Timberland Boot Company Men’s Wodehouse Wing Boots – $300

Men’s Footwear is an enormous industry with thousands of designs, producers, and materials. But when it comes down to it, leather boots are without a doubt the longest lasting and highest quality sector of the trade. Timberland has established itself as a powerhouse in the Men’s Boots industry since 1973, but The Timberland Boot Company is a relatively new addition to Timberland. This new addition is focused on producing boots that are inspired by early craftsmanship along with modern influences. Today I’ll be taking a look at Timberland’s Men’s Wodehouse Wing Boots.

About

“Timberland can trace its roots all the way back to 1920s Boston, where Nathan Schwartz began his career as an apprentice stitcher. Schwartz and his family grew the company and, in the 1950s introduced an innovative injection-molding technique that allowed them to waterproof their boots. In 1973, they introduced the “Timberland” brand, and the rest is history. Timberland is now a huge clothing and footwear brand that operates stores worldwide. Their company headquarters are in Stratham, New Hampshire.” The Timberland Boot Company has developed into the high quality, heritage craftsmanship part of Timberland, which is something we can appreciate here at BestLeather.

Construction

The Wodehouse Wing Boots are constructed using full-grain leather that has been hand finished to give the boot a worn-in look. These wing boots are easily scuffed and marked, which I think makes for an attractive patina that complements their vintage look.

The boots have a leather outsole with a rubber heel so the boots have both flexibility and traction. The molded leather midsole adds to the vintage look, as well as the tooled wingtip toes and tooled leather detail on the upper stitching. The shoes are almost entirely leather, with the exception of the rubber heel and the waxed cotton laces. There are no metal eyelets or other details to distract from the leather and its patina. The metal zipper on the inside of the shoe is very sturdy and easy to use. I was not too excited about having zippers on my boots, but over time and from hundreds of zips I have become quite fond of this feature and appearance.

Aesthetic

The Wing Boots come in two colors – Red Brown and Dark Grey. My Red Brown boots are quite versatile and just bright enough to add interest to nearly any outfit. The boots look terrific with or without cuffed denim and are extremely comfortable. I definitely could wear the Wodehouse Wing boots all day long and be comfortable, which is something that I could not say about a lot of other shoes I own. The only aspect of this boot I found a little unfortunate is that the midsole is very easily scuffed. I don’t mind scuffs or marks—in fact I enjoy adding character to my boots—but the midsole develops a little too many marks and scrapes for my taste. Timberland recommends some boot and shoe refresher so I think if I touched them up a bit most of the scrapes and scuffs will go away.

Conclusion

I have amassed a pretty decent collection of quality footwear, but I find myself wearing the Timberland Wodehouse Wing Boots quite frequently. The comfort level, the expert construction and vintage appearance combine seamlessly into a high-quality boot that have convinced me to purchase again from the Timberland Boot Company. Head over to their website and check out all of their quality, attractive men’s footwear, especially in the Timberland Boot Company line, and be on the lookout for more Timberland reviews to come.

December 8, 2015December 19, 2017

Timberland Women’s Savin Hill Tall Boots Review – $240

Well, the cold weather has come around, which means it’s time to break out the sweaters, jackets, scarves, and other wonderful wintry apparel. Of course, the best footwear to pair with these outfits is the beloved boot. I firmly believe that a nice pair of riding boots are an important staple for a woman’s wardrobe, especially if you live in a colder climate. Today we’ll be looking at Timberland Women’s Savin Hill Tall Boots.

ABOUT TIMBERLAND

Timberland can trace its roots all the way back to 1920s Boston, where Nathan Schwartz began his career as an apprentice stitcher. Schwartz and his family grew the company and, in the 1950s introduced an innovative injection-molding technique that allowed them to waterproof their boots. In 1973, they introduced the “Timberland” brand, and the rest is history. Timberland is now a huge clothing and footwear brand that operates stores worldwide. Their company headquarters are in Stratham, New Hampshire.

CONSTRUCTION & FIT

The Savin Hill’s uppers are made with full-grain leather. It’s thick enough to feel substantial yet supple enough to wear comfortably. It has a nice waxy sheen that looks great and adds a waterproofing element. The inside is lined with a cute mesh fabric and zipped up with a hefty brass colored zipper.

