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- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
Now begins the time of year where most shop days for me involve $10 Wal-Mart basketball shorts, a Hanes wicking/breathable (and durable and cheap!) T shirt, and boots that are really just Chuck Taylors with even better grip. Canvas, breatheable as boots go. Kinda cheap and not super durable but light and (temperature) cool, but, alas, not as cheap as they should maybe cost.
palladiumboots.com
PAMPA HI
The greatest summer adventures never have a plan. From the streets to the summits, you need a boot that do it all. This classic rendition of the men’s Pampa is lightweight and comfortable thanks to its washed canvas upper, which will only get better over time. Plus, our trademark lug sole, fused...
palladiumboots.com
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
Get them to send me a pair of their pants. I do a lot of sitting around so I can give the trousers the real assid test. Size 6XL
83VillageRepair
Well-known member
I recently did a search for new work boots as I finally wore out my Redwing ratcheting boots (I think they were Irish Setters with the SS laces). They still look fine just not all day concrete comfortable anymore.
I really wanted to try Thorogoods but the price and moc toe didn't do it for me. I wound up with a set of Brunt Perkins with the comp toe and a set of Torra work pants. So far they have both been great with about 3 weekends of wear on each. I really like the lightweight of the pants and the pockets. I have been wearing Duluth Firehose work pants prior to this at twice the cost.
I really wanted to try Thorogoods but the price and moc toe didn't do it for me. I wound up with a set of Brunt Perkins with the comp toe and a set of Torra work pants. So far they have both been great with about 3 weekends of wear on each. I really like the lightweight of the pants and the pockets. I have been wearing Duluth Firehose work pants prior to this at twice the cost.
OP
Awe Duluth.:. The kings of bat winging!
83VillageRepair
Well-known member
Definitely not hot weather pants but in my defense they worked amazing on the frozen great plains
LopezBart
Well-known member
OP
Detail I forgot to mention… They were smart enough to add reinforcements on both pockets for your pocket clip… I love this.
Snapped-off
Well-known member
It looks like the boots are $149 for the cheapest pair, vice $139 in the review.
By the time you add a safety toe, they're not much cheaper than a nice
pair.
The pants seem reasonable though, if they hold up.
By the time you add a safety toe, they're not much cheaper than a nice
pair. The pants seem reasonable though, if they hold up.
backupbeeper
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2023
- Messages
- 132
I’ve switched to Duluth double flex ballroom jeans .
The little bit of stretchy is nice and the ballroom is also nice .
Most of my clothing is from the fashion designers at Duluth and Carhartt and LL Bean
Boots are timberland hikers and if I need steel toes I have Keen and Cat .
The little bit of stretchy is nice and the ballroom is also nice .
Most of my clothing is from the fashion designers at Duluth and Carhartt and LL Bean
Boots are timberland hikers and if I need steel toes I have Keen and Cat .
dtuned
Active member
Where are you getting American made boots for around $150?It looks like the boots are $149 for the cheapest pair, vice $139 in the review.
By the time you add a safety toe, they're not much cheaper than a nice
The pants seem reasonable though, if they hold up.
backupbeeper
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2023
- Messages
- 132
I have wide feet , and cheap boots hurt my feet .
If I’m in a store I don’t start with the cheapest boots and work up , I find the most expensive and work down in price ,
If I’m in a store I don’t start with the cheapest boots and work up , I find the most expensive and work down in price ,
Dagny
Well-known member
No where
Snapped-off
Well-known member
The safety toe Brunts are $179. I bought my Thorogoods a couple months ago for $250.
Edit: Actually the more comparable 8" safety toe boot is $189, even closer.
OP
More details on my pants of choice:
1. LVC 501 1967. I got my first pair as a present from my mom. At the time, LVC was more of a limited edition thing than yet another Levis line. They were crazy expensive... Like $350. And they still are... You can typically find them for around $275.
Anyway, that first pair lasted me around 15 years. They were beat to hell, repaired multiple times, and the most perfect pair of jeans in history. Swear to god...
After fifteen years though I started to look like a clown with all the patches and what not. So, I invested in a new pair. I'm about five years into those now.
These are my only jeans and I wear them A LOT.
2. Urslow Army Fatigues. About seven years ago, I was at a car show in Japan where I met a pretty well known bike builder. We went to dinner one night and got into a discussion about craftsmanship, culture, and American Vs. Japanese planned obsolesce. He commented on the Dickies work pants I was wearing at the time and said they represented "typical" American ideals on workwear - cheap sacrificial textiles designed to be replaced every year.
