Club Obi Wan

Hi everyone, this is not really Indy-gear related but I need an advice from someone here who knows more about goodyear welted boots than I do. I do own a pair of Red Wing 1909 boots which are absolutely great:



Those are quite new, a year or so, did not wear them a lot. Today after walking in the rain I noticed a flaw on the sole thread which really worries me:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/257 ... 9736_o.jpg

Marked it in red. The thread is already broken in that area. Is that normal? What can I expect now, the sole falls off sooner or later? ) I mean they said RW could last 25 years but you have to replace the sole twice a year or what? )

Thanks a lot for any help
TFG

I wouldn't worry about it. Most work boot soles are double stitched and the thread pulled through twice. It's known that the outer thread will wear through first, but it does not affect the sole, as it's hook stitched at the top.

Redwings are top drawer work boots/shoes, and not slip shod by any stretch of the imagination.

I'd just wear the boots and enjoy them.

If you start having any problems, the great thing about these boots is they are easily repaired, and can be repaired over and over again. At this time you have no problem, but if you are still aren't comfortable with this, take it to a local shoe repair shop and they can easily put in a few retaining threads in the existing area.

They're great looking boots, by the way!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

Michaelson, thanks a lot for that information! It did comfort me, really ) How do I know the time has come to replace the soles? When there's no thread left or if the soles are worn through? BTW, does the same rule apply for today's Alden 405s? Also double stitched?

Yes, Aldens are also double stitched.

If you see the sole starting to separate from the base of the boot (you'll see a gap starting to form), that's the time to have the sole replaced.

Unless you plan on being dragged behind a truck while skiing on asphalt, you have a LONG way to go before you'll need to look into having anything done.

Regard! Michaelson