Update: I still love these boots! T

Update: I still love these boots! They are my favorite! I am not a smoke jumper. I bought these boots for the arch support and the heartiness of the boot. I find that my back feels so much better when I am wearing boots by White’s with their special arch system. I stand up straighter and I feel stronger. They are a heavy boot, so if you don’t like a heavy boot, these won’t be for you. I don’t mind the weight of the boot. When I’m walking on uneven ground with rocks and twigs and other debris, I don’t feel them under my feet. Because of the arch support, and the benefits this offers my back, I walk further and stronger than with other shoes. I bought these boots larger than my regular shoe size in order to accommodate a liner sock and a heavy wool hiking sock, as well as a padded insole. So when I step into these boots it is immediate comfort. Without all the wool insulation of the liner and heavy wool sock, they would require more breaking in before feeling comfortable. And they do take some time to soften and take on a shape to your foot. But not unreasonably so. Another great thing about these boots is that they can be rebuilt and worn for many years, with proper care. I use Obenauf’s heavy conditioner, which is all natural. Keeps them in good shape. I also like the lace-to-toe feature. I feel it adds to the support of the boot. These make a great work boot, and I love wearing them casually. If you’re considering buying these boots, I would suggest that you do a bit of research and read up on their features and intended purpose. They are handcrafted and in my opinion, worth every penny. Of course, I cannot speak on their original intended purpose, as I am not a smoke-jumper. But you can read up on that online. Plenty of threads out there, and videos, talking about the quality of this boot. I’m grateful to have them. They will last for years to come, and I’m finally done buying lace up boots. I know if I should wear out the sole, (that will take some doing as the vibran soles on these boots are hefty and thick) I can have the soles replaced. Lots of trial and error and losing money on boots that didn’t work for me, or didn’t have the right arch support. Finally found the right boot with the fit. The right size. I wear a woman’s 9 1/2 to 10 in boots, and in these I purchased a size 8 1/2 D in men’s. This size has given me the perfect amount of extra room to accommodate the socks and padding I wanted. I have sensitive feet and I like good ankle support. These fit the bill. For casual use, these won’t be for everyone, as they are heavy and maybe more than a person needs for everyday wear. But I have such difficulty in finding shoes with arches that work for me, so I am thrilled to have these. ————— I love these boots! My back and feet are so much more comfortable in these boots.