Reddit mentions: The best oxford & derby boots for men

I recently got a tan pair of Dr Scholl's wingtip Oren boots. I wasn't even aware that Dr. Scholl's made shoes, so I was a bit leery, but the reviews were pretty good and they only cost me $60 on famousfootwear's BOGO sale.

I'm impressed so far. The leather is pretty good quality, the memory foam footbed is super comfortable and there was no break-in period. They're attractive and look better than the pics; the dark burnishing is much more subtle. For the price, I could always apply some black shoe polish to even it out and give it some depth if I wanted. The lug sole is sturdy, and they generally feel pretty rugged and well made, like they'll hold up well through winter. I can't imagine getting a better fall/winter boot for under $100, especially since JCPs new Stafford seems to be a disappointment compared to last year's.

As for sizing, I wear a snug 11 in Clarks Bushacres and had to size up to twelve. They don't come in half-sizes.

My first and one of my favorite boots goes on sale (not now) for ~$150 [Jcrew kenton] (https://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shoes/boots/PRD~F4446/F4446.jsp?Nbrd=J&Nloc=en_US&Nrpp=48&Npge=1&Ntrm=kenton&isSaleItem=false&color_name=BURNISHED%20TOBACCO&isFromSearch=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row1) This is the captoe version; I got the plain toe for ~$90.

A staple that's always recommended on MFA and GYW is Wolverine's 1000 mile's. If you watch FMF or Sierra Trading Post, you can often get seconds around there. I personally think it looks too bulky, but it's a good entry boot.

If you like the 1000 miles work boot look, you can also check out Chippewa Apache, which also goes for around the same amount.

But if you like the sleeker last, like the one on Jackthreads, then you can checkout Thursday Boots. They get some flack on GYW, but I think that's more due to the promises they made as a kickstarter. At the $200 price mark, it's hard to get that sleek look without a) going to an indonesian custom maker with a 10+ week turnaround b) going to a smaller european brand with limited sizing info or c) getting secondhand. Thursday boot also is partially on Amazon and has free shipping/returns on their site.

Lemme know if this helps! If you wanna increase your budget, are willing to buy second hand, or want some particular look/feature, lemme know. I'm a huge boot guy with too many boots, so it's always more fun to help someone else out :P

Thanks! Fortunately I was able to just buy the boots, pants, sweater, gloves, facemask, and goggles. I couldn't find a vest or helmet that was right, so I sewed them myself.

I bought upholstery vinyl because it was a lot cheaper than leather and it looked closest to the comic/video game costume.

There wasn't a pattern that was close to what I needed, so I had to just cut out the pieces myself, assemble it, then cut it down to fit.

For the vest there was a middle piece and two side pieces on the back, two pieces for the front to create the double breast, and the collar. I found some cool buttons at a fabric store and sewed them on and cut corresponding holes for them. On the back, I hand embroidered a Spider-Man logo, picture here. It's filled in with black and I outlined it with red and blue.

The helmet was the hardest part. It still didn't come out quite right. I started with the band going around the bottom from ear to ear, then cut out the strips for the top. I sewed the strap for the goggles to the band of the helmet to make it stay, but in a way that also allowed it to move.

As a bonus, I crocheted a pouch to hold my wallet and keys that resembled webbing. It was my first time crocheting so it didn't look very pretty, but that worked out in my favor because it looked more like webbing.

Here are links to the piece I bought:

Boots

Goggles

Pants

Balaclava

It probably took me about a month to complete it, but I wasn't working on it every day. The most time consuming part was the embroidery. With the vest and helmet took a decent amount of time after cutting the pieces and pinning them together, then recutting them to fit better. But actually sewing it all together didn't take much time. As long as you use a sewing machine.

I'm trying to decide between the Wolverine 1000 mile Cordovans, Cordovan No. 8, and the Chippewa Cordovans.

I know that the Chippewa Cordovans aren't actual Cordovan leather but that doesn't really concern as long as their aesthetic is similar.

What I want to know is is there any big difference between the Wolverines and chippewas in terms of build quality.

Some people say the Wolverines are better quaility, but too me it seems like a placeabo because so many people say the chippewas hold up very well too.

I have had a pair of chippewas for about 4 years and they are still in good condition.

I'm curious to hear anyone's personal experience or thoughts. I want to know if its worth the extra $90 for the Wolverines.

I recently got these boots two weeks ago. I have to say after a brief break-in period of a few days after treating them with Obenauf's and leather lotion they are comfy and the leather has softened well. I've compared the build and leather to my brother's Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots and they are similar enough that you should have one or the other, not both (unless you need another color boot of course). I was deciding between the lighter brown and the cordovan, the reddish brown of the latter looks great and didn't darken or alter after leather treatment.


