CXL wins and loses
See specs
Maker
White's Boots
Model
Smokejumper
Leather
Last
Sole
Heel
Purchased from
White's
Order info
Cost: 848 USD
Availability: Custom
Lead Time: 3 months
See background
Why did you choose this item?
I really wanted something in cxl and had never worn a lace to toe.
How did you determine your size?
I’ve always used a whites sizing kit. Last 3 pair I just altered it to update fit with aging feet
What was the ordering process?
I use a company voucher so place order via email
Use & wear
Wore pretty much every day I worked or worked around the house.
Leather
Cxl isn’t the best work boot leather. It gouged and dented fairly easily around the equipment I work with. It did break in super fast. I brushed daily and applied Skidmores conditioner as needed. It didn’t wash until 4/2.
Fit
The 55 is my second favorite last. I opted to go longer instead of wider with this pair being steel toe I was looking for a better fit. The one problem I encountered was too much give in the leather. Its soft temper stretched too much for my liking.
Craftsmanship
Whites are the gold standard for PNW footwear and these were flawless. Nos squeaking, no delamination, no frayed stitches.
Sole & heel
The v 100 is old faithful. They are durable,wear well and handle everything thrown at them
Gold standard for this type of sole
Final thoughts
This was my first ltt boot. As far as that I’ll never not order a ltt in this model. The comfort is unmatched. Now for the leather. CXL probably isn’t the best choice for what I do as A locomotive engineer. Metal and sharp edges in work areas like the foot pedestal and step edges proved to be the too much for the leather to handle. It also stretched out more than I prefer. The double mid was also probably not the best choice for this leather and may have contributed to the way the uppers stretched. I love the comfort of the leather and the depth. As an aspiring boot maker( leaning western packer and Cowboy boot) this was a great lesson in how materials new to me react.