The calf circumference is 14.25 inches and is adjustable with a pegged gusset at the top. The boots fit true to size and fit comfortably with thick wool socks. The shaft height is 14″ which makes them slightly taller than similarly styled riding boots. I’m quite tall at 5’10” and these boots fall comfortably above mid-calf. I’ve tried on other riding boots that have looked too short for me, so the height is a big plus in my book.

These boots take a little bit of time to break in, so I’d recommend wearing them for short periods of time at first. The front of the ankle is a bit tough and takes some time to soften as well. After that, they are quite comfortable, with a removable padded footbed made from recycled plastic. **Side note: Timberland has a pretty impressive commitment to sustainable and climate-friendly manufacturing. You’ll notice a lot of their shipping and manufacturing materials are recycled or biodegradable. You can read more about that here.**

AESTHETIC

The Savin Hill boots have the classic riding boot look with a few extra details to make them unique. The lighter colored stitching and the threaded detailing on the back give them a distinct look. The 1-inch leather wrapped heel and rubber outsole match nicely, and the big brass buckle gives it that iconic riding boot look. The rubber outsole provides decent grip.

The Savin Hills come in three colors: Tobacco Forty, Black Forty, and Wheat Woodlands, a light tan color. My Tobacco Forty color is a nice, rich cognac color. It has a bit of a distressed, marbled look, which I prefer because it hides scuffs well.

CONCLUSION

Timberland Women’s Savin Hill Tall Boots are a great choice if you’re looking for unique looking riding boots that will last. Over the years I’ve had several similar pairs of boots from this price range and the quality of the leather on the Savin Hills is my favorite. These have a timeless riding boot look that won’t go out of style, and their sturdy construction mean you will get your money’s worth.

December 7, 2015December 19, 2017

Thorogood Boots Dodgeville Boots Review – $349.95

Boots are best in the footwear department. Yes, that’s a strong statement to make…but, it’s my opinion – take it or leave it. When Thorogood Boots (also known as Weinbrenner) approached us about reviewing another popular pair of boots for them, I jumped at the chance. This time around we’re checking out their Dodgeville line.

About Weinbrenner Shoe Company

Iconic American success stories are awesome and the story of Albert Weinbrenner, son of a German immigrant and cobbler, holds true to form. Albert began his apprenticeship at age 13 working for his father. By his early 20s, in his spare time, Albert was designing work boots specifically for the trade jobs his friends had around Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1892, at the age of 27, Albert started his own cobbler business with partner Joseph Pfeifer.

Weinbrenner and Pfeifer enjoyed immediate success – becoming well known for their “jobber” boot. Today Weinbrenner Shoe Company is still based in Wisconsin and employs over three hundred people in the local area.

As alluded to in the opening, this is the second pair of Thorogood Boots we’ve reviewed. The first pair, the Portage CXL Roofer Boots, were very impressive and chosen as the “Best Boot for 2014”. We’ll be issuing an update on those boots soon – but, don’t worry…they’re performing admirably and still look fantastic.

Construction & Function

The Dodgeville Boots are part of Thorogood’s 1892 Collection, which was introduced as a throwback to some of the original work boots designed for the hardworking outdoorsmen of turn-of-the-century Wisconsin. The line reintroduces the beloved No. 60 last, which has become an icon in men’s footwear.

Each boot from the 1892 Collection is made with Horween’s Chromexcel Leather, constructed with a goodyear welt and nitrile cork sole. Each series is inspired by a different “jobber”: farmers, roofers, trappers, and more. The Dodgeville line is inspired by the Wisconsin miners who needed the toughest boots around to stake their claim and make their fortune.

The outsole is padded with a leather and a partial Vibram lug. This makes the shoes quite comfortable for long-term wear and ensures a good long life. The Goodyear welt construction also means that this boot can be resoled and repaired for years to come.