The sole is by Vibram and I haven't had any slipping issues where I live in NorCal. Replacement of the sole after wear shouldn't be too hard for a cobbler and I plan on caring for these boots for a lifetime.

Sizing wise, I sized a whole size down. I usually wear a 9.5D with my Nike Free Run 2, so I went down to 8.5D. Perfect fit.

I say go for it and pull the trigger, the 30% discount makes the boots worth to try out and return if not satisfied.

If I'm able to ill post pics of them.

EDIT: Had work, took pics before leaving.

Here you go.

I'm looking to get leather boots with tread for less than $200 for the winter.

Here's my criteria

- Full leather (or at least look like it and still be quality)

- Budget is around $200, but $150 is the sweet spot

- Needs tread enough to be able to walk on somewhat icy/slushy pavement (just not a smooth sole)

- Not necessary, but I do dig a cap toe

Here are some styles I really like (in this order):

1. Thursday Boot Company "Captain" Boots (doesn't appear to have any tread, really, but I love the style)
   
2. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots (out of budget, but fantastic style and no tread at all)
   
3. Florsheim Estabrook Cap Toe (nice style and tread but very skeptical of brand quality)
   
4. Chippewa Engineer Boots (still like the style, not sure about the tread)
   
   My questions for you guys:
   
   
5. Do you have experience or knowledge of any of the above examples or their brands? Is there anything to watch out for that I may not have noted?
   
6. Do you know any (cheaper) alternatives I may not have considered?

They're not on the website but lots of stores still have them, I ended up buying the display model.

If not, these Mr. B Aldo Blakes look pretty good and the price fluctuates under $100 sometimes.

Urban Outfitters makes these

Florsheim makes the Gaffney

Sebago makes the Hamilton which is waterproof for a bit more if you live in a wetter area.

I do suggest giving all your local JCPs a look though, with a sale and the display discount I got mine under $40 and they're the best pair of shoes I've ever bought under $100.

Thinking about these Beckmans as my first pair of good boots. Is that price ($286) about as good a deal as I can find, or should I be able to find something lower? Also, any concerns ordering from Amazon? Lastly, if I like the general look of the Beckman, are there other boots I should consider? I'd be willing to entertain the thought of spending up to $350 or $400, but that's pushing it for a first pair, maybe. I'm not buying them for work, per se, in that I don't work outside and I'm not on my feet all day. Basically, I like the look of them, and I want a pair of boots that will last a good long time. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

You're probably going to want a boot - they seem like to have the greatest utility in your situation. While dress boots are available, you'll probably want something a step down - most likely with a lug sole. Some options that are oft recommended would be:

• Red Wing Gentleman Traveler (Beckman) in Black, Black Cherry or Cigar at $240-$320 USD
  
• Red Wing Iron Ranger at ~$220 USD
  
• Wolverine 1000 Mile at $325
  
• Eastland High Fidelity at $110 USD
  
• Chippewa 6" at $150 USD
  
  There are other options as well of course. As for getting them dirty then getting them clean, take some preventive steps like applying a waterproofer/protector like Obenauf's LP or Sno-Seal. These products also give some protection from light scuffing and help condition the leather. Avoid silicone based products, they seal the leather and don't let the shoe breathe. As well, when you take them off for the day, wipe off any dust or debris - if they really get grimy, wash them up with some saddle soap. Lastly, check up on your boot's warranty and what not, many companies will oil them for free, provide new laces if they break and so forth.
  
  

Haha still super close but these have silver eyelets instead of the black that the wolverines have... which really isn't that big of a deal for me but I'm trying to find something under $200... and I really like this specific style.

These are some others that I've found to be pretty close and they're only 170: http://www.amazon.com/Florsheim-Mens-Indie-Cap-Boot/dp/B00BSQQ12G

I also like how the toe here isn't so bulbous

Blucher mocs, wingtips, boots (option 2), chukkas (option 2), penny loafers, and bucks (option 2 & option 3) are all some great options.

If you can, try to introduce him to slimmer pants in a darker wash -- perhaps some 511's or 513's in 'rigid dragon' or 'bastion' respectively? Combined with some new shoes, he'll look great. :)

Dr Martens are a very specific kind of boot with a very unique look. Due to both look and cultural association, they're best left to punks, skins and the like. Skinheads wearing docs is definitely cool. Wearing a pair for the sole and trying to pass it off as a regular boot is not. I had a 5'4" teacher do it in high school. Nobody cared about his height, everyone cared about his shoes.

