Willie's Leathers / Willie's Handmade Boots (Phillipines)

[TartuWolf]

@Worf
I'd be rather weary about ordering bespoke from overseas as well, but the process does involve sending multiple measurements to them and you could do that without committing - just ask them whether a pair that would suit your feet would be doable at all and what size would they recommend. Maybe they will straight up refuse to make anything for you or will say that you're a EEE in their opinion, which would be more reassuring.

 

[MSG13]

Has anyone ordered a pair of the service boots? I'm debating on going with a US based brand like Whites vs going the overseas option. Any recent orders received, if so how long was the lead time?

 

[TartuWolf]

Has anyone ordered a pair of the service boots? I'm debating on going with a US based brand like Whites vs going the overseas option. Any recent orders received, if so how long was the lead time?

White's and Willie's don't seem very comparable to me. You're not getting PNW style boots from Willie - they are more casual and lighter. Still beefy and solid, but PNW stuff is on another level (which might be good or bad depending on what you're looking for). One TFL member has a pair of Boondockers, which is close enough to service boots. And you can see a lot of similar pairs on his IG and decide yourself whether you're attracted to how Willie does lace ups. If I was in the US then US brands would be a no-brainer for me.

 

[MSG13]

It seems to me that the Whites Mp Cap toe and the Willie's service boots are similar? I understand that the logger boots are quite a bit different than what Willies makes.
I've always been one to try out new makers and things off the beaten path. Part of the appeal of using Willie's is the ability to choose different materials and truly have a MTO product. I'll search for the member who has the boondockers and see how they like them.

 

[Drzdave58]

It seems to me that the Whites Mp Cap toe and the Willie's service boots are similar? I understand that the logger boots are quite a bit different than what Willies makes.
I've always been one to try out new makers and things off the beaten path. Part of the appeal of using Willie's is the ability to choose different materials and truly have a MTO product. I'll search for the member who has the boondockers and see how they like them.

I have a pair of Willies boondockers in Maryam toscanello hh. On the flat toe last. I absolutely love them. I posted a video of them. I also had a pair of Whites c350 cruisers. (Never owned the Whites MP) The whites are considerably heavier (built like tanks)than the Willies. I would consider my Willies boondockers midweight compared to Whites. I personally prefer the Willies as they better suited my needs as I don’t really need a heavy duty boot, but would say everyone should own a pair of Whites at some point in life or they are missing out. I would buy another pair of Willies for sure. They are as good as any other major brand I have owned most of them. Willie was easy to deal with and will take 50% down which I really liked..

 

[MSG13]

I have a pair of Willies boondockers in Maryam toscanello hh. On the flat toe last. I absolutely love them. I posted a video of them. I also had a pair of Whites c350 cruisers. (Never owned the Whites MP) The whites are considerably heavier (built like tanks)than the Willies. I would consider my Willies boondockers midweight compared to Whites. I personally prefer the Willies as they better suited my needs as I don’t really need a heavy duty boot, but would say everyone should own a pair of Whites at some point in life or they are missing out. I would buy another pair of Willies for sure. They are as good as any other major brand I have owned most of them. Willie was easy to deal with and will take 50% down which I really liked..

Thanks for the information. I'll watch the video and follow up. I'm also considering the 350 Cruiser and the cmp sherman as I would prefer the 5050 last or the 55 last.

 

[Pandemic]

Has anyone ordered a pair of the service boots? I'm debating on going with a US based brand like Whites vs going the overseas option. Any recent orders received, if so how long was the lead time?

There are soooo many brands doing service boots these days. Unless you want a really weird leather or build, I’m not sure why you would get a pair custom made in the Philippines. For something more niche in style or hide, it totally makes sense.

 

[TartuWolf]

I think this is an important difference:

But overall yeah, you can customize White's quite a bit if you go through Bakers.
You can also consider Nick's, they do a lot of customization.
Both are great experienced heritage companies. It will be more expensive than Willie's.

With Willie you're supporting a smaller newer maker. I think he makes great quality boots. Some leather options that you won't get from PWN makers, like the Maryam horserump for the epic rolls.

I have a pair of White's Semi-Dress in their undoubtedly best 9338 Swing last and a pair of C350 cruisers in their 55 last. Doesn't get much better as far as 5-6" lace ups go. I'd be much more weary of going for a pair of PNW engineers as the extra thickness and bulk really adds up to increasing the heel slip and I'm very light myself.

I'd still like a pair of 8" waxed flesh loggers from Willie because it would be cheaper and a bit lighter then PNW tanks and easier to get for me as I live in EU. I think Willie's munson last is very nice, but the White's 9338 last or the Nick's Thurman last are just as good if not better.

Willie's boots definitely don't offer the same arch support as PNW boots do, especially if you go for the 55 last.

Anyway, can't go wrong with both options, take your time to really feel out what you want.

 

[MSG13]

I think this is an important difference:
View attachment 754766

View attachment 754767
But overall yeah, you can customize White's quite a bit if you go through Bakers.
You can also consider Nick's, they do a lot of customization.
Both are great experienced heritage companies. It will be more expensive than Willie's.

With Willie you're supporting a smaller newer maker. I think he makes great quality boots. Some leather options that you won't get from PWN makers, like the Maryam horserump for the epic rolls.

I have a pair of White's Semi-Dress in their undoubtedly best 9338 Swing last and a pair of C350 cruisers in their 55 last. Doesn't get much better as far as 5-6" lace ups go. I'd be much more weary of going for a pair of PNW engineers as the extra thickness and bulk really adds up to increasing the heel slip and I'm very light myself.

I'd still like a pair of 8" waxed flesh loggers from Willie because it would be cheaper and a bit lighter then PNW tanks and easier to get for me as I live in EU. I think Willie's munson last is very nice, but the White's 9338 last or the Nick's Thurman last are just as good if not better.

Willie's boots definitely don't offer the same arch support as PNW boots do, especially if you go for the 55 last.

Anyway, can't go wrong with both options, take your time to really feel out what you want.

Thanks for the detailed reply. When you posted the 2 pictures that I had attached I didn't know what you were referring to at first since I didn't see the line you had drawn at the back of the boots. I'm color blind and I don't see red very well You're correct I need to figure out exactly what I'm looking for in a boot and the style before I place any orders. I like the idea of supporting smaller makers but also like to support brands made in US. What was your reason for going with the C350 VS the Original 350?

 

[MSG13]

There are soooo many brands doing service boots these days. Unless you want a really weird leather or build, I’m not sure why you would get a pair custom made in the Philippines. For something more niche in style or hide, it totally makes sense.

I'm just weird sometimes I guess. I like to support small makers but you are right, there is a lot of options for service style boots.

 

[TartuWolf]

Thanks for the detailed reply. When you posted the 2 pictures that I had attached I didn't know what you were referring to at first since I didn't see the line you had drawn at the back of the boots. I'm color blind and I don't see red very well You're correct I need to figure out exactly what I'm looking for in a boot and the style before I place any orders. I like the idea of supporting smaller makers but also like to support brands made in US. What was your reason for going with the C350 VS the Original 350?

I bought the C350 second hand so I didn't have much choice. Doesn't matter much to me whether it's C350 or 350, different construction, that's all. Very hard to find PNW boots in EU, got lucky with these.
I'm currently still happily at 4 pairs in total: black White's semi-dress, brown White's C350, brown Willie's engineers and black Sendra engineers.

 

[MSG13]

I bought the C350 second hand so I didn't have much choice. Doesn't matter much to me whether it's C350 or 350, different construction, that's all. Very hard to find PNW boots in EU, got lucky with these.
I'm currently still happily at 4 pairs in total: black White's semi-dress, brown White's C350, brown Willie's engineers and black Sendra engineers.

Ok. I'm not tied to the idea of hand stitched vs machine stitched. I do like some of the leathers that are available in the 350 vs the C350. I messaged Willie to get an idea on pricing and lead time.