As with the Portage CXL Roofer, the Dodgeville Boots require a noticeable break in period. As my friend Richard Martens – International Sales Manager for Weinbrenner cautioned in the past, “you earn the right to wear a pair of Weinbrenner’s” and it’s a completely true statement. But, don’t be dismayed or turned off by that statement. The process is well worth the reward. Be prepared when you purchase these boots. Initially you won’t wear them for very long. Take your time…increase wear time from day to day. And then, “the day” will occur – it’s the day when you notice that your Dodgeville boots feel fantastic on your feet. In fact, you will probably go about your day’s work and kind of forget about them (until someone comments or asks about them) and then you’ll realize that your break in period is complete. From that point forward, the Dodgeville Boots will easily be regarded as your ‘go to’ footwear of choice.

Aesthetic

The subtle cap toe design really sets the Dodgeville apart and makes it a very unique looking boot. All of the 1982 Collection uses the classic No. 60 last, which is a very iconic silhouette in men’s footwear.

The Chromexcel leather, as usual, looks beautiful with its waxy sheen. With Chromexcel leather boots, you can sometimes get what’s called “bloom,” a whitish waxy substance that rises to the surface of Chromexcel leather due to its high oil content. This is normal and easily resolved with a quick wipe from a horsehair brush. So, we’d recommend investing in a horsehair brush when you pick up the Dodgevilles. Be sure to read up on Chromexcel leather here.

The Dodgevilles come in three classic colors: Black, Brown, and Cognac, all versatile and attractive colors. I’ve found that my cognac pair is a quite flexible and timeless color, with brass colored eyelets that give it a great vintage look. Each boot color comes with matching flat waxed laces. Not only does the style catch people’s eye, but they always comment appreciatively on the color too.

Conclusion

Weinbrenner’s Thorogood Dodgeville Boots will truly last you a lifetime. With each component made and assembled in the United States, you know you are getting tip-top quality when you purchase a pair of Thorogood Boots. The Thorogood name has been trusted and respected by hardworking men and women since 1892, and their time-tested techniques result in a sturdy, attractive product that is well worth the price tag. The only issue you’ll have is choosing which color to purchase…

November 27, 2015May 9, 2020

Dr. Martens Women’s Pascal Boots Review – $135

In 1960 the first pair of Dr. Martens boots left their Northamptonshire factory in the English Midlands. In the time since then, Dr. Martens have become an icon, embraced by rebellious British youth championing working-class style. Today we’ll be taking a look at the Dr. Marten Women’s Pascal Boots.

ABOUT

This is the third pair of Dr. Martens footwear that we’ve reviewed here. Read our review of their 1460 ForLife Boots here, and the Made in England Weaver Shoes here.

Based in England, Dr. Martens’ impact on youth culture and beyond can be seen around the globe. They’re innovative, yet steeped in tradition – cutting edge but always paying tribute to their past. Dr. Martens is a brand that seems to cross multiple generations these days. You’re just as likely to see a 40 year old dude sporting a pair of Docs as you are an angst filled teen in one of their latest boot styles.

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The Pascals are Goodyear-welted, with a chain-stitched and heat-sealed upper and sole. The welt itself is also chain stitched to the upper and insole. This construction makes the boots quite sturdy and able to stand up to the elements. The leather is a tight grain, soft Nappa leather. It is stitched in single, double, and triple rows with a matching thread to create a nice, smooth look and allows the main focus to be on the signature AirWair sole and contrast stitching Dr Martens in known for.

Dr. Marten shoes are well-known for their AirWair soles, which was born out of a partnership with a German duo in the late 1950s. The AirWair sole is an air-cushioned, extremely comfortable to wear sole that is oil resistant, offers excellent long term wear, and great traction. My mom – the lucky recipient of these shoes – is a Registered Nurse who specializes in home health care. She is on her feet for hours at a time, and is able to wear these shoes all day long with no issues.

AESTHETIC

These boots have the classic DM aesthetic, with the thick, yellow thread used for the contrast stitching and the hefty, tan AirWair sole. They are a bit slimmer and tighter than some of the industrial boot styles, which works perfectly for a ladies’ boot. The front part of the sole is also a bit thinner, which makes for a slightly less imposing boot with a smaller silhouette. The Dress Blues color is versatile and matte, making it easy to pair with plenty of outfits.

