Boondockers Vs Rough out service shoes

[Dudleydoright]

Hi All !
First off, well done to all who contribute to this GREAT site :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

I'm looking to buy a pair of either boondockers or rough out service shoes - obviously repro'.
Anyone out there have a pair and able to post a pic or two,along with their honest thought on quality, authenticity etc PLEASE ? At the moment (because Toy's McCoys don't have any) I favour the ones made by At The Front (www.atthefront.com). I'd be interested in garnering some of your expert assisitance with the choice.

'Good weekend all,

Dave

 

[BellyTank]

Hi Dave- welcome.

Do a little searching and you'll find a thread all about Roughouts and Russets.

Here is the thread-

http://thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=4091&highlight=rough+out


B
T

 

[Dudleydoright]

Thank You !

Thanks for that. I had tried a search but missed that one completely

I only found the one on Steve McQueen and his 'Great Escape' outfit.

Dave

 

[Naphtali]

If the boots you intend to purchase have sewn midsole and outsole -- Norwegian, Littleton, or Goodyear welt -- and you intend to use your boots in the outback rather than for merely looking sharp, I strongly recommend you obtain rough out boots. This outer accepts water retardants much better than a smooth outer. And they do not show scuffs and cuts as severely.

I personally prefer the "always used" look of rough outs also.

Just a thought.

 

[BellyTank]

The Rough-out being more receptive to waterproofing was one reason the US Army introduced them but apparently the principle was proven wrong.

B
T

 

[Dudleydoright]

ATF service shoes

This thread and the one i was referred to below focused more on russett (shiny) shoes than the roughouts, but i went ahead and ordered the shoes anyways !!
Well, they arrived yesterday, looking so pale and ill i was compelled to coat them with some neatsfoot oil to darken them. The long cotton laces were great laces BUT definately not remotely anything like the originals so i replaced them with one of 40 odd pairs i got on ebay a while back and here are the results. A boot of which i am very happy. Comfortable right out of the box. They are going to be keepers.

I'd be interested to hear your opinions please.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Mojave Jack]

This thread and the one i was referred to below focused more on russett (shiny) shoes than the roughouts, but i went ahead and ordered the shoes anyways !!
Well, they arrived yesterday, looking so pale and ill i was compelled to coat them with some neatsfoot oil to darken them. The long cotton laces were great laces BUT definately not remotely anything like the originals so i replaced them with one of 40 odd pairs i got on ebay a while back and here are the results. A boot of which i am very happy. Comfortable right out of the box. They are going to be keepers.

I'd be interested to hear your opinions please.

Cheers,
Dave

Dave, they look great. Whose did you end up getting?

 

[Dudleydoright]

Roughouts

Hi Jack,
Thanks for the kind words. I'm well chuffed with them They are from 'At The Front'. As I mentioned though, you would need to get some neatsfoot oil to darken them to look like mine. Also the original period WW2 nylon laces really make a difference. I'm getting a pair of Juan's boondockers brought back for me this summer so i'll be able to do a review of them in a month or two. (ww2 Impressions).
Once they've had a bit more wear i'll post some more pics. They are such a comfortable boot.

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Edward]

Hi sorry for digging up an old thread, but I wanted to raise a question re footwear and I thought I'd be better on an appropriate thread than starting a new one.... I'll hopefully be in the market come Autumn for some new footwear. Fully formal is fine - plenty of repro places I have found at the right price, ditto casuals (my training shoe look is pretty much fifties, so there's plenty of options there too...). It's that middle ground I'm drawing a blank on. I don't seem to be able to find guy's saddle shoes anywheres (I know they exist!). I'm also interested in boots.... I'd like something that is tough enough for very regular wear, the same as I would be with a pair of modern commando boots, something that will take serious abuse, but has that retro vibe as well - Indy style. and ideally available in black and burgundy as well as brown!

What kind of price are these above? I've also looked at the Magnoli adventure boots as a possibility in the future... I'm scared by the price to be honest, as I've never paid more than abouyt USD160 for a pair of shoes before... I understand the higher price for custom footwear, but what's the general vibe - are you paying more for the better fit of custom boots, or will a pair of shoes in that price range genuinely last a lot longer? I can have current issue Squaddie boots for £30UK, and I got eight years out of my last pair - unfortunately with those big rubber soles they look anything but vintage!