Wested Boots Sizing Help

[WhteRbt]

Hey guys,

I am sorry, but I have to ask something about the sizing of the Wested Boots. Can someone confirm that the boots are a smaller/tighter fit?

To describe my problem: In most of my shoes I wear size EU45. There are some sportier shoes which I wear in 44, but I would say 45 will match about 70 % of my shoes, including two sets of other boots and business leather shoes - and I have got not a single pair of 46…

With that information, I wanted to order size EU45 of the boots - but this size is not available at the moment. :/ Bummer! I now ordered size 46 as I thought that 44 will be too tight for sure - if the boot is a tighter fit.

Now, as the trigger is pulled, I am quite unsure if I made the right decision.

Any hope out there? I would highly appreciate if someone could confirm my thoughts about the sizing; maybe I will contact Wested in the morning just to get sure.

Thanks a lot and best regards

Marcel

[Thee]

It definitely runs small and narrow, I am selling mine due to this.

[WhteRbt]

Thanks a lot! So you ordered the size you always had and they were a way to small (like on or two sizes too small)?

[Thee]

Thanks a lot! So you ordered the size you always had and they were a way to small (like on or two sizes too small)?

Yep, I took a US size 13 and it fit more like a 12 at best.

[Smithy]

Really useful information in this thread re sizing. I've been eyeing up a pair of these as well so this really helps as I was wondering about how they fit.

Jackets, trousers, shirts, jumpers, even gloves I generally don't have too much bother with but shoes can be a real minefield ordering online without first trying on.

[WhteRbt]

@Thee: Thanks a lot for your feedback!

I contacted Wested after opening this topic (couldn't sleep ) as I reviewed ALL (yes, ALL ) my shoes for reference. The lion's share of my shoes are EU44, not EU45. So EU45 would be my first try – and as they shipped my order yesterday, I thought they did not read my message, but: They did. AND they found a last set of EU45 which will arrive tomorrow. I will keep you updated!

Marcel

[WhteRbt]

Guys, the boots arrived!

First of all, I am very happy with the haptics and the overall look. To be honest, after the hat, the boots are my first real kind of „Indy Gear“, so I only know them from pictures. Regarding the size, I am quite happy at the moment that they have sent me the 45. They are not too big, maybe a tiny bit too small around my toes (regarding the height, it's a bit hard to wiggle my toes). As the width and the length seems to be okay (I don't hit the front while walking) I don't think that a whole size up would be a better fit; this would be too loose (even more as I am wearing a pair of thicker socks than usual and not planning to add additional soles).

I have just wondered about the stiffness of the leather - the boots are very stiff (especially around my toes) and therefore appeal a bit smaller than they are in reality. If the leather gets smoother over time and will stretch a tiny bit, then it would be just perfect… have to read in the forums about that, but every boot I had in the past stretched a bit during use… so now I am walking around in my house with my new boots on my feet, the laces removed, just to get a feeling for them


Marcel
(Happy me )

[MattWinchell]

So I just got my own pair of Wested boots. I'm a US size 9 for boots and I ordered the size 9 boots from them. I just got them in today and when tied relatively tight (not too tight), the boots fit well! The only thing that is bothering me is that the ankle, the front area where the leg meets the foot, is getting dug into by the leather. Is this normal? Will the leather soften up over time.

[IJJTM]

Pretty sure the boots should soften up over time, you just have to break them in.

[agary7046]

Two things I would recommend for these boots is foot powder and better insoles. Mine acted like they were too big and too small. My toes would be pushed together but my heel would lose a layer of skin every time I wore them. I’ve worn these boots quite a bit and they might finally be getting broken in enough. The leather is very strong so it will take a long time to properly break them in, but when they do I would imagine they will last a long time.

[JC1972]

How much breaking in is needed? I have a size 13 and I've been trying to break them in, but it just seems painful at times. What is the fine line of trying to break them in, and just throwing in the towel? I have a size 14 on the way which they just released, so I'll just probably just sell the 13s and see how the 14s are.

