Check out the Russell Moccasin Zephyr here: ktku.co/26 Like that hat? Get one here: exlsv.com/collections/carl-murawski Coffee With Carl Newsletter: rebrand.ly/CoffeeWithCarl
That “loafers suck” sign made me laugh out loud. I love my back countries so much that I just ordered the Oneidas thanks to the Iron Snail. Now I feel I need one of these. Thanks Carl! 😔
These are my new grail boots… I don’t need the over tough PNW boots. After this video and Rose Anvil’s break down of these boots I want a pair and will be working to get a pair of Russells. Thanks for the great video and the coffee show.
Nice review, your description of them as the closest thing between a work-boot and a slipper holds for their Backcountry as being a cross between a hiking boot and a slipper. I walk about 10 - 15k a day in the mountains, mostly with my dog, usually in traditional all leather hiking boots and shoes, always looking for resole-able options, another plus for the Russells as you can resole the outsole a few times at any cobbler before needing to send them back to do a full resole / rebuild. Since getting mine I've become addicted to them, and will eventually get at least one other pair, for hot days and daily wear like the Professional Hunter. The main difference between these true moccasins and traditional or hybrid hikers is that they lock your heel down while leaving your forefoot free, my feet are far less tired after a long day or hike in them because the foot is always flexing and working within the boot, a very natural almost barefoot shoe feeling, especially because there's not a big drop with them. The arch support is just right, too. My favorite things about them is the ground feel and the incredible quality of the leather, the Walnut Timberjack is so supple and conforming, and still smells amazing after weeks of wear. Kudos to the company for continuing to make these amazing hand-built boots traditionally , that look as cool as they feel.
Great review. Russell’s are my favorite boot for the comfort and general wear. I don’t work a physical job so I don’t need a PNW level durability. The sock hack is great for all pull on boots.
I found them years ago because they were one of the few that made boots out of bison. I went to buy another pair when I realized about the ownership change. Before when they were full on customs, they were hands-down the best boots you'll over own. Now they're still phenomenal and worth buying. The lead times were ridiculous at 15 months, now they're within 2-3 months.
Very cool 😎 👌 I have hoped you would eventually do a review on the Russell boots. I know they have a sound history of being a great boot. One day... ugggh, i feel like spending the money to finally own my own pair. One day....
Carl Murawski, The Rose Anvil of the East Coast. I would not count a pair of Russel's as work boots. I think they are outdoor and hunting boots. I have my White's Perry's and Danner's for work boots. Hopefully, I will finally pull the plug and get a pair of Weathered Oak Backcountry boots. BTW, I have weekend boots that never see any hard conditions that would be like working during the week. They are great for yard work though. And, now I don't feel so bad when cut them in half.
I did their sizing app and it told me I would be a size 9.5, but my brannock is 11 and my boots are usually 10.5. Didn’t seem right. How do most people size?
My Brannock is 10 and I got the 9D as the app indicated, absolutely perfect fit, but I have pretty regular shaped feet. Same size as with most hiking boot brands, namely EU 43, UK 9, US 10.
I was looking at the Grant Stone Field boot and while I like the bumper toe and the reinforced top seam, I don't care for the sole or the hardware. Once I saw the Backcountry from Russell, I'm like "Yep, those are them." Granted the $750 price point is considerable but take into account that they're largely hand-stitched so that makes sense (even some White's MPs are in the $700 range).
Could you compare these to gokeys classic? I haven’t seen any reviews on those and they seem the same quality but a bit cheaper. They are my bucket list hunting boot.
Just buy the Razorbacks on sale for 145$...if they still have your size...very comfortable, much more comfortable than my Nicks boots will ever be...No nails sticking up, a lasting board footbed that is light as a feather...much easier to walk when each boot doesn't weight 3.5 pounds... Right tool for the right job. If you want a Moctoe, just get a boring old redwing and be done.
I caught that 'loafers suck' writing 😂 lol but why? PS - loved the chop! Haha didn't see it coming like that I'd be interested in Russell.. but I don't like their 'boot boots' I'd rather their true Mocs.. but then, do I wanna spend that much on just Mocs.. definitely admire the company though.. Thanks for the content Carl..!
