For anyone interested, I purchased a pair of these boots from the same company (SM Wholesale) just under a year ago and have been daily wearing them since. I have a few notes, but overall am very pleased with my purchase. For anyone thinking about getting them, there are a few things to consider. - The cuffs are too short, compared to originals, their cuffs are shrunk about an inch and a half (3/4 an inch on the top and bottom depending on size). This makes them more feasible to wear regularly, but it’s not quite right. If you study originals and compare them to the new run boots, you can see the difference in an instant - Rubber outsoles are too soft, now this is a little hard to put exact figured on; but compared to how original boots were documented to be worn (when new) and how other reproductions last when worn, SM boots seem to wear out noticeably faster. It’s not a case where the outsole will be smooth after a month of wear, but being a year in the stitching around the perimeter is already starting to be worn down. I’m estimating another two or so years before I need to get them resoled.. it might end up being less. - Dubbing is necessary if you live in a wet environment. Where I’m from it snows & rains a lot, so my boots are subjected to wet conditions regularly. Unlike normal smooth out leather boots, the roughout makes them very prone to soaking up water like a sponge. The easiest way around this is to “dub” them with a bees wax solution, I used snow seal. After 3 coats they were mostly water resistent but leaked along some seams, after 5 I was happy with the results. Since the initial five coats I re-apply wax every six months or so, and have had absolutely no issues with water, even when standing in liquid mud almost up to the cuff. - Laces are junk. They might be OK for casual wear, which is probably all you need, but when I was breaking them in I took them hiking quite a bit & needed them to be tight. I found the original laces to be very prone to loosening while in use, and within a week of having them they snapped while I was tightening them. Now, the snapping is probably my fault because I wanted them very snug, but it’s still a problem. If you’re under a size 12, a website called “At the Front” sells original USGI shoe laces that work amazingly and keep the original look, they’re super durable and very affordable. I ended up using a pair of brown hiking boot laces because I prefer the look & feel, and so far they’ve held up great. - Quality control, not inherently a problem, but certain boots have had issues in the past. Just make sure before you wear, dub, or abuse your boots that they don’t have any glaring quality issues. SMW seems to be very good about standing behind their product, so if you run into anything it will likely be fixed, but just keep it in mind, Besides the few issues above, I’ve got to say I love these boots and would highly recommend them to anyone considering buying a pair. They’re by and large a great looking boot, comfortable enough, and built well enough that you can actually use and abuse them. I’ve seen & worn some of the other brands’ stuff and SM is the only one I trust enough to put my time and money into. At the front boots are good, but are no longer produced.
Thanks for making this video!! I've been looking around at reviews from SM Wholesale and been considering getting a pair of their US Army or USMC boondocker boots for casual use. I wouldn't mind seeing more videos on boots! Just looked at your channel and I got excited at all the other things you've already covered. Looking forward to giving them a watch:)
I don't believe the Paratroopers would as they had their own "Jump Boots." Main Infantry would have but probably only new recruits or replacement boots. It would be best to find pictures of Units you're interested in and see if you can make out what footwear they've got on. The whole war was a mix-matched grouping of uniforms.
For anyone interested, I purchased a pair of these boots from the same company (SM Wholesale) just under a year ago and have been daily wearing them since. I have a few notes, but overall am very pleased with my purchase. For anyone thinking about getting them, there are a few things to consider.
- The cuffs are too short, compared to originals, their cuffs are shrunk about an inch and a half (3/4 an inch on the top and bottom depending on size). This makes them more feasible to wear regularly, but it’s not quite right. If you study originals and compare them to the new run boots, you can see the difference in an instant
- Rubber outsoles are too soft, now this is a little hard to put exact figured on; but compared to how original boots were documented to be worn (when new) and how other reproductions last when worn, SM boots seem to wear out noticeably faster. It’s not a case where the outsole will be smooth after a month of wear, but being a year in the stitching around the perimeter is already starting to be worn down. I’m estimating another two or so years before I need to get them resoled.. it might end up being less.
- Dubbing is necessary if you live in a wet environment. Where I’m from it snows & rains a lot, so my boots are subjected to wet conditions regularly. Unlike normal smooth out leather boots, the roughout makes them very prone to soaking up water like a sponge. The easiest way around this is to “dub” them with a bees wax solution, I used snow seal. After 3 coats they were mostly water resistent but leaked along some seams, after 5 I was happy with the results. Since the initial five coats I re-apply wax every six months or so, and have had absolutely no issues with water, even when standing in liquid mud almost up to the cuff.
- Laces are junk. They might be OK for casual wear, which is probably all you need, but when I was breaking them in I took them hiking quite a bit & needed them to be tight. I found the original laces to be very prone to loosening while in use, and within a week of having them they snapped while I was tightening them. Now, the snapping is probably my fault because I wanted them very snug, but it’s still a problem. If you’re under a size 12, a website called “At the Front” sells original USGI shoe laces that work amazingly and keep the original look, they’re super durable and very affordable. I ended up using a pair of brown hiking boot laces because I prefer the look & feel, and so far they’ve held up great.
- Quality control, not inherently a problem, but certain boots have had issues in the past. Just make sure before you wear, dub, or abuse your boots that they don’t have any glaring quality issues. SMW seems to be very good about standing behind their product, so if you run into anything it will likely be fixed, but just keep it in mind,
Besides the few issues above, I’ve got to say I love these boots and would highly recommend them to anyone considering buying a pair. They’re by and large a great looking boot, comfortable enough, and built well enough that you can actually use and abuse them. I’ve seen & worn some of the other brands’ stuff and SM is the only one I trust enough to put my time and money into. At the front boots are good, but are no longer produced.
Great advice!
Thanks for making this video!! I've been looking around at reviews from SM Wholesale and been considering getting a pair of their US Army or USMC boondocker boots for casual use. I wouldn't mind seeing more videos on boots! Just looked at your channel and I got excited at all the other things you've already covered. Looking forward to giving them a watch:)
Thanks! I'll be adding new things along the way as I get them and what I already have.
Dereck try to make your videos a bit longer :) my great Grandparents were shoemakers
Thanks I’ll make them longer! Very cool being shoemakers!
The US Army called it 'leggings."
Good Call!
Kick rocks racist
Thank you for the bad job of not impressing
Did US rangers, Paratroops and other main infantry use these after Normandy invasion, and abandon the canvas gaiters ?
Can you explain this ?
I don't believe the Paratroopers would as they had their own "Jump Boots." Main Infantry would have but probably only new recruits or replacement boots. It would be best to find pictures of Units you're interested in and see if you can make out what footwear they've got on. The whole war was a mix-matched grouping of uniforms.
Thank for this informative video. Are these boots original or replica?
Thanks. These are repros. I haven't found an original pair yet in my size and good shape.
Are the sizes true? Some army boots have to be ordered 2 sizes down. Txs
Yes, I believe this run and style of boots do run true to size.
I'd say they're true to size especially since they're all Wide and they have half sizes.
Do you know a reputable source for these online?
SM Wholesale. Tell em' I sent ya!
@@derekdoeschannel checked the site, definitely a future purchase, just need to save the money for it. 😬 Thanks, my man!!
Try At The Front.
@@TomP-nw4wu At The Front double buckles haven't been available for a while. The plant downsized and stopped making the boots.
@@Totemparadox Next best option?
❤
Thank you