[agary7046]

How much breaking in is needed? I have a size 13 and I've been trying to break them in, but it just seems painful at times. What is the fine line of trying to break them in, and just throwing in the towel? I have a size 14 on the way which they just released, so I'll just probably just sell the 13s and see how the 14s are.

For reference I received mine in March. I wore them immediately for about five hours out on the town and I was barely walking by the last hour, I almost had to take them off and walk barefoot. They had savagely eaten at my heels. I took them off and I would say I wore them at least twice a week from that moment to now. Sometimes for just a few hours. Sometimes for 8+ hours. Every time I had worn them they were still rubbing pretty bad on my heels. I started duct taping my feet to add a layer of protection. I finally decided to get new insoles that snugged the boots up a bit and lifted me heel just a little and so far I have not had the same rubbing pain. I think they are finally starting to get “comfortable” for my foot. Needless to say it took a few months and a lot of moleskin but now I’m very happy with the boots.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Hi. I’m a UK 8.5 and probably would have gone straight for that size. I bought some Redwings Iron Rangers last year, and UK 8.5 was fine. However they don’t do half sizes, so I got a pair of UK 9’s. Got them this week and they are fine. They are a tad longer than I’d have liked, but my heel doesn’t slip, and they crease predominantly in one place at the front, instead of a couple of places which I really don’t like. I’m lucky as an 8 woukd have been too small, and a 10 way too big.

There is no noticeable, for me at least, arch support. The slightly larger size has given me the ability to mount some orthotics in for that. This is, unfortunately, a common thing and not an issue with these boots. I’ve paid more for boots / shoes that still have no decent arch support. I also have a high instep so getting into boots, with it without orthotics, is sometimes an issue.

The boots are very stiff, currently they are digging into my shin at the top. However the Redwings were also very stiff, and took a while to wear in. I definitely think the orthotics are helping, by raising my heel up a little bit, they are half insoles so don’t raise the front of my foot up as well. Also, like the Redwings, there isn’t much ‘cushioning’ in the sole. They are very ‘hard’ to walk on. I suspect thicker socks or insoles would help with this. This would not only add comfort but insulation, if it’s cold where you are.

I’m very pleased with the boots and look forward to them softening up.

[LostRaider25]

I'm thinking about getting some wested adventure boots but I am thinking twice due to the sizing.

(US sizing)
Sneakers: 8-8.5 (usually 8.5)
Leather shoes and boots: 7

Does this mean that an 8US would do or getting a 9US would be too big?

Thanks in advance!

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

I'm thinking about getting some wested adventure boots but I am thinking twice due to the sizing.

(US sizing)
Sneakers: 8-8.5 (usually 8.5)
Leather shoes and boots: 7

Does this mean that an 8US would do or getting a 9US would be too big?

Thanks in advance!

I’d say go with the next size up from your normal leather shoe / boot size. Whether that is a half size 8.5 to 9, or a full size, 8 to 9. I think two ‘full’ sizes would be too much. My understanding is sneakers / trainers / running shoes, especially running shoes, need to be that much bigger if they are used for their ‘intended’ purpose. Running necessitates more room between your toes and the end of the shoes etc.

I think my running shoes are a UK 10. So a size and a half over my leather shoe size. Identical to you I think. So, if I were you, I think I’d get the US 8.

[LostRaider25]

Thanks for this! Much appreciated!

Wanted to ask as well how do the boots hold up in time? In terms of quality and comfort.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Thanks for this! Much appreciated!

Wanted to ask as well how do the boots hold up in time? In terms of quality and comfort.

Your VERY welcome. Re how well they will hold up, well I can’t say for sure, as I’ve not had them that long. However I suspect they will hold up well. I’m also still breaking them in and I’m sure that, when done, they will be no less comfortable than any of my other favourite shoes. The leather is thick and a bit stiff, but I think it will soften up in time. There’s not much cushioning in the soles. Very similar to my Red Wings in that respect. The quality appears to be there. Again, time will tell. They have a 360 degree Goodyear welt, so the soles are replaceable. I am going to get a second pair. I really like them and I want to let them have a day to dry out before I wear them again. Being able to rotate them like this will prolong their life, and that of any shoe / boot.

