Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Ok, not a wal mart or bass pro bashing thread here, but I will relay my story.

Went to bass pro last week to try to find some redhead leather-suede/canvas non-camo waterproof boots like the ones I just wore out. Had them for 2 years, well worth the $59 I paid for them on sale.

No luck, everything camo. To make matters worse, almost all the boots now have plastic or vinyl around the toes and other key areas where my last pair had leather. Most had ZERO leather in the shoe. I didn't buy anything.

Was walking through wally world today, and while taking a shortcut by the shoe department saw their work boots. Bhrama brand (made for wal-mart?).

100% heavy suede leather. Goodyear outsole, waterproof. Price: 24.95. You gotta be kidding me? I can't buy leather from bass pro, but I can buy it at wal-mart? What is this world coming to?

Bought them, be interesting to see how well they break in. They seem pretty comfy already.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Should probably go back & get another pair if they're comfy. Never know if their products are a regular stock or just a 1-time deal.

Nice find though.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Wow,

I must say, I find this hard to believe. I just bought similar boots at a Bass Pro not long ago, no problem, plenty of selection. I hope this is not a sign of trouble after the holiday season. Of course, I don't know if you mean within a very narrow and low price range... I never cheap out on boots and I shop online careful. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck with your new boots!

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Main thing was something fairly inexpensive, durable, and leather that I could wear with dockers/khakis. Bonus if I can use them outside work shoes after they start looking ratty.

I was ready to pay 70 or so, but they just didn't have any of the right style at BP. Lots of good hunting boots, but not much dual purpose stuff anymore.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I've bought Bramas at wally world for years. Brama isn't a temporarily stocked brand or anything, but particular styles within the Brama line can change without warning so be advised.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

How do they hold up considering the pricing?

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

They're NOT Red-Wings...

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

When I wore boots I wore the Cat boots, steel toe from sears. The sears die hard line always killed my feet, but they held up well. I haven't heard anything good about shoes from walmart. Are they lined?

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I've found that they make good general purpose work boots. They last pretty darn good considering the price.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I bought a pair of these allegedly waterproof boots(Brahma Bravo II) about 6 weeks ago, because they were cheap. First of all, they are NOT waterproof, but they do lack enough ventilation that your feet will be wet with sweat at the end of the day. Second, I noticed this morning that the steel shank that runs up the insole is cracked in half. I only bought these because Costco stopped carrying their leather work boots, and so far I'm not all that pleased with them. At least the leather looks to still be in good condition(almost looks new). If I could find my receipt, I'd return them, and may try anyway.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I'll report back on mine.

I have no compunction taking these back to walkmart 2 months after I bought them and demanding money back.... You shouldn't either.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Over the last 5 to 6 years I have bought Herman Survivors boot from walmart. I wear them around 60 hours a week in some tough conditions. I buy two pair at a time and always put a pair in storage. A pair will last me about 2 to 3 years. I seem to wear the leather off the toes exposing the steel of the steel toe.

They run around $50.00.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Im wearing waterproof wolverines from sears
http://www.lewholesale.com/catalog/i...rk%20Brown.jpg
They Really are water proof and last a long time.

I keep them oiled up with mink oil

cost about 70 bucks

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Got these at Bass Pro Shop the day after Christmas for $49 -Yeeehawww - Web price was honored at the store where they were marked at $89

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st..._SearchResults

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

You can get stuff to cover your toes to make them last longer. I'm using some stuff that looks and smells like model airplane glue right now but I'm not very happy with it. Multiple applications with thin layers are required because it runs to much and they layers tend to peel. My buddy uses some other stuff that looks like asphalt emulsion and hes been very happy with the results. We all tend to wear out our toes first. Sorry I don't have the particular name handy, but check at your workwear stores.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

thats why I don't buy steel toe boots...

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Are they any good for a lot of walking or are they more of a walking around the store kind of boot?

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Bramha's were the last pair of work boots that I bought, I'd say that they're OK for average indoor factory usage, but for outside, or construction work, I don't think they're going to hold up very long.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Well, I was able to exchange the shoes without a receipt. They didn't balk at all. So at least they have pretty decent customer service. This time I coated them liberally with Camp Dry, hopefully they will shed water better.

I'll have to check out those Wolverines to see if they come wide enough to stuff my feet into. Another tidbit of information that may be helpful to someone, the Bravo II is the widest of the Brahma line(at least sold at Walmart). None of the others would fit, even though they were supposedly "wide".

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I only where Whites ;; buy 2 pair and your done for life. once and your down --






Lace Up Cowboy Packer 10" 795C (Brown)
Indispensable for working cowboys and active horsemen, the Cowboy Packers lace-up design stabilizes your foot by supporting the ankle and protecting against lateral roll-out. This is an important feature in preventing sprains while dismounting in rough country. Built on White's famous Packer last, these boots feature a layered leather cowboy heel and sole, trimmed narrow for a perfect stirrup fit. Once you try these Lace-up Cowboy Packers, your pull-ons will probably stay in the closet.

