I think they are probably totally worth it. Definitely a step above Red Wing and Wolverine. Probably more along the Whites, Nicks, Viberg. My only concern is at 440 dollars or there abouts, I might be tempted to go to 550 and then just get Whites. In any case though Im keeping my eyes on Grailed and Ebay to see if any used or someone flipping come up. If I can get a pair for under retail to test them out and see how they are...If they pass the test then I would 100% order a pair new. Well I guess when I said my only concern I didnt mean it, I have one more haha. The reason I would get a flip or resale is just because they arent well known and Ive never seen them in the wild so to speak. Or seen anyone here that I would trust to review them.
Lovely. Semi-dress?
Those are really sharp. I like how large the caps are. That's a touchy detail for me. I generally like toe caps any way, but I like simple toe caps that resemble old combat boots the most. More of an everyday, industrial worker look, but I'm way into it. If not for the eyelets and short height, those would look like a robust combat boot. Again, I'm into that look a lot.
Alden 403 Moc Toe Boot - Brown Chromexcel - $680 The classic "Indy" style Alden Boot in the classic Horween brown Chromexcel. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - #395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Himel Bros. - The Ross Mk. 1 Leather Jacket Classic D-pocket motorcycle/aviator style jacket. 
It’s really the full vibram sole that makes them look big, although they do have a midsole as well. I like the look of them for some reason, and I certainly don’t need full vibram soles for the perilous trek to the local shop to buy milk and bread!
, but I realize that's not the general consensus.
Thanks! These are their "Bounty Hunters" -- basically the Semi-Dress last/shape built in a taller (6" instead of 5") boot and with external heel counter (which the Semi-Dress does not have).
That's interesting. And an important perspective. It reminds me of these ultralight backpackers who carry packs with no stays or real structure. They sacrifice comfort and back health for less weight. It can definitely work for some people, but it isn't a fits-all. Sometimes, for some people, that extra 1-2LBs of structure is worth it. It's not as if you're dropping weight, or design, that is superfluous. Some may think it is cosmetic, but it isn't. That midsole and/or heel might save your back from aching after long, strenuous activity. I know my legs are tougher than my back (and feet), so if the design is keeping my back and hips in line and in balance, I'm more than happy to carry that extra weight. My back and feet will thank me for it at the end of the day. I can't imagine carrying weight and not wearing a boot with good support, but some people hike in Tevas. They're tougher than me.As far as the need for "Big Boots": Firefighting, logging and other forestry work, construction work to name a few. I have done all of these at some point in my life; I still fight fires and loaf around in the woods. The tall heel provides grip on uneven terrain, walking through brush or on downed trees (especially downhill), in loose soil, or walking walls or rafters. In certain conditions you can't count on even the heavy lug Vibram sole - you really need that heel to dig in and keep you from slipping or sliding. You've never seen "slick" like wet conifer boughs on a steep hillside! The high tops keep your ankles and shins from taking a beating in those same kind of environments.
Lots of folks (including me) find the tall heel also improves stance and balance, and relieves lower back pain. I can't wear flat shoes for long without my back hurting. But I've been wearing these 7-pound-a-pair boots daily for something over 40 years now, so I guess I'm conditioned to them by now.
For what's it's worth, it seems to me anything with a top shorter than 8" is a "shoe" and not "boot"
As far as the need for "Big Boots": Firefighting, logging and other forestry work, construction work to name a few. I have done all of these at some point in my life; I still fight fires and loaf around in the woods. The tall heel provides grip on uneven terrain, walking through brush or on downed trees (especially downhill), in loose soil, or walking walls or rafters. In certain conditions you can't count on even the heavy lug Vibram sole - you really need that heel to dig in and keep you from slipping or sliding. You've never seen "slick" like wet conifer boughs on a steep hillside! The high tops keep your ankles and shins from taking a beating in those same kind of environments.
Lots of folks (including me) find the tall heel also improves stance and balance, and relieves lower back pain. I can't wear flat shoes for long without my back hurting. But I've been wearing these 7-pound-a-pair boots daily for something over 40 years now, so I guess I'm conditioned to them by now.
For what's it's worth, it seems to me anything with a top shorter than 8" is a "shoe" and not "boot"
Styling!