While I would love a pair of Aldens I’m not entirely sure they are worth the cost. Obviously if I had a pair I may think differently. However I’ve gotten nowhere with Alden, trying to figure out the size I’d need. My immediate thought would be 8.5 (UK) but can’t confirm this with them, or what width fitting I’d need. There are only two authorised retailers in London, who don’t stock the boots. Even if I went there they say they couldn’t help. The lack of help / information I’ve had has left me reluctant to pay the high cost, plus shipping and VAT to the UK.

I think that the Wested boots are going to work out well. I suspect that 95% of people don’t know about Alden boots / that they were the boots worn in the films. 4% of people will know this, but won’t be able to tell my boots are not actually Aldens. That just leaves the 1%, mostly ‘here’, who will spot they aren’t Aldens. I’m ok that they aren’t Aldens. I intend to wear them as my day to day shoes, when it’s cool enough that I don’t overheat wearing trousers. I’ll likely try and keep one pair looking nice, and let the other pick up scratches etc to look better with my gear when I wear it.

[Chose Poorly]

Thanks for this! Much appreciated!

Wanted to ask as well how do the boots hold up in time? In terms of quality and comfort.

Your VERY welcome. Re how well they will hold up, well I can’t say for sure, as I’ve not had them that long. However I suspect they will hold up well. I’m also still breaking them in and I’m sure that, when done, they will be no less comfortable than any of my other favourite shoes. The leather is thick and a bit stiff, but I think it will soften up in time. There’s not much cushioning in the soles. Very similar to my Red Wings in that respect. The quality appears to be there. Again, time will tell. They have a 360 degree Goodyear welt, so the soles are replaceable. I am going to get a second pair. I really like them and I want to let them have a day to dry out before I wear them again. Being able to rotate them like this will prolong their life, and that of any shoe / boot.

While I would love a pair of Aldens I’m not entirely sure they are worth the cost. Obviously if I had a pair I may think differently. However I’ve gotten nowhere with Alden, trying to figure out the size I’d need. My immediate thought would be 8.5 (UK) but can’t confirm this with them, or what width fitting I’d need. There are only two authorised retailers in London, who don’t stock the boots. Even if I went there they say they couldn’t help. The lack of help / information I’ve had has left me reluctant to pay the high cost, plus shipping and VAT to the UK.

I think that the Wested boots are going to work out well. I suspect that 95% of people don’t know about Alden boots / that they were the boots worn in the films. 4% of people will know this, but won’t be able to tell my boots are not actually Aldens. That just leaves the 1%, mostly ‘here’, who will spot they aren’t Aldens. I’m ok that they aren’t Aldens. I intend to wear them as my day to day shoes, when it’s cool enough that I don’t overheat wearing trousers. I’ll likely try and keep one pair looking nice, and let the other pick up scratches etc to look better with my gear when I wear it.

For what it's worth, I LOVE my Aldens and I wear them pretty much every day until the moment I get into bed. They are that comfortable, and I have had a lot of problems with shoes hurting my feet over the years. BUT, I agree that they are not worth current the asking price, even if you wear them as much as I do. My biggest issue is their QC, honestly. It's pretty much impossible to find a "perfect" pair of Indy boots anymore, and while some of the issues are acceptable as variations that come from boots handmade by the pair, other issues just don't feel acceptable for a near $600 pair of boots.

If you don't plan to wear them constantly and are just purchasing for a costume, I think an alternative option (in this case Wested) is the way to go.

[LostRaider25]

Thanks for this! Much appreciated!

Wanted to ask as well how do the boots hold up in time? In terms of quality and comfort.

