Chippewa Sizing

Hi,

My last pair of Dr. Martens just gave out on me so I'm in the market for new boots. I'm looking for something that'll survive through heavy snow/rain. From what I've been reading, Chippewa seems to be what I'm looking for. (although it'd be nice if any of them had lugged soles- I plan on wearing them more than not for work, and urban & general hiking)

I'm overseas and the available sizes don't seem to fit so I have to buy them online. I'd rather not have to send them back to resize them so I could use some advice w/r/t Chippewa boot sizing (I'm guessing there wouldn't really be any variance between types of boots) I'm a 9.5 Converse All Star Hi. I tried a pair of Chippewa (either 6" Lace up or Service Utility) at the store, but 9 D(M) seemed a bit too large (could fit a finger in the back and slightly too narrow. Should I go down .5 or 1 full size? Also, will the 2E be too wide? (The one's I tried on we D(M) and were kinda narrow near the arches- if it helps, my feet are roughly 4" at the widest part and 3.5" at the arches)

Thanks!

I wear 10.5 in Converse Chuck Taylors, and Nike running shoes.

I go a full size down in Chips to 9.5.

As far as width, I find regular Chip Ds to be a bit on the narrow side for my slightly wide foot. The Ds are not uncomfortable, but just a little more narrow than I prefer. I prefer Es in Chips. I do not go to EE.

Some Chips are hard to find in a wide option. In that case, I only size down a half size and wear the Ds. But sounds like you already tried that and it didn't work for you.

Hope that helps.

Thanks! Since I'm usually a 9.5, I'll probably go down to an 8.5 2E.

Also, w/r/t quality control, I've been looking at the 8" Apaches, but they seem to have a decent number of negative reviews within the past year (the sole separates from the boot). Should I be concerned and just go with the 6" Apaches, which don't have the same number of complaints? It's weird that it's the same manufacturer though...

Hi, Golgatha,
Have you tried contacting their customer service? I'd also suggest Zappo's, which has an excellent return system, but I don't know if it applies to overseas deliveries. Anyway, good luck!

You may also want to look into Thorogood Boots. Their sizing is spot on. I wear a 11.5 D and that's what they deliver. My favorite shoes are the black postal duty shoes. Very comfortable.

Their work boots are also very nice.

Thanks for the replies! Zappos doesn't seem to deliver overseas and Chippewas has yet to return my message. Hmm. I'm kinda sold on the 8" Chippewas and perhaps the Cordovan Service Boots when they go on sale.

If you still like the docs then I would also suggest Solovair boots. Similar quality to the 80s made in uk docs. If you are into workboots check also william lennons, I own a pair, amazing quality and prices.

golgotha said:

Thanks! Since I'm usually a 9.5, I'll probably go down to an 8.5 2E.

Also, w/r/t quality control, I've been looking at the 8" Apaches, but they seem to have a decent number of negative reviews within the past year (the sole separates from the boot). Should I be concerned and just go with the 6" Apaches, which don't have the same number of complaints? It's weird that it's the same manufacturer though...

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I would stick with the Original Chippewa line, like the 8'' Service Boots.

SoCalSoftailSlim said:

I would stick with the Original Chippewa line, like the 8'' Service Boots.

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Couldn't find the 8" Service Boots, so I ended up going with the 6" Service Boots (Tan Renegade) Ended up locating the (presumably) only store in this city with Chippewas. 25% sale, with an extra 10% knocked off (last pair/one boot used for display). Color is amazing. Size .5 down, width D (my feet are generally E) and it fits well.

Now to boot care...ergh. I never realize there was so much out there. Ended up purchasing a pair of horsehair brushes and Allen Edmonds Conditioner Cleaner. I still have a tin of Dr. Marten's Wonder Balsam leftover (and I've read its not significantly different from Obenaufs which I'm guessing is similar to Dubbin), but it does darken them a bit too much for my liking. Can anyone recommend something similar that won't alter the color much?

Thanks!

I have a pair of the 8'' Service Boots, also in Tan Renegade. Great color. I agree. And congrats on the pricing.

I would just wear 'em and let the natural patina take over and not worry about any conditioning until next summer. Yup, a whole year.

The reason I say that is the Chips in Tan Renegade seem to be treated right out of the factory. (If you notice, there's a waxy consistency to them which you can especially feel near the "Original Chippewa" stamp on the exterior shaft of the boot.)

The Tan Renegade leather seems particularly prone to darkening, even with just a sprinkle of water (which dries off thank goodness). And you don't want to do anything to lose the great finish of these boots.

In a year's time, I'd use an extremely light coat of Red Wing Mink Oil or Boot Oil and test it on an out of sight area first and let that dry for a few days to make sure you're cool with any effect it may have on patina.

Bottom line is, no conditioning needed for these boots right now. Down the line, a very small amount.

Cheers!