Conversely, he was wearing Japanese made fatigues designed after the tropical fatigues the US army issued during WWII. In Japan, these pants run around $150... But in the US, you find them at fashion boutiques for $225. They are handmade and its immediately obvious how much pride was put into their production.
It's hard to describe the fabric... It's not a chino... It's more like a light denim with rip stop threads running horizontally. Whatever be the case, they are durable as hell. Just as durable or more so than denim and far more comfortable.
While in Japan, I bought two pairs and have been wearing them ever since. I have beat the hell out of them and while they fade, they do not break down. These will last me a decade - I'm sure of it.
If you are interested in trying some, shoot me a pm... I have a weird back door way of getting them cheaper in the US.
***
But yeah... I have the one pair of Levis and two pairs of the fatigues. These are the only pants that I have worn for years and I'm totally happy with them. Adding the Brunt pants is a nice change though as they breathe far better than the jeans or the fatigues. Plus, they seem pretty damned durable... Ten years durable? Prolly not... But I think these will last me over a year pretty easily...
1. LVC 501 1967. I got my first pair as a present from my mom. At the time, LVC was more of a limited edition thing than yet another Levis line. They were crazy expensive... Like $350. And they still are... You can typically find them for around $275.
Anyway, that first pair lasted me around 15 years. They were beat to hell, repaired multiple times, and the most perfect pair of jeans in history. Swear to god...
After fifteen years though I started to look like a clown with all the patches and what not. So, I invested in a new pair. I'm about five years into those now.
These are my only jeans and I wear them A LOT.
2. Urslow Army Fatigues. About seven years ago, I was at a car show in Japan where I met a pretty well known bike builder. We went to dinner one night and got into a discussion about craftsmanship, culture, and American Vs. Japanese planned obsolesce. He commented on the Dickies work pants I was wearing at the time and said they represented "typical" American ideals on workwear - cheap sacrificial textiles designed to be replaced every year.
Conversely, he was wearing Japanese made fatigues designed after the tropical fatigues the US army issued during WWII. In Japan, these pants run around $150... But in the US, you find them at fashion boutiques for $225. They are handmade and its immediately obvious how much pride was put into their production.
It's hard to describe the fabric... It's not a chino... It's more like a light denim with rip stop threads running horizontally. Whatever be the case, they are durable as hell. Just as durable or more so than denim and far more comfortable.
While in Japan, I bought two pairs and have been wearing them ever since. I have beat the hell out of them and while they fade, they do not break down. These will last me a decade - I'm sure of it.
If you are interested in trying some, shoot me a pm... I have a weird back door way of getting them cheaper in the US.
***
But yeah... I have the one pair of Levis and two pairs of the fatigues. These are the only pants that I have worn for years and I'm totally happy with them. Adding the Brunt pants is a nice change though as they breathe far better than the jeans or the fatigues. Plus, they seem pretty damned durable... Ten years durable? Prolly not... But I think these will last me over a year pretty easily...
If you need a test subject, sign me up. Plus I can write a review. I miss having a clothing/equipment allowance.
OP
What size boot do you wear?
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If you want to try out the Brunt products, here's a 10% off code: WELCOME10
BTW, thanks Ryan you *******
. Another rabbit hole you have given me.
A pair of pants and boots are inbound...
BTW, thanks Ryan you *******
. Another rabbit hole you have given me.A pair of pants and boots are inbound...
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8.5 wide.
OP
Next time a children's sized workwear company wants me to review some boots, I will holler!
Youngandfree
Well-known member
I'd argue if your 15 year old pants had numerous patches and repairs then by definition they did not actually hold up.More details on my pants of choice:
1. LVC 501 1967. I got my first pair as a present from my mom. At the time, LVC was more of a limited edition thing than yet another Levis line. They were crazy expensive... Like $350. And they still are... You can typically find them for around $275.
Anyway, that first pair lasted me around 15 years. They were beat to hell, repaired multiple times, and the most perfect pair of jeans in history. Swear to god...
After fifteen years though I started to look like a clown with all the patches and what not. So, I invested in a new pair. I'm about five years into those now.
These are my only jeans and I wear them A LOT.
2. Urslow Army Fatigues. About seven years ago, I was at a car show in Japan where I met a pretty well known bike builder. We went to dinner one night and got into a discussion about craftsmanship, culture, and American Vs. Japanese planned obsolesce. He commented on the Dickies work pants I was wearing at the time and said they represented "typical" American ideals on workwear - cheap sacrificial textiles designed to be replaced every year.
Conversely, he was wearing Japanese made fatigues designed after the tropical fatigues the US army issued during WWII. In Japan, these pants run around $150... But in the US, you find them at fashion boutiques for $225. They are handmade and its immediately obvious how much pride was put into their production.
