FAQ: The Boots which appear together are: Taft Dragon Boot in Rust, MYG Handmade Nail Shank, Red Wing Iron Ranger in Amber Harness (from left to right).
Well done as always. One thing we do at Nicks is a "cost/day" calculation over 5 years. New Nicks boot = $500 Resole 2 years later = $149 Full rebuild 3 years later = $249 Grand Total = $898/5 years = $179/year/365 days = $0.49/day. A mass-produced work boot = $200 with no rebuild option and sometime no resole option purchased every year over 5 years = $1000/5 years = $200/year/365 days = $0.55/day. If you hate how the mass-produced work boot fits, and if it's uncomfortable, and the quality frustrates you, then you should move to a handmade boot. It's cheaper, better for your body and feet, and is made just for you. If you are getting 2 years out of $200 and you like the boot and it's comfortable, you should stick with the mass-produced option for sure!
You guys are a class act. Not being sarcastic. You're so generous in thinking that $200 boots will even last a year and so Conservative in thinking that I'd need to resole my nicks in 2. 3 and a half years in to one of your production boots and the sole is still gonna give me another 6 months before the tread borders uselessness. I take care of them with a healthy amount of my homemade LP and conditioner and I'm certain I'm still 5 years out before a complete rebuild. You also forgot to mention that elimination of the break-in period. You guys are the best. Don't expect to see me soon lol!
Brian is such a amazingly talented young kid, I’m sure he’s only going to get better and better as time goes on. “Role Club” all the way if you want a truly hand made boot that’s made in 🇺🇸.
I really like the new boots. As a boot collector. I can understand it. Several of my friends and other people online have tried to explain sneaker collecting and I honestly don’t get it. The value just isn’t there for me. Everyone knows sneakers wear out pretty quick and can’t be resoled or rebuilt. Therefore the life of the shoe isn’t very long if you wear them. I also don’t understand having shoes I can’t wear so they don’t lose their value
Thats a really good parallel, I don't quite understand sneaker heads either but I say live and let live. Still, give me a traditional leather shoe any day.
The lifespan of a boot is all based on how well you maintain it. A sneaker is basically a piece of garbage after a day in the rain. No matter how much stockx says it was worth before you wore it. LOL
@@CarlMurawski at the end of the day leather shoe wearers are a minority and sneakers are actually easier to wear and most have no break-in time. trend dictates, check for yourself, and thus this type of hobby is considered niche. from someone who collects both 😅
Marketing and pricing are doing the exact same thing. Meaning when something is priced, you are also marketing. Like you said you bought the 1000 boots because of the story the boots told you. The story of craft, legacy and workmanship, something you value. And value is subjective. "Value is determined by those who choose to pay it." - Simon Sinek
That was far more eloquent and succinct than I’ve ever tried to explain. When people ask why I shelled out the money for my Role Clubs, I will send them here. Love your work Carl!
Good explanation. I understand your reasoning. As my understanding of quality and workmanship grows, so will my exposure to well made goods. Thanks for your work in exposing the quality goods to your fanbase
You overlooked a few key features. I think the real value in getting these handmade boots is in the fitment, comfort and durability. You can get a custom fit with both White's and Nicks boots and the leather arch support and the hand stitching allows for a molded fit. These boots can be worn over eight hours a day without back ache, foot ache or foot soreness (of course this is after the break-in period). Many owners of these boots, including myself, will tell you they feel as comfortable as slippers. Durability is an important factor in any purchase. One can easily get 10 years out a pair of White's or Nicks boots with one rebuild and a few resoles. These boots are not for everyone, but anyone that is required to be in a boot all day owes it to themselves to look into them. By the way I own (3) pairs of White's and (1) pair of Nicks boots.
The absolute best boot I've ever seen. Well worth $1200! My wife has aeveral pairs of Christian Loubitones, they average about $1300 a pair! And they are made of mostly air! Hell Yeah! I need these boots in my life!
@@CarlMurawski What about luxury boot makers such as Brioni, Berluti, Tom Ford? And some of the English boot makers such as Edward Green and George Cleverly? They don’t just make dress boots but casual as well. Have you reviewed any of those? They can get upwards of $3,000 but maybe you’re just paying for the name? I’m sure the build quality and materials is also top notch.
