Just picked up some new Goretex lined boots. Used them yesterday in the snow and some time with the snowblower. Not too bad once they are broken in. Anyone know whether these can be rebuilt once I wear out the sole? I'm hoping they can be. I spent what I consider a small premium, but I always had my eye on these. Grandpa wore a similar pair, but he was always value oriented in purchases...bought quality Anschutz rifles and such, but only bought stuff like that one time.... That was a different generation. Paid cash for everything...lived simply.
I appreciate the way your grandpa lived, I am simular in that a lot of our purchases are cash also. Paying a little bit more for quality is big for me. Even for a pair of gore- tex lined boots, I will ask around, do some research and if they work out I will continue to get them. I wear red wing boots, have for over 20 yrs now. For work boots, I will most likely never change.
I'm all over the board. If I think a high priced, quality item is worth it I don't mind paying for it. I buy cheap jeans and shirts from Walmart because they are comfortable and I usually get them stained (paint, grease etc) before they wear out. I wouldn't dream of buying cheap boots though, I have bad feet. I pay for most things with my LL Bean card and pay the bill each month. Last month we got $40 in LL Bean gift cards from their reward program.
Looks like they can be repaired here's a link http://www.nushoe.com/outdoorsman-nucraft-shoe-repair.html
I found out that LL Bean repairs the shoes if they ever need it including replacing the soles, repairing stitching, new laces, etc...all for reasonable fees. That's good to know.
That word "ever" is key with all LLBean purchases. They guarantee satisfaction and they stand behind everything they sell. I have seen them abused many times. Someone will buy a coat, wear it, tear it, then exchange it. You should see the lines in there on Christmas Day evening. They are busy as all get out processing returns. Seems like a Christmas tradition. Beans never closes. Their flagship store in Freeport is about a 25 min drive from here. We have been visiting there for over 60 years. My Dad took me there many times.
I have been wearing these all day today and yesterday and my feet aren't sweating much. These are goretex lined. Maybe that helps. For a waterproof boot, I would expect my feet to sweat more.
From what I understand, Red Wing boots are still made here but their other line, Irish Setter, some of their boots are made overseas.
Their jeans are also good. They wear well. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they become. Even when they look ragged, you don't want to give them up.
My LL bean boots are extremely comfy the first hour or so then I start experiencing extremely pain on the outside of my ankle. I never wear them anymore. RedWing slip on Wellington king toes are my everday footwear now. On my second pair and will buy a third when that time comes. I'm in the market for some gore-tex thinsulate boots. I've had luck with Rockys and will probably be my purchase.
