Hello Loungers. I'm currently working on my first jacket renovation (thread to follow), after being sucked into the murky world of high end jackets here (couldn't justify buying something new, and sizing is a big unknown, soooo.) However, that aside, I thought I'd introduce myself with a smaller project.
I've been scratching a lot of itches recently, mainly retail therapy oriented while I'm stuck at home. I decided I should take advantage of the summer weather to buy some cheap winter gear off fleabay, and scored some real bargains! Not least was a used pair of chippewa logger boots that are 'arctic grade' and lined with shearling ($70.) Given that I'm only likely to wear them a dozen times per year I'd rather not pay $300+ for something that gets so little use.
I also decided to grab some new work boots and picked up a fairly workmanlike pair of timberland pros which should be fine. However, I was actually more taken by a pair or boots from a brand I'd not come across before - LeHigh. I did some digging and couldn't turn up much information on them but figured that because they were new (open box) and less than fiddy bucks that they were worth a punt.
When they finally showed up and I got hands on them I was pleasantly surprised. They're also an insulated work boot, with a steel toe, but it was the color which set them apart. I know... never a good primary reason for choosing work boots, but tell me I'm wrong!? Upon sticking my foot in one I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable they felt - the padding is pretty decent, however, I have my doubts as to how well the stitching securing the lining will hold up after a few years of heavy use.
The leather looked a little dry, so I was about to order some saphir creme, in cognac, but something stopped me, and upon digging through my shoe cleaning box I discovered a little tin of some brand I didn't remember ordering... also in cognac. The color looked to be identical to the saphir, and upon checking the ratings on the jungle site it seemed to be a reasonably well regarded brand, so I figured it fit the budget approach to a work boot solution. Also, note used toothbrush as applicator.
So, I gave them a single coat of the fancily named shoe polish and left it to soak in overnight. I slathered the polish on and decided not to worry about changing the stitching color from white to cognac (at this point I wasn't thinking about them for anything other than work).
And, you know what, the end result looks pretty good. To the point where, as mentioned in the thread title, I'm thinking that the leather is just too nice to rip up. However, just how I'm going to be viewed if I'm walking around town wearing nice, shiny, 'pretty' work boots... I dunno... but, in saying that, how I'm going to be looked at in a work environment wearing nice, shiny, 'pretty' work boots.... probably a good job I still live in NYC and my work environment is more Fifth Ave than the Bronx
My question to all you fine people though, is, what do I do for laces? The original mustard duotone laces (on the left) don't look bad, but I like my laces to be an accent point, so maybe something with a little more pop? The other boot is modeling three options I had laying around.
Maybe black and orange (or the middle one - brown and orange.) Or dark brown with a thin yellow accent? What would your 'off-the-wall' (but still coordinated) color choice be?
I've been scratching a lot of itches recently, mainly retail therapy oriented while I'm stuck at home. I decided I should take advantage of the summer weather to buy some cheap winter gear off fleabay, and scored some real bargains! Not least was a used pair of chippewa logger boots that are 'arctic grade' and lined with shearling ($70.) Given that I'm only likely to wear them a dozen times per year I'd rather not pay $300+ for something that gets so little use.
I also decided to grab some new work boots and picked up a fairly workmanlike pair of timberland pros which should be fine. However, I was actually more taken by a pair or boots from a brand I'd not come across before - LeHigh. I did some digging and couldn't turn up much information on them but figured that because they were new (open box) and less than fiddy bucks that they were worth a punt.
When they finally showed up and I got hands on them I was pleasantly surprised. They're also an insulated work boot, with a steel toe, but it was the color which set them apart. I know... never a good primary reason for choosing work boots, but tell me I'm wrong!? Upon sticking my foot in one I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable they felt - the padding is pretty decent, however, I have my doubts as to how well the stitching securing the lining will hold up after a few years of heavy use.
The leather looked a little dry, so I was about to order some saphir creme, in cognac, but something stopped me, and upon digging through my shoe cleaning box I discovered a little tin of some brand I didn't remember ordering... also in cognac. The color looked to be identical to the saphir, and upon checking the ratings on the jungle site it seemed to be a reasonably well regarded brand, so I figured it fit the budget approach to a work boot solution. Also, note used toothbrush as applicator.
So, I gave them a single coat of the fancily named shoe polish and left it to soak in overnight. I slathered the polish on and decided not to worry about changing the stitching color from white to cognac (at this point I wasn't thinking about them for anything other than work).
And, you know what, the end result looks pretty good. To the point where, as mentioned in the thread title, I'm thinking that the leather is just too nice to rip up. However, just how I'm going to be viewed if I'm walking around town wearing nice, shiny, 'pretty' work boots... I dunno... but, in saying that, how I'm going to be looked at in a work environment wearing nice, shiny, 'pretty' work boots.... probably a good job I still live in NYC and my work environment is more Fifth Ave than the Bronx
My question to all you fine people though, is, what do I do for laces? The original mustard duotone laces (on the left) don't look bad, but I like my laces to be an accent point, so maybe something with a little more pop? The other boot is modeling three options I had laying around.
Maybe black and orange (or the middle one - brown and orange.) Or dark brown with a thin yellow accent? What would your 'off-the-wall' (but still coordinated) color choice be?