THE ORIGINAL LINE vs THE VINTAGE LINE

When it comes to Dr. Martens, there is some debate about the quality of the Original Line, which is made in Vietnam. DM offers a “Vintage” Line (Made in England series), which is still made in England. In my experience, boots from the Vintage line have higher quality leather and more solid construction. The Vintage Pascal comes in a shiny black brush-off leather, with a matching black sole. And usually, the debate ends with the ultimate question of economics. How much do you want to spend? The answer is purely up to you and your budget.

If you have the money, I’d suggest spending the extra $100 and upgrading to the Vintage Pascals, which will last quite a bit longer with a more custom fit. (The Vintage 1460s are a unisex boot in a similar style.) However, if you are mostly concerned with getting the Dr. Marten aesthetic, the Original Line will suit you perfectly. Both lines are very sturdy, well built, and feature the hefty sole and classic heel loop that are so iconic to the brand.

CONCLUSION

The Dr. Marten Women’s Pascal Boots are a great choice for ladies looking for that iconic Dr. Martens look at an affordable price of $135. With their slimmer silhouette, the Pascals are a great asset to any ladies’ wardrobe. They are comfortable for all-day wear right out of the box and stand up to the elements like a champ.

November 9, 2015December 19, 2017

Nicks Boots 6″ Roberts Boots Follow Up Review

“Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping into the future…” Dang – was Steve Miller ever spot on with that line! 2015 has moved along at warp speed it seems. It’s hard to believe it’s late October already! So, what does that mean? It is just a sign that I’m behind on some follow up reviews. So, here goes an update on my awesome 6″ Roberts Boots from Nick Boots.

These boots rock. There. I’m done.

Seriously, they do. But, let me expound a little bit. I’ve been wearing my Roberts for a little more than a year now. As I mentioned in my first review, the folks at Nicks Boots state that it takes 80-100 hour of using the boots to get them properly broken in. Since getting past that break in, these boots have become more and more comfortable with time and use. At this point, they are completely ‘molded’ to my feet and are definitely an all day boot. These are not lightweight boots. And, the heel is substantial too. But, that “legendary arch” works its magic and comfort rules.

I did remove the decorative tongue insert. It’s just a personal preference – I like the way the boots look without them. These boots look fantastic and show virtually no wear whatsoever. That’s not for a lack of wear either. I’ve used these boots consistently this past year wearing them at least once, twice, or more almost every week.

It does take time to get a pair measured specifically for your feet. But, the time is well worth it along with the financial investment. The return is a pair of boots that you will continue to feel better on your feet each time you slip them on and are easy to maintain as far as keeping up their appearance. If you’re shopping for boots north of the $400 price point ($439 to be exact), you should definitely consider going the custom route with a beautiful, hard wearing pair of Roberts from Nicks Boots. If you’re in a rush, you can order a pair of stock built 6″ Roberts for $429. Personally, I’d spend the paltry $10 more and get a pair made specifically for my feet.

November 6, 2015December 19, 2017

Steve Madden Romah Wingtip Oxford Review – $120

I have been a lover of shoes since I was a child. I always wanted to have the newest and coolest styles, and was never really content with the shoes I had. Unfortunately, I haven’t changed much in that regard. I have enough shoes in my closet for many women to be envious. Shoes are still one of my favorite things to own and Steve Madden has impressed me with their Romah Wingtip Oxford.

About

Steve Madden has been an iconic footwear name for many years in the women’s fashion scene. After such a successful 10-year stint there, Steve Madden Men’s line was launched. Starting as a primarily casual offering, Steve Madden Men’s has evolved into a funky lifestyle brand that guys of all ages should include in to their wardrobe. Their purpose is to offer men as many different styles as possible, all at a high-quality, wallet-friendly price.

Construction

The Steve Madden Romah is constructed with a full leather upper, synthetic sole, and an extremely comfortable fabric inner lining. The shoes are assembled in China, and brought back into the United States. The leather on this shoe is a very soft, polished leather that has age beautifully after several months of use. While some people like their dress shoes to develop a patina and worn-in look, the Romah Wingtip Oxford was not constructed to do so. The leather is very scratch resistant and will maintain the clean, sophisticated tan color.

