Calling all LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots owners

[dmash]

I'm 8.5 Nike (true size), 8 in Purcells, 7.5 Chucks and wore an 8 in the Katahdin with an insole. They run a little bit bigger than half a size large imo.

 

[Threak]

Mine were only stiff when I was trying them on and the first time I wore them. They only bothered me around the top set of hooks, so now when lacing them I skip from the bottom set of hooks to a loose wrap around to top set, then down to the middle set for the knot. Having the knot lower on mine made them much more comfortable. Or you can just skip the top set of hooks altogether.

 

[blynch]

Somebody be a guinea pig and order from here http://www.bootsusa.com/Chippewa%20B...er_styles_.htm $70+shipping for the Katahdins, probably seconds. So cheap I'm tempted to get for rain/snow, wonder if they are the current model or if they are the older model without the vibram soles.

 

[Listi]

I love these boots, mine broke in really quickly. Wore them almost every day last winter and they look great. Will be breaking them in even more over this winter

 

[MrDrizzle]

Originally Posted by blynch

Somebody be a guinea pig and order from here http://www.bootsusa.com/Chippewa%20B...er_styles_.htm $70+shipping for the Katahdins, probably seconds. So cheap I'm tempted to get for rain/snow, wonder if they are the current model or if they are the older model without the vibram soles.
Took at look at their Return Policy, where they say:

Originally Posted by BootsUSA

BootsUSA sells Blem merchandise. Blem merchandise or BLEMISHED is just that, defective product. Most defects are of cosmetic nature and only reflect surface scratches, leather discoloration's, or slight color differences and therefore, the manufactures could not reasonably ask full price from regular retail outlets. They sell them to us and we resell them at massive discounts. Before Blems leave our warehouse, each boot is inspected manually to assure you that all major defects are pulled from shipments.
source: http://www.bootsusa.com/Admin pages/return_policy.htm You could always call them to see if they are current models, but if you're just getting them for beating up the cosmetic defects probably aren't a big deal.

 

[axela06]

Mine were stiff for the first 4-5 days, but have been super comfortable ever since. For reference, I wear a 9 in Chucks and bought the Katahdins in a 9.5. They fit perfectly.

 

[hboogz]

These boots are the ******* best..They broke in rather quickly and I agree they match my Purcell size. I'm an 11. And here is a Fit PIC. What do you guys use to coat/protect the boots ? Sno Seal ? Obenauf's ? Something else ? Let me know.

 

[chronoaug]

I know people like that they're built like tanks and all but they don't look all that great and just look like random work boots. Not sure i see why people are clamouring over these so much.

 

[hboogz]

Understood. Personally, it's the confluence of: workmanship, components used and how they are made, toe profile, overall silouette, value and price. These are sub $200..I'd be happy to hear what work boot you could recommend in the same price range that looks as good and is as functional...and i mean that truthfully, not sarcastically.

 

[Rosenberg]

Originally Posted by chronoaug

I know people like that they're built like tanks and all but they don't look all that great and just look like random work boots. Not sure i see why people are clamouring over these so much.

+1

 

[Threak]

Originally Posted by hboogz

What do you guys use to coat/protect the boots ? Sno Seal ? Obenauf's ? Something else ? Let me know.[/IMG]
When I first got them I put some Bickmore Bick 4 leather conditioner on them. I put that stuff on just about every leather item I buy. I've had a bottle of that stuff for years, I initially bought it to restore some hand-me-down vintage lizard skin cowboy boots, since it's safe for exotic leathers. It uses lanolin (sheep's wool fat) to moisturize the leather (unlike cheaper conditioners that use artificial chemicals). Anyway, that left then really nice, evening out the nap and everything, but I wanted to put some weather protectant on them. I had read all the good things about Obenauf's on here, but was to eager to wear the boots so I picked up some Sno-Seal at REI. It also has a beeswax base. To apply, I left the boots and the Sno-Seal on the car dashboard for a few hours, so the leather warmed up and the Sno-Seal melted. Then I used a craft sponge brush to soak them in the melted wax, and buffed it when it dried. It darkened the leather, which I knew to expect, but I didn't like the turn out at first because it was too evenly dark. As I wore them the first time, though, some creases & scuffs began to show in the wax and they look awesome. It stormed here yesterday (first rain of the season) and it took me a while to realize that, had I been wearing sneakers, I would have had to watch out for puddles and mud. I had been walking through them without noticing.

 

[rapefruit]

Originally Posted by hboogz

These boots are the ******* best..They broke in rather quickly and I agree they match my Purcell size. I'm an 11. And here is a Fit PIC.

What do you guys use to coat/protect the boots ? Sno Seal ? Obenauf's ? Something else ? Let me know.

I used obenauf's on mine and I think it looks much better with it. The brown is darker and the leather doesn't scuff as easily as before. Might post pics later.

 

[blynch]

please do, I was thinking about getting a pair, but they look terrible in that picture

 

[AntiHero84]

Originally Posted by blynch

please do, I was thinking about getting a pair, but they look terrible in that picture

+1

 

[rapefruit]

Here are some pictures. The color in the first pic is the most accurate. I threw in a quick fit pic too.