White's Boots
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"Obstacles are stepping-stones That guide us to our goals"
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Hi guys,
There was an interesting discussion on SF about CXL leather not ideal for work boots for the reason that it scratches/cracks easily. Like other leathers it stretches and bends as any leather ages and takes on character. But the issue of scratching has me worried as the pic below illustrates. I was considering getting Brown or Burgundy CXL boots, but am now thinking about going with oiled or regular leather hide in the same color. Which color shades (exact name White's calls them would be closest to CXL Burgundy or Brown? What is your opinion on CXL leathers?
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The scratches will add to the patina and will pretty much disappear with the slightest oiling
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On second glance it looks like a pretty good gouge which I would imagine could occur to any leather under the right circumstances
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CXL is nice enough, but I've seen lots of leather I like better. All things being equal, I'd much rather have a nice oiled finish latigo leather for a pair of boots, especially a pair of boots that will be used for any sort of rough work.
EDIT: the pair in that picture is owned by The Mexican over on SuFu, right? If I remember correctly, he said he cut them pretty badly and then sealed the gash with glue. His boots probably shouldn't be your guide on what to expect from CXL, since he seems to beat on his harder than normal.
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LOVE cxl, soft, most beautiful patina imo. I had a nat. cxl belt before I got my boots and saw how it breaks in. But perhaps it is not best for a hardcore work boot - I would not argue that it is. It's great for a light duty work boot, or in my case a motorcycle boot. But perhaps someone who works physically hard for a living, and abuses their boots, appropriate to their occupation, could suggest the best alternative to cxl. As far as scratches it will happen in any case, with any kind of leather, any type of use. It's not a problem for me.
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I have Whites Oxfords in CXL, Bounty Hunters in Dress leather and SD's in Buffalo. Of the the three leathers I would certainly choose Dress leather for either work boots, or leather boots, it's more durable and over time will look better in my opinion, you just need to not expect results as quickly as you would with CXL.
I'll state my previously stated argument for the record.
Comparing boots to jeans, I would say the CXL boots are like a pair of Samurai jeans, you can achieve amazing fade results in an extremely short space of time in terms of wear and fades (jeans) or patina (leather). I would compare leather like Latigo or Dress to Iron Heart, you will get some amazing results, but you will have to work to get them.
Personally, if I'm spending $500 and upwards on footwear, then I want it to last me, not look like I've owned it for 5 years after the first 6 months.
Thats just me though, others might disagree…..
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^That was exactly what I was thinking. I won't be abusing my boots, they are just for casual wear. However, I also don't want them to age fast and hope to wear them for a few years. Also, what do you and other members think is the closest color comparison of CXL Brown and Burgundy in Dress leather or Latigo? Dress brown appears extremely dark almost black, I wanted a lighter shade of Brown. What are the names and if someone could post pics (sorry I must be blind, but I can't seem to find search this thread anywhere)? As for Burgundy would calf be more durable than its CXL counterpart?
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Calf isn't very durable, generally speaking. I'd guess CXL is easily the tougher of the two.
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White's arrived finally
. . . WHITE'S SMOKEJUMPER / LACE TO TOE / BROWN AND BLACK DRESS . . .
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I vowed never to have a white wedge sole again, but these boots might
make me change my mind. Stunning. -
Really like those and love the work boot laces
"Obstacles are stepping-stones That guide us to our goals"
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i can dig it. I would personally have gone a christy sole for the sleeker profile, but those will be very comfortable for urban use. Its weird, on my monitor I couldnt tell they were two tone at all. That will create a nice contrast when the leathers break in a bit.
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^Black is just the tongue, the back stay and the pull loop … rest is brown dress
