I don't know much about Redwings -anything, in fact - but these Knapps are the real deal. So good, in fact, as soon as I have the scratch I am going to order two more pairs to hold in reserve against the seemingly inevitable discovery of the company and its adoption by hip-hoppers or hipsters. Once they notice them Nike will swoop in, buy the joint out, and make Air Knapps for 27 cents per in a cobra pit outside Bangalore.

 

I have worn out several pair of Red Wings over the years and will tell you, they are comfortable, durable boots that do everything the company advertises. However, they are considerably more expensive than the Knapp boots and based on Patrick's accolades, I think, were I in your shoes (pun intended), I would be inclined to take the Knapps for a dance.

 

How is the fit on the Knapps? I usually am and 11E or EE so I would rather go with the EEE than the D, as those are the only options. Any good discount websites to order from? Thanks.

 

Patrick, you've so convinced me that now I must get a pair of the Knapps. I'm glad I suggested them to you! :biggrin2:

After a recent shoe buying spree, however, I'll have to hold off for a bit.

 

Check out my post in today's shoe thread - bean field boots.

Oops - just checked - unfortunately they don't offer these anymore. The most similar are these field boots:



Probably Russell will have something you would like as well.

 

Here's the link AlanC supplied.

As far as fit goes I wear an AE 10C in most applications. I got these in 10D thinking I'd need room for a sock or three. With thick socks they are snug, not too tight. (Otherwise I would have swapped up a width.)

I find it impressive they're offered in different widths at all, or more than wide and not-so-wide.

The other thing I like is the leather is already supple. Not broken in, just supple. No break-in period, in other words.

 

Pat how would you think the Knapps would be in the snow?

 

I have both the Knapp farm boots and the Red Wing 952 model which is very similar. Both are excellent and very durable. The Knapp model has a thinner sole and is brown with a reddish hue. The Red Wing boot is dark brown oil tanned cowhide. Kanpp's is not an oiled finish, I don't think the leather is quite as good. The Knapp boot is Goodyear welted construction so it could be easily resoled. Both are great to knock around in and will last for years. If I had to pick one however it would be the Red Wing 952- close call however.

 

Pat how would you think the Knapps would be in the snow?

It hasn't snowed yet here. They do well in muddy fields so far.

This gets you to the Knapp retail site. A chestnut option, and a 9" option. Slightly higher prices than shop.com. WIsh I'd known about the chestnut before. Guess I'll just have to get another pair.

Here's a photo of the sole. Hey, look guys, I have a red rug to use as a background!

In New England's winter slop, I typically pull on these discontinued boots from LL Bean. They have a good snow/ice tread , are insulated, and have this sort of mini-gaiter arrangement up top.

LL Bean seems to discontinue things before they have a chance to catch on. I had a pair of trail runners some years back that had a Gore-Tex upper and were terrific for clambering around a mountain all day, which is what I was doing at the time. They finally wore out, and that was that.