Thread: Boots

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I am a Western Boots kinda guy, but since I started working from home in 2012 I have found myself buying more "Outdoor" and "Work" style boots

This year was a switch for the Wife and I from years of faithfully being Sorel customers to becoming Kamik buyers

Much like we found about Uggs (Her Fav) a few years ago both companies outsourced their production to China..

Not that I won't buy and use Chinese products but I refuse to pay premium name prices for them

I ended up making a very good buy on a pair of Kamik "Ice Crusher" that were in the $100 plus area just last year but were discontinued so I snagged them locally by shear luck for $59

Very happy with them so far but them again I have only been wearing them for 2 months ask me again in 2 years hehehe

I made that same switch as well a few years ago, but will be looking for new winter boots for next year since my Kamiks are not holding up too well after pretty light use. And I'm not counting the melted bits from kicking too many bonfires. That's totally my fault and the holes have been patched up with some sugru. I really only use them if it is *really* cold (which it rarely is here in eastern Ontario compared to the prairies where I grew up) or if I have to deal with a BIG dump of snow. So figure only 10-20 days/year.

I've found the build quality really lacks on the Kamiks compared to my old Sorels, but those had been made before the company was bought up by Columbia and their production shifted overseas. I miss my old Sorels. The main issue I've had have been the stitching on the eyelets for the laces has been garbage, as were the laces which I replaced half-way through their first season. And they just feel/are cheaply made.

Looks like the laces and eyelets thing won't be an issue with yours, so fingers crossed you'll be happier than I have been.

I'm a big fan of RedWings... heres my iron rangers from this weekend:

Baby Announcement Shoes by Dana Howe, on Flickr

and my 899's from when they were new'ish:

Red Wing 899 by Dana Howe, on Flickr

I really miss the Canadian made Kaufman Footwear Sorels and leather work boots. The Chinese made versions of Sorel boots are junk by comparison. Fortunately I don't have much need of work boots anymore.

Bob

My everyday Red Wings and a pair of Red Wing insulated and waterproof boots.

A pair of Dan Post Sea Turtle boots

[URL=http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/dwaterfill/media/DSC_1200_zpsidp6tdkh.jpg.html][/URL

I work in an office. But do a fair bit of out of the way trecking. And I wear old style British army boots.

Comfy good ankle support and in our climate indestructable.

Geek

Originally Posted by BobH

I really miss the Canadian made Kaufman Footwear Sorels and leather work boots. The Chinese made versions of Sorel boots are junk by comparison. Fortunately I don't have much need of work boots anymore.

Bob

Thanks Bob! I was going a bit crazy trying to remember that name. My first pair of Sorels were made by Kaufman. They are still the best winter boots I have ever had.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Thanks Bob! I was going a bit crazy trying to remember that name. My first pair of Sorels were made by Kaufman. They are still the best winter boots I have ever had.

You are welcome. Still have my first pair of Kaufman made Sorels which I bought to go Ski Doing and ice fishing in 1976 iirc. Unfortunately they don't fit anymore because of too many years of good living but they are still serviceable.

Bob

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Thanks Bob! I was going a bit crazy trying to remember that name. My first pair of Sorels were made by Kaufman. They are still the best winter boots I have ever had.

Originally Posted by BobH

You are welcome. Still have my first pair of Kaufman made Sorels which I bought to go Ski Doing and ice fishing in 1976 iirc. Unfortunately they don't fit anymore because of too many years of good living but they are still serviceable.

Bob

Hehehehe make ya jealous

I still have a pair of the Sorel "Frontiers" the 16" high boots and 3 sets of liners for them.. One even has the foil insulation and the Fur collars I bought them in the late 80's

I love those boots, they are great for real fluffy Colorado snow, but not quite fully waterproof for the Slush we get up here in Idaho

Last night I put Tuff toes of my new redwings.

Hard for me to sand and put epoxy or whatever it is on new $200+ boots but it is the only toes protector that I have found that works out of many I tried.

After their first day on the job. My feet are tired. I hate breaking in new boots!

These are the Canadian made Kaufman boots I still have kicking around. The Sorels from circa 1976 and 2 pair work boots from nearer the end of Canadian production in 2000. Durable and comfortable they were. The tread on the Sorels works well too and I have not seen that type of tread on any other winter boots.

Bob