If you want a proper combat boot, check out these Corcoran Jump Boots instead. If you're not really after the combat boot look, go for a pair of Wolverine 1000 Miles, Red Wing Iron Rangers, Red Wing Beckman or the equivalent Chippewa boot.

Red Wing Iron Rangers (Amber Harness) on Amazon, $240.10 shipped -- by far the best deal for your price range. I ordered the same pair two weeks ago and they are flawless.

If you're looking for something a little less clunky (but perhaps slightly lower quality, depending on the application) check out Wolverine 1000 Mile boots in rust. Here's an Amazon link -- looks like $254 shipped. Again, a great deal, but I can't vouch for these ones.

In either case, go a full size down from your Brannock measurement, provided you take a standard width. If you have narrow feet like I do, you'll want to go 1.5 sizes down.

Looking for feedback to compare the LL Bean katahdin plain toe with the Red Wing Beckmon.

I have a pair of Iron rangers and a pair of the LL Bean katahdin cap toe boots so I'm familiar with each. Basically what I'm looking for is a both that can take some snow, slush, rain and still be dressed up enough to wear in a more business casual environment.

I actually prefer the fit of the katahdins to the red wings but am concerned that they will be too casual for my needs.

Other boot recommendations are also welcome.

Thanks.

I finally found some boots that were almost exactly what I was looking for. Thing is I couldn't find them in my size (7.5). Does anyone know of any good alternatives with a similar style and price point? Any help is appreciated, thanks

I received a $250 gift card to amazon for a pair of boots this christmas, so ignore prices mostly when I ask the following question:
I want a boot that looks good and is versatile, will age nicely, and is very durable. Which should I get, and for what reason.

Chippewa Service Boot in cordovan

Red Wing Beckman in black cherry or cigar

Red Wing Iron Ranger in amber harness

or, Wolverine 1000 Mile in cordovan

Does it snow/rain a lot in your area or is it just cold?

MFA has its own boot guide, look here

Popular boots on MFA are: RW IR, RW Beckman, My current winter boot is the RW 875, Thorogood Moc, Thorogood Plain, Chippewa GQ, Bean Boots.

All of these boots can be found in your price range through sales and coupon codes. All would be good for light snow except for the first and the Chippewa GQ. Bean boots are the best for heavy snow.

No problem, these are good questions. The mini-lug sole on the Red Wing Beckman boot is good for getting traction in wet, muddy/nasty conditions. It's rubber so it's okay to get wet without worrying about care after the fact. You can see it better in these pictures. Think of it like a lower-profile hiking boot sole.

The Wolverine 1000 Mile boots have a smooth leather sole. That type of sole is lower-profile and can be dressed up a bit more, whereas the Beckmans are marginally more casual. Leather soles don't do well in wet weather, and they don't offer a lot of traction. Some people have a rubber half-sole put on the front of the Wolverines to protect the leather; it should run around $30 at a cobbler. Alternatively, you can wear the leather soles until they wear through and have them resoled with rubber soles like on the Red Wings, or another rubber sole of your choice.

The white Vibram wedge rubber soles that come on some Red Wings is a great-looking option and very distinctive. It has traction that's better than the Wolverine but not as good as the Beckman. It also can get dirty really quickly, so if keeping the boots looking sharp is important, you might want to stay away from those light colored soles.

I live in Southern California, so I wear the Wolverine 1000 Mile boots often. It's dry here and so the leather sole is fine. I plan to have them replaced with Dainite soles when they need to be resoled.

Anyway, let me know if you have further questions. You can't go wrong with any of those three; it's just a matter of climate and aesthetics.

Remember not to wear your boots two days in a row, and always put shoe trees in them after you wear them. This will let them dry out from foot sweat and will GREATLY extend the life of your boots.

I'm looking for a nice pair of boots for winter/fall. I've had my eye on the Red Wing Beckman in either cigar or I'm leaning towards black cherry featherstone. Any opinions on one color or the other? The other thing I'm wondering about is how well these boots would hold up in ice and slush (and snow, of course). I don't need something super warm but I want something with a bit of traction so I'm not slipping on ice like I imagine you would with Iron Rangers. I would really appreciate it if anyone could chime in.

Yeah, these are some boots that are popular on MFA, I don't have any of them because I don't live in America but I love the aesthetic.

http://www.amazon.com/Chippewa-1901M25-Mens-Service-Cordovan/dp/B00J04NP8G

http://www.amazon.com/Wolverine-Mens-1000-Mile-Rust/dp/B005PPMX5A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416072624&sr=8-1&keywords=wolverine+1000+mile&pebp=1416072626712

http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Heritage-Beckman-Round/dp/B0039814UK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416072656&sr=8-1&keywords=red+wing+beckman

Something like the Chevalier Cap-Toe could be up your alley, though the ordering process is a bit annoying. L.L.Bean's Katahdin is another, more rugged option.

