I like living in this part of history, mostly.
Years ago, I used to buy Red Wing work boots. I'm a .... um.... 'Stout' man and I generally work on concrete floors. I also tend to kick things. Lifts, large components, wheels, asses... things. I need decent boots that support my feet and ankles. So.... Red Wing, with excellent quality but ERMAgerd pricing.
One thing I enjoyed about Red Wing work shoes was Being On File. That meant I could call up, give them my name, and tell them I'd be in the following day for new boots. I'd show up, the boots were behind the register, wham, bam, chaCHING... I'm out the door in five minutes.
Yeah.... well...... that store sold out, and while the new owner bought my 'file', he made it clear he would not be keeping my size in stock. Period. But, he could order it... cash down... and they'd be there in a week or two.
I went with NO, and an extra helping of F.No.
Fast forward, and after years and years have gone by, I've learned the value of non-traditional work boots, otherwise known as 'combat' boots. Side zipper, easy on/off, great support, highly comfortable, and a vast array to choose from.
About 5 years ago, I settled on one brand, style, and size. Supplier? Amazon. Price? Stupid good. Now, I blow through these things in about 10 months. Usually, I wear the uppers through kicking things. The old Red Wings were good for a year, but they cost THREE TIMES what I pay for these boots now.
This morning, I put my boots on, and a few minutes later noticed a certain.... Breeziness... to my right foot. Looking down, I saw the side zipper had blown out. Impact damage, it seemed. Damn. Only, lets see, oh.... 10 months since my last pair.
Here's the fun part: I kicked off the boots and grabbed my sneakers. In the time it took me to put on my sneakers with one hand, my other hand had ordered a new pair of boots on Amazon from my standing list. Total elapsed time, maybe 120 seconds.
My new boots will be here Tuesday ... :-)
2 comments:
120 second order time, can't ask for better timing than that. Also in the boot market. Red Wing is a good product, I was going to suggest Timberland, but I like the boots you linked to much better. Very decent price too.
I wish I could wear my tactical boots at work but my employer requires safety shoes and the brand I wear for coaching Rider Ed isn't available with a safety toe.
I wear Carolina Boots for work - they have a wider toe box - important with big feet and safety toes - and make a boot in my size with a composition safety toe - also a consideration, as steel toes in my size tend to get HEAVY by the end of the shift.
I get a year out of most work boots. Working outdoors, spilling Diesel fuel and other solvents, etc., take their toll on daily wear footwear.
I found the Carolina boot at a local brick-and-mortar. Initially they kept them in stock, but eventually the bean counters made them trim slow moving inventory, necessitating ordering and waiting.
Then the retailer closed its doors.
I found them on Amazon. The Amazon retailer stopped carrying them.
I get them now from a non-Amazon online retailer. For now.
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