Because they’re horrible and I hate them. I hate everything about them, stupid laceless slipper shoes that people wear with no socks god damn I hate them so much!
@@CarlMurawski 😆 well.., It's good to know what you like and don't,, and we all can't like the same things right? I got some Oak Street Camp Mocs recently.. soft natural CXL on them., good for around the house stuff like taking out the trash real quick on a Summer morning., (I don't like going sock-less with leather either though.. your feet end up sweating) but I've adapted.. I'd probably where them more if I didn't always have socks on! Hah ✌️
Hi Carl , it's nice to be able to go from one extreme in footwear to another.....Nicks boots to a moccasin as I enjoy both for obvious reasons. I'm going to get the Russell Oneida true moccasins at some point they have a cool history of being used for building the dirigibles and other airships during the 1st WW so they didn't damage the covering. Look to be pretty rugged and can be resoled too. Why aren't you up to 500K subscribers yet !! , stingy buggers !! hahaha Just a note of interest , Wassookeag moccasins has closed it's doors for good, any remaining orders will be completed and shipped and that's it , another loss.
That was my biggest worry before getting mine. They in fact have excellent support but you don't have the high heel and exaggerated arch of the PNW boots. My soles cramp after a day in Red Wings or Thursdays, they feel amazing after a day in the Russells.
I have the pre heal counter zephyr. Still a Russell, but I wish I had the heal counter. I have used 5 different devices and I still can't get that measurement tool to work!
I actually know something that you don’t Carl. It’s an apparently little known phenomenon that boots get hungry throughout the day but lace up boots, thanks to their tighter fit, don’t get as hungry. Think of it like the stomach bands that help people lose weight if that helps. Pull on boots don’t have that so your boot just eats the sock throughout the course of your daily activities. It’s a strange thing for sure but it’s as factual as anything any politician on earth would tell you.
Haven't started the video yet. Will i be more disappointed by the price or lack of widths 🤔 Oh, i got it!!!! It's that the 7" uplander DISAPPEARED with the new ownership...
More elegant seems to me to be very subjective, the stitch area is smaller because they don't have the overlap, but the downside is that you lose the waterproofing this method gives. I have no reason to believe the Goky hand stitching is any more skilful than the RM's. The rest of the design is pretty identical, at least to my eyes, over a bunch of models.
They remain waterproof by stitching through the top and then out the edge of the leather, and do so with extremely tight stitching. I corresponded with one of their original cordwainers who went on to create Macrostie Leathers. Of course, the only way you can reliably do this kind of hand stitching is by using thick full grain leather. The other benefit then being these Botte Sauvage boots are then snakebite proof and great for stomping through Texas scrubland.
@@CarlMurawskifair points. But I feel like your review was overall very positive. Also, I’ve never viewed Russel as trying to be true work boots. More everyday and hunting. Loved the video though!!!!
@@widespreadian I agree! It was definitely what I’d call a positive review. However, people are much more likely to watch a video that hints at potential disappointment. Sadly it’s just human nature to react to negativity.
A little bit clickbait title for boots more for other application than strictly WORK? Sure, but I prefer "locked in" feel for work or hiking use, too. I think anything with buckle and zipper is too urban?
I thought the same when I dropped $600 on my Nick's Tacticals but since I'm in them 10-12 hours/day, having something nice is...nice, not to mention recraftable.
They'll outlast most other boots, they can hold up to resoling and rebuilding more times than other all-leather boots, but mainly your paying for the quality and the build time, not just for the name. Mine came in under $700 and it's still far more than I've ever spent on a pair of boots, but it's the best money I've ever spent and I don't regret it for a second.
Working boots, only affordable to those who are least likely to use them as working boots. 🤔 I suppose there is a market for these, but I wont be spending this amount of cash for boots that will be thrashed by a hard wearing working environment, especially when there are high quality options available for less than half the price of these puppies.
They really aren't designed or marketed as a workboot for anything other than light duty. Their boot market is hikers, hunters, farmers, and as a workboot, for people that need to go from workshop to customer visits, as an example. I think Carl got this exactly right in his review. It would be a waste of money to use these as a construction site workboot, completely the wrong tool, and dangerous.
