Calling all LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots owners

[7_rocket]



The resoling was 90 euros and I think that's quite usual price. The welt modification and the cork filler added more price but I guess they aren't mandatory.

Your leather looks almost suede like. I haven't brought out my katahdin's yet, only in the dead of winter which will be most likely mid to end december. But you're giving me some ideas good man

 

[scrwl]

Your leather looks almost suede like.

Yeah the leather has a cool "nappy" surface. Out of the box they were heavily (and as they were seconds a bit uneavenly) waxed but I gave em a good brushing with a stiff brush and that's the outcome. I quess that didn't help with water/snow/slush resistance but i'm gonna try some nano sprays and such leather protectors on these.

 

[scrwl]

Todays condition of my older pair. I SnoSealed em a year ago and cleaned them few monts ago. Treated with Saphir Renovateur and a bit of Kiwi on the cap toe. No sign of the suede like features after conditioning.

 

[scrwl]

Sorry for flooding the thread but got the boots back from the cobbler.

 

[captainfalcon]

Is the sizing for these the same as Chippewa boots? I have a pair of these in size 8


And I normally wear a size 9 in Nikes/sneakers.

I'm planning on getting a pair of the plain-toe cordovan Katahdins but I'm not sure how to size it.

 

[SnakeDoctor]

They're just Chipps with an LL Bean tag on the inside of the tongue. I wear a 10 in sneakers and both my Katahdins and RW's are 9D.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[star656]

What do you guys use to polish? I got a pair of the plain toe cordovan color recently and have been wearing them regularly. Figure the toe box could use a little shine, I like the fade of the cordovan from the factory. A little neutral kiwi paste? I've only really used parade gloss on my jump boots and leather conditioner on everything else I own for the most part so kind of a noob at this. Will the kiwi neutral paste hold up? Or do I need to use melatonian cream?


I understand the cream doesn't get any gloss at all and these boots aren't made for a dress shoe style shine but I am seeing some real good looking pictures in this thread. At the same time, I know I don't want that parade gloss type look with all that silicone and cracking that comes with that.

 

[seer]

What do you guys use to polish? I got a pair of the plain toe cordovan color recently and have been wearing them regularly. Figure the toe box could use a little shine, I like the fade of the cordovan from the factory. A little neutral kiwi paste? I've only really used parade gloss on my jump boots and leather conditioner on everything else I own for the most part so kind of a noob at this. Will the kiwi neutral paste hold up? Or do I need to use melatonian cream?


I understand the cream doesn't get any gloss at all and these boots aren't made for a dress shoe style shine but I am seeing some real good looking pictures in this thread. At the same time, I know I don't want that parade gloss type look with all that silicone and cracking that comes with that.

If you don't mind spending a few bucks I suggest Saphir Renovateur, there is nothing better for luster and to bring out the character of the leather. https://www.hangerproject.com/saphir-renovateur.html

 

[star656]

If you don't mind spending a few bucks I suggest Saphir Renovateur, there is nothing better for luster and to bring out the character of the leather. https://www.hangerproject.com/saphir-renovateur.html

Everybody mentions that on here and other places. Didn't realize it brought out a luster as well. I have a pair of scuffed up ae long branch boots that I've literally done nothing to besides a little leather conditioner here and there. I don't care much about adding actual polish, it seems the saphir will both act as a light gloss and conditioner as well?

Any tips on application? Rub it on with a soft cotton rag, then wait to dry before buffing? Need to use any moisture when buffing?

 

[star656]

Is the sizing for these the same as Chippewa boots? I have a pair of these in size 8


And I normally wear a size 9 in Nikes/sneakers.

I'm planning on getting a pair of the plain-toe cordovan Katahdins but I'm not sure how to size it.

I take 8 or 8.5 in running shoes in wide width. Wear 7.5E in Asolo hiking boots. 7E in the cordovan katahdins fit perfect.

 

[seer]

Everybody mentions that on here and other places. Didn't realize it brought out a luster as well. I have a pair of scuffed up ae long branch boots that I've literally done nothing to besides a little leather conditioner here and there. I don't care much about adding actual polish, it seems the saphir will both act as a light gloss and conditioner as well?

Any tips on application? Rub it on with a soft cotton rag, then wait to dry before buffing? Need to use any moisture when buffing?

Yes Saphir will do the trick on your Long Branch - light gloss and conditioning. Personally I just use my fingers to rub it in, then let it dry, usually an hour or so, then buff. No extra moisture needed.

 

[bz18]

What a great thread dating back so far. I've never bought "expensive" boots but I cam across these and immersed myself in research. I narrowed my choice to the red wing iron ranger, llbean and Thursday boots indy rip off. I found that the iron ranger is clunky and has a smooth leather sole (I have a local annapolis store) The thursday boot gets very mixed reviews and the llbean boot is very much a work boot...but I can pull it off working sales for a construction company. My vote is this boot for cost and the famous llbean warranty. The vibram sole provides better non slip grip. The boot took a couple weeks to break in and is actually a 1/2 size off than my sneakers. Go with this boot and wear the hell out of it. Spend 340 bucks on something you will keep fancy. Not a boot.

 

[shade]

Mine are still going strong and getting more comfortable with age.

 

[scrwl]

Bumping the thread.
These bad boys are turning 9 years next month.

more pics

 

[otc]

What treatments have you done? They look great.