Packrider

Available through custom orders and select retail configurations, the Packrider incorporates Vibram soles and heels for traction while maintaining the comfort characteristics required for extended wear in both work and riding environments. The boot includes an extra quarter inch heel height that provides added stature and optimal stirrup positioning, making it particularly suited for equestrian enthusiasts who require durable, functional footwear that performs across multiple applications.

The Packrider employs Wesco's signature full-leather stitchdown construction throughout, providing the durability and flexibility required for both work and riding applications. This construction method delivers enhanced comfort compared to traditional welted construction while maintaining the structural integrity necessary for demanding use conditions.

The upper construction utilizes full-grain leather sourced and cut using Wesco's directional cutting technique, where each piece is selected from the optimal section of the hide rather than maximizing material efficiency. This approach prioritizes performance and longevity over cost considerations, ensuring consistent quality across the boot's construction.

Internal components include Wesco's standard spring steel shank system with double layers of leather over the foot and heel areas. The insole and midsole construction utilizes leather components rather than cork filling, providing firm support while allowing the boot to conform to the wearer's foot over time. This construction approach follows Wesco's traditional 155-step manufacturing process developed over multiple generations of family ownership.

The Packrider's design incorporates specific features that enhance its functionality for equestrian use. The under slung heel configuration provides proper stirrup engagement while the integrated spur ledge accommodates Western riding equipment without compromising boot integrity or rider comfort.

The paddock styling includes Western design elements that complement the boot's functional characteristics. The extra quarter inch heel height serves dual purposes: providing the wearer with added stature and ensuring optimal positioning within stirrups during mounted activities. This heel configuration maintains stability while allowing natural foot movement during ground work.

Vibram soles and heels provide reliable traction on various surfaces encountered in ranch and stable environments. The sole design balances grip requirements for outdoor work with the smooth release characteristics necessary for safe stirrup disengagement. The overall construction maintains the saddle-friendly characteristics essential for extended riding periods while preserving the durability required for ground-based ranch work.

The Packrider is available in multiple size configurations ranging from 8C to 13C, accommodating various foot measurements through C, D, and E width options. Standard color offerings include black and brown leather finishes, with additional customization options available through Wesco's custom boot program.

Pricing varies by retailer and configuration, with standard models ranging from $519.95 to $533.00 depending on specifications and ordering source. Custom configurations require extended manufacturing timeframes, with current production schedules indicating 12-13 month lead times for personalized orders through Wesco's custom boot program.

Weight specifications indicate approximately 6.0 pounds for standard configurations, reflecting the robust construction and premium materials incorporated throughout the design. The substantial weight contributes to the boot's durability and stability characteristics while remaining manageable for extended wear during work and riding activities.

The Packrider represents the continuation of Wesco's heritage bootmaking tradition established by John H. Shoemaker in 1918 with the founding of West Coast Shoe Company. Originally focused on producing boots for ship workers and loggers in the Pacific Northwest, Wesco expanded their expertise to serve diverse working professionals while maintaining traditional American manufacturing methods.

As one of the few remaining legacy stitchdown manufacturers in the United States still operating under family ownership, Wesco has preserved traditional craftsmanship techniques while adapting to contemporary performance requirements. The Packrider exemplifies this balance, incorporating time-tested construction methods with design refinements that serve modern ranch work and recreational riding applications.

The model reflects Wesco's commitment to producing fully rebuildable footwear, ensuring that each pair represents a long-term investment rather than disposable goods. This approach aligns with the company's historical focus on serving working professionals who depend on their equipment for both safety and performance in demanding environments.

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