I just got my new work boots two days ago and I can't stop wearing them. Mostly because the leather is stiff and I'm trying to break them in, but also because they're gorgeous and the insole is more comfortable than my Chuck 70's. It's only been two days so I can't very well say how they'll hold up, but being that I'm a Dispatch Officer, I don't foresee them getting too beat up over the next couple of months. I do plan on wearing them casually as well. When I'm working on my car or building random things these will be on my feet.
I did a lot of research on what my next pair of heritage-style boots would be and without a doubt, they had to be American Made. Right off the bat, I thought of Origin Maine and they're bison boots. The bison boots don't come in black and I needed my boots to be black. I saw further down the site they had a new model, the Lincoln - 1865. A boot with a toecap that's similar to the Redwing Iron Ranger.
The style is like no other boot. The sharp edges and round curves give these boots a look unlike any other in the market.
I may black out the soles, but it's not necessary. Speaking of soles these are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. That's saying a lot, I own a few pairs of comfortable shoes. I also have a pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile boots which have become like a glove for my feet over the last two years. I'm here to tell you these confused me with their comfort. I didn't realize a heritage boot could feel like a sneaker. The insole that they use has a bouncy return that makes them feel a lot like a pair of Converse Chuck 70s. I immediately felt happy with the bottom of my feet. The soles are Vibram big lug soles. You can pick the sole you want, I chose the big lug, but they also offer a mini-lug and Christy sole.
The top of my feet was another story. The boot leather is thick and stiff. Many other reviewers on their site stated it took about two weeks before the leather gave way and became more pliable like canvas. For the last two days they've been rubbing up against the stitching of the toecap and boy do they hurt. I definitely need the leather to loosen up a bit, but I'm sure once they break in I won't have this problem anymore.
I used the sizing guide and I still managed to stupidly click the wrong button, which they quickly corrected and sent my boots to me much faster than I thought I would receive them. All and all I got them in about 7 days. It cost me $306 US dollars for a quality American Made product. I'm currently very happy with my purchase and I can't wait to come back with updates on how the boots are performing.
Here is an updated review I give while cleaning my boots.