Boot Problems?

randyjaco

randyjaco

Active User
H-M Supporter Gold Member
I finally bought myself a pair of ,American made, Thorogood boots. Initially I was happy with them, but recently a fold has developed over the base of my left small toe. It makes it very painful to walk. Is there some way to fix this problem? I am still awaiting a response from the company.

Randy
 
I take it that you mean the leather above your toe has a crease and when the sole flexes, the crease folds inward to pinch the toe.. The leather probably had a crease when it came from the beast so it was a natural place for a fold.

I have a similar problem with a pair of Red Wing 10" boots. The boot flexes inward just below my left ankle , rubbing the skin raw. I bought the boots mire than two years ago and they have only been warn twice. I

t's a shame because I like Red Wings and have worn them for almost fifty years. In my case, the leather used is stiffer than the leather in the previous style. I haven't yet found a cure but I'm thinking that I have to use some leather conditioner to soften the leather so it flexes over a greater area.
 
KMoffett said:
Today's Red Wing ain't your dad's Red Wing. :(

Ken
Click to expand...
It's not the Red WIng that I used to buy either. For many years, I wore them exclusively for work. I had a second pair for wear around the house and yard and when they wore out, my work boots became my home boots and I bought a new pair for work. Red Wing discontinued the original boot about 25 years ago and I switched to the 1155 and its counterpart in black. They weren't as good as the earlier boot but could pass for a dress boot. The black version was discontinued and I bought the closest replacement which is the problem boot I now own. The style is clunky and looks like something that would be better suited for a barnyard. The leather is thick and stiff rather than the supple leather that I used to get.

I expect that after almost fifty years a loyal customer, that I have bought my last pair of Red Wings.
 
Baring cutting off your toe which has its own issues, would checking with the local shoe repair guy do any good? I know that I "squat" on my right foot, which sometimes cracks the sole on that side first. Also means a top crease might happen on that side first because I'm flexing that side more. My right foot is bigger than the left, which is not handy at all. But you can't be the only guy out there with this kind of issue. Texas is a boot place, would seem someone in the trade may have a solution. But perhaps I am over simplifying. Around here, Kansas, the number of shoe repair places has dwindled to nearly extinct.
 
One of the problems with many modern leather boots is that they use reconstituted leather. It does not break in like real top grain leather does. It also does not respond to mink oil and such. I think that modern synthetic fabrics in properly designed boots outperform traditional leather anyways.
 
I bought my last pair of Redwings a couple years ago. I wore them for about 20 years and swore they were the best.
The last pair, the laces started to fall apart within the first week. By the 3rd week the heel cup started to tear and got a hole in it. Not real impressed for $150.
I know wear Keen safety toe. They are the most comfortable safety toe boots I have owned, right from the first day, no breakin.
Joe
 
I have had expensive shoes that did this and as soon as it starts I take them back and they will exchange. Not your fault.
 
Thanks guys, they are heading back to the factory.
I am bummed, I had a bad experience with Ariats, so I thought I was purchasing some high quality American boots. I am tired of buying crap.
 
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