Category: Boots

I’d worn mass-produced footwear until a couple of years ago and usually bought the cheapest ones I could find, thinking that there wasn’t much of a difference.

Then I decided to have my feet measured into a personal last and have some Goodyear-welted business shoes made. This was quite expensive, but the resulting shoes more than made up for this investment. I hadn’t known that using shoes could actually be so comfortable. I’ll never go back to the discount-rack in a shoe store again. Actually, my shoe-store visits are going to be severely curtailed.

I love leather soles and all my shoes, except my boots, have leather on both the topsides and soles. While they can be slippery in many conditions and need substantially more care than other soles, they are breathable and incredibly comfortable. Unlike cheaper footwear, they can be resoled multiple times which increases their longevity.

I needed some work and hiking boots and previously like the rugged Danner models I had. But I wanted something with more solidity and more leather and finally went to Pacific Northwest style boots, among the sturdiest and hardiest of boots available. While there are several comparable manufacturers there, I went with Nicks Handmade Boots and while I’m sure their competitors make similar products, I’m sticking with what I know and like and 2 pair now and am debating getting a third pair even though I know I don’t need them.