance, then the first shoe is not fitted correctly or your socks are too short.
The price used to be forgivable because they would last forever (though I hear that’s not so much the case anymore) but yeah, I’ve had some of my worst blisters from DMs…
What kind of D&D sessions give you blisters?
The vigorous kind.
So … many … dice rolls …
I’ve heard Solovair is now making the original boots of you want something that’s at least rumored to be as good as the old doc martens.
Thanks for the tip! Sadly they’re far too heavy for me nowadays 😂(chronic pain = pull up slippers lol)
It all depends on the brand, you just have to research which brand you buy into.
I got a pair of Solovairs which have been wonderful thus far. They used to produce the OG 1970 Doc Marten before they flipped over to Chinese production, so the solovairs can still be resoled with a local cobbler and the materials are quality too (shoelaces were meh but those are cheap to replace).
So basically NPS Solovair, and Gripfast are solid lines of shoes to choose from for quality boot build.
Docs are garbage these days. Try Red Wings Iron Rangers or something similar
Boots need to be broken in
Depends what you’re buying. Here’s the secret;
Norwegian Army M77 boots.
$130 brand new army surplus. Incredibly high quality, genuine leather, indestructible build, totally waterproof (I have literally submerged my foot past the ankle in puddles and not so much as gotten my sock damp) and extremely comfortable.
Secret number two is how you wear them. For proper boots like this you need to a) buy a separate inner sole, and b) go up a half size to allow room for thick boot socks.
With those two things in mind you will have a boot that can tackle anything you throw at it. They’re real leather (and I mean thick, full chap leather) so you will have to break them in. Rub them down constantly with mink oil to keep them moisturized so that they’ll become more flexible. They’ll be uncomfortable at first, but give it time. And once they’re broken in, they’ll basically last the rest of your life if you treat them right.
Am I gonna wear them all the time? Fuck no. Give me a good pair of Vans anyday. But if you want nice boots that last, this is how you get them.
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Real good chap of leather and genuine leather contradict eachother.
Genuine Leather is the worst leather you can get.
Only 2x more expensive maybe but they will last x10/x20 years longer.
Not anymore. They are now using poor rubber for soles that will fall off in 4-5 years.
Good Year Welt boots are repairable, and re-sole-able.
The one on the right is completely unrepairable, and the sole is molded and impossible to replace.
Change brands, there are still good ones out there. Or buy vintage.
And will look like shit after a week due to the leather drying out
What in the actual fuck kind of argument is this? You say this as if leather conditioners don’t exist.
This is like saying, “yeah, buy a Tesla because the F150’s engine will seize if you dive it for 15000 miles without changing the oil”
I think “sneaker culture” is kind of dumb but don’t really give a fuck if that’s what people are into, but my Alden 405s are from 2004 and have been resoled once. Sneakers are disposable and eventually dry rot whether you take care of them or not. If you’re not a slob, quality footwear will last and is timeless. You also don’t look like a manchild wearing them when you find yourself on the wrong side of 40.
I have many leather products, if the item is well built at all it will last for many years without doing anything and even longer if conditioned.
Gotta break them in.