Favorite Boots Coming Apart

[Snobdds]

I heard back immediately from Dave Page (always a good sign). He will do a complete "re-bottom" and re-sole for $125. Since the uppers are in good shape and a new pair of comparable boots would be well over $350 I am going to give it a shot.

That is a good price...let us know how it goes and definitely post some before and after pictures so we can see the quality.

 

[gsganzer]

I've had good luck with Lowa and Zamberlan. Both are pricey, but well worth it.

 

[dragoneggs]

There is a video about how he got started on their web page. Worth a look. Just search "Dave Page Cobbler". Their personal take on people's favorite boots is interesting and accurate. I've had plenty of junk boots but the good ones I'll never forget. Okay, I'll never forget some of the bad ones either.

Yes, he is well known around these parts! Lot's of hikers/climbers get referred to him by places like REI Co-op. Don't know if you know REI but they are legendary outdoors equipment store that originated in Seattle back in the 1930s. I buy my boots and shoes there... great quality and service.

 

[N80]

There is an REI store not too far from me. Have heard great things about their service and products. Have never shopped there since my needs are more for a hunting boot than a hiking or snow boot.....but in reality there is probably a lot of crossover in terms of features and design.

 

[jyoutz]

Nevermind. I just removed the rubber soles that were peeling away and the rubber bed underneath is crumbling away. These cannot be repaired.

Sad. And I doubt I'll buy another pair of Meindls. $325 and only last 5 years of fairly infrequent use is unacceptable. My previous Brownings lasted nearly 10 years of harder use. I'm hunting in that pair now. They're not waterproof anymore and they are not as supportive but still warm and usable.

These were "Cabelas by Meindl" and some say the Cabelas ones were not made as well as "actual" Meindls but on the tag inside the tongue mine say "Meindl made in Germany". So if Meindl made a lesser product for the US market through Cabelas I see that as a prime way to ruin your reputation.

The best boots made are whites handmade boots. They are 100% rebuildable. They are also made to order for your foot. I’m a forester and wear them in rough conditions frequently. One pair of whites lasts me 20 years and I get them resoled twice during that time.

Whites Boots Shop

Whites Boots Shop

whitesboots.com

 

[hslogger]

Nicks' boots USA
White's Boots USA
Viberg Canada
Drew's boots USA
Anything else is a throway these days.

 

[N80]

My son in law is a surveyor. He wears Meindls every day and has for years. He swears by them and most of his crew and his brother’s crew wear them as well. The ones they wear are nearly $400 but they are uninsulated. The company pays for theirs. I need at least 400g Thinsulate or equivalent for winter boots. It doesn’t get that cold down here but if it’s below freezing and I’m sitting still deer hunting my feet get cold with anything less.

 

[jyoutz]

Nicks' boots USA
White's Boots USA
Viberg Canada
Drew's boots USA
Anything else is a throway these days.

You forgot wescos

 

[32 chev]

Whites boots

 

[hslogger]

You forgot wescos

You are right.... I just never could get a good fit with their off the rack boots. The other guys measure and build to order. Totally custom if you want them.

 

[jyoutz]

You are right.... I just never could get a good fit with their off the rack boots. The other guys measure and build to order. Totally custom if you want them.

I have always bought Whites during my entire 40 year forestry career. They have my foot measurements and just make my boots to fit perfectly. The boots are the best fitting and longest lasting boots I have ever had. If you oil them regularly, you can get 20 years from them with a couple of re-soling. When you look at it long term, $500 for these boots is a bargain. Especially since the fit cannot be beat.

 

[PILOON]

Don't laugh.

I've repaired a couple of boots using urethane construction caulking.
(actually Flextra brand) and they stayed well glued.
Flextra is about the same as windshield adhesive, only cheaper and comes in long caulking gun tubes.

In the past I had glue patched some holes in a metal roof that way and later tried to remove that patch.
Only pulling with vice grips and slicing with a sharp blade did the trick.

 

[hslogger]

I have always bought Whites during my entire 40 year forestry career. They have my foot measurements and just make my boots to fit perfectly. The boots are the best fitting and longest lasting boots I have ever had. If you oil them regularly, you can get 20 years from them with a couple of re-soling. When you look at it long term, $500 for these boots is a bargain. Especially since the fit cannot be beat.

