Truman Boot Co. ... Thoughts?

ES335 · Jul 7, 2021

I'm considering a purchase from these folks. Any input from previous/current customers would be greatly appreciated.

Phil

Coriu · Jul 7, 2021

If you want an American-made boot and are willing to pay $400+, it would be worth your while to research Russell Moccasin. I own 7 pairs of boots from them. Cannot comment on Truman.

ES335 · Jul 7, 2021

Coriu said:
If you want an American-made boot and are willing to pay $400+, it would be worth your while to research Russell Moccasin. I own 7 pairs of boots from them. Cannot comment on Truman.

I am, and will do so. Thanks, Brother!

Jin431 · Jul 7, 2021

I have 4 boots from them (3 Horse Rump and 1 Java waxed flesh). Love them as a company and they have a great customer service. The price is decent (380-500 depending on style of boot and leather used) and they have a fantastic leather selection for the standard boots (cf stead/Horween/Seidel/Law tanning).

They also offer small batch made to order boots every now and then. I really like the horse rumps they offer from time to time but other fun hides sometime pops up as well. They don't do double row stitchdown anymore which is a bummer but the Goodyear welt is solid whether in a flat welt or storm welt configuration. The stitching/panel cutting/finishing/hardware is built well but it's not perfect which is okay since these boots are made to be abused and are meant to be used for work.

I use my Truman boots for hiking a lot and they are very comfy to wear over long distances and hard terrain. Which last are you wanting to use and which leather?

ES335 · Jul 7, 2021

Ok, did so. No "mocs."

Coriu · Jul 7, 2021

ES335 said:
Ok, did so. No "mocs."

The boots are "moccasin construction." If you are not familiar with that terminology, might be worth your while to do so. Good luck.

ES335 · Jul 7, 2021

Thanks, Jin- the 79 last, not sure about the hide...

Jin431 · Jul 7, 2021

ES335 said:
Thanks, Jin- the 79 last, not sure about the hide...

My first Truman boot (Kudu) was in the 79 last, maybe go half a size up if you wear thicker socks. The 4 boots I have now are all in the C55 last and they work better for the shape of my feet.

the waxed flesh in any color (Java/black/chestnut) would be a good start, the double shot (black/brown/oxblood) or ramblers (black burgundy was really gorgeous when they offered it) is also quite nice.

casterfield · Jul 7, 2021

Have a pair that’s about 5 years old in horse rump. Easily my most comfortable and worn boots. Own viberg, wesco, whites, red wing, alden, etc. YMMV but I enjoy my Trumans a lot.

kazuma · Jul 7, 2021

They make some nice boots with some pretty cool and unique leathers. I had a pair in moosehide. Unfortunately I had to sell it as the last just didn't work for my feet and I didn't really like their commando sole, it felt like there was less surface area on it. If the last worked out for me I would have just ignored the problem with their sole since it was made out of freaking moosehide. But if you're not getting a more unique leather I'd personally go with White's boots myself.

OneEyeMan · Jul 7, 2021

If you're gonna spend $500 or up on a boot I got 3 words for you; Nick's, White's, and Wesco. In my personal experience, Nick's "try on" system is foolproof for a perfect fit. Once you see them in person, you'll know where your money went. They're absolutely gorgeous. My Nick's Americana's are snug but extremely comfy for all day wear. And they look killer. YMMV!

Tom71 · Jul 7, 2021

Got two boots from them (both last 79): Horse Rump and Shrunken Bison.

Fit is more or less like Red Wing "Beckmann", "Iron Ranger" or "Blacksmith". Artisanship appears a bit better. I believe they are good value for money (and I have to pay a ca. 23% ucharge on importing them). I certainly receive more favorable comments on them from strangers than on any other boot.
I had some questions re size and fit (I need a decent level of confidence before ordering from across the ponf), and thought their customer service was very good.

Psant25 · Jul 7, 2021

I have not tried truman, but i concur with the positive comments and recommendations for nicks, whites, wesco…

Schambach · Jul 8, 2021

I got a good deal on a pair in Stead “waxy commander”. The uppers are nice, and well made, but I really can’t stand the Itshide commando soles they came with. At some point I’ll get them resoled. They are nice boots otherwise, but at full price I’d much rather have a pair of Whites.

Schambach · Jul 8, 2021

Coriu said:
If you want an American-made boot and are willing to pay $400+, it would be worth your while to research Russell Moccasin. I own 7 pairs of boots from them. Cannot comment on Truman.

At some point I really need to try a pair of Russell’s. Do you hunt in them or just casual wear?

Coriu · Jul 8, 2021

Schambach said:
At some point I really need to try a pair of Russell’s. Do you hunt in them or just casual wear?

My property is amidst rugged terrain, so my boots get a workout. I also have Russell shoes and chukkas for casual wear...18 pairs in all. They last a lifetime. Would be happy to help you if you choose to pursue.

I believe people get thrown off when they see the word "moccasin." The way they construct their shoes/boots is unique. Their boots are specialized. Certain styles were developed for specific terrains, ie hunting in Africa. In that sense, I consider them "technical" wear.

Bfd70 · Jul 8, 2021

Looked at the site. Like the derby shoes. Everything else seemed sorta meh.

dudewuttheheck · Jul 8, 2021

They're known for questionable qc and very poor customer service. They offer some cool leathers though.

ES335 · Jul 8, 2021

Coriu said:
My property is amidst rugged terrain, so my boots get a workout. I also have Russell shoes and chukkas for casual wear...18 pairs in all. They last a lifetime. Would be happy to help you if you choose to pursue.

I believe people get thrown off when they see the word "moccasin." The way they construct their shoes/boots is unique. Their boots are specialized. Certain styles were developed for specific terrains, ie hunting in Africa. In that sense, I consider them "technical" wear.

Coriu, I appreciate your input. I just don't find their boot designs all that attractive, and don't need specialized footwear for casual wear in my highly urban environment.

Psant25 · Aug 16, 2023

Tom71 said:
Got two boots from them (both last 79): Horse Rump and Shrunken Bison.

Fit is more or less like Red Wing "Beckmann", "Iron Ranger" or "Blacksmith". Artisanship appears a bit better. I believe they are good value for money (and I have to pay a ca. 23% ucharge on importing them). I certainly receive more favorable comments on them from strangers than on any other boot.
I had some questions re size and fit (I need a decent level of confidence before ordering from across the ponf), and thought their customer service was very good.

Just ordered a stock pair. I Sized them the same as my iron rangers per their recommendation.

Did you find that to be the case you wear the same size in both and fit is similar?

Thanks,

Truman Boot Co. ... Thoughts?

One of the Regulars

One Too Many

One of the Regulars

Call Me a Cab

One of the Regulars

One Too Many

One of the Regulars

Call Me a Cab

One of the Regulars

New in Town

Practically Family

Call Me a Cab

One Too Many

Practically Family

Practically Family

One Too Many

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

One of the Regulars

One Too Many

Similar threads

Log in

Forum statistics