Alaskaking
Senior Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2020
- Messages
- 104
- Reaction score
- 181
Ha! I was wondering that. I only have White's, but I did think a lot of their boots as well as Frank's look like they are taller than the standard stack on White's.I have a White's Bounty Hunter on the normal heel stack and a Nick's Builder Pro which is 1/4" higher heel stack, both of which are the same under foot (single midsole and Vibram 100 lugged outsole). I personally prefer the higher heel. In fact, I like it so much that I specified the extra height for another pair of White's Bounty Hunters that I ordered and am currently waiting on. And I will always choose the higher heel stack when given the chance. Every one is different though, so you just have to try and see which you prefer.
As for aesthetics, when worn on foot the heel height isn't something you'll see or even something other people will much notice due to the angle any one is viewing them from. Looking at beauty shots online isn't the same as what's seen in real life. But, if you want more pics and can't find them, Nick's standard heel is one stack (1/4“) taller than the White's standard heel.
It is certainly tolerable, I just feel more correctly centered over my feet with greater ease on the standard heel- just my personal experience. It is a little more pronounced on the pair with a double midsole and 100 lug sole- the decreased ability to flex the forefoot makes it a bit of a beast (size 9.5EE)
In hand (and in pictures) that tall heel stack is sharp looking on the right boot, but like @milkbaby points out, no one will see it, and if they do, will never notice the difference. But you will-every time you put them on and take them off, polish them, sit them in the corner and admire them-its nice to have the boot the way you want it to look.
I can't ignore the piano comment though. not sure how you specifically maneuver your foot around the pedals, but you will have to overcome that extra 1/4" as well (which isn't a great distance- but its there).
FWIW, again, on my feet only, I have an easier time bringing my ankle in dorsiflexion in my 8" high boots compared to 6" pair or the 5" of semidress- its like the longer shaft gives a better lever to flex the leather at the ankle. With the heel lift, you will have to move your ankle that much farther to overcome the extra wedge your heel is propped up on- which of course may be negligible distance for your foot or the mechanics you utilize when playing the piano.
Again, that will be a great pair of boots with either variation, and he worst possible outcome in regards to the heel stack height being not of your liking, you are only faced with adding or subtracting the lift without having to alter the structure or any stitching on the boot at all. Definitely not worth losing any sleep over.
I thought @chicagoan2016 might have a pair on a 55 with and without the additional lift- but I can't remember.