Function

This shoe is designed to be worn with anything from summer wear and bright colors to chinos and muted colors for the colder weather. Because it is lace less, it really functions as a casual yet dressy Oxford. Steve Madden is famous for the spunky, funky, do-what-you-want look, and these shoes are a perfect example of the lifestyle brand they have successfully created. I have used these shoes many times for casual summer evenings and even a little more dressy outings such as business meetings. Each time, I had numerous friends and family members ask about the shoes. The Romah is a funky shoe for the independent man that has functioned flawlessly and become my go-to casual shoe.

Aesthetic

Steve Madden has done a wonderful job designing this shoe. Because of the unique brogueing trim and perforated medallion toe, the Roma is truly a do it all Oxford. The sleek tan color and no-nonsense shine of the Roma is perfect for a stylish, do it all shoe that most men should have in their closet. The lace less aspect of the Roma is the most important. Because the shoe does not have any laces, it exudes the casual, classy look. But the beautiful brogueing and sleek lines strengthen the dressy, modern side of the shoe. This feature is really what sold me on the quality and overall desirability. I do not own any other shoes like this, and Steve Madden has done an excellent job and will keep me coming back.

Conclusion

The Romah Wingtip Oxford has proved to be a staple in my ever-growing wardrobe. The beautiful tan color, perfect brogueing, and lace less feature really turn this shoe into a perfect example of Steve Madden design. If you are looking for a funky, do-it al shoe, check them out. To purchase the Romah, use the Steve Madden Amazon store. The store has the Romah Wingtip Oxfords on sale for $63.00. This is a deal you shouldn’t pass up.

November 4, 2015December 19, 2017

Timberland Women’s Brookton 6-Inch Classic Boots Review – $120

Timberland boots are a beloved classic, formerly relegated to menswear only. We recently reviewed the Men’s 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boots, one of their most recognizable products. The Women’s Earthkeeper Brookton 6-inch Classic Boots have a similar aesthetic, but are a bit rounder and lighter.

ABOUT TIMBERLAND

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The leather uppers are made of full-grain nubuck, with a tan sole and foam insoles. The biggest difference between the Brooktons and the classic men’s 6-Inch boots is the sole. The Brookton trades the hefty rubber sole for a lightweight EVA sole. This has its pros and cons. The biggest upsides are the boots’ weight and flexibility. These boots are insanely light while still being pretty sturdy and protective. The downside is that EVA compresses pretty quickly and isn’t going to withstand tons of wear. So far, though, they’ve stood up to the elements well.

These boots take a bit of time to break in, so I’d recommend doubling up on socks for the first few wears. After that, they are surprisingly comfortable, with padding on the midsoles and heel, as well as a padded collar for a pleasant ankle fit and mobility. **Side note: Timberland has a pretty impressive commitment to sustainable and climate-friendly manufacturing. You’ll notice a lot of their shipping and manufacturing materials are recycled or biodegradable. You can read more about that here.**

AESTHETIC

The Wheat Nubuck is the classic yellow color associated with Timberlands, with white stitching along the quarter to set them apart from classic 6-inch Timbs. They look great and go with nearly everything, especially skinny denim. The downside of this color is that they stain pretty easily. You can pick up a suede & nubuck cleaner pretty much anywhere, including on the Timberland website, and I’d recommend doing so if you like your boots to look pristine.

The Brooktons come with two colors of 100% post-consumer recycled laces, in tan and brown. There are also two other leather options if you’re looking for a darker color. Dark Brown, with the same light color sole, and Black Nubuck with a cute grey and pink sole.

CONCLUSION

So far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the Timberland Women’s Earthkeeper Brookton 6-inch Classic Boots. They have proven to be a great choice for boots on the lower end of the price range. If you’re looking for a non-imported boot that can be resoled and last 5+ years, save up for a different boot and spend a couple hundred more dollars. If you’re looking for a classic streetwear aesthetic but don’t want to commit to a heavy sole, these are a good choice. The Timberlands are a very good price at $120, and you can often find them on sale. Casually, you’ll probably get a solid four years out of these boots, and their timeless look won’t go out of style any time soon. They’ll stand up to the elements and look good doing it.