I think the q&a format like this would be very effective in your problem of being limited by characters and the medium of youtube commenting. Keep it up! Love the vids!
I completely agree, Carl. Your point is valid in other areas, such as watches. You can buy an excellent Seiko watch for $400 or you can spend a great deal more for a Swiss watch, such as Tissot, and not get more for your money.
A Casio that costs $10 will out perform a $100,000 A. Lange & Sohne, but the buyer of the two brands is after something different. Same with boots, same with a bespoke suit, the list goes on
Hi Carl, I enjoyed listening to your perspective on why and when to spend more money on a boot/shoe or whatever, than might be absolutely necessary. I totally agree with your assessment. I also think that this new weekly format you are rolling out will be of interest to your viewers. I always look forward to your new productions, so, I for one, encourage you to keep up the good work! I have a thought for a potential future video. I am interested in learning how to get my wife to a point where she appreciates my hobby, which for me I would define as being limited having an interest in boots/shoes and to a lesser extent watches. I appreciate the craftsmanship, attention to detail, learning about the various components of the product. And of course, from time to time I do make an acquisition. Not sure if this topic lends itself to a video or not, but just thought I’d throw the idea out there. All the best.
I'd say it lends itself to a video, but I think the best way to get them to appreciate it is buy them a pair! Most of the high end makers will do commissions, though your budget might have to add a line item for footwear!
This is a fantastic video you get straight to the point and don’t claim that expensive boots are superior in every way it’s definitely about paying the smaller guy for his time and knowledge as he doesn’t have machines to save him lots of time along with lots of other things. The reason I plan to buy some Nicks as my next boots even though the shipping alone is £240 so I’ll be paying close to £800/$900 including tax, fees, and shipping is because I love the amount of layers of thick leather you’re standing on it looks so dreamy and I recently bought some Iron Rangers and Man I love me a sturdy sole with a proper arch so much now that I don’t really enjoy softer soles even for shorter walks where softer soles are considered more comfy short term vs harder soles for long term wear, I still prefer my Iron Rangers over something like Dr Martens although I do love me some men’s Ugg Boots (the ones that don’t have the ugly giant toe box, and look like real chukka boots) they’re so comfy and warm they feel like my quality slippers and that is great when you just want comfort but also some class and don’t want to be walking in your slippers.
I recently got my Nick's Tactical after a seven month wait; they're exactly what I wanted and granted there's a price premium for the privilege of a custom made boot. Although the Tactical don't have that huge stack of leather, the rubber gives them plenty of support and protection for the environment I work (indoor warehouse/production facility). You'll be happy with them!
Good advice, but I understand that there is a world of difference between what you wear for function vs. form. Of course boots and shoes need to perform well, but the diminishing return in that aspect approaches quickly.
What about foot health? I know from military and police experience that it is incredibly important and the better quality you buy, the better your foot health will be.
I keep getting ads for Huckberry on Facebook and the comments are ridiculous. A lot of "why would you spend that much!? Real workers wear such and such". Your video makes a point. To someone that jacket is worth it to them. I try not to judge people for buying something I would find way too expensive. Especially since I just bought a truck and i'm eye balling parts.......
Exactly, if you're into your truck and customizing it I think that's killer. Life becomes so much more fun when one changes their mindset from judgmental to curious and appreciative. You running gas or diesel?
@@CarlMurawski exactly! And someone most likely isn't paying a grand for boots just because they want someone to see the label. They just really really appreciate that boot. Gasoline, picked up a 2012 F150
Hey Carl, I don't really see the benefits of going beyond $400/500 for a pair of boots, unless it is for exotic leather. That being said, expensive is subjective, and if I had the disposable income to I would purchase many pairs of Shell from Alden and try out Edward Greens. But I do believe everyone can mostly agree that the cost of return beyond $400/500 (at a maximum) isn't really there. The jump from $50 to $200 is much bigger than $200 to lets say $600. I personally have multiple pairs of boots that are in the higher price range (Nicks, Whites, Vibergs) because I am buying them not for the "I need one pair of boots for casual/work), I have many pairs and buying them is now a hobby for me. I think justifying paying more for boots because they are special in a certain way is fine (special sizes, widths, material). Love your videos, always excited to see them pop up in my feed.