Your VERY welcome. Re how well they will hold up, well I can’t say for sure, as I’ve not had them that long. However I suspect they will hold up well. I’m also still breaking them in and I’m sure that, when done, they will be no less comfortable than any of my other favourite shoes. The leather is thick and a bit stiff, but I think it will soften up in time. There’s not much cushioning in the soles. Very similar to my Red Wings in that respect. The quality appears to be there. Again, time will tell. They have a 360 degree Goodyear welt, so the soles are replaceable. I am going to get a second pair. I really like them and I want to let them have a day to dry out before I wear them again. Being able to rotate them like this will prolong their life, and that of any shoe / boot.

While I would love a pair of Aldens I’m not entirely sure they are worth the cost. Obviously if I had a pair I may think differently. However I’ve gotten nowhere with Alden, trying to figure out the size I’d need. My immediate thought would be 8.5 (UK) but can’t confirm this with them, or what width fitting I’d need. There are only two authorised retailers in London, who don’t stock the boots. Even if I went there they say they couldn’t help. The lack of help / information I’ve had has left me reluctant to pay the high cost, plus shipping and VAT to the UK.

I think that the Wested boots are going to work out well. I suspect that 95% of people don’t know about Alden boots / that they were the boots worn in the films. 4% of people will know this, but won’t be able to tell my boots are not actually Aldens. That just leaves the 1%, mostly ‘here’, who will spot they aren’t Aldens. I’m ok that they aren’t Aldens. I intend to wear them as my day to day shoes, when it’s cool enough that I don’t overheat wearing trousers. I’ll likely try and keep one pair looking nice, and let the other pick up scratches etc to look better with my gear when I wear it.

I do agree, only die hard fans and Alden enthusiasts would notice the difference. I pulled the trigger on the size 8US wested boots. Hopefully it fits well, crossed fingers.
The reason why I also haven't purchased some Alden 405's is that we don't have stores here as well that carry them. With that price tag, it's quite the gamble to buy online. Sure I can return it for another size but shipping back and fourth will just cost me a lot more. I really want to nail down my size first by fitting it in person before I pull the trigger on that.

[LostRaider25]

For what it's worth, I LOVE my Aldens and I wear them pretty much every day until the moment I get into bed. They are that comfortable, and I have had a lot of problems with shoes hurting my feet over the years. BUT, I agree that they are not worth current the asking price, even if you wear them as much as I do. My biggest issue is their QC, honestly. It's pretty much impossible to find a "perfect" pair of Indy boots anymore, and while some of the issues are acceptable as variations that come from boots handmade by the pair, other issues just don't feel acceptable for a near $600 pair of boots.

If you don't plan to wear them constantly and are just purchasing for a costume, I think an alternative option (in this case Wested) is the way to go.

[/quote][/quote]

I'm part of some good year welted boot groups online, and I have read about Alden's QC issues, from loose grain to stitching problems. All the more I'd want to purchase one in person once I'm ready to pull the trigger on that. Still a beautiful boot. If everything turns out well with my wested boots, I'm considering having it customized by a cobbler to make it look more screen accurate.

[Illinois_Jones]

I actually prefer the 360 welt. The heel feels more stable plus it's a simpler resole. The 270 welt with the heel rand is more complicated and can sometimes produce a weak point in the welt at the ends.

And as much as I love my Aldens, there are some cost cutting aspects I wish they'd improve. A $600+ boot shouldn't have fiber board where leather is the better option, etc. And sometimes it seems they didn't stamp the chromexcel properly and the grain ends up wonky and the upper stretches in directions it shouldn't.

The Westeds are some of the best boots you can get at that price.

[LostRaider25]

I actually prefer the 360 welt. The heel feels more stable plus it's a simpler resole. The 270 welt with the heel rand is more complicated and can sometimes produce a weak point in the welt at the ends.

And as much as I love my Aldens, there are some cost cutting aspects I wish they'd improve. A $600+ boot shouldn't have fiber board where leather is the better option, etc. And sometimes it seems they didn't stamp the chromexcel properly and the grain ends up wonky and the upper stretches in directions it shouldn't.

The Westeds are some of the best boots you can get at that price.

It's the fiber board that actually bugs me the most about it. In the long run it would really affect the longevity of the boot. If ever I do get some Alden 405's in the future, first thing I'll do is send it to the cobbler to have that fiber board changed.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

@ LostRaider25 Where abouts in the world are you?