True, but if you were dead-set on these particular boots I can’t think of many alternatives. The price puts them out of the true workwear category in my opinion.
@@CarlMurawski They are however the exact overlap of my dream boot, moctoe + engineers boot + high quality build. It would be an interesting exercise to map boots out on a cost (low vs high) vs utility (low vs high) scale to determine if there is a market for the “dream products” class, i.e high cost, relative low utility
The title of this video is weird (click-baity). If someone buys these boots and is then "disappointed" (as the title says) because they don't have the work safety features required on many job sites, then that person really wasn't paying any attention at all to what they're buying and what they needed. Is anyone going to approach an $800 purchase with that kind of mindset? I kinda doubt it.
I don’t care if they are hand stitched. Never in a million years would I pay $750 for a pair of boots. Could I afford them? Sure I could. But it’s the principle. Paying that much for a boot just isn’t justified. New owners of Russell Moccasin should be ashamed of themselves for running this company into the ground.
Au contraire, I think they have done a great job so far of making the transition, redefining the product lines, and promoting the brand, with apparently zero loss of quality. There was no way they would have survived with the previous business model.
Check out the Russell Moccasin Zephyr here: ktku.co/26
Like that hat? Get one here: exlsv.com/collections/carl-murawski
Coffee With Carl Newsletter: rebrand.ly/CoffeeWithCarl
That “loafers suck” sign made me laugh out loud.
I love my back countries so much that I just ordered the Oneidas thanks to the Iron Snail. Now I feel I need one of these. Thanks Carl! 😔
Earl Schaefer was the 1st documented Appalachian trail through Hiker in the 1940s after World War II he wore a pair of Russell boot moccasins
Damn. That’s badass!!!
@@CarlMurawski Yup, halfway there, he had his boots repaired and had the cobbler leave the heel off. Highly recommend his book, "Walking with Spring".
These are my new grail boots… I don’t need the over tough PNW boots. After this video and Rose Anvil’s break down of these boots I want a pair and will be working to get a pair of Russells. Thanks for the great video and the coffee show.
Thank you for the kind words!! My aim is just to give you the info you need to make a purchase you’ll love. Sounds like you’re well on your way!
2:26 😂 I wasn’t expecting that at all. Keep up the great work. I much prefer your channel/videos when it comes to work boots.
Thank you very much! I feel that I owe my fellow blue collar workers an honest review and information. Be safe out there!
Nice review, your description of them as the closest thing between a work-boot and a slipper holds for their Backcountry as being a cross between a hiking boot and a slipper.
I walk about 10 - 15k a day in the mountains, mostly with my dog, usually in traditional all leather hiking boots and shoes, always looking for resole-able options, another plus for the Russells as you can resole the outsole a few times at any cobbler before needing to send them back to do a full resole / rebuild.
Since getting mine I've become addicted to them, and will eventually get at least one other pair, for hot days and daily wear like the Professional Hunter. The main difference between these true moccasins and traditional or hybrid hikers is that they lock your heel down while leaving your forefoot free, my feet are far less tired after a long day or hike in them because the foot is always flexing and working within the boot, a very natural almost barefoot shoe feeling, especially because there's not a big drop with them. The arch support is just right, too.
My favorite things about them is the ground feel and the incredible quality of the leather, the Walnut Timberjack is so supple and conforming, and still smells amazing after weeks of wear. Kudos to the company for continuing to make these amazing hand-built boots traditionally , that look as cool as they feel.
Carl........watching you chop an amazing boot in half made me cry.....damn what a beautiful looking boot and they must feel and wear amazing
I just recently bought the oneida and they are the most comfortable high quality slippers ive ever had! Great review as usual carl. Cheers from mass.
Nice! These boots definitely have me looking at some of Russell’s other styles.
Carl Murawski: King of Finesse. Thank you. Your points of view are enjoyable and your no-nonsense, honest feedback is always appreciated
Much appreciated brother!!
I picked up a pair of their Earl Shaffer 75th anniversary boots and I’ve loved them so far.