For decades I had a guy in Portland Oregon make my boots, John Newberry. He learned at Whites, then struck out on his own. I think he made me five pair of work boots, I still have a pair of dress boots, all lace ups. He died and so I went to get a pair of Whites. They made me two pair that came back WRONG, I couldn't believe it. The agent I was dealing with in Eugene Oregon, was dismayed and sent my measurements to Nick. He made me two pair, nothing short of outstanding. These will go with me to my grave.

If you are gonna lay out that kind of dough for boots, measured for YOU is the way to go. Toes fit, ankles fit, each foot and leg is slightly different. Their's no substitution for quality. Like Filson says,"you might as well have the best"

 

[jyoutz]

For decades I had a guy in Portland Oregon make my boots, John Newberry. He learned at Whites, then struck out on his own. I think he made me five pair of work boots, I still have a pair of dress boots, all lace ups. He died and so I went to get a pair of Whites. They made me two pair that came back WRONG, I couldn't believe it. The agent I was dealing with in Eugene Oregon, was dismayed and sent my measurements to Nick. He made me two pair, nothing short of outstanding. These will go with me to my grave.

If you are gonna lay out that kind of dough for boots, measured for YOU is the way to go. Toes fit, ankles fit, each foot and leg is slightly different. Their's no substitution for quality. Like Filson says,"you might as well have the best"

Whites will always make things right. They have never failed me. You should have called them to speak with repairs. They are good about remaking or modifying boots until they are perfect. And for no additional charge. But I agree that Nick’s also make good boots. Lots of people like them.

 

[hslogger]

Whites will always make things right. They have never failed me. You should have called them to speak with repairs. They are good about remaking or modifying boots until they are perfect. And for no additional charge. But I agree that Nick’s also make good boots. Lots of people like them.

I would have enjoyed them making it right, but after having them send me one pair, sending them back, sending me another pair, sending them back, I got frustrated enough, politely said, to forget them. Some one in their mfg chain royally screwed up, First pair I waited two months for, second pair, another seven weeks. Nicks got me the first pair in six weeks and I liked them so much I ordered another pair two years later.. I know the White's reputation, but enough was enough.

 

[jyoutz]

I would have enjoyed them making it right, but after having them send me one pair, sending them back, sending me another pair, sending them back, I got frustrated enough, politely said, to forget them. Some one in their mfg chain royally screwed up, First pair I waited two months for, second pair, another seven weeks. Nicks got me the first pair in six weeks and I liked them so much I ordered another pair two years later.. I know the White's reputation, but enough was enough.

That’s too bad. My experience has always been quick and extraordinary. If you deal with them again, talk with Mike in repairs.

 

[N80]

That is a good price...let us know how it goes and definitely post some before and after pictures so we can see the quality.

Got the boots back. Very pleased. Here are the before pictures:

As you can see the area under the rubber sole is totally shot and falling apart. This was a common issue for the Cabela's version of these expensive Meindl boots.

Here are the after photos:

Vibram soles, which I prefer.

The cost was $145 from Dave Page Cobbler. That included a an $8 option for waxing them (a bottle of the wax came with the boots too) and $13 shipping back to me. It cost me around $20 to ship to them which is what pushes the cost very close to being too much. $165 to refurb a $325 pair of boots is a questionable decision.

Several things make the decision worth it to me. First, these boots are the most comfortable footwear I have ever owned. They are still warm and still waterproof. Second, the lacing system is perfect. The best I've ever seen. Easy on, easy off, easy to get just right. Third, I like doing business with people like Dave Page. He contacted me personally when I emailed him and he sent updates regarding the order status. His is a small business, based in the US, great attitude, helpful and attentive and seems to do good work.

Of course, the proof will be in the pudding. If the repair lasts I will consider this a good if not great investment. If they don't last, well, live and learn.

 

[5030]

Never had an issue with my Meindl's but then I only wear them when hunting and change the foot beds yearly too. Excellent boots, good side support too. Just as good as Kennetrecs and less expensive to boot (pun intended).

 

[N80]

Never had an issue with my Meindl's but then I only wear them when hunting and change the foot beds yearly too. Excellent boots, good side support too. Just as good as Kennetrecs and less expensive to boot (pun intended).

I've heard that it was only the ones branded by Cabelas that had this issue. I imagine Cabelas contracted for a lower spec but I can't prove that. Meindl no longer makes boots for Cabelas. I think doing so damaged their reputation a little. Other than the issue I had, these Meindls are still the best boots I've ever owned.

 

[bmg88201]

Buy a pair of Red Wings and be done with it. They wear like iron but a little pricey. Plus it’s getting harder and harder to find a cobbler and more, it’s a lost trade.