Looking for new boots - Harley Forum

twitch54 · #1 07-01-2008, 09:34 PM

Seeing that I'm partial to engineers boots I stopped into the local RedWing boot dealer today and was surprised to see that the majority of their boots are now made in CHINA !!

Not that I shouldn't be suprised but it sad to see an American Icon that dates back to before WW I has sucomb to 'off shore' pressure.........oh BTW, I didn't buy, maybe I won't be able to find a pair still made in the USA ?? !

shovelmike · #2 07-01-2008, 10:14 PM

Doesn't it gripe ya. I have been a long time Red Wing customer, retired assembly line worker at Ford. I don't put near the wear on boots since I retired, thus haven't shopped for boots in a while, I hope someone's making them here.

JCourneyaP · #3 07-01-2008, 11:10 PM

Twitch: Many other Brands of Boots that do the trick that are made in the USA. Some of the Redwing Line up is still made here. If you like em just by them. Most of the stuff we wear or have is not made in this fine country.

I always like the Israli Combat boots but I think China makes them also.

I least we dont have to mix up the toxins and destroy our water making them. Lets trash some other country making what we would like. Less in the Landfills I guess.

NightGlide · #4 07-04-2008, 01:06 PM

Check out:
Wesco Boots

Made in the USA for only the last 90 years. Couple nice motorcycle styles. Completely customizable. Really nice work.

I started with a pair of Jobmaster boots for work/shop last December, then last spring got a pair of "Boss" boots delivered. Both custom fit. The Jobmasters are still a little stiff, but the Boss boots are fantastic.

I never shopped for Red Wings, so I don't know how these compare price-wise, but I will tell you they're not cheap. But I feel the quality and custom-build was well worth it.

It seems they're not to into updating their website, so I would advise against ordering off the web; I think there are a few options they no longer offer. Somewhere there is an e-mail you can contact and they will send you a new catalog, price list, and custom-fit forms.

Enjoy!

hdnt1550 · #5 07-04-2008, 05:54 PM

At least with the current economy the "smart people" are saying more manufacturing is coming back to the good ol USA. One of the things that happens when shipping costs increase. Hopefully this will be true.

unfknblvbl · #6 07-04-2008, 07:28 PM

Check out a set of Carolina's....Proudly made in the good ol US of A and mighty comfortable.

Fenderplayer · #7 07-05-2008, 09:37 AM

Check this place out. I can't say that all of their boots are USA made, but I found a really nice pair of engineer boots by Chippawa - and they are comfortable.

http://www.bootbarn.com/

kissfan113 · #8 07-06-2008, 12:00 AM

Most of Chippewa's line is still USA made, just look for the chief's head (full head dress) on the boot, the warrior's head (2 feathers) are foreign made. I've been wearing chippewa 17" engineers for years, just got a new pair after a wreck claimed my last pair, I'd had my previous pair since I was in the 8th grade... mind you I'm 22 now, so that adds up to something like 8 years if i'm correct, and they still had a ton of life left in em.

I usually shop at www.bootsusa.com excellent service, quick shipping, great prices. might wanna check em out, not everything they carry is USA made, but they have some of the best prices and a great selection.

twitch54 · #9 07-13-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks for the good suggestions guys.

Well I settled on a pair of 'Double H' Engineers boots from another local boot store, good boot, comfortable and made in the USA ! They used to be the mfg for Harley boots, that was untill Harley went 'El-cheapo' and went with a company making them in China.

Majicbringer · #10 07-20-2008, 01:10 AM

I like my Dingo Black-Oily slouch boots. Pigskin, so they're naturally waterproof and tougher than leather. Feel great, look great. Get new rubber grippy oversoles put on them twice a year for $40 a pop and they've lasted for years.

I hate "biker" boots. They're clunky, ugly, and my gunboat 13's don't fit under the shifter for nothin' in them.

I guess I hate being told what I am supposed to wear like I'm some biker clone - Big biker jacket with a huge zipper, big clunky boots, big wallet with a chain hanging off it. Skulls and/or Maltese crosses emblazoned all over everything. Not for me.