Yeah, they’re a company that’s really easy to like. Beautiful stuff!
Hi Carl.
Howdy!
I have a pair of Russell Upland Birdshooters that i purchased in 1971. They are beatup but still functional.
Have a pair of signature south 40s favorite pair I own! Worth every cent
Great review. Russell’s are my favorite boot for the comfort and general wear. I don’t work a physical job so I don’t need a PNW level durability.
The sock hack is great for all pull on boots.
LOL he really pulled a rose anvil on that boot, but in a totally unique and surprising way. Wow! Well struck, Carl!
I found them years ago because they were one of the few that made boots out of bison. I went to buy another pair when I realized about the ownership change. Before when they were full on customs, they were hands-down the best boots you'll over own. Now they're still phenomenal and worth buying. The lead times were ridiculous at 15 months, now they're within 2-3 months.
I have a pair of the backcountry and a new pair of PH Hunter (I bought a "second") and I love them. So comfortable....great review.
Nice!!!
Very cool 😎 👌 I have hoped you would eventually do a review on the Russell boots. I know they have a sound history of being a great boot. One day... ugggh, i feel like spending the money to finally own my own pair. One day....
It’s long overdue for sure, and I really wanted to get some time wearing them before offering an opinion.
Good video. I didn't know that Russell made boots like this.
It was kind of a surprise to me too!
I live in Wisconsin and ive been meaning to make the trek up to Berlin to check the shop out
You definitely should!
I live 15 minutes from store, but they don’t have any open hours past 4 or weekends and they told me they don’t do in store fittings🤷🏻♂️
@@ikswodolg2sure they will. Just need to make an appointment. They don’t have a “store” yet.
Carl Murawski, The Rose Anvil of the East Coast. I would not count a pair of Russel's as work boots. I think they are outdoor and hunting boots. I have my White's Perry's and Danner's for work boots. Hopefully, I will finally pull the plug and get a pair of Weathered Oak Backcountry boots. BTW, I have weekend boots that never see any hard conditions that would be like working during the week. They are great for yard work though. And, now I don't feel so bad when cut them in half.
Best hair on RUclips
Instead of stretching out all of your sox, take an old pair, cut the toes out, boot condom. Helps keep your sox up too.
I did their sizing app and it told me I would be a size 9.5, but my brannock is 11 and my boots are usually 10.5. Didn’t seem right. How do most people size?
My Brannock is 10 and I got the 9D as the app indicated, absolutely perfect fit, but I have pretty regular shaped feet. Same size as with most hiking boot brands, namely EU 43, UK 9, US 10.
I was looking at the Grant Stone Field boot and while I like the bumper toe and the reinforced top seam, I don't care for the sole or the hardware. Once I saw the Backcountry from Russell, I'm like "Yep, those are them." Granted the $750 price point is considerable but take into account that they're largely hand-stitched so that makes sense (even some White's MPs are in the $700 range).
Agreed, seeing the amount of hand work in there makes you realize the price isn’t just inflated.
Could you compare these to gokeys classic? I haven’t seen any reviews on those and they seem the same quality but a bit cheaper. They are my bucket list hunting boot.
They aren’t the same.
@@joejulian3594 how so? The styles are similar and I think it may have the same gumlite outsole
@@joejulian3594 how so? They have a true moccasin construction and fairly similar styling, the same sole I think
I love loafers. I also love Carl.
Right back at ya!
Looks like I’ll be waiting for Jim Green to come out with the moccasin boots. Casual and work versions if I remember your talk with Gareth.
Yes, and they look awesome!
Just buy the Razorbacks on sale for 145$...if they still have your size...very comfortable, much more comfortable than my Nicks boots will ever be...No nails sticking up, a lasting board footbed that is light as a feather...much easier to walk when each boot doesn't weight 3.5 pounds...
Right tool for the right job. If you want a Moctoe, just get a boring old redwing and be done.
Great video.
Thanks!
I caught that 'loafers suck' writing 😂 lol but why?
PS - loved the chop! Haha didn't see it coming like that
I'd be interested in Russell.. but I don't like their 'boot boots' I'd rather their true Mocs.. but then, do I wanna spend that much on just Mocs.. definitely admire the company though..
