Saturday, January 10, 2009

These boots are made for... gentlemen

In addition to upgrading my style and behavior, I'd like all of my purchases going forward to be about value and permanence. I'm trying to buy top quality, Western made products. One thing I was in dire need of was boots. The eight year old, dog chewed, worn tread, Target brand boots were not cutting it. So I did some research and settled on Red Wings. They're made in Michigan and they're very high quality. You can't buy them online and only select retailers carry them.



Luckily, there's an actual Red Wing store not far from my house. It's nestled in a shopping center I'd been going to since I was a little kid, but I never noticed it. Or if I had, I never got curious enough to check it out. The place is something of an oddity. A little A-frame with a hunting cabin motif and three employees for every customer. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. And as I sat in a cushy leather chair waiting to get sized, I realized I would never buy shoes anywhere else for the rest of my life.

I chose the Classic Lifestyle IIs in copper. They had to be ordered to the store. I asked for gift cards for Christmas and they helped limit the $220 damage. But I figure it will be well worth it twenty-five years from now when I'm shoveling snow because all my kids are out of the house.

2 comments:

  1. I have those babies and I wear them every time I ride my Triumph. I love 'em. They age beautifully. I know Red Wings are getting a bit trendy, I've heard they are even selling them at Urban Outfitters now. But no matter, a classic is a classic regardless of the whims of fashion.

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  2. They're just about broken in. Unfortunately, I wore them sledding and a mishap caused me to jack up the toes a little. Now I feel like I have to work extra hard to beat them up more evenly.

    BTW I've been lusting after a Triumph since I got into riding a bicycle to work. Good on ya! At least I know that I have a good boot for riding one.

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