Best value in waterproof logging boots!
I have had 3 pair of these exact logging boots spread out over 10 years...each pair lasting 3-4 years. I am hard on boots...in the woods everyday, fighting western wild fires in the summer--due to my age this latest pair of boots will never smell smoke! smile. My first pair were American made....my last two were made in China. No difference in quality. I buy American when I can but am also very particular about my boots. The 73100 design absolutely matches my foot shape exactly. I have a high arch and wide foot. The 9E are good feeling right out of the box and within 3 weeks are EXCELLENT feeling. The ankle does not stretch out from working on steep hillsides, the stitching stays tight, the soles put up with rocks and logs. I REALLy like the way the welt of the leather has the "lip" facing upwards...long gone are the days of walking on stobs and ripping at the leather seams....stobs simply can't grab the lip...all boots should be sewn like this.The waterproofing is good....but by year 3 your foot can get a bit damp if you wade in a creek for more then a few minutes. A quick step through the water will not get your foot wet. I think this is a factor of grit and dirt wearing the Chipatex booty...for the first 2 years you can wade and stay dry....just something about the third year that lets them weep just a bit. For the record, I found the same issues with Goretex booties.I have guys who buy Wesco and Whites....both high quality boot companies. They spend $300-$400 per pair. I can buy 2-3 pair of Chippewa 73100 for that. Those guys also have HORRIBLE boot-bite as they break theirs in....I don't. There boots do last an additional year...but I credit that with me working harder then they do! smile. Seriously, those boots are a bit higher quality but, as you can tell from my review, the price of the "W" boots does not warrant this slightly higher quality.I have only had the non-steel toe, non-insulated 73100...so that is what I have reviewed. I do wish they were American made and would pay extra for it...but the 73100 has just not been matched in any other boot so I am sticking with them even though made in China--they are that comfortable and durable a boot. I just don't see anyone going wrong with these at any price...but at $127 get them while you can! I have paid $230 for them before...and they are worth it at that price too.Thanks for reading my review...I hope it helps you in your search for the perfect work boot.