Thanks for the content Carl..!
Because they’re horrible and I hate them. I hate everything about them, stupid laceless slipper shoes that people wear with no socks god damn I hate them so much!
@@CarlMurawski 😆 well.., It's good to know what you like and don't,, and we all can't like the same things right? I got some Oak Street Camp Mocs recently.. soft natural CXL on them., good for around the house stuff like taking out the trash real quick on a Summer morning., (I don't like going sock-less with leather either though.. your feet end up sweating) but I've adapted.. I'd probably where them more if I didn't always have socks on! Hah ✌️
Holy moly chopping the boot made me hurt my soul
Edit: Loving my Nicks Greasers!
They were pre-chopped by the manufacturer. Cutaway model.
Oh damn! Using the original name too! You’re my type of dude.
Hahaha no, they weren’t pre-chopped. But they were considered defects because of some really bad loose grain.
I want a pair of Russell's really bad, but I cant justify the purchase right now. Maybe next year though!
I get it man, these things aren’t cheap. I will say that they’re worth saving up for though.
you bold bastard you almost gave me a heart attack with that axe!
but yeah boots look great
Hahahaha sorry!! 😆
Hi Carl , it's nice to be able to go from one extreme in footwear to another.....Nicks boots to a moccasin as I enjoy both for obvious reasons. I'm going to get the Russell Oneida true moccasins at some point they have a cool history of being used for building the dirigibles and other airships during the 1st WW so they didn't damage the covering. Look to be pretty rugged and can be resoled too.
Why aren't you up to 500K subscribers yet !! , stingy buggers !! hahaha
Just a note of interest , Wassookeag moccasins has closed it's doors for good, any remaining orders will be completed and shipped and that's it , another loss.
Hey carl how is the arch support on Russell's? I'm definitely not expecting PNW arch support, but is there any? Not like iron ranger flat is it?
That was my biggest worry before getting mine. They in fact have excellent support but you don't have the high heel and exaggerated arch of the PNW boots. My soles cramp after a day in Red Wings or Thursdays, they feel amazing after a day in the Russells.
Good job on the video
Thanks!
I have the pre heal counter zephyr. Still a Russell, but I wish I had the heal counter. I have used 5 different devices and I still can't get that measurement tool to work!
I don't think this counters will heal ;-)
I had no trouble, but it took me a little while until I made sure the phone was level when adjusting the height from the floor.
😆
Love the subliminal message about loafers. ;)
Haha you’re the first to notice that!
I actually know something that you don’t Carl. It’s an apparently little known phenomenon that boots get hungry throughout the day but lace up boots, thanks to their tighter fit, don’t get as hungry. Think of it like the stomach bands that help people lose weight if that helps. Pull on boots don’t have that so your boot just eats the sock throughout the course of your daily activities. It’s a strange thing for sure but it’s as factual as anything any politician on earth would tell you.
Hahahahaha
I’ve been wearing my boots with ankle socks for 15 years, is that weird?
I like it.
So cool, so expensive, especially for this Canadian.
I hear ya man…
Haven't started the video yet. Will i be more disappointed by the price or lack of widths 🤔
Oh, i got it!!!! It's that the 7" uplander DISAPPEARED with the new ownership...
Hahaha eagle eye!
damn carl how long have you been working on this hospital?
Oh man… it’s a four year project. Feels like six!!!
Aren’t Gokey’s made in a more elegant hand stitch with less bulky design and a more skillful hand stitching strategy?
More elegant seems to me to be very subjective, the stitch area is smaller because they don't have the overlap, but the downside is that you lose the waterproofing this method gives. I have no reason to believe the Goky hand stitching is any more skilful than the RM's.
The rest of the design is pretty identical, at least to my eyes, over a bunch of models.
@@adamr63 they do the stitching in such a way as to never pierce through the inside of the vamp. They are waterproof. Mine have been since 1974.
@@meestersteevens Good to know, thanks for the info. Does no water seep in through the moc toe stitching ?
