White's Semi-dress Boots..

[illumin8em]

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So have you treated them with anything yet, Obenaufs or Neatsfoot? I really like the color, and even though everyone praises the strength of chomexcel, I do not share the sentiment and fell these will be sturdier. I could never have kept mine this clean though.

So a while ago I was asked to post a few more pics of the British tan. Now that I've had these for a bit, you can see how they are wearing. I've noticed the British tan picks up water spots easily that don't come out, mostly on the toe area. Some days I think this adds character and I like it, some days it bothers me. Also, now that I've had these, I love them, but if I were to order a second pair, I don't know that I would get the cap toe.

 

[1911 Man]

Outsole is double leather, natural edges (I thought it was kind of funny that one layer of leather has a different color edge, but it doesn't bother me.)

I've not treated them with anything, I worried that it would darken the leather. I have used some light brown shoe cream to cover some scuffs.

 

[normanf]

If the leather gets faded, apply mink oil. It'll darken the leather but it'll look more presentable and hide any scuffs.

 

[Grayland]

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So have you treated them with anything yet, Obenaufs or Neatsfoot? I really like the color, and even though everyone praises the strength of chomexcel, I do not share the sentiment and fell these will be sturdier. I could never have kept mine this clean though.

Mind if I ask why? I'm considering the brown chromexcel (mostly as I like the color) and would like to know any opinions/reviews..

 

[1911 Man]

Mind if I ask why? I'm considering the brown chromexcel (mostly as I like the color) and would like to know any opinions/reviews..

I should point out I also own the Alden Indy boots in Chromexcel, and I think the leather is just as sturdy. Scuffs easily, but not weak.

 

[fluteplayer07]

I think I'm finally going to treat myself to a pair of White's Semi Dress... I'm debating between the brown Semi Dress calf and the brown Horween Chromexcel leather... I don't really want to wait around for swatches. As Lefty noted, the pull up on the Chromexcel hide gives a great depth to the color, but I'm worried I'll be sacrificing some of the formality afforded by smooth calfskin - and I want to wear these with a suit during winter. Opinions? And I didn't see any options on Baker's site to specify a close trim on the last.

And for anyone who has tried on the boots, what's the difference between the lasts? I'm concerned the standard last may be too tight in the toe, but if I go for a wider size, or the roomier last, then they'll be too loose.

Thanks,

 

[Grayland]

I think I'm finally going to treat myself to a pair of White's Semi Dress... I'm debating between the brown Semi Dress calf and the brown Horween Chromexcel leather... I don't really want to wait around for swatches. I've heard the pull up on the Chromexcel hide gives a great depth to the color, but I'm worried I'll be sacrificing some of the formality afforded by smooth calfskin - and I want to wear these with a suit during winter. Opinions? And I didn't see any options on Baker's site to specify a close trim on the last.

I don't have swatches, but in the pictures I've seen, the standard brown calf that White's offers seems to be really close to black. The reason I was leaning brown chromexcel was color alone; I just wanted that color.

 

[illumin8em]

Mind if I ask why? I'm considering the brown chromexcel (mostly as I like the color) and would like to know any opinions/reviews..

I should have explained better. As 1911 Man says, the leather is just as sturdy, but scuffs very easily. I also notice more fine creasing/crinkling where the boot bends in my chromexcel. I really like the natural chromexcel, and wonder if the scuffing will be less noticeable due to the lighter color. I will try and find my pictures to show what I am talking about

I should point out I also own the Alden Indy boots in Chromexcel, and I think the leather is just as sturdy. Scuffs easily, but not weak.

 

[normanf]

I should have explained better. As 1911 Man says, the leather is just as sturdy, but scuffs very easily. I also notice more fine creasing/crinkling where the boot bends in my chromexcel. I really like the natural chromexcel, and wonder if the scuffing will be less noticeable due to the lighter color. I will try and find my pictures to show what I am talking about

If scuffing is a bother, go for black chromexcel. You won't notice the scuffs.