It's hard to describe the fabric... It's not a chino... It's more like a light denim with rip stop threads running horizontally. Whatever be the case, they are durable as hell. Just as durable or more so than denim and far more comfortable.
While in Japan, I bought two pairs and have been wearing them ever since. I have beat the hell out of them and while they fade, they do not break down. These will last me a decade - I'm sure of it.
If you are interested in trying some, shoot me a pm... I have a weird back door way of getting them cheaper in the US.
***
But yeah... I have the one pair of Levis and two pairs of the fatigues. These are the only pants that I have worn for years and I'm totally happy with them. Adding the Brunt pants is a nice change though as they breathe far better than the jeans or the fatigues. Plus, they seem pretty damned durable... Ten years durable? Prolly not... But I think these will last me over a year pretty easily...
OP
I'd argue if your 15 year old pants had numerous patches and repairs then by definition they did not actually hold up.
By all means... It's 2024... and the one thing we are good at is arguing.
Yeah, but on the other hand we have a lot of people who won't be able to afford pants, if you're going to do it that way. On the third hand (I was irradiated in a freak accident in the 60's) I hate it when "adequate" stomps high quality out of the marketplace. I like options!
I recently noped out of buying some Origin jeans (made in USA) because of their low $200ish range price. Those Levis of yours, I just can't.
Boots, I'll spend on, if they're resoleable.
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Railroading is rough on boots, my last stint was on the B&A in Massachusetts (between Boston and Albany) and one of my union brothers was friends with the guy who started this gig in Mass.
I was on my way out and my Chips and Georgia boots (two different boots depending on what job I was on) were still good so I passed, the guys that tried these boots liked them and rated them highly.
I was on my way out and my Chips and Georgia boots (two different boots depending on what job I was on) were still good so I passed, the guys that tried these boots liked them and rated them highly.
OP
100% agree... There's also this irrational hurdle to get over when you buy $200 pants. You want to treat them preciously because you spent so much money on them. But, if you do that - what's the point?
My rational is this:
I could buy some $50 Dickies and be perfectly happy. That's what I used to wear instead of the fatigues and they would typically last me 18 months before they were either blown out or overcome with stains and what not. For some reason, I'm really hard on crotches and those go fast on Dickies for me. Regardless, let's just say Dickies cost me about $35 a year.
So, given the fatigues cost around $200 and I am completely confident they are gonna last a decade at this point... that's $20 a year. Plus, they are more comfortable, look better, and I enjoy well made ****... So, it's just a win.
The Brunts feel sort of like an in-between type of deal... I don't think they are gonna last ten years, but I do think they will outlast a pair of standard Dickies. Add to that, the benefits of the weight and they make sense to add to the lineup.
Yeah, that's how I've felt about L.L Bean clothing for a long time -- the durability is built-in, there are choices about materials and methods made that make it pay off in the long run.
But while young well-off people turn up their nose at L.L. Bean because it couldn't possibly be good because X and Y brand cost so much more -- I also know people whose eyes glaze over when I suggest an LLB product because the price is unimaginable to them.
OP
Sort of reminds me of car buying. The cheapest car in the world to own is a Porsche 911 or a Toyota Land Cruiser. The Porsche because if you buy them right, you don't have much depreciation at all if any... and the Toyota because it will literally last forever.
So easy decision, right? Buy a 911 or a Land Cruiser and be happy... But boy - that's easier said than done given the hurdle one must jump to experience that economy. Gotta have money to save money type of scenario.
Graham08
Well-known member
Thanks for the review on the pants. Sounds like an attractive option here in NC when we get to the "front porch of hell" part of summer.
And the humidity and the sweat! And then the humidity and sweat outside your pants!
I first saw that theory about the 911 in the late 80's or maybe early 90's -- Road & Track did a small "Used Car Classic" profile in the back pages about "first generation" 911's (you know, real 911's) and one reader they talked to was an accountant and pointed out the depreciation, or lack thereof, having bought it used and then keeping it.
Now, for that generation of 911, appreciation. Aircooled fever still has not broken.
OP
I bought a used 997 years ago for $38k... I now have a 1970 911ST prototype and have not spent ANY additional money to get there. Essentially, I've traded my way up the appreciation ladder.
But the thing is, if you are smart and do it right you can buy a CPO 992 right now and in a couple of years you can sell it for close to what you paid for it if you don't put a ton of miles on it... and basically own the thing for free. Of course, you are out over 100k for a couple of years and you aren't earning interest, but... Awful fun car to have for free.
Back on topic… trying to get an image of the fabric on these fatigue pants:
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Whoa, Ryan - we gotta talk; $250 for jeans!? Next time I'm in Austin, I'll swing by with some Torchy's tacos and show you where they keep the $13.98 Rustlers.
