GEA Waldviertler
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Let me introduce you to a brand that I discovered recently: GEA Waldviertler.
It's a company based in Waldviertel, Austria which produces shoes and boots (as well as indoor furniture, but that's a different story) that have a similar last shape to that of Birkenstock's aka the infamous "Munson" last. Personally, since I have wide feet and a splaying toes, I find it incredibly difficult to find shoes and boots that are a) built on the latter mentioned last (basically my top priority), b) of good quality, c) good-looking and d) affordable. Personally, I like some of the models they have such as mainly their Chelsea and Chukka/Desert boot inspired footwear. They also have quite nice color options and combinations. While I'm aware that most people are not a fan of the Munson shape, the last itself ensures a lot of immediate comfort and once you try that shape/last, you wouldn't want to go back to any of the "conventional" or "pointier" (read: narrow) lasts.
The shoes usually (but not always) come in three widths: F (narrow), G (normal) and H (wide) and they have a stitchdown welt construction which means that the shoes are very durable and resoleable. They also come with a leather in- and midsole, a structured toe (soft) and heel, an outsole that seems to be similar to Vibram (?) as well as full leather lining.
I went to the local shop nearby today with the idea in mind to try a few of their models and get a better idea of the sizing. All I can say is that it was quite difficult to leave with only the model that I intended to buy initially and I almost gave in and bought yet another pair...
Here's my purchase (please excuse the nylon underneath the boots, the soles are dirty):
These are a pair of "Tramper Flex" in width H. Sizing seems to be TTS based on my limited experience. This particular model doesn't have removable insoles as they are glued in, but they could be easily ripped out if one wanted to.
I'll update the thread with my experience if I have further details to add. Looking forward to finding out how they'll do in the long run. In the meanwhile, here's a photo of how these are supposed to age.
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Some update photos after a few months of regular use and wearing the IH-734-ODG:
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Update - I've been wearing these since February 2024 and only now applied some leather conditioner as they looked a bit dry.
Before: (left/bottom without conditioner, right/top with):
After:
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@weftyarn Thank you! And your parents definitely seem to have a good taste in shoes
I've had multiple custom-made White's boots (and Red Wing's Iron Rangers at some point) before getting these, which are of course, similar to Wesco boots, of great quality. But I have to say: I really appreciate how lightweight these are; the missing heel cap/flat outsole and the versatility due to the low profile design compared to the aforementioned bootmakers.
I'm considering getting some of their Chelsea boots as well which unfortunately aren't available in the wider "H" width, but can, as far as I know, be custom-made on request for a surcharge. Maybe one day I'll even visit their workshop and make my own pair of boots since I'll be living in Bavaria soon and maybe the proximity to their HQ in Austria will make it harder to resist a visit
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...Here's another photo of the boots from a while ago before they were conditioned (and paired with 888S-142):
