Frank's Boots
Lace-To-Toe
Frank's Boots
I visited Frank’s to have a pair of climber’s resoled and saw these in the seconds as a never-worn customer return. They are beautiful boots and in a style I had no experience with being LTT and flatter arched, and I being used to loggers, so I tried them on and they fit nicely, though they are HNW last which is not my preferred. However, Michelle gave me a price and it was definitely something I had to chew on. So I left and then came back right and purchased them just in time for the Thunderdome. I’ve been working in them about half the time since purchase, and they are a tank of a boot. I still do not prefer the HNW last but have some Delta Arch insoles on order to try in these to see if it brings the arch to my liking. They are an impressively made boot with the best materials. They still have a bit to go before they are truly broke in.
I tried these in 8.5C as another boot maker fit me in 8.5B/C. I tried on in store and confirmed sizing. Luckily, I live in the Spokane area, the epicenter of PNW.
I visited the store and these were on the shelf, ready to sell as a custom boot, albeit sold as a second as it was a customer return. Reason being: too stiff. Maybe not enough man in the original buyer. It was priced as a second.
I’ve worn these casually and for work as a contractor/remodeler/handyman. They’ve done demolition , drywall, ladder work, ground work, staining, painting, sanding, and a pile of trips to pick up materials.
This leather has held up very well to work. It is starting to age through, darker in the creases and lighter in the wear areas. They have handled demo with nails being poked and scraped along the hide with no issues on the inside. Fantastic stuff and very stiff and thick in this particular selection. I did treat them once for winter the time I’ve been wearing them. They are still breaking in.
The HNW is a great last, but I do prefer 55 or 4811. I have some Nick’s Delta Arch half insoles on order to see if they’ll work to provide a bit more arch. However, they are comfortable as it sits, I just have very good arches and they like a bit of support. The toe room is okay, but maybe a bit on the snug side.
The LTT is a new design for me. In my work, a non-LTT is better just from a flex standpoint. I’ll try anything to see if it works , though. The construction is perfect, and the finishing shows no issues. These boots will last forever.
I like the Cristy sole, and Frank’s made it absolutely flat so that it doesn’t have any weird wear points like my Foreman’s do. Traction is good for what I do, and it doesn’t track anything except drywall dust. It’s very comfortable for walking and has worn very well for me.
I’ve been very happy with these boots. Dealing with Frank’s has been great and they have a great team there. I’ve leaned a lot with this particular pair of boots about what I prefer to wear, so these will be the only make up in this style. I’m looking forward to designing my next pair with Frank’s!