good country shoes?

[artificer]

As a wearer of Docs for years, and now a fan of the "Docs For Life" deal where they have a warranty for the life of the wearer (even against wear and tear), similar to the "LL Bean" rule. Plus they are just dang comfortable. The 1461's are the 3-eyed shoe...

http://www.drmartensforlife.com/for-...61-3-eye-shoe/

The only warning I'd give regarding the 1461 For Life (and I LOVE docs) is that it only comes with the DHL sole, and isn't available with the hiking sole.

The DHL sole tends to fill with mud or snow quite quickly, making for a slippery walk when you least want it. It's really a street sole.

[Woodsheal]

I'm cheap and buy lots of footwear from The Sportsman's Guide! Here's a slick pair for a whopping $60.00US:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=688866

And a heavier, darker brown pair for a bit more money:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=398664

[Joshua]

I just ordered a pair of these from Timberland today:

http://shop.timberland.com/product/i...uctId=10787512

Not planning to use them for seriously rugged hiking/camping, but for kilted country strolls and other casual wear.

If you have a high instep, Earthkeepers (or any Timberland shoe) is the worst possible thing for you... I had numb toes, pain, etc... from a "wide" pair of Earthkeepers that were even half-sized up for me.

Most people don't have the "Fred Flintstone" foot however, but if you do... don't get Timberlands!

[Dale Seago]

If you have a high instep, Earthkeepers (or any Timberland shoe) is the worst possible thing for you... I had numb toes, pain, etc... from a "wide" pair of Earthkeepers that were even half-sized up for me.

Most people don't have the "Fred Flintstone" foot however, but if you do... don't get Timberlands!

Won't be an issue for me, but that's interesting and good to know. I picked these because I wanted something along the line of a Clark's Desert Boot but a tad nicer-looking. The finish on the leather on these is really nice, and I love the color. For spring/summer trail strolls or at Scottish Games they'll pair nicely with Cabelas' "Serengeti" safari shirt:

http://www.cabelas.com/mens-long-sle...-regular.shtml

I've had a couple of these in their previous incarnation for years; just got a pair of these redesigned ones, in British Tan, and like the new ones even more. They're great without a waistcoat or jacket if the weather's warm, but also look quite smart with a jacket for a casual dinner or such. I really like the new "hidden buttondown" collar points. . .

[Woot22]

The only warning I'd give regarding the 1461 For Life (and I LOVE docs) is that it only comes with the DHL sole, and isn't available with the hiking sole.

The DHL sole tends to fill with mud or snow quite quickly, making for a slippery walk when you least want it. It's really a street sole.

I too am a huge fan of wearing Doc's with a kilt. To be honest I haven't done so in many years but Doc's were all I used to wear at highland games. Think this image may have just inspired me to purchase another pair. They are actually quite a bit more practical to wear to such events than normal leather soled brogues as inevitable the grass will be wet and muddy from a recent rainfall.

[MacLowlife]

I bought these shoes, with the usual Sierra Trading Post email discount and loved them, right out of the box. But I got them in size 8, which is as small as they come and my usual size. And they are too big. I read somewhere that Eduardo G shoes run a little wide and that may be it, but I tried them with insoles added and they still slipped at the heel. I would have loved to try a 7 or a 7.5.

I worry that they are actually UK sizes, though the website does not say so. If you have a slightly larger foot, I heartily recommend them. The ones I got are almost entirely plain, but they offer a brogued model as well.


http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/3...e-For-Men.html

Thanks, everybody, for the great advice and suggestions.


I do like to trade with STP and these shoes seem to be "worth" that alleged original $250 price.

[tpa]

I'd go with Jock Scot's recommendation if I was in the market for that sort of shoe, they look like they'll last for years, which they'd have to if I was buying. I meet with severe disapproval if I suggest paying more than £25 for a pair of shoes, so I'm still using my wedding brogues, aged nearly 32 and they were seconds quality when I bought them! Most of my shoes know their own way to the repair shop.

[MacLowlife]

Sadly, the rule about price and quality seems to be very strongly enforced in the world of shoes- at least the part that says good ones aren't cheap. It may be that expensive ones can be disappointing, too, but I have studied this problem long enough to resign myself to spending a whole lot of money- I could have several very nice dinners out with my lovely friend for what I have just paid Sierra Trading Post. I went downtown and asked a friend about Allen-Edmonds. While his store stocks a handful of styles, they would have to order the ones I liked. A-E makes lovely shoes, but I believe the Tricker's ones are a notch better- and only a little more

With a handy discount coupon I am able to barely afford a pair of Tricker's Scotch grain derbies with a Dainite sole. They are a tasty shade of tan. I dearly hope they will fit. STP is much easier to deal with than Pediwear, in the event they do not.

Thanks again, everyone.

[CMcG]

Sadly, the rule about price and quality seems to be very strongly enforced in the world of shoes- at least the part that says good ones aren't cheap.

...

With a handy discount coupon I am able to barely afford a pair of Tricker's Scotch grain derbies with a Dainite sole. They are a tasty shade of tan. I dearly hope they will fit. STP is much easier to deal with than Pediwear, in the event they do not.

Discount coupons are VERY handy for those kind of prices! The price to quality rule is definitely in full effect when it comes to footwear. My tactic for acquiring good shoes at a student price is to scoop up dead stock on clearance. Unfortunately, that doesn't allow one much leeway with brand, colour or style

Trickers appear to be extremely nice shoes though and I'm sure they'll last for ages. Let us know how it goes?

[sydnie7]

Just ordered a pair of these Rockports for Bob. I've worn the woman's version for years, hope he finds them as comfy and long-wearing.



Currently on sale at Shoebuy.com. Til 5/25 the code EMLFRIENDS11 will get you another 25% off. Free shipping to/from which makes for easy returns -- the only way I buy shoes online!