They remain waterproof by stitching through the top and then out the edge of the leather, and do so with extremely tight stitching. I corresponded with one of their original cordwainers who went on to create Macrostie Leathers. Of course, the only way you can reliably do this kind of hand stitching is by using thick full grain leather. The other benefit then being these Botte Sauvage boots are then snakebite proof and great for stomping through Texas scrubland.
@@meestersteevens Nice to know, thanks.
I’m confused by the title? Why would they disappoint me? Seems like a very positive review?
Multiple reasons. Price, lack of safety features, missing work boot elements…
It's a click bait title, that's all 😂😂😂😂
@@CarlMurawskifair points. But I feel like your review was overall very positive. Also, I’ve never viewed Russel as trying to be true work boots. More everyday and hunting. Loved the video though!!!!
@@widespreadian I agree! It was definitely what I’d call a positive review. However, people are much more likely to watch a video that hints at potential disappointment. Sadly it’s just human nature to react to negativity.
It’s likely those you mentioned did not purchase but were given them. Too rich for my blood, like most items you feature.
4:30 upper piece of boot is cut pretty badly for that price
Ugh.....Loafer boots.
You ruined them for me! lol
A little bit clickbait title for boots more for other application than strictly WORK? Sure, but I prefer "locked in" feel for work or hiking use, too. I think anything with buckle and zipper is too urban?
Carl can afford t' chop $700 boots now? I still neigh there yet, but maybe I get some pair next year for compare.
I think other boots were built more like this but they stopped for cost years ago.
$800 that is insane!!!! Carl, have u seen the cost of everything these days?!? Who’s got $800 to drop on boots bruh
I thought the same when I dropped $600 on my Nick's Tacticals but since I'm in them 10-12 hours/day, having something nice is...nice, not to mention recraftable.
They'll outlast most other boots, they can hold up to resoling and rebuilding more times than other all-leather boots, but mainly your paying for the quality and the build time, not just for the name. Mine came in under $700 and it's still far more than I've ever spent on a pair of boots, but it's the best money I've ever spent and I don't regret it for a second.
Not worth the up front payment imo….
At $800 I’ll opt for the $110 made in China that will get me two years then I’ll have to buy another
There’s no way between materials and labor $800 is justified, and it looks like they use 1/4 the leather in the soles as nicks
Working boots, only affordable to those who are least likely to use them as working boots. 🤔
I suppose there is a market for these, but I wont be spending this amount of cash for boots that will be thrashed by a hard wearing working environment, especially when there are high quality options available for less than half the price of these puppies.
They really aren't designed or marketed as a workboot for anything other than light duty. Their boot market is hikers, hunters, farmers, and as a workboot, for people that need to go from workshop to customer visits, as an example. I think Carl got this exactly right in his review. It would be a waste of money to use these as a construction site workboot, completely the wrong tool, and dangerous.
True, but if you were dead-set on these particular boots I can’t think of many alternatives. The price puts them out of the true workwear category in my opinion.
@@CarlMurawski They are however the exact overlap of my dream boot, moctoe + engineers boot + high quality build. It would be an interesting exercise to map boots out on a cost (low vs high) vs utility (low vs high) scale to determine if there is a market for the “dream products” class, i.e high cost, relative low utility
The title of this video is weird (click-baity). If someone buys these boots and is then "disappointed" (as the title says) because they don't have the work safety features required on many job sites, then that person really wasn't paying any attention at all to what they're buying and what they needed. Is anyone going to approach an $800 purchase with that kind of mindset? I kinda doubt it.
Okay
I don’t care if they are hand stitched. Never in a million years would I pay $750 for a pair of boots. Could I afford them? Sure I could. But it’s the principle. Paying that much for a boot just isn’t justified. New owners of Russell Moccasin should be ashamed of themselves for running this company into the ground.
What makes you think they’re running the company to the ground? The price of the boots?
That’s okay, you don’t have to! It’s your money and you can spend it how you’d like.
But here's the conundrum. Pay Americans a good wage or go to Walmart?
Au contraire, I think they have done a great job so far of making the transition, redefining the product lines, and promoting the brand, with apparently zero loss of quality. There was no way they would have survived with the previous business model.
Not a big fan of the title. 🤷
Okay