Chippewa Workboot Review

[Chewbacca Jones]

I finally had a chance to try out my new Chippewa close-enoughs, which were brought up in a few threads recently. They are essentially Alden-style looking boots with a different toe, and are based on the same vintage type of workboot. They can be found at different prices from Sportsman's Guide, L.L. Bean, and others.

These boots are real good looking, and if they weren't a nubuck finish, they could do well as dress shoes. They have a good grip to the soles but keep the "dress sole" look of the Aldens. As for comfort, they are very light and don't need much break-in. The soles are solid, but it's still easy to find the pedals in you car, unlike most workboots (if you're not used to it). I can't wear boots in my Mustang, but these were fine. They feel much more like normal shoes.

I wore them for shopping and errands to walk on different surfaces. The grocery store is known for leaving my feet in agony in my best shoes, so it was a fair test. Plus, I have bad feet. I was surprised at how comfortable they were. And my feet recovered from the day's walking much quicker than with any other shoe I have.

The one warning I issue here is that they are cut a little loose. I prefer medium to thick socks, so I don't mind... but thin socks won't feel right.
Ultimately, these are great boots in the right sort of style, and less expensive than Aldens... with some extras that I like (grippy soles and such).

Pics;







http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb36 ... Boot03.jpg

[J_Weaver]

Good review!

I've got a pair of those as well and agree that they are very nice boots. I've used mine for everything from hiking and hunting to work and daily wear. Mine are also a little big on me. In fact, I would just about say that they run almost a half size big. However, I have a narrow foot so that may effect my perception of things. Great boots, especially if you can find them for less than $100.

[RC Halliburton]

I've had a pair for about 5 years. I wore them on screen in Templars, as they are a nice close-enough for british army boots as well. (Should be black pebble finish, but oh well.)
The only drawbacks I found over the years is that my heels continually wore through the leather liner, and that about mile 10,000 the soles are so smooth that they hydroplane on sidewalks and other walkways when wet )

Cheers,
Halliburton

[ydam]

thanks for the review.

[Pitfall Harry]

I was looking at a pair of those a long time ago. I always thought they looked very cool and had that "vintage look". The only thing that kind of kept me from getting a pair was the "cap toe". I didn't think that looked right for an "Indy boot".......but that was a while back. Now I think they'd look just fine.

Chewie, those are some great looking boots. I may have to get a pair someday.

[Indiana Greg]

heads up
Sportsmans guide now has these f/ $99 vs. LL Beans $150.

[ANZAC_1915]

I was just at a Western store this morning looking at Chippewas, thinking they'd be great close-enoughs. What model/style are those???

(they do look like a pair I kept coming back to with hex nut shaped lace eyelets....)

And now the LL Bean catalog arrives and has them in it! I'm surrounded by them.
LINK

[Chewbacca Jones]

I have the LL Bean, the side of the box says; "Style - ODRY9". If that helps...

[ANZAC_1915]

Sportsmans Guide LINK

$69.95 at Bootsusa.com LINK

Did I get this right? Are they all the same shoes as above?

These look slightly different (3 rows or eyelets fitted instead of 4, then 4 posts instead of 3):

Chippewa 25290:LINK

[Dostacos]

well slightly loose sounds good for someone who wants a slightly WIDER shoe

[Indiana Texas-girl]

I have a pair that I love! I agree they are cut a bit wide, especially in the toe area. I love wearing them with boot cut jeans.

[Chewbacca Jones]

Sportsmans Guide LINK

$69.95 at Bootsusa.com LINK

Did I get this right? Are they all the same shoes as above?

These look slightly different (3 rows or eyelets fitted instead of 4, then 4 posts instead of 3):

Chippewa 25290:LINK

That last link is a different version. It has a lug sole like a current-day work or hiking boot. It changes the profile a little, but it looks like a grat option if you prefer the heavier soles.

[Dostacos]

the bad news is the $69.95 is only for certain sizes and very few at that

[ANZAC_1915]

Keep us posted!

[CaliforniaJones]

After looking closely at both the boots from Sportsman Guide and LL Bean, I believe these are the same style boots, but DIFFERENT construction. the SMG have a 3/4 Goodyear Welt, meaning the welt ends at the beginning of the boot heel, whereas the welt on the LL Bean boot, is a full welt, meaning it encompasses the entire boot.

I'm not sure if the 3/4 welt holds up in strength/durability as well as the full welt, and not sure if it makes putting on another heel any more difficult.

We'll soon see b/c I ordered a pair from SMG, so when they arrive I'll be able to tell. I think they are great looking boots at an outstanding price, but if they fall short, I'm gonna send 'em back and get something else.

My boots should arrive Friday.

I got mine from Sportsman's Guide about 2 weeks ago. They are the exact same ones LL Bean sells. The Item# is the same as the one on the LL Bean website. There is an LL Bean label sewn on the inside of the tongues. I'm no expert but my deductive reasoning leads me to believe they are the same boots.

The only thing I noticed may have led thes to be labeled seconds is some light scuffing/rub marks. It is very light though, it could have just been from shipping. They are perfect other than that. I put a couple coats of Fiebing's on them and they look perfect.

These are some tough boots. They are very comfortable. Run a tad big (I'm just gonna put a nice insole in). They feel like they will take a little time to break in. They're not uncomfortable, just very thick leather. I wanted to get boot I could trudge through the forests and trails with, and these fit the bill.

I couldn't be more happy with them. They're definitely worth the money.

[Chewbacca Jones]

I'm not sure what a "welt" is - I'm thinking it's the lip on the outside of the boot that's visibly stitched to the sole. If that's the case, the LL Beans are 3/4 welts, not full. Unless the welt around the heal is tucked under, in which case SMG's probably are, too.

Check out the last photo of the first post in this thread.

[Texas Raider]

I got the Sportsmans version (finally in my size!) It's the exact boot pictured above. The welt you are talking about in the pic actually does only go 3/4 around. It stops at the heel and then a plastic piece continues around the heel. It's that way in the boots pictured,and mine, too. Look closely,,the color changes slightly at the heel, that is the intersection of the two pieces.

Also, the reason they are cheaper then the L.L. Beans (even though the tag says L.L. Bean on the tongue) is because they are "Imperfect". There is a label right on the box that says this. Maybe they take it off certain boxes, but they are irregulars,,,probably only unnoticeable things, or scuffs, but no big deal.

About the scuffing, they are oil tanned leather boots, the scuffs will pretty much just rub out with your finger, they won't need any conditioner for a while!

One more thing,,what I've always liked about these boots and Chippewa in particular is the GREAT insole that comes with it. These in actuality are far more comfortable than the Aldens simply because of this. The Aldens are great for orthotics, but mainly for heel and arch, there isn't a whole lot of room in the toe for a good cushion. Me, I normally deal with some discomfort for a bit, while the insole conforms, and then the tightness lessens. These Chips are perfectly suited for the thick cushioned insole that comes with them, plenty of toe room,and yes, just like Aldens, they are a half size too big on their sizing. In my opinion, most boots are ;-)

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents!!

TR