I agree, and after a certain point it become more about the exclusivity or scarcity of the materials. As you mentioned there is a much bigger quality jump at lower price points, but over $500 you get into custom fits. There is nothing compared to a shoe or boot that was made to your foot (as these MYG boots were). Aside from that its about appreciating the artistry and things that simply can't be accomplished with mass production.
Pricey boots are absolutely worth it, if you take care of them, so they last for years. I prefer Jean Baptiste Rautureau biker boots (in the 700$ range) for most of the year and have 4 pairs - tan, brown, khaki suede and black. The oldest pair is about 15 years old, still looks totally fine!
I have many pairs of Red Wings and also i own a pair of Wesco's. They are both great boots. Where i see the difference in my Wescos V.S. the Red Wings is wearing the boots over the 8 hours. I don't seem to have as much fatigue in the Wescos as i do in Red Wings. Handmade boots are made for your feet exclusively, and although I'm tired after a really long day in the field, or on the H-D, my feet don't feel it so bad.
I've experienced the same thing and I think it comes down to the construction of the boots and their ability to support your feet where they need it. It takes a lot more leather to create a nice thick midsole, but after a day at work it's apparent how much it matters.
Got a pairs of The Flat Head boots. It definitely worth the price. The leather, hardware, sole. Everything will tell itself the it worth the price. But also It is not the boot you use for working. It kinda a pair of boots you use to walk in the town.
We all bought cheap shoes when we were young and broke. However, we tend to spend more as our financial status changed. We do it just because we can. We all work very hard. Its fine if we want to treat ourselves a pair of well build boots. Yes, we are spending more but we for sure feel good about it.
Dude I know I'm late but I enjoy all your videos of high quality men's gear and how you break things down. Even this one explaining it. I can't personally afford$1000 pair of boots. I wish one day I can. But I am slowly saving up for a pair of Nick's boots for myself. I can't wait. Thank you for all your time you put into making these.
Those boots do look amazing. If it was in my budget hahaha but it really comes down to I can afford a $550 pair of mto nicks that I'll wear to work almost every day and one day I hope I can afford the artistry of something like that.
Oh man, if you're in a pair of Nicks then the bug has bitten already. You appreciate the level of quality above other work boots, its a matter of time before you're contacting Red Kloud or Brian the bookmaker for a pair of your own!
I am very glad I waited 6 months for my Alt Berg motorbike boots to be made for me, they are wonderful compared to off the shelf boots, yes the did cost a lot of money but I wear them every day, it's worth the money to have happy warm dry feet.
Carl, I think you are just an artist/craftsman who appreciates that in _all_ things. I was just commenting in a Pink Floyd thread on how digital art and music today has lost the effort and soul art used to have, and I do photoshop. Today as we stare into scarry computerized existence in the future, looks like the Luddites may have been right. Something very soothing and reassuring in handmade quality goods. You'd like to see these crafts continue and have others experience them. What's wrong with that? Do you hang overpriced art on the walls? Give me functional art any day.
Well said, and I agree that once you get a taste for this kind of thing it begins to permeate every aspect of your life. Music is a great example, there is no way any producer these days would leave the voice crack in Rolling Stones Sympathy For TheDevil but I think it makes the song! The experimentation on Pet Sounds or horrible timing of Keith Moon were what made that stuff art! There are many artists these days who keep that mindset but you'll never hear them on top 40 radio sadly. Tom Waits, Ween, Les Claypool, Devin Townsend all scratch that itch for me at least.
@@CarlMurawski I've just collected all the parts for a "vintage" Nakamichi install. All 80s and some 90s. They were top of the line then(and now) and affordable today. Both CD and analog tape. Alls left is choosing speakers, and the install of course. I actually like auto interiors for listening. I'll finally be able to play some serious music again. Always looking for good stuff. Maybe you could add music reviews off and on.
Sure, but I can give you the short answer now: Kangaroo. It's thin, pliable, and insanely tough due to the tight grain. I like Geier gloves, and they're available in several different leather types. I think this would make a great video!
I bought a $1,000 iPhone X when it came out and used it for two years before giving it away to my mother because she thought it was nice. I would expect a pair of $1,000 boots to last me a lifetime and only having to replace the sole every 5-10 years.