[LostRaider25]

@ LostRaider25 Where abouts in the world are you?

all the way in the Philippines haha

I've only seen one store here which is an official reseller for Aldens but they only had one size in stock which was waaay too big for me. So basically, I couldn't even try them on. My best bet is if ever I get to visit an Alden shop one day abroad.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Wow. A lovely part of the world. I had the same idea as you. Though the cost of the flights does increase the cost of the boots somewhat

Let us know how it works out. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, but I think you’ll be ok.

[LostRaider25]

I guess the joke's on us then HAHA

Thank you so much again for your insights, appreciate it a lot! Will surely let you know how it'll go, pretty excited for it

[Illinois_Jones]

I actually prefer the 360 welt. The heel feels more stable plus it's a simpler resole. The 270 welt with the heel rand is more complicated and can sometimes produce a weak point in the welt at the ends.

And as much as I love my Aldens, there are some cost cutting aspects I wish they'd improve. A $600+ boot shouldn't have fiber board where leather is the better option, etc. And sometimes it seems they didn't stamp the chromexcel properly and the grain ends up wonky and the upper stretches in directions it shouldn't.

The Westeds are some of the best boots you can get at that price.

It's the fiber board that actually bugs me the most about it. In the long run it would really affect the longevity of the boot. If ever I do get some Alden 405's in the future, first thing I'll do is send it to the cobbler to have that fiber board changed.

Right? A boot that is over about $200 should NOT be using fiber board on the midsole. For something cheap and easy, sure, why not. But a boot at that price should not be using material that can fall apart with one soaking.

And I'm with you on the resoling, but that can get pretty expensive as well. Just wish they did it right at the factory.

[LostRaider25]

Right? A boot that is over about $200 should NOT be using fiber board on the midsole. For something cheap and easy, sure, why not. But a boot at that price should not be using material that can fall apart with one soaking.

And I'm with you on the resoling, but that can get pretty expensive as well. Just wish they did it right at the factory.

Fiber board plus with the 270 welt, faster way for it to break inside out. They could have cut cost somewhere else but not there. Cork may not be the best but it would have been way better, boots at a lower price point such as red wings use this. Hopefully Alden decides to fix this, but that's a long shot.

[LostRaider25]

So I finally got my wested adventurer boots. Ordered on a friday and it arrived here on a tuesday, pretty quick shipping and thankfully didn't have to pay extra for duties. Depending on the country there's a certain amount that they'll start charging you.

Initial Thoughts
The boots actually are robust. Beautiful brown shade, and thick leather. Leather is quite stiff, but not too stiff that it bothered me. I probably got used to breaking in other boots such as the Red Wing Iron Rangers, which is why the leather here didn't bother me as much. It's chrome tanned but not sure what kind of hide it is made of. I asked wested but they haven't replied to me yet regarding this. I appreciate how it has a 360 degree welt compared to Alden's 270 degree welt. This gives the boot better water resistance and resoling would be easy. It seems to have a soft foam insole. Not sure what kind of material it is, maybe EVA? But it reminds me of the insole of Doc Marten's. So it's not the traditional hard leather sole you get in other work boots, meaning it's soft on your feet right out of the box. Not sure what the midsole is made of though underneath. The speed hooks are brass instead of the traditional dark brown colored ones in the Alden 405's. The stitch at the side of the boot also resembles the J Crew version of the Indy boot, not the traditional one used in the film. Despite not being 100% screen accurate, it looks the part and definitely captures the look of Indiana Jones.

Sizing
Initially, many reviews say that sizing up is the best way to go since these tend to run smaller and narrower, which is why ordering a size 8 seemed like a good idea since I wear boots in size 7 (plus I have wide feet) but surprisingly, the size 8US does fit like a size 8US
Either way I wouldn't really have a choice as well since 8US is wested's smallest size offering. It felt a tad big, more on the long side but I added an insole and it did the trick. My toe is just a tiny bit behind the inner stitch though, but it's not too bad nor uncomfortable (thank god for that insole haha).
Before purchasing, I contacted Wested and they told me the boots fit true to size, so maybe this new version (which isn't the made in china one) is actually true to size after all. So this is something to keep in mind for those who want to order these boots.