Some people here like Timberland Earthkeepers, but I think they're pretty tacky too.

More into the mid-range, you have offerings like the Red Wing Beckman and AE Dalton.

I'm personally in the market for the same kinds of boots. It depends on what kind of "versatile" you want. If it's chinos-->trousers-->suit, sure. But if you end up wearing jeans fairly often, I might go a little more casual. Not only will those look a bit out-of-place, but they'll require more upkeep, and you'll probably spend more time worrying about spilling things on them than you would with a more casual option.

It also depends on what sort of weather. I wouldn't wear these on a regular basis in the snow/rain. They're rubber soles, which means they would have good traction...but I would be constantly guarding/restoring them cosmetically, as a result of the elements.

Here are some more casual options I'm currently evaluating.
Chippewa for J. Crew

Rancourt Chukka

Wolverine 1K

Redwing Blacksmith

Redwing for J. Crew Beckman

Florsheim indie cap toe

Thats a really pretty glamour shot. You can buy them here.

If only it were that easy. :) For background, we have 7279 certified customer reviews of the Captain HERE and another 657 of the Captain on Amazon HERE. You'll note that the vast majority of our customers leave us 5 stars and are very happy with their product. You don't need to personally agree with them, but those are real reviews from actual customers.

You can check out the Eastland High Fidelity Boot in Tan if you're looking for a good looking boot on a budget. Sign up for the amazon.com shoe newsletter and they'll send you a 20% off coupon, making these boots about $85 in the US. Sorry I don't know for sure if they're available in the UK.

I have these and like them alot. The amazon stock picks don't do them justice, the leather is much nicer looking than the pics would suggest.

Will this color of the beckmans ever return? http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Mens-Beckman-Round/dp/B0032UYPI8
I found the color absolutely gorgeous but it seems like it's been discontinued for some reason. Why was this pulled out of the market?

Newbie here, I've been in the process of re-inventing my wardrobe and one thing I'm severely lacking is shoe variety. What I have now are some Grey Vans Authentics, some Clark's Beeswax DBs (awaiting arrival), and some black Allen Edmond's Park Avenues.
What I'm looking to get next:

1. FRYE Arkansas in Redwood, 2. [Red Wing Heritage in Cigar] (http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Heritage-6-Inch-Beckman/dp/B0039814TQ), or 3. [Iron Ranger in Amber Harness] (http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Heritage-Iron-Ranger/dp/B007XOPTHA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375559648&sr=8-1&keywords=red+wing+iron+ranger)
   
   Personally, I'm leaning towards the Arkansas, but I want to be certain. Do I need them? Should I get a darker color, because I'll have Clark's as well? Which boot/color are most versatile?
   
   (Pants selection includes: indigo, dark blue, black and black washed denim, and tan, khaki, grey and navy chinos.)

Should be identical - I just looked and saw a pair in my size (Cherry Beckmans) for $249.

Red Wing Heritage Men's 6-Inch Beckman Round Toe Boot, Black Cherry Featherstone,11 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018E0QLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vkDIAbB7WJGE6

Says “sold and shipped by Amazon.com” - so return policies are all Amazon if it doesn’t work out. Looks like a good deal.

On the flip side, it also says “$249 - $100,000” for the price. (Ric Flair: “These shoes cost more than your house.”)

are the 1000 miles great? i haven't heard as much about those as i have about the iron rangers....

http://www.amazon.com/Wolverine-Mens-1000-Mile-Brown/dp/B002KZ2PFG/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1450101411&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=wolverine+1000+mile These are the ones i want.

My brother wears the boots I linked. They are pretty much barefoot style though. They are like wearing the Vibram 5 finger shoes.

https://www.amazon.com/Vivobarefoot-Scott-Casual-Thermal-Winter/dp/B06XC94DP5?crid=EIWSZU58RQRY&keywords=vivobarefoot%2Bscott%2Bmens&qid=1536777035&sprefix=vivobarefoot%2Bscott&sr=8-1-fkmrnull&ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1&th=1&psc=1

Looking for advice on cheaper but durable cap toe boots similar to Iron rangers, preferably sub-$200. It will be my first pair of nice fall boots, and would like a lug outsole for the northeast weather. Looking around I've found pairs by Florsheim and Thursday that seem decent, but I have no previous experience with either brand

look on amazon, sometimes theyll drop to 240ish plus the amazon email sign up 20% off get them at 260 right now,

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Wolverine-1000-Original-Boots/dp/B005DBA6F0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381441968&sr=8-1&keywords=wolverine+1000+mile

edit:price varies by size, 11.5 in black are listed at 244 and the seller FS fashion seem to be the best deal

Try the eastland high fidelity boots, I bought a pair a couple weeks back for around $100 and I love the way they look.

