Filson Shoes Anyone?

[OneEyeMan]

I was wondering if anybody has owned either their Uplander Chukka or Oxford.
They seem well made, but the price is almost in the custom range.
I really want a rugged, comfortable to walk in, non-Gore Tex lined pair of shoes for daily wear.
Other suggestions are welcome.
Lenny

 

[GHQ1]

I've got three pairs of Filson boots

and bought them new each time . .and never paid more than $150 for a pair . .

Two pairs of Uplanders and one of the Highlander . . .I never wear them laced all the way up unless snow or rain is forecast. . . I'd rather have a tall boot and not lace it in Seattle . . .and under a pair of jeans . . you can't tell the diff . . .

Uplander with a moc toe is much MORE comfy than the Highlander rounded toe . .so much so that I'd rather wear the Uplander with thicker socks (rather than using the Highlander with its built in wool bootie) . .

I resoled the Uplander and it took the new sole just great . . The leather has been outstanding . . .Six years for my oldest pair and with a little Danner or Filson dressing they shine up like new . . .

Also note that the Chukkas have gumlite soles . .which are lighter and a bit less traction aggressive . .I tried them on at the Filson store and still nicely built but I prefer the extra boot height


LL Bean made a blucher moc with four eyelet lace up . .plus Gokey has a version as well . . .


From ARCHIVAL CLOTHING:
"Weinbrenner USA, the original, highly regarded vendor has discontinued manufacturing shoes for CC Filson (or did so earlier this year 2006). No word yet on whether Weinbrenner will introduce their own line of Filson inspired footwear.

Current Filson contract is going to Cove Shoe Co., a serious looking outfit specializing in some pretty intense looking footwear for law enforcement, EMS and mining applications. The company website locates Cove Shoe Co. in a "quaint" Pennsylvania town."

So based on the boots I've own and seen . . .the Weinbrenner made boots use bright brass hardware and the newer Cove ones use antiqued brass . . .

 

[Doublegun]

I don't know who makes the boots/shoes for Filson, but I know that they don't make them inhouse. If you can find them on sale for a good price go for it. However, for the sticker price I would look elsewhere, speficically Russell Moc. Company in WI. Their boots/shoes are the real deal.

 

[OneEyeMan]

and bought them new each time . .and never paid more than $150 for a pair . .
QUOTE]

Where did you find them for that price?

Doublegun, I've always Jones'd for a pair of Russells.
But I just can't bring myself to pay that much.
Then again, Christmas is coming!
Lenny

 

[GHQ1]

Filson Boots

and bought them new each time . .and never paid more than $150 for a pair . .
QUOTE]

Where did you find them for that price?



Ebay, Craigslist and a Filson factory sale . . .

 

[OneEyeMan]

Everywhere I look, I see the Filson Uplander Chukka listed as Style # 904.
However, it's listed as Style # 50104 on Filson's site.
Does anybody know if there's a difference, or does the new style # reflect the fact that the shoe is now made by a different mfr?
Thanks,
Lenny

 

[OneEyeMan]

I just received an answer from Filson's customer service for anybody who is interested:

"Thank you for your email. The Style # 904 is the old style number for the Uplander Chukka. This is a discontinued Style # and we no longer have them in stock. We are having our shoes made by a new manufacturer and these are under Style # 50104. The main difference between the two Style #'s is an improvement in the stitching quality and we have brought the cork insoles back."

 

[OneEyeMan]

Surprisingly, the best price I've found on the Uplander Chukka is at the Filson site; $235.
That's still a bit more than I want to pay.
And the Chukka just isn't available on eBay.
So, are there any other Chukka style boots of similar quality to the Filsons available for a better price?
Or should I just suck it up and buy the Filsons for $235?
Thanks
Lenny

 

[OneEyeMan]

Well, I called up Filson and asked about sales, discounts, etc.
Anthony at customer service told me that I'd just missed the July sale, but that he'd let me use a promotion code for 20% off!
That brought the price down to $188, and I couldn't pass it up.
Got them yesterday and I must say they're wonderful.
Perfect stitching, thick waxy leather, beautiful cork foot bed, and the fit is perfect. The upper portions around my ankles will take some time to break in and be more comfy, but that's to be expected.
The one strange thing is that the laces (wicked rugged waxed cotton) are very short and I am barely able to lace them up all the way. So I called up Anthony again and they'll ship out a longer pair for free. Nice customer service.:eusa_clap
I plan to wear these things all the time thru the fall.
They should be pretty water resistant.
But when it gets really wet and slushy, I have a Gore Tex lined pair of Irish Setter Chukkas which are already nicely broken in and comfy.
I'd definitely recommend the Filson's for anyone looking for a high end pair of shoes.
They're definitely the nicest footwear I've ever owned.
Lenny