Wellco E163 USMC R.A.T. Temperate Weather Combat Boots - Waterproof (For Men)

These Boots have serious factory defects which make them unservicable. These boots should have been dismantled and good parts sewn back together or the entire boot just shredded for landfill. Both Pairs were bad.....

Let me start by saying that these are some of the most comfortable boots I have ever worn, and I would truly like to report that these are a bargain, I really would. Unfortunately they are not. Although they tick a lot of boxes (good quality leathers, sharkskin toe and heelcaps, Vibram sole, GoreTex lining) they look like a primary school manual arts project. Incomplete, uneven stitching, uneven radii on toes and heels, cheapo insole. Shame to waste all that nice, quality material really. Had them worked over by a local cobbler to improve on the unfinished look prior to using them and inserted quality insoles. It was a mistake to order 1 size above normal (normally 12 I ordered 13), as they were/are definitely too large. Despite that being the case it was possible to lace