Cons
If there's anything that bugs me about the boots, it's the speed hooks (a lot seem to complain about this as well). I don't like how big it is compared to other boots, it pops out too much for my taste and it kinda looks tacky. Some speed hooks were loose and positioned differently compared to the others as well. So that's a QC issue there. I could actually rotate some of them in a 360 degree way. Given this, I sent the boots to my cobbler so he can have it fixed. With this, I also asked him if he can replace the speed hooks with a more color accurate one closer to the aldens, which he said he can. So at least it'll come back looking more screen accurate in a way.

Pros
According to my cobbler upon inspection, he said overall it's a boot that's going to last long, which says a lot for boots made for cosplaying (I guess wested really built these knowing that indy fans will really treat these the way Indy did). He also complimented the uppers. He's not so sure though if it's actually a good year welted boot, he mentioned that it looks like it's blake stitched. I guess I'll find out once I ask him to resole it, but for now I'll keep the sole as is and use it the way wested made them. When the time comes for a resole, I'll probably have it rebuilt to look more like the Alden 405. I'm also curious to know how it is built inside (like what kind of midsole they use), so I guess that's an update I'll have to do once I actually have it resoled sometime in the future. So for its price, you're actually getting something that is made well with some fine quality materials (minus the qc issues).

Conclusion
They're no Alden 405's for sure, but so far for the price, it seems to be a rugged and solid boot. It has a slimmer profile compared to the Alden 405's which has a wider curve at the toe box area. Alden's lasts are designed that way. There are some QC issues right out of the box (wested's known to have some hits and misses at times), which can be a deal breaker for some, but nothing that can be fixed. After all Alden Indy Boots do have some QC issues even at their price point. Would still want to own one some day but that would be for another time.
Originally made for cosplayers, the Wested Adventurer Boot is a good option for those who want to casually wear a boot that resembles the Alden 405, or for those who just want a great looking boot without breaking the bank.They're boots that look the part and will do its job, be it for cosplay or for daily wear.

Will post some images soon. I'm planning to make a video review about these boots sometime once I get it back from the cobbler. Might make an update after some months or a year.

[tubasthebest]

Fantastic review! I really appreciate how in depth you got. I think this is really helpful to those who are interested in these boots!

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Awesome to hear, thanks for posting. I’m assuming you meant it is best to size up, not down. Probably a typo. I think your very lucky to have such a cobbler to do this work. The one near me is part of a national chain. I doubt they’d have the knowledge to make them more like Aldens. I know what you mean about the Iron Ranger boots. Breaking the Wested boots in is just like it was for the Rangers. I can’t wait to see your pictures / video. I’d also be interested in some before and after pictures, plus a bit on what was done, when you get them made more screen accurate. Bravo Sir, bravo.

[LostRaider25]

My bad, will fix that typo, thanks for the heads up

Thankfully I do have an awesome cobbler nearby. His business is called Willie's Leathers, you can check his page out here https://www.facebook.com/Willies-Shoe-R ... 1991762456. He's got clients from around the world as well. He also customized my iron rangers into a 360 degree welt and even relasted it to make it fit me better since it was a half size too big.

I might get my boots back within the week, looking forward to how it looks. Will keep you all posted!

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Can’t wait to see them. I could not imagine the look on our cobblers face if I asked him to make my Iron Rangers a 360 welt

[Illinois_Jones]

Pros
According to my cobbler upon inspection, he said overall it's a boot that's going to last long, which says a lot for boots made for cosplaying (I guess wested really built these knowing that indy fans will really treat these the way Indy did). He also complimented the uppers. He's not so sure though if it's actually a good year welted boot, he mentioned that it looks like it's blake stitched. I guess I'll find out once I ask him to resole it, but for now I'll keep the sole as is and use it the way wested made them. When the time comes for a resole, I'll probably have it rebuilt to look more like the Alden 405. I'm also curious to know how it is built inside (like what kind of midsole they use), so I guess that's an update I'll have to do once I actually have it resoled sometime in the future. So for its price, you're actually getting something that is made well with some fine quality materials (minus the qc issues).

