Some of the best boots that I have ever had the pleasure of wearing!!

Over the last 6 months I wore these boots daily only missing 4 days. Jazz concerts, folk concerts, 2 trips to New York City, office work, farm tours, moved a house, moved my woodshop, wore them in the shop, holes, funerals, parties, naps, and the list goes on. They have brave the elements of a very harsh winter where snowshoes were needed to traverse the ice and get aroundy property. These boots have seen a lot and continue to serve me well.

The Wickett and Craig Tan Oiled Latigo is my favorite leather I've had the pleasure of breaking in. The leather wa soft and malleable. It broke in rather easily while still maintaining it's original shape. The leather resisted the elements through a harsh winter. It comfortably conformed to my feet. The patina that developed was natural with a subtle sheen and a slow darkening color change. The leather was scratched and scared but with a little Saphir and a gentle brushing it always blended in nicely. It always dried out nicely and quickly without developing any type of foul odors. I absolutely am in love with the patina that they have developed. I maintained them with regular brushing and by occasionally conditioning them with either Bick 4 or Saphir Renovateur.

These boots have been so comfortable from day 1. The 55 last is my absolute favorite. I find it uncomfortable to wear much else, especially footwear with flatter arches. I never needed additional insoles or overly padded socks, they were comfortable as they came. They provided a perfect fit, narrow enough to allow the leather to confirm to my foot but spacious enough to never feel cramped regardless of what the task at hand was.

This is my first pair of boots crafted by the fine folks at White's and it won't be my last. I typically wear Nicks and love them as well but it is great to know that yet another US boot maker can provide a high quality well crafted pair of boots. The design was perfect. They were well constructed and nicely finished. The stitching and the layers never had any issues. The speed hooks were a bit narrow and I often found the lace slip while tying them, but once they were tied it stayed.

I hold a love hate relationship with the 430 Sole. The hate.... And it is trivial. I have always ordered the full lug Vibram soles. I like the stance and the look of that sole over the mini lug. I think that it makes a tougher more balanced looking boot. Like I said a bit trivial, but it is a detail that I notice. What I love about this sole. The full lug always carried dirt. As a Realtor going in and out of people's homes, I always found myself picking up little clumps of dirt that would fall from my boots. The 430 mini lug offered a more worry free alternative that better suited my career while still offering support and stability and a relatively slip-free sole. It also offered a more streamline look for more "formal " occasions

I have always preferred the logger heel over other choices and will continue to order this cut for practical and esthetic reasons alike.

These boots have been a delight. From the ordering experience and design questions through the folks at Baker's boots to the quality of craftsmanship from White's, the experience has been top shelf. The boots are remarkable. A solid pair of quality boots with a diverse sexy look, I couldn't be any happier.