Willie's Handmade Boots
Cap Toe Service Boot
Willie's Handmade Boots
Im new to boots and I've been wanting to experience the Thunderdome since I first saw the winners video last year. This pair's color choice was inspired by my old blue Adidas Spezial which I wore in the early 2010s. I wanted a casual pair that would support a monochromatic look since I wear blue jeans almost all the time. Since I started watching boot videos and developed my taste on boots, I have always liked the Red Wing Iron Ranger. Most Iron Ranger reviews would say the breakin and soles are really tough, so I thought of using a wedge sole. Ticho's soiled diaper comparison really set me back from this decision for at least a month. I just thought real hard and came to the conclusion that soiled diapers might actually be a comfy outsole and that Im curious to try it. i can now say that walking on soiled diapers are comfy as hell. Along with my 2 best friends since grade school, we all had boots made by Willie with the same navy chromexcel leather. They didn't join but I got Willie to join the Dome. Yes, that was all me. 😁
Willie took my measurements and tracing and made adjustments for my E width and thin heels. He also added arch supports.
This was my second pair from Willie's. Ive become friends with him and his staff. The experience is comfortable, fun, and enlightening.
My work as a Facility Manager for a Hospital and Medical School that involves a lot of site visits, inspections, and basically a moderate amount of walking has allowed me a more relaxed dress code than my peers. Since I wear a lot of jeans, I wear these boots to work as much as I can. These boots have been with me to the beach, part of my holloween costume as Mike Wazowski, visiting my Dad's grave, and coming home to my hometown Iloilo City aside from my daily grind which involves a lot of driving around the Metro.
The break-in was easy. The only part that took time to soften was the kiltie. Two weeks into the dome, my cats decided to leave their scratch marks on them which promptly freaked me out. I put some bick 4 on the area and it pretty much disappeared. The first couple of months didn't involve a lot of care. just simple wiping worked. Until I came back from the beach trip. The leather looked dry and didn't change with just damp wiping. This was the first time I conditioned everything with Bick 4. I tried my best not to condition them throughout the next few months. I finally gave in for the last month of the dome where i used some Saphir cream and I have been loving the shiny, cared-for look.
Towards the last 3 months of the Dome, this pair started to feel like a soft thick leather socks on top of leather soles which are perfectly molded to my feet. The Munson last is a little narrow on the waist for me so the side of my feet spill out. since the insole sits above the welt line, this doesn't bother me. with that said, this last is comfortable, gives great support and can easily go through 12 hour days.
I absolutely love the design of this pair. it looks like a munson iron ranger on a wedge sole. the fit is good and gradually turned to great. The finishing on this pair is good. i dont have a lot to compare it with but I didn't find anything to complain about.
very comfortable. can support 12 hour days.
This has been a great experience for me. Also, convincing Willie to join this competition and talking to him about and throughout this experience has been amazing. Having him here accessible to me, really helps me get along with collecting boots and stops me from ordering online where the fit can be tricky. Also, I feel like I've gained lifelong friends in Willie and the wonderful people I interact with on Discord. Im honored and thankful to be a part of this community.