Who's ready for a 1st world rant? UPDATE: advice solicited. More update:

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 04/15/2019 at 17:20 • Filed to: rants

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I bought some boots from a company in Oregon in the fall, I bought them despite being way more expensive than similar boots because they seemed like the kind of company to build quality stuff and stand behind it.

I’ve really liked them.

7 months later the tread is coming unglued as it wraps around the toe. It’s not bad, but it’s going to get worse before it gets better and they have a year warranty.

I sent them back (to their credit they eventually offered to pay the shipping even though I didn’t buy them from their store)

I didn’t hear from them for a week, they decided to credit an account they made for me on their store...without telling me. I find out when I email what the deal is. Annoying, but okay, they are going to stand behind them, I’ll just order a brand new pair and...

Oh, they don’t make them anymore in my size.

k.

Their solution?

“Yeah those are discontinued, how about you buy really tall boots instead at a price premium? Or these really ugly ones that no one wanted...we still have tons of those. Or how about a boot that looks nothing like you ordered are ugly and aren’t waterproof?”

Yeah...no. I bought these for a reason...I wouldn’t have sent them back to you if I didn’t expect the same boots to come back to me. They didn’t offer to repair mine or even give me a choice. Now I have store credit and nothing I want to buy.

I can still buy them in the marketplace but they don’t take Daner dollars.

have a winter vehicle thing for your time.

Hoping they will issue some kind of credit to allow me to buy them from a store that has them and is local to me.

UPDATE: They will give me a 40% discount on a much more expensive boot, its not what I want, but it is a huge step up in quality

this is what I had/want

This is what they are willing to offer me a deal on

its a heavier and heavier duty actual hiking boot that’s mid high (which isn’t really want I wanted originally) but it’s fully rebuildable and made in house which is kinda what I am looking for. The one above wasn’t wearing great after 7 months of use.

The out of pocket difference is about $30.

Thoughts?

Also torn between colors

I’ m kinda digging the mink oil (pictured)

More UPDATE:

Going for the mink oil. The top ones are a weird kind of leather that does funny things and they are backordered. plus im kinda linking the dark color. con/pro though, these don’t have a waterproof membrane...which is the reason I bought hikers in the first place.  On the other hand, I live in the desert and the waterproof thing was mostly for an Alaska trip that didn’t rain.  I think in the dry heat, the dri-lex may be the better choice, and I can just waterproof the leather with nix-wax products I already have.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:12

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The plastic twist tie just broke off my bag of pizza bagels. BAD DESIGN

Hows that for a first world rant?

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:20

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That sucks.

I had the same-ish thing happen with Oboz, I like the shoes, liked the company, and was a happy customer until my pair came apart at the seams in just a few months.. Went back to my shop where I bought them and they contacted the company and offered me the same pair again - no thanks. I ended up making a deal with the shop for a different model and they turned out awesome.

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:21

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Are these snow boots or summer boots?

Buy snow boots here: https://schnees.com/schnees-boots/

Summer boots here: https://www.whitesboots.com/

HammerheadFistpunch > For Sweden 04/15/2019 at 14:22

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casual waterproof low boots

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:23

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Go with Whites.

HammerheadFistpunch > For Sweden 04/15/2019 at 14:25

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not diggin em. too dr . scholls

BigBlock440 > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:26

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7 months later the tread is coming unglued as it wraps around the toe. It’s not bad, but it’s going to get worse before it gets better and they have a year warranty

I don’t know why anybody still makes boots with the wrap-around toe, I’ve never seen a pair like that hold up, and always end up having to re-glue it. A good pair of full-leather with a normal, flat sole always holds up much better, and is just as waterproof (more so after the toe come apart on the other pair).

smobgirl > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:29

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How long is the credit good for? Is there a chance they’ll release something in fall that would be similar? (Like an improved version of what you returned?)

gettingoldercarguy > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:30

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Keen? I know some have had problems with that, I never have in the seven or eight pairs I’ve had over the years. I go to a Nordstrom rack when I’m in Dallas and sto ck up any time I go back to see family. People i n D allas don’t buy hiking boots like we do.

Chariotoflove > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 14:34

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This is why I don’t like to buy from businesses that only do store credits.  

benjrblant > Chariotoflove 04/15/2019 at 14:44

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I, too, try to get my refunds in not-monopoly-money. 

Future next gen S2000 owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/15/2019 at 14:44

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E veryone knows it is perfect ly acceptable to twist and f old. It should come that way from the store.

HammerheadFistpunch > BigBlock440 04/15/2019 at 14:52

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Im coming to the same conclusion. 

HammerheadFistpunch > smobgirl 04/15/2019 at 14:52

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I can ask, but I think the ugly shoe they pointed me to is it.

