Traditional Bootmaking Video from Wranglerstar

C

Chignecto Woodsman

Joined
Aug 2, 2014
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I know some don't like Wranglerstar much, and this isn't specifically axe related. But these are traditional logging boots and very skilled work, similar to what woodworking and blacksmithing require. I thought it was a great video and thought I'd share it.

[video=youtube;yozIoVtjN_w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yozIoVtjN_w[/video]

Just bit the bullet myself and got some Viberg's. They're construction boots but will still be good in the woods. Never seen quality like them.

Haven't been posting much because I'm working long hours lately, but I still check in when I can. Hope you're all letting the chips fall...
 
I have never worn Nicks but from what I have been told they make the best wild land firefighting boots out there. I personally wear a pair of Wescos 6 days a week 12-15 hours a day (climbing utility poles and ladders) and you couldn't pay me enough to wear anything else.
 
Wranglerstar has been through Wesco, Whites, Adams, and Nicks boots and I think he's sticking with the Nicks... His explanation for why seems reasonable to me.
 
Raptüre;15905525 said:
Wranglerstar has been through Wesco, Whites, Adams, and Nicks boots and I think he's sticking with the Nicks... His explanation for why seems reasonable to me.
Click to expand...

If he climbed poles all day I highly doubt he would go with a leather shanked boot. However for his uses I can completely understand going with the Nicks.
 
PatrickKnight said:
If he climbed poles all day I highly doubt he would go with a leather shanked boot. However for his uses I can completely understand going with the Nicks.
Click to expand...

Worth looking into Viberg. Not as well known in the States as they're a Canadian company, but over on arboristsite they are generally regarded as the longest lasting of all the boots. Their caulks use water buffalo and all nailed boots use brass to help prevent rot.

Don't know how many pairs wranglerstar has, but if you're wearing them every day it's a good idea to have a few pairs to rotate out. Wearing the same pair every day means they never get fully dried. Don't know what he really does so maybe it's over the top. But he is right about the amount of time people spend in boots and spending the money to take care of your feet.

Especially true if you have irregular feet or just can't find comfortable boots, I will definitely be buying at least a second pair of Vibergs since they properly fit my feet. There's really no comparison with the junk that's made today.
 
I'm really glad Viberg are still around because ordering Wescos etc. from the states would probably be terrible with exchange, customs, etc.

Good to hear your boots serve you so well.
 
Cool video!

Anybody have a recommendation for a decent woods boot but with the ironworker type wedge sole? I was thinking Red Wings but my last pair (iron rangers) was a bit disappointing.
 
Viberg has an ironworker boot:
http://workboot.com/collections/csa-boots/products/147-xi-csa-ironworker-red-dog-leather

They also do custom work so you could probably get some sort of flat sole or lowered heel on logger boots.

Another person here recommended Filson boots, although I don't know if that's a wedge sole. Don't really know all the terms.

Nick's, Wesco, and White's also have lots of options. All depends on what your needs are.
 
I can highly recommend Hawthorn ( made by White's Boots) Northwest model. It is avilable with a 8 or 10" top and a wedge crepe sole. It can be resoled and rebuilt. I have worn them for 30+ years on construction sites. If you have wide feet like I do- F width- they will make them to fit you.
 
I have had WESCO boots (calk boot) and like them very much. But for the last 40 years my work life consisted of three pair of Whites- the Somkejumper for walk in, the Cowboy lace up Packer with leather sole for 33 mile ride in pulling a string of nine pack mules, and the Hawthorn Northwest once I got to the job site.
 
Why do you like those boots and what is the terrain you are on (I see you are saying construction but also that you are going way back in the woods)? My understanding is that these boots have a soft sole, is that why you like them and is it ok in the wet?
 
Terrain is varied. Sometimes the job site was 33 miles into the wilderness in a river bottom, other times it was a fire lookout at 10,000 + foot on a mountain top. Boots with heels like the Smokejumper and the cowboy packer got me to the job site. Construction (structures) sites are best to have boots with no heel to catch and trip you when you work, especially high and heavy work. The Northwest has a soft wedge sole (vibram makes it), there is no difference in the wet than any other quality leather boot.
 
I see what you mean. I was thinking more in terms of that sole on wet ground as they are a different pattern from a lug sole and heel. I'm working construction but wanted a boot I could use in the woods too. I thought about the ironworker boots because they may be easier on the feet. And I get what you mean about catching.

Thanks.
 
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