Here are a couple pictures of my pair.

boots

top down shot

Alternatively, if you're looking for a moc toe boot, you can try golden fox boots

FWIW I picked up these on a nordstrom sale
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Heritage-Beckman-Featherstone/dp/B0018E0QLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1381693897&sr=1-1&keywords=red+wing+beckman

they're awesome so far

Any updates on this since the Kickstarter campaign is ending tomorrow? Been lurking on this sub a bit and these looked like the perfect entry level boot. After checking back in today that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

I've also been eying some of the Red Wing Heritage boots. Definitely more expensive but I keep reading about people getting them on sale or seconds in the 260 range.

you might be right...
since you have the beckmans in cigar featherstone you can help me out, the cigar featherstone is suposed to be [this one](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Wing-Beckman-09016-Leather/dp/B005PEOUXY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410037186&sr=8-1&keywords=BECKMAN+ROUND+STYLE+NO.+9016] or this one ?

I use the Vivobarefoot Scott .

I have not found the unaggressive tread to be a problem. I hunt mostly in the Mojave, covering some pretty good mileage. Haven't fallen or had any problems. They seem to be water proof, and are cholla cactus proof as well.

Red Wing Beckman
and Wolverine 1000 mile
are two of the popular choices, any reason you aren't considering them?

Hoping to pick up these Red Wing Beckmans in the Nordstrom sale.

Was going to recommend the Eastland High Fidelity boots, but /u/djwoll beat me to it. Here's a link to them on Amazon. I think they fall under the 25% off $100 dollar boots promotion that they have going on too. The promo code for that is BOOTSFAM.

I just came across these listings for some Redwing, and Wolverine 1k's that I'm interested in, even if they aren't the cap-toes.

Edit and these Iron Ranger Heritage

Not as versatile as all of the boots recommended here (i.e. intended for any weather), but the lowest I would go on boots is Eastland High Fidelity. I've heard pretty decent things about them and they can be had for about 100-110.

After a quick googling, Amazon looks to be your ticket. $290 is cheaper than the other options that I saw (Nordstrom and Zappos). They may be had cheaper elsewhere, but at least it won't be a struggle to find them.

Wolverine 1000 mile boots. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002KZ2PFG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468289507&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=wolverine+1000+mile+boots&dpPl=1&dpID=41Du5owJS0L&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.com/Eastland-Mens-High-Fidelity-Lace-Up/dp/B003CIPSQS

I have them in tan.

Maybe the Eastland High Fidelity instead?

Florsheim Indie Cap Toe Boots

Iron Rangers or Beckmans

These Florsheim boots?

http://www.amazon.com/Eastland-Mens-High-Fidelity-Lace-Up/dp/B003CIPSQS

I grabbed those last week and I'm really digging them so far. With the 20% off for the newsletter, they come down to $80.

https://www.amazon.com/Thursday-Boot-Company-Captain-6inches/dp/B00SCAOW1S/ref=mp_s_a_1_6

The Thursday Boot Company has some decent reviews over on r/goodyearwelt. Some QC issues though so be wary.

A higher priced option is always Red Wing iron rangers.

Then you have two choices here.

1. Amazon has them for 305.95 and with the 20% off shoe newsletter code, it brings it down to 244.76 + tax & shipping.
   
   
2. Refer to the_good_dr's comment.

Maybe not what you want to blow that full amount on but I'd be very tempted to use that money towards these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KZ2PFG/ref=twister_B005XMQFLS?th=1&psc=1

Hey everone, I'm heading to university this fall and in desperate need of fall/winter footwear. What I have in mind are the Beckman and Iron Rangers. The question I have is that: will these boots survive the harsh winter of Canada? I've gotten mixed responses, some saying that the boots will survive, all I need to do is use some kind of oil on it, and some are telling me to play it safe and just get L.L bean boots. I'm completely clueless when it comes to boots, can anyone share some insight?

P.S I will be living in Ontario, Canada.

I used mine on these Red Wing Beckmans, they're finally getting broken in.

I need to buy some boots for the first time. I was thinking of these Red Wing Beckmans, but they're kind of expensive for a college student. Is there something similar for a lower price point ($100-$200?)

At the very least, will these go on sale sometime soon?