HammerheadFistpunch > gettingoldercarguy 04/15/2019 at 14:52

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Dann er.

HammerheadFistpunch > Chariotoflove 04/15/2019 at 14:53

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I was given no choice.

Chariotoflove > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 15:35

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Yeah, I understand when that happens. I just hold my breath and hope i don’t have to dive into the depths of the customer service policies, like you apparently  have had to.

Sovande > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 16:12

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Looks nervously at brand new Danner boots which were just delivered...

HammerheadFistpunch > Sovande 04/15/2019 at 16:13

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I think those will hold up better, but be sure you specify how you want returns handled up front in the event of a warranty claim.  What model is that?

Sovande > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 16:13

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Take a look at Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots. I have three pairs, they are very comfortable after a short break in period. 

HammerheadFistpunch > Sovande 04/15/2019 at 16:16

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Those look bomber, but I am looking for a low cut casual hiking boot.  I tried on a lot of pairs and settled on the danners for their blend of fit, looks and (supposed) durability.  Its clear these aren’t their flagship boot (being made overseas) but I still expect more for the money.

Sovande > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 16:20

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Bull Run Moc Toe. I work in construction and walk about 30 miles a week on nothing but concrete. I am hoping the wedge sole will help make my old feet not hurt so much at the end of the day. 

Sovande > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 16:24

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Yeah, it’s always disappointing to spend money on things that simply don’t last. The boots I have been wearing are 6 years old and finally gave out. Super comfortable until about two weeks ago. They are Georgia Boots which is a brand I have had great luck with for Wellington style work boots.

wafflesnfalafel > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/15/2019 at 16:32

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A pox on the family of that twist tie designer!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 17:24

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Update: Do it. 

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 17:27

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Update; Those look nice,

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sovande 04/15/2019 at 17:27

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Dammit, now I really want a pair of these...

Sovande > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/15/2019 at 17:31

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They are the Carbo-Tec model. I recommend highly them!

Chariotoflove > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 17:37

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I think this is a perfectly great solution if these are boots you want (whether or not you originally planned to get them) . If they are not what you want, then this is not a good deal, it is a compromise that costs you extra money. I would stand fast for a refund.

Personally, I would prefer the higher ones for more protection in the outdoors, and I would pay the $30 extra.  B ut they are going on your feet, not mine. What I prefer doesn’t count.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sovande 04/15/2019 at 17:38

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Will be saving my pennies.

Cash Rewards > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 17:39

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Depends on your intended use. I think their upgrade is definitely nicer, but I wouldn't want to wear them casually. 

Honeybunchesofgoats > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 17:41

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This is why I only buy boots made on the better coast.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/awesome-customer-service-is-awesome-1833813100

E92M3 > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 17:41

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I bought some “ Georgia Boots” a few years ago at the end of the season, and didn’t wear them till the next winter. I wore them once, and a seco nd time a few weeks later. The second time I wore them, the soles disenegrated. I was leaving a trail around the office, similar to when a Semi has a blowout. Little pieces of rubber everywhere. Our office building had used some type of icemelt stuff on the sidewalks the first time I wore them, and it reacted with the soles. I went and bought a pair of Keen’s at lunch like I should have done in the first place.

HammerheadFistpunch > E92M3 04/15/2019 at 17:42

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Seems like work owned you a new pair of boots.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 18:04

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Buying a pair of imported Danners is “from a company in Oregon” just as much as a pair of Nike basketball shoes is “from a company in Oregon.” I had a similar experience with a pair of imported Eastlands a few years ago. More expensive than similar boots due to being made by a company that still makes some of theirs in the USA (with the $400 price tags to go along with it) , but the same quality as other imported stuff. When the soles fell off of my replacement pair I glued them back myself. I just buy Ariat now. At least they don’t hide that it’s all made in China and it’s about the most durable imported stuff in my experience. Hopefully your replacement USA-made ones do better - FWIW I know people with USA made hiking boots that have been rebuilding their current pairs f or like 10 years.

HammerheadFistpunch > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/15/2019 at 18:06

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Looks like the replacements Im getting are actually made in house in Oregon.  so thats a plus.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 18:07

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I’ve heard fantastic things about their in house boots.  Good to hear.  And good on them for going that extra step.

HammerheadFistpunch > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/15/2019 at 18:10

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i mean, I’m still paying over $200 for a boot, but at least its not nearly $ 400.  Actually, come to think of it, I paid $150 for my boots from a 4rd party and they gave me $190 credit so this washes out.

E92M3 > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 18:48

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That's what I thought, but I was the only casualty.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > HammerheadFistpunch 04/15/2019 at 19:38

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All I have to say is Redwings. I am only on my second pair and I have been hard on boots in my life between the Navy, working construction, and working in shipyards.

But if you already have the credit, well, it looks like you made a good choice.