So this is an unboxing and first wear review of Golden Fox 6" Moc Toe Wedge Work Boot - Factory 2nds.
This is my first American Heritage Work Boot and my first Goodyear Welted boot. For my 50th in a couple of years time I am hoping to get the Redwing version of this boot so I thought I would dip my toe in the American Heritage Work Boot water with the cheaper choice of Golden Fox, an American boot company founded in 1970, who offer this style of boot in Factory 2nds which with delivery costs came to just over 90 English Pounds Sterling. Based on first impressions, that is basically extremely good value.
So in terms of the unboxing, these boots are modestly but functionally packaged, nothing fancy - it just does the job. First observation is how light the boot is in box. Once out the box I checked for what constituted them being 2nds and I couldn't spot anything that concerned me, a few blemishes and scratches but in some ways this is why I like both 2nds and pre-owned boots because I am not walking round in the first couple of weeks avoiding puddles or the dreaded "first stamps". Anyway these look good and feel good in hand. In terms of build, we have
Oil Tanned Full Grain
Pig Skin Collar
Mesh Lined
Texon Footboard
Steel Shank
Oil Resistant
Rubberlon Outsole
Goodyear® Welt Construction
Now a word about that welt, it is plastic and not leather. Will this keep me awake at night? probably not.
So on foot, sizing, I am a UK 10 in a Timberland and Trainer so went US 11 (yes I know UK10 = US10.5). I should have went US 10 really now I have tried them on but nothing a thick pair of socks can't help with. Basically the clowns foot of a moc toe offers so much width that if you usually size up for width and not length then you are probably best going a size down in my opinion. Sizing aside, you now have your foot in a boot that provides you with extreme comfort whilst offering protection. I have a lot of trainers and none compare comfort wise with these boots. The leather is soft so no breaking in, ironically I feel a little cheated here - something so good looking should hurt surely? In terms of prep for first wear, I know some people recommend conditioning in case they have been sat on a shelf for months but that did not feel right and putting on any weather protection seemed at odds, maybe I will pay for this later but I cannot wait to get these boots dirty so I can give them a good once over.
Now I wore these to the office where I sit at a desk most of the day but on the rare occasions I am stood up all day then these will by my feet furniture of choice as that wedge sole is cloud like in comfort terms. So far I have worn these with cords and they will go well with jeans, possibly even a more formal work trouser but they definitely fit in to the Heritage style I like to dress in or "the Geography teacher" look as people sometimes call it. Golden Fox I salute you so far, my next video in these will be in 6 months for a worn in review and a look at how we care for these boots.
