Chippewa Men's 6" Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boot

I just took delivery of these two days ago, so these are all first impressions. I'll try to update as time goes on. So far I'm very happy with what I got for the money. These were $145 including tax and delivery to my door (using the 20% promo code during September of 2015). The execution is certainly nicer in appearance than my US made Justin work boots, but those are rough-out leather and were on sale for $50 in my size- so quite a price point difference too. I wear pressed khakis and a polo to work, and the Justins looked out of place. The Chippewas are more refined, and have a great classic style. Aesthetically they are well suited to my work attire, and the only boots that I really think would look better are Wolverine 1,000 miles or Red Wing Iron Rangers. I think either would have been a worthy investment, but not what I was looking to spend for my purposes.There isn't anything special about the style or appearance of the boots, other than the lighter, redder layer of leather where the upper meets the sole. It really sets them off without being too flashy. The uppers are very good quality. While they are reasonably soft from the factory, it is certainly not "glove leather" like some reviews compared it to. That's a good thing- because I want boot leather. The color is noticeably lighter and grayer than they appear in the stock photos. The stitching is all good, with a few errant thread ends here and there that are easily mitigated with a flame. I would have been disappointed with that in a pair of Red Wings, but I'm OK with it in $150 boots. The hardware looks good, and seems slightly better than what I got on my Justins. The waxed laces look and feel good- hopefully they hold up better than some reviews indicated. I like the flag lace keeper- but I didn't want it exposed all of the time. I used the European straight lacing method, and moved it up to the third eyelet. This worked perfectly, and keeps them covered by my pants unless I sit.The stitch-down soles look great. The dark brown stitches contrast nicely with the lighter, redder layer of leather. The leather layer is attached to a very thin, not noticeable layer of black rubber (welt layer?), which is in turn attached to the thick brown vibram sole. All of these layers are uniformly finished and smooth where they meet all the way around both boots. Of minor annoyance is the edge of the very bottom of the vibram, where tiny bits protrude as a result of melting the tread pattern. They can be picked off pretty easily.I confirmed fit, but waited until after treating the uppers with Leather Honey to actually wear the boot. They SOAKED UP the conditioner- and could probably use a second coat. The leather got noticeably softer and more supple after treatment. They darkened very slightly too, which was great in my book since they arrived lighter in color than I was expecting. The boots are reasonably comfortable for being brand new. The drop from the heel to the arch is pretty dramatic, but nothing I can't get used too. There is some bunching in the leather upper at my Achilles that I also commonly feel with new boots, and which becomes unnoticeable after break-in. My feet measure 12.5 and 12, both 4e. Based on the reviews that the boots run large I went with size 12. They are just right for my 12.5 foot. The only wide width available is 2e, which is obviously not quite wide enough- but doable. I'm wearing them for the first full day today, with dress socks (oops) and with the exception of minor hot spots in the Achilles area which are already improving after only a few hours they are comfortable.So far, so great for the price point. They are 5 star boots up to $150. The usual Amazon price is just under $200 after tax. Since I've seen US made Red Wings here for $265, I'd probably be inclined to upgrade for that small price difference. They would also lose a star for value. Buy these on the cheap and some leather honey and you won't be disappointed.Update: the boots were reasonably broken in by the end of one (long) day at work. I've worn them almost all day every day for 9 days, and they feel phenomenal. I was going to only use leather conditioner on these, but I decided to go ahead and add a thin coat of polish. With plain old Kiwi brown and a horse hide brush these boots really came to life. The color is now rich brown, and they have a satin sheen. My only gripe is the eyelet above the speed lacing hardware. They should have either eliminated the speed lacing hardware or had it go all the way too the top. Having to re-thread the laces if you've pulled them out of the eyelets is a pain, and trying to use speed laces if you haven't pulled the ends out of those eyelets is a pain.

This is a classic, simple work boot. There are no frills in the entire package (except the American flag lace-keeper, which I put on another pair of shoes for the heck of it). The leather is stiff and will take 2-3 weeks of break-in. For me this was not an "instant comfort" boot. Initially the stiff leather did rub in places until I figured out how to lace the boot properly. After the leather breaks in, I expect this not to be a problem.Materials: Heavy, stiff leather provides incredible support and what I expect to be wonderful longevity. The Vibram sole provides good grip. I have yet to try in wet or snowy conditions, but don't expect a lugged sole. This is designed to be sleek and practical. The laces are heavy duty waxed. I don't expect them to break soon.Design: Classic. Looks like a turn-of-the-century work boot. The color represented in the photo is accurate if not a bit lighter than the actual boot. Matted finish, no shine.Comfort: Will require break-in. Stiff leather rubs certain places. You can avoid this by lacing them slightly loose in the initial weeks. The Chippewa 20065 has a lot of arch support, and a supportive but flexible sole. I believe there is a steel shank as in their other boots for extra support.Quality: There are a few scuffs and odd leather cuts here and there. I believe they may be second quality because of some minor cosmetic issues with cutting the welts. Nothing to be concerned over. In general, they are impeccably built, with reinforced stitching everywhere.I absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a long-lasting, well-built boot. I'm definitely not a "work boot" person, but these have a lasting style and structure to them. I wear them both casually with jeans and to the office. They work equally well in both settings.***********UPDATE: 1 month of almost daily wear.***********The leather has softened significantly, and they are QUITE comfortable. They really do mold to your feet. I've made two modifications to the boots:1) I put in Superfeet Green insoles to make them more comfortable and to give them more support.2) I treated the leather with Obenauf's LP cream a few days ago.The Obenauf's darkened the leather several shades (looked almost black before they dried) but the conditioning effect was really worth it. They're much more comfortable and pliable. If you're wearing them as a true work boot, don't do this, though, as the leather has weakened and the support is degraded. It also gave them a soft sheen, which I like a LOT. A little more dressy.Happy wearing!

I bought these boots for my travel adventures and camping trips, despite the fact that I was a bit scared they might run a bit big, but they fit perfectly. I ordered a size 6, which is an 8 in women sizing. The boots not only look great, but they feel great and confortable right out of the box. And hats off to Chippewa, as they are very well built, and the quality of the leather is amazing, the smell is great too.I treated mine with Huberd's shoe grease (with amazing results, so far), since they're made of rugged leather and aren't waterproof. I took them out camping for the first time this weekend, and they did great! Confortable, good grip, and even though they're not steel toe, they are tough enough not to care should you hit a rock or drop something on your foot.Will try to post some pictures in the near future!

Great work boots if you dont require a steel toe. Comfy and true to size. Might be a bit large on a narrow foot. Can be used with orthotics which is good. Good leather for a workshop as it sheds most liquids pretty easily. I suggest oiling for use in snow. Not much traction for icy or hard packed snow so watch your step.

They are great. Took awhile to break them in but so comfy after. Bit tight around the arch of the foot but not bad. I usually wear 10.5 size but went down to 10 and they are awesome

Went a half size smaller as suggested, they are a great fit and really comfortable.. So far they are the best casual boots I've owned.

excellent