Bespoke boots are custom made to fit each of your feet. Like Forrest fire fighters depends on his boots more than most people and they find it worth it to pay extra. For any bespoke shoe just depends on how much your into what your buying. 😎
I think anywhere from 200 to 385 is a good price for a quality work boot. well made everything from work wear to tools are totally worth the investment
I'd agree, you can step into some nice boots for that price point. However, above that is a custom fit and top tier construction. It all depends what you do though, when I was a mechanic nice boots were a waste because they'd be covered in gear oil after one week.
Great video Carl! For myself, I love boots and like to stick around the $300-$400 price range. I absolutely love Red Wings because of their quality and the fact that they represent American Heritage. It is similar to your view of your MyG Handmade boots: a work of art and a representation of true craftsmanship (they really are stunning). It is not a waste of money because boots are something you value. I know people who collect pens/watches and spend major bucks on the most unique and expensive ones. Would I buy them? No. But is it worth it for them? Yes. An item's real worth is set by each individual person, not just the price tag.
I tell you one thing I have a pair of red wings iron rangers and a pair of Viberg’s cost over $1,200.00 the Cordovan cap toe. The Viberg’s are so comfortable it’s beyond belief. Worth every cent . Not knocking the red wings there nice but can’t compare to Viberg
I've always assumed such boots were for people who had an eye for fashion. years after suffering with various brands of boots, one wonders what could justify such a high price. in the corps, I found a pair of boots that were way too small (11.5 to my 13 foot) and they where amazing. why would a regular dude buy such expensive boots? are they worth it? im legitimately interested in information.
Well this is a question only you can answer, but I can provide you with some facts. These MYG boots are custom made to your foot using traditional European shoemaking techniques. Instead of a Goodyear welt which has become the benchmark of good footwear due to marketing, these have a hand-carved channel and hand sewn welt. This is pretty much only found in high end bespoke dress shoes and is the way most shoes were made prior to the industrial revolution. This process alone takes 4-5 hours and results in one of the strongest possible connections of the outsole to the shoe. Goodyear welting takes only a few minutes and uses a canvas piece which is glued to the shoe for a connection. Thats only one example of many throughout the boot which can't be performed by a machine. All in all this particular model takes approximately 50 hours to complete and costs $900. Thats $18/hr. not counting material or shipping! So while its function as footwear is the same, its these qualities which make it worth the price. Its very similar to a Rolls Royce vs a Honda Civic. Both will perform the function of getting from A to B, but there is a vast difference in quality. I hope this helps!
When I was a kid I loved boots, I had Acme cowboy boots, Herman survivors etc. Fast forward, I wasnt really able to buy boots because of my sizing, so I just gave up and started wearing New Balance products because they come in wide. I recently have rediscovered the boot world. I bought a pair of Irish Setter Farmington boots over some higher priced Red Wings. I thought they were the sh*t, and to be fair, they are fine for what I do for a living, but I won't be buying any Irish Setters again, I didnt realize they are made in China, that is a problem for me. Then I started watching these damn videos. In one week I bought a pair of new Iron Rangers, then a pair of older, used Iron Rangers with the old sole. Last week we went to northern Idaho and while we were there we decided to go to Nick's. My wife and I both ordered a pair. When you just hold the boots you can feel the difference from mass produced boots. So, now I have the handmade boot fever, next I think will either be Frank's or JK.
There is a consideration you did not mention as to a reason for buying a custom made boot. Some people, myself included, cannot fit into standard shoe or boot sizes. Custom made is the only choice to get something that actually fits, and fits comfortably. If custom made is a person's only option, then the price is not so extravagant.
Carl I am a boot lover as well and a small woman which makes it very challenging to purchase a pair that fits. I have wolverine's and Red Wings, and a pair of custom wesco's. I checked out MYG handmade but see almost nothing published or reviews regarding them. I'm interested as they have boots that will fit me and use veg tanned which is what I want. Where can I get more outside information about them?
The best thing to do is shoot Gabbard an email, MYG is a one-man shop and he can build or modify anything you want. I've seen some womens boots that he's done but they were very tall, however I'll bet he can make you something amazing if you get in touch with him. He's typically very responsive as long as he's not in the workshop. Let me know how it works out, I'd love to see what he comes up with!
I've become a total fit snob. Brian the bootmaker resoled and relasted my Redwing Rovers to my measurements. Those boots have totally spoiled me as to what a boot/shoe should fit like. I'm going to have him do my chippewas next, but with a vibram full lug and stormwelt. I really can't justify any shoe/boot that doesn't come in an extra wide size, but that's just me and fat feet. LOL
I just bought a pair of Red Wing Cowboy boots [second hand ] size 11 US. However I live in a town called Ballarat ABOUT AN HOUR OUT FROM locked down Melbourne Australia. Excuse my ignorance when I say I have never heard of Red Wing until two weeks ago. They are brilliant with a new heel I am now the proud owner of a pair or Red Wing boots oh they cost me $100.00 AUD + $50.00 AUD for a new heels and polish. I have no idea how old they are but the previous owner really looked after them. Also this is the first time I have ever put my feet into another persons shoes ever, even as a single digit kid. I don't know why but I have always refused to wear other peoples shoe forever. Maybe I have watched too many Clint Eastwood movies. Cannot seem to any reference to Red Wing riding boots even on their website.
It depends on what kind of work you do. I work in mud, water and sometime lime add to reduce smell because sometimes I am walking in sewage. I dig up broken sewer lines and repair them. I buy good boots but not work of art boots. Now take a Finish Carpenter or a finish electrician the chances of their boots ever touching mud let alone getting lime on them is slim to never. You get lime on leather and it will dry them and crack them in just a few days and I do t care what treatment you put on them. Being honest about spending money on work boots most of what are being talked about here are work boots that double as I want to dress and look like this. Yup I have work boots that have never been worn to work. Still even for the work boot look I just can’t see spending 500 bucks or more. I get spending good money on nice dress shoes. When it comes to work boots I will keep my money in my pocket.
I really don't get the dislikes on your vids, you clearly state when there are diminishing returns and to only buy them if you are really into it, and people act like you're recommending them the best bang for your buck boot that you can wear on a construction site every day or something lol
For below 600Usd ... one get can 2 pairs of proper Redwing boots and still look rugged... namely the Iron Rangers and the Moc Toes... Its Redwing or Barefeet, Soldier
I have a question. How do you clean the Inside of the boot? Specifically, how would you deodorize to get rid of the feet smell? I've only seen guides on how to treat the outside.
It's your money, you make the decisions based on your likes and dislikes and the value you place in that item. If you are working to not enjoy what money you make then why work. People spend thousands on exercise equipment and it becomes a clothes rack if they enjoy that that's great.
there is a setting you can turn on that notifies you when someone replies to your comment and links to it where the bell icon is next to your profile in the upper right corner
I understand the reasons to buy $1000 boots, if they're going to be " your boots ". You wear a pair of boots daily for years and they become a part of you, if you have a bunch of pairs then none of them are really " your boots ". If you gotta have some work boots then maybe a pair of ducks or wellies for hunting that's fine.
I probably would not be shelling out $1K for boots, even custom made, hand built ones. White Semi Dress or Otto Derby is the upper limit of what I would pay to purchase a pair of boots/shoes.
Fair enough, I can understand the hesitation. It's no small amount of money and I should have prefaced this with a warning that all other matters must be taken care of before spending this kind of money on shoes. It makes no sense to go into debt for something like this.
@@CarlMurawski okay that makes sense, I love hearing what you have to say on different boots just curious if you had a video on hikers that I missed. The vibergs are a very comfy and durable, haven't gotten then chance to buy a pair but someday. Thanks for the reply!
I just bought a new goodyear welted shoes. I really like the idea. This is My first pare. Its like 400$. Very pretty and o.k in comfort. Im still feel that my ecco shoes are way more comfortable. This is wired. I don’t get the point of buying an old school shoes/boots its just doesn’t worth it. Ecco cost 100$. Very comfortable and last for years. Am I missing something here???
The appeal of traditional shoes/boots is their use of incredibly high quality materials which mean they'll actually improve with time. Leather can last generations if properly cared for and this footwear can be recrafted many times over before they're ready to be thrown out. A pair of shoes can literally last a lifetime if they're made properly.
If someone is really into it and can afford that price, nothing to say. But imho with that amount of money you could buy a pair of boots for 500$ and a nice 500$ that will last really long time!