OP
paulsomlo
Well-known member
The jeans, or the tacos?Those fuckers are far too expensive for a guy that works in a shop every day.
Now begins the time of year where most shop days for me involve $10 Wal-Mart basketball shorts, a Hanes wicking/breathable (and durable and cheap!) T shirt, and boots that are really just Chuck Taylors with even better grip. Canvas, breatheable as boots go. Kinda cheap and not super durable but light and (temperature) cool, but, alas, not as cheap as they should maybe cost.
PAMPA HI
The greatest summer adventures never have a plan. From the streets to the summits, you need a boot that do it all. This classic rendition of the men’s Pampa is lightweight and comfortable thanks to its washed canvas upper, which will only get better over time. Plus, our trademark lug sole, fused...
History of those is quite interesting. These were made by the French company Palladium specifically for the French foreign legion soldiers in the late 40's. That's the most crazy military in the world that gets thrown into all the hotspots globally and very well known to have historically recruited ex-convicts and criminals (they use a different name after they join), and after years of service they can gain a French citizenship through it.
Anyway, cool history on these boots. Sadly I doubt the new ones are anywhere near that old quality they had, it's most likely made super cheap in China but they're comfy and "durable enough" for the money (so many much bigger rip offs in that industry...).
Got a 90's Land Cruiser. For the road I'd say same applies to a 4Runner or a hilux (tundra and tacoma on the US market), realistically they're both incredibly overbuilt for on road usage, especially if you do some kind of yearly rustproofing (I do Krown oil). Diesel engines in these models are especially indestructible (but I don't think they were ever offered in the US).
I've recently worn (Asian) Palladiums and now an Asian knock off -- durability is as "meh" as it's ever been! Cotton is cotton. Holes appear. In a summer boot, the hole may not bother you! Soles are soft and don't last a long time, either, but like race tires, they're also grippier than anything else.
No idea where the Palladiums I wore in the early 80's were made, but they were great at what they're great at, weak at what they're weak at.
Speaking of "pay once, cry once", I have recently learned of Russell Mocassin type boots. I'm seeing used old ones on Etsy from $275 and way on up. New, $800ish. I'll have to pass for now! And probably later! And if they're a lifetime boot, well maybe I should have bought them 30 years ago... but I was broooke then.
smokey0810
Well-known member
Having your foot properly measured will work wonders at getting the right size. Used to try and jamb my foot into a size 13….got measured at Red Wing, I was off a bit….might wanna try that on your next boots Ryan.
I’d really like to try the Origin boots, but kinda hard not being able to try before your buy.
Do love my Wolverine’s with Durashox soles I wear now. Makes my day as a UPS driver a lot easier on my feet.
I’d really like to try the Origin boots, but kinda hard not being able to try before your buy.
Do love my Wolverine’s with Durashox soles I wear now. Makes my day as a UPS driver a lot easier on my feet.
Well, canvas can be thicker and thinner... I still assume the ones made for their domestic army were probably a different boot than what they make in Asia today.
Speaking of passed chances, got my Jim green African Ranger boots for 120€ including shipping a bit over a year ago. It's a company that makes boots in South Africa, really nice quality for the money. Was just checking now and they're 200$ on their US website today. I think I could still get them for about 150€ from South Africa to Europe today, but they're definitely going way up in price. I might go to South Africa this year, and in that case I'm definitely getting a couple pairs as they're ~100€ there (shipping and taxes to EU are about 50€). The African Ranger boots are the softest leather boots I've ever had on my feet, they feel like sneakers. The new "barefoot" model is interesting and I'm thinking of trying it out, but if I go there I'm definitely grabbing a pair of the "Numzaan" boots (their most high end version), maybe the Baobab (very similar, slightly more utilitarian), and possibly the "buffalo leather" African Rangers (maybe the new "barefoot" version). In the national parks they need to kill off a bunch of buffalos for population control, otherwise their numbers get so high they destroy the ecosystems by eating all the grass. They use up the meat and the leather for these boots, and the leather from wild animals is very interesting to me. It's got a lot of creases and old scars from bugs and scratches etc... Supposed to be quite soft despite the thickness, almost like a naturally-tumbled leather.
The numzaan is 165€ in South Africa but the quality seems to be on the level of USA PNW boots like Nicks or Whites. They're using a stitchdown construction onto a veg tanned leather midsole, and the whole boot is "double lasted" which means the inside lining is turned inwards under the lasting board while the outer layer is turned outwards and stitched down. Don't think even any of the PNW boots use a double thickness leather throughout all of the boot. Then they add an extra toe cap too.