 

[Cobassi]

Choices, choices, choices....

In my search for a pair of boots that would cover rugged casual to nice casual dress, I've searched high and low on the web since there is nothing local to see in person. I've hit White's site, Bakers and a host of Japanese retailers as well as forums such as Fedora. I know, I'm very anal, but I like quality and hate disappointing product (and the return process), especially the expensive stuff. I've narrowed it down to a Bounty hunter because I like the higher boot and like the stitched leather layer just above the heel (close edge, half composition sole, toe cap, and cuban heel) and I'm struggling with leather. I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on the Burgundy Chrome Excel (I was sold on the Brown Chrome, but I think the Burgundy will work better with black, kahki, and jeans).

During my search I've compiled a PowerPoint document with pics I've collected on the various Whites (and others) configurations and will be happy to forward it to anyone who's interested. I'm new to Fedora, so I'm not sure the best way to send emails and attached files to members, but I'm sure we can work that out.

 

[univibe88]

I'd love to see the powerpoint. As soon as you get a few more posts you can send and receive private messages, which will allow us to send you our email addresses for the file.

 

[dirty old biker]

These are my semi dress boots

I made the toeguards and bootstraps with iron crosses myself from stainless sheet metal .....the straps are cut from a belt .......heres a shot of them being worn

 

[Carnacki25]

Does anyone have the new Classic Dress boots? It looks like they are a bit narrower? than the Semi Dress. I'm wondering whether they are too similar to 1000 mile boots to purchase.

 

[gd1944]

Great pics guys!

I think I should share some photos of the Shark Leather Smoke Jumper I ordered for my client.

Dark Brown Shark Leather Toe Vamp + Counter, Black Cherry Water Buffalo Upper, Double Midsole with Brown Edge, Vibram 430 Outsole, Brown Liner, 6" Height and Standard Heel Lifts, Double Celastic Toe Box, Semi-Dress Last, Double Stitching Trim, Nickel Hardware, Rolled Top, Cuban Heel.

 

[gd1944]

Well....

I was all set to buy some Burgundy French Calf Bounty Hunters today. I called White's and talked to a wonderful saleslady. She told me the actually have a very nice Haroween Chromexcel Burgundy, that she said looked better than the burgundy french calf. So she talked me into it. I decided to stick with the style I have been getting. Semi-Dress with toe cap and block heel. I decided again to go with double stitching on the outside. I was going to do black eyelits and black dyed soles. She said the antique hardware and brown dyed looked so much better for that color, so again I took her word. SHe said I was really pushing it for Christmas, but I suppose we will see

I happen to have photos of a Semi-Dress with the Burgundy Chrome Excel, it was also a boot for my client.
So I think I can let you have a look of the actual color before you get your own.

 

[IsaacRN]

Thank you so very much for the burgundy pictures. Thats exactly what I am looking for. I can't wait to get mine. The shark pair you showed should hold up for a LONG time. Shark is pretty tough stuff.

 

[gd1944]

Thank you so very much for the burgundy pictures. Thats exactly what I am looking for. I can't wait to get mine. The shark pair you showed should hold up for a LONG time. Shark is pretty tough stuff.

You are welcome!
The Burgundy CXL is one of my favorite too. There is more purple in it than in the Burgundy French Calf.
And the Shark Leather, it also feels very dry, not quite leather like.

 

[bl@ster]

Damn! That Burgundy CXL sure looks purty. Can't decide between that and the horsehide for my next pair of semi-dress. Oh well, maybe both!

Is that a double leather sole?

 

[IsaacRN]

Well I just received my Brown Chromexcel Semi Dress. I need everyone's opinion. They didn't dye my soles like I had asked, and instead left it natural. I already called White's who said they would have no issue dyeing the boots, but I told them I might give it a go for a bit. What do you all think?

 

[bl@ster]

I think they look great w/ the natural sole. Nice contrast to it.