White's Semi-Dress order suggestions

[lhaymond]

I'm placing an order for my first pair of White's. I'm getting the Brown Chrome Excel in the Semi-dress. But I need some direction on last and soles. I understand there is a swing last, but have no idea what that means or how it differs from the other options. As for heal and sole: I would like them to emphasize comfort, but I would like them dressy enough to wear with dress slacks and a sport coat - business casual. I've seen some soles that look more like work boot soles than other options. Given that guidance, any opinion on sole composition, heel composition and heel height?

 

[Enough]

Give Baker's Boots a call and talk to Kyle. He knows White's Boots really well and would be glad to help you understand your options. The brown Chrome Excel is a great choice. Do a search and determine if you want a celastic toe reinforcement or no celastic toe also. I prefer a squared off block heel as opposed to the Cuban angled heel, but that is just my own preference. Good luck on your journey into White's options.

 

[Pinesiw]

If your going for a more dressy look... I think plain leather sole will do it. In my opinion the squared off heel will give the boot a bulky workboot look, unless you were to lower the heel and give it a derby boot look. Although the curved high (cuban) heel looks great aswell imo

 

[Pinesiw]

Heres a vintage boot... Notice the cap toe

Whites cap toe... I think the cap toe gives more of a dressy appearance

 

[bretron]

Single midsole with 269 outsoles or (my favorite) double leather. If you want to slim the look a bit you might consider close trim for the welts, make a little less rugged looking.

As for heel, I'd say stick with the standard shape and height, OR go for a lowered block heel.

And for last; no brainer, just do the standard #55/SD last. Swing last is just plane clownish IMO. the C461 is very intriguing to me, but in the end I just think the boot looks best keeping it trad.

Probably my favorite all-around boots with too many options to choose from, but that's the fun in it! Also, don't overlook the brown and black dress leathers. Good luck and enjoy!