Mine are goodyear. Not sure why they'd blake stitch it and then attach a welt. It's easy to check, just peek behind the welt and look for stitching to a gemming. And look under the insole for stitching through the footbed to see if it is blake. And if the footbed is stitched to something, what the heck is it stitched to? Just the midsole? Not sure why a cobbler wouldn't know at first look -- it's fairly obvious on goodyear construction that the outsole is stitched to the welt. Blake is normally used on Italian style dress shoes because it's sleek and light -- it's a *simpler* construction but more difficult to do because you have to stitch inside the shoe, so the stitch line is normally further from the edge of the sole than goodyear where the outsole stitch is outside the upper. It would be weird to have a "budget" adventure boot go through the trouble of blake stitching and then glue a welt on for looks.

Just curious because I've been thinking of getting another pair and wondering if they're now doing something strange in construction.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

@Illinois_Jones I’m going to have to ‘google’ what you wrote.

I thought there were only two ways to attach a sole to a shoe. Goodyear welt 270 / 360, or glue. Once again this forum has opened up a whole new world to me.

[Illinois_Jones]

Lol. Yeah blake stitch is both simple and counterintuitive in some sense -- usually it takes a special machine to stitch inside the shoe. It's a pretty durable construction but it's usually only on dress shoes because goodyear is easier to repair/replace and usually is more water resistant so it's better for shoes that take a beating.

A good quality blake stitch is often a "hidden" blake as well. They split the leather sole slightly and peel it back maybe an inch, stitch the sole on then fold the flap back over the stitch and glue it down. A really good quality shoe without a welt and no visible stitches on the outsole are likely hidden blake stitched. Like I said, just look under the insole and see if there's a stitch through the footbed.

The other thing I've seen on really high end work boots is a stitch down construction with a welt where the ends of the upper are folded out and the stitch is put through the welt-upper-midsole trio and then another stitch is put down through the welt to attach the outsole, with the welt's main purpose as a water barrier for the seam. But that's all way too bulky for an Indy boot.

My guess is the current Westeds are a standard goodyear construction. No reason for them not to be.

[LostRaider25]

I asked him again what kind of welt it is, he's not sure if it's blaked stitched but according to him it's not good year welted. He may be wrong though, but then again I also trust him enough.
Either way I'm planning to have this boot rebuilt sometime in the future, would want to give it some leather midsoles and a more traditional insole. But for now I'll use it as is.

[LostRaider25]

[LostRaider25]

So I got my boots back, here's a comparison:
*sorry if the image size is too big


Before




Speed hook comparison




After












It's a small change but it seems to make a big impact on the look. The smaller speed hooks give it a sleeker and more balanced look compared to factory default ones.
I swapped the brown laces for black ones, just to add some contrast. Overall, it looks much better now than how it arrived.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Now they look REALLY nice, and it’s nothing to do with the fact we appear to be wearing the boots with the same trousers at the moment. Your right about the speed hooks. I think I’m going to ask one of our cobblers if they could do that. Are you able to provide ant info on the speed hooks you’ve used. For example are the standard ones ‘4mm’ and the new ones ‘2mm’? I think any info you could give will be helpful in getting them to do it.

[LostRaider25]

Can never go wrong with chinos when you're wearing boots a happy medium between rugged and classy

I'll have to ask him regarding the speed hook measurements. He did say it was quite a challenge since the holes were big from wested's default speed hooks, so he had to find a way to make the smaller ones fit properly without being loose.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Can never go wrong with chinos when you're wearing boots a happy medium between rugged and classy

I'll have to ask him regarding the speed hook measurements. He did say it was quite a challenge since the holes were big from wested's default speed hooks, so he had to find a way to make the smaller ones fit properly without being loose.

If you were able to let me know about all of that I’d be very grateful. Thank you.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Just by way of an update. I’ve received my second pair of boots. Now I forgot to put my orthotics in, so not sure if this is the reason. However they feel great, straight out of the box. I’ve been wearing them all day, with no pain on my heals or from the top of the boots. Great!

The only thing is, I’ve still not received any leather laces. Has anyone else had them with theirs? If so, can you share picture of them. Thanks!!

[indy89]

I'm wearing my Wested boots at work today! I've owned them since the summer of 2020 and they're still breaking in, but these boots are great for the price. I wear a US 11 in most shoes, so I purchased the Wested boots in a 12, and they fit perfectly. I recently treated them with Pecards brown tint dressing and I'm happy with the way they turned out.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Bounty Hunter]

I've been thinking about getting a pair of Westeds too, though like most everyone else I'm questioning the sizing as being located in the states I want to avoid having to return/exchange for different size. I'm a brannock 11D (just shy of 11) on right foot, left is closer to 10.5D. Most of my shoes and boots are 11D or E, but my two pairs of dress shoes and Alden 403 are 10D. I was thinking 11 US for Westeds but after reading up on it maybe 12 US? Sounds and looks like they have a narrow toebox which is something that also concerns me as I like them wider.

I was going to buy them new through their ebay storefront since its about $15 cheaper. I asked them about sizing and all they said is "Hi We have a size chart on the site for you to see." And I don't see any shoe sizing chart on their site...

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Bounty Hunter, it appears the chart has now gone, though I never remember seeing one for the boots. I’d ask the specifically about the width of the boot, they don’t do different width fittings. Maybe if they measured the widest part of the sole, for the 11’s and 12’s, you could compare it to the boots you have? About mid way down mine they measure about 12cm, but they are UK 9’s, so I’m not sure that helps? Maybe others here, with bigger feet, could help.

I’d say go with the 11’s, as they are the right size / half a size bigger. However I understand your concern over width. For what it’s worth I have wide feet, and I had to go up half a size. The width on them is fine for me. However I don’t know my width ‘letter’.

[Illinois_Jones]

The general rule of thumb among shoemakers and cobblers is that it's better to be long and narrow rather than short and wide.

Unless you have unusually wide feet, the width shouldn't really be a problem. It's standard sizing and we're not dealing with TB lasts or anything really particular. Just go the closest size up and remember you need to break them in.

[Bounty Hunter]

FYI for those thinking about getting a pair of Wested boots, they are currently on sale through their ebay store and will be on sale "until around Friday" according to Wested when I emailed them today. With ship they are around $146 to the states, that's about as good as it gets with the sale price plus the value of the GBP is at historic low

[Bounty Hunter]

Follow up, got the boots, arrived in MN in just 7 days, not bad! My thoughts on the Wested boots vs Alden 403s:

For me the Alden has much better arch support, I don't think the Wested has a steel shank like the Alden (maybe the Westeds use to?), as I can push the sole at the arch and easily feel it inside boot. The Wested has a narrower and more pointed toe box, but MUCH wider in the heel. There's so much room in the heel that lots of heel slip occurs for me so might have to play around with tongue pads or heel pads. The leather is stiffer, will take some breaking in for sure and I get some sore spots from rubbing. The Alden's didn't need to be broken in at all. I wear size 11 US shoe, but dress shoes size 10. My Alden's are size 10 B/D (B heel) and fit perfect. The Wested is size 11 and also fit great length wise. Apparently I have narrow ankles because both boots have little to no lace gap in the upper speed lace section. Also, the Wested uses a thinner silver grey colored moc toe stitch thread, where Alden is white and a thicker thread. They did update the speed hooks and eyelets to be similar color to Aldens (dark grey) but still weak. The Wested sole/heel says it's slip resistant cork but feels like soft rubber.

When going for a walk in the Westeds, the very top (throat?) of the outboard sides of both boots really digs into my legs, gets very painful quickly. I had to wear thick socks and fold/roll them down over that part of the leg to build up enough layers to make it comfortable enough to walk in