Available by special order only
Standard in 10 inch height
Premium full-grain, oil-tanned, water resistant leather
Optional toe bug stitching available as pictured
Choice of Single Leather sole, Double Composition or Oil Proof Western sole for heavy-duty performance
Four rows of lock stitching for rock-solid durability
Lace-in tongue guard and laces included
Completely rebuildable for years of extended life and value
Reinforced toe box (Standard on 795 model)
Optional hard celastic toe or ASTM F2413-05 approved steel toe (Only available on 695 model)
Standard with Round toe as pictured top, or optional Pointed Thoroughbred toe pictured below with toe bug option (Can be ordered without toe bug stitching)
NOT AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE ORDERING
To order boots you must fill out and mail in the "How to Measure" and "Order Forms".
For questions please call our customer service at 1-800-541-3786
Price: $466.00

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I'm not a big fan of Bass Pro-Shops shoe selection. Academy usually has a better selection imo.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Agreed - I've had good luck w/ wolverines from Acadamey in the past. Although I did find a pair of Red-Heads a couple years ago that are all leather / no camo 8" lace-ups. 800 grams Thinsulate - so they are pretty hot in the summer. I use them exclusively for cold weather now.


I went to BPS looking for something similar as a warm weather boot this past summer- No dice - all camo or cheap looking.

I bought a pair of 5.11 tacticals w/ zip sides. I'm really liking those.


Best pair of boots I EVER had were Hermann Survivors. 8" lace ups - all leather w/ a rubber sole that had cleats on em' like mud-grip tires.

They lasted me 5 yrs of hard work (land surveying) in the field.. Can't find them anywhere now.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

If what I read online is true, you probably don't WANT a current generation Survivor boot. Multiple sites mention that Walmart bought that line in 2001, and current Survivors are made in China, with much less durability than the older models.

See:

http://homepage.mac.com/johnwirzbick...234/index.html

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/herman/

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_makes_...survivor_boots

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I had a pair of $200 red wings and wore them for about 4 years, they were great boots. But now I buy the brahmas at walmart get gel soles and paracord shoe laces for under 40 bucks and the pair I'm in now has lasted 2 years.

Even if I had to get a new pair every year, it would be cheaper than the red wings.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Wore my pair of brahmas in CO all week in the snow and ice.

No complaints. They are now a little dirty, but much more comfortable.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I used to get brahma's back in the day before my employee started give us a boot allowance. They were what they were. A thirty dollar pair of boots. I thought they were pretty darn good even though the waterproof claim was crap, they were heavy, made my feet sweat horribly, left me with achy feet after 12 hours and had to be replaced at best 1 time a year (usually twice). Then the company gave me the boot allowance and it has been Redwings ever since. All of the above mentioned issues gone. I replace them every year, but the new ones stay in a box as the originals last me at least 2 years. Got 4 boxes of unused boots in storage.

Anyhow, it has been my experience that if you have to ask and rationalize about wether or not to spend $30 on a pair of boots, deep down, you already know the answer.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I know the answer....

I am a cheap bas%$^Rd that watches my dollars and looks for value where I can find it.

I will NEVER EVER EVER spend 300 bucks on a pair of boots. No way, no how.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I am very hard on shoes, that is why I wear boots everyday (I couldn't find a shoe that would last longer than 6 months to a year), I've never had any of the problems with the Brahama boots that you describe. I work around water regularly and have no problems with the water proof part. They are heavy especially my steel toes now but as for replacing them twice a year that seems off unless you walk in acid daily or something.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

Hi Calcium Lime, Coal Fly Ash, Industrial Strength Bleach (12.5%), Sewage Sludge and Waste Water combined with concentrated acids and bases in a lab setting are pure hell on shoes. I am in so much water I'd have webbed feet by noon when I was wearing the Brahmans. I hate wet socks!!!! Not a problem with my Redwings. The Redwing soles are chemical resistant and don't deform when introduced to the chemicals I am around.

And as I said come hoe without sore feet is something I can't put a price on, even at the tender age of 35.

The Redwings I buy cost me (or the company I should say) $160.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I wasn't insinuating you being cheap, just stating the concept that you usually get what you pay for. Sorry if I offended you.:23_1_22:

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I wasn't offended. But I am very frugal.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

A lot of people like the Redwings.. I prefer Doc Marten's myself.. The traditional doc soles have better slip resistance IMO and they last forever.

I also buy new ones every year on the company dime, but they sit in the closet as the ones I am using are going on 3 years.. Getting close to time to grab a new pair out of the closet tho..

They usualy run about $100 at academy.

Re: Bass Pro vs Wal Mart
 

I used to get the $160 Red Wings and they lasted me about 1 year. I'm very hard on boots. After about 10 pair of those, I switched to Danner Fort Lewis. Its been 18 months now and they are still in really good shape. Based on the current wear, I expect them to go about 3 years. The Danners are also much more comfortable.

Redwing - $160/12mo = $13.33/mo
Danner - $280/36mo = $7.78/mo

I also expect the uppers to last at least 2 soles. Resoling costs $90 Therefore:

$370/72mo = $5.14/mo

If you are easy on your boots, it probably makes sense to go as cheap as possible, but for me, quality boots pay for themselves.