Red Wing Gentleman Travelers

**ggibby** · 20th August 08, 09:33 AM

Has anyone seen/tried the new Gentleman Traveler old school kicks from Red Wing?

http://redwing.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1901

Mine arrive tomorrow and I'm pretty stoked.
If you like true old-world construction and you've got the cabbage, they rock.

All leather upper and midsole, rubber outsole. Nothing else. No sissy 'cushioning,' or 'arch support,' or 'performance' features. And made in the USA.

Something like this probably graced the foot of every working man in the western world circa 1930.

I have no doubt they'll get compliments, especially from the folks who've seen all my kilts...

**auld argonian** · 20th August 08, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by ggibby

All leather upper and midsole, rubber outsole. Nothing else. No sissy 'cushioning,' or 'arch support,' or 'performance' features. And made in the USA.

Nice looking shoes...I love the Made In The USA...leather is good and rubber soles are nice but what have you got against arch supports? I've often commented that the current crop of footwear is SO vastly superior to the old school stuff if for no other reason than they provide more support. Can you imagine the number of foot, knee and hip problems that shoes with good arch supports and some cushioning prevent? My dad and a few other older gentlemen that I know could have probably put off some of those knee and hip replacements that they've had if they had better shoes throughout their lives.

I once stood up to a Greek wedding (three and a half hours on my feet) in a pair of brand new, very soft dress shoes with absolutely no arch support whatsoever. They went in the Goodwill pile the next day and I went out and bought a pair of Wright dress oxfords that look great on the outside and look like they were designed by an orthopedic specialist on the inside...the difference in looks was negligible but the difference in wearing was night and day.

I'd at least think about some insoles if those puppies don't have any arch support...no sense lookin' good if you're going to be uncomfortable.

Best

AA

**ggibby** · 20th August 08, 02:59 PM

Hallo argonian!

Indeed you are correct about the arch support.
I included that to emphasize how 'old school' these boots are.

As an outdoor footwear buyer/salesman, I am painfully aware that even current product is sadly lacking in support.
Those designers who have provided it discovered that the vast majority of shoe buyers wanted nothing to do with 'good' shoes.
Exhibits A, B, & C: the success of Crocs, Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers, and Vibram FiveFingers.

For myself, Superfeet insoles are mandatory in all my shoes to avoid exactly the problems you describe.
It's hard to be handsome when your dogs are barkin'!

Good on ya for the comment. Thanks!

**auld argonian** · 20th August 08, 03:19 PM

...but I should hasten to add that I am a big fan of Red Wings!

My wife's hikers are Red Wings and I've narrowed my hiking boot preferences down to Vasques (a branch of Red Wing, no?) exclusively.

They do make a good solid shoe.

Best

AA

**vmac3205** · 20th August 08, 03:25 PM

Great looking boot, but I'm still a Danner fan, even though my first serious hikers were Vasques.

**ggibby** · 23rd August 08, 03:05 PM

**Carolina Kiltman** · 23rd August 08, 03:56 PM

Now those bring back memories. . . . .

**ardchoille** · 23rd August 08, 04:01 PM

I haven't tried that particular model, but I can say that Red Wing shoes have always been outstanding quality from my experience.

**JRB** · 24th August 08, 07:23 PM

I really like those. They have a quiet simple elegance about them. I've been a devoted Red Wing wearer for the past 6 years and plan to always have at least one pair of RW boots in my closet. The gentleman traveler looks a lot like Alden's "Indy boot" which is a great looking boot.