****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Just got these boots, and so far they look like they're going to be okay.I didn't buy these for fashion- I got them for work- that's why I don't care that they weren't "perfect" out of the box. The leather uppers were rather scuffed up in quite a few spots, and they were packaged in such a way that one of the lace flaps was bent back the wrong way and almost creased- meh. There was a chunk of leather gouged out of the spot where the sole meets the upper too. If these weren't work boots I'd have sent them back, but no worries.Normally I'm a devoted Red Wing wearer- but because of an Amazon sale, these are coming in at half the cost of a new set of 3507s...how they hold up over time though, we'll see.These are the 20091 model btw- this was not listed anywhere in the description, and they ARE electrical hazard rated, another little thing omitted from the description.They seem to fit okay- we'll see how long it takes to break them in.More to come...UPDATE- These boots required hardly any break in period! They were very comfortable on the first wearing. I kept them tied a little loose, and wore them on what I knew would be a light day at the job site- and I brought my trusty Red Wings along just in case. I kept them on the whole work day, and was in no hurry to take them off when I got home. I gave them a day off, and wore them the following day. They performed brilliantly! I wore them the whole day, no discomfort at all! After the third day of wear, I will call these boots perfectly broken in! I plan to Sno-Seal them this weekend, and I'll get back to this review later to comment on how they hold up under severe conditions at the job site. I initially have given these boots four stars- if they perform well on the job, they may move up to five! =)Another UPDATE- I treated these boots with Obenaufs and finally got to test them in the snow! Some people complain about boots with steel toes and or shanks in cold weather, these are not "insulated" boots, but a regular pair of socks was all I had on and I experienced no discomfort in the snow, ice, and temperatures hovering in the teens and single digits. The tread is really good in the snow, but it also holds a lot of snow! You really have to kick the door frame before coming into the house or you'll make a MESS! I'm still very impressed with these boots- but I am waiting to see how they hold up over time...so far, so good!New UPDATE- Six months of use and these boots are still holding up well. That said, they are HEAVY- for long days with lots of walking, I will choose a slightly lighter boot, but for heavy duty applications, these are the ticket.I ordered these to replace some older work boots that were getting kind of smelly and beat up from chainsaw work. Many of the heavy duty work boots (including those by Chippewa) are insulated, which I think is part of the problem of boots getting smelly. We live in the southern Rockies and it just doesn't get that cold here. Plus these are mostly for work on the ranch and logging in the forest during the spring/summer/fall months. So I chose these for being non-insulated, which feels like a good decision. The boots are not overly warm for the work I'm doing. These boots fit well and my guess is that if you don't have abused feet, you'll find them even more comfortable. In the winter months, I've been a pro skier for 45 years and my feet have gotten kind of beat up from lots of hours, days, weeks, months and years of being in stiff, unforgiving, restrictive ski boots. So I'm a wuss at this point in my life for breaking in new boots. These have done well in that regard, and like I say...if your feet haven't been similarly abused, you'll probably do even better. Still, the stiffness of the sole still requires some walking break-in. But they are working quite well. The boots appear to be exceptionally well-made--time will ultimately tell. But seems to be excellent quality leather, strong, robust stitching, rugged Vibram sole, etc. Glad to be able to buy an American product, though there are those who say the imported ones are good, too. Probably true, but I like to support American workers whenever possible.These are advertised as steel toed boots. They are NOT!!! They have zero protection at all. They are just regular work boots. I do not recommend buying these boots at all. Total waste of money.I have finally broken in this pair of boots. I don't wear them daily, but rather cycle them in and out with a few other work boots or shoes depending on what the day brings. I found the fit to be quite good. I wear a 9 in Carolina's and Georgia boots. I purchased a 10 in Chippewa. The leather of this boot is excellent. It far exceeds the Carolina's I purchased recently for about $80 less. Broken in the boot is exceptionally supple and comfortable. I would purchase them again, although hopefully wont' have too. It is nice to buy American and quality in this too oft throw away world of imports.9 out of ten serviceThe quality of the boot was very good, Not to stiff on the first wearing and I will be getting inserts for a softer insole, the laces broke the first day from a sharp spot on the eyelet, but nothing a rat tail file didn't fix, They feel like a quality boot when they are on and I am happy with my purchase, Getting used to the heel being higher but still like them. I will recommend them to a friend.I have worn out over 10 pairs of Chippewa "packer" style boots over the years w/ most feeling pretty good from day one. These have got to be the most uncomfortable boots I've ever worn. Tried to wear them for a few days working & they nearly crippled me. The boots are very stiff. The cuff at the top is too thick & bulky. It cut into the lower part of my calf muscle making it nearly impossible to walk after 3 day of wearing them. Have never had that problem. I tried loosening the laces, and about every way possible but could not make these boots at all comfortable.. I'll look forward to finding another model of Chippewa boots, as they are still my favorite. Was hoping that the rounded toe boot would be better for my feet now that I'm getting older. Not these.. Thanks Amazon, for always being so willing to allow returns such as this & allowing my review..Chippewa are great boots. However it looks as though I was sent a previously returned pair as all tags had been cut off and was missing the American flag emblem that are shown in picture. not to happy about that but will be keeping them as I need them for work and the rest of the boot seems fine.
