Question:
My current pair is a pair of red wings, shoes I actually bought from the
factory when I was in the area, and sadly they have not been the most
comfortable boots I have bought, in fact I regularly get blisters during
longer country walks in the parts of the boots which do not fit good
enough.
Answer:
Since I live about 40 miles from the White's Boots Co. factory and
have owned a pair for somewhere around 30 years or so, maybe I can add
a bit to this discussion.
The White's Boot Co. carries several other brands and also makes cold
weather pacs, but I am assuming here that you are referring to the
White's Logger's, for which they are the most famous. You are right in
that they are very well made and can be rebuilt. The last time I had
mine resoled and a new toe put on one (the old toe had a slash across
it strangely similar to a chain saw cut?) the rebuild cost more than
the boots had originally. :-)
You are also correct in that they have many users in your listed
occupations, and more, who swear by them. Another selling point,
although most sales are off the rack, is they will build a boot to
your specifications, keep the data on file, and you can reorder a custom
boot 20-30 years later, by phone from Timbuktu, if need be.
Having said that, although I have no experience with any of their
other brands or the Pacs, IMHO I don't feel that the White Loggers are
the best all-round
boot for every activity, any more than Danner, Red Wing, etc. are. A
few pluses are that they do hold up well, have good ankle support, and
good lug traction. On the other hand, some drawbacks (to me anyway)
is that they are not waterproof nor insulated and have a *very* high
arch, which for people like me who have flat feet can really be hard
on the feet. They also have a high - almost saddle type - heel which,
if you aren't used to it, can make one feel clumsy, even when sober.
:-) Then too they are *heavy* (see well built) and can be tiring if
you need do a lot of walking.
I like them primarily for working in the woods where I need both the
ankle support and the extra foot protection provided by the heavy leather.
I do prefer other boots for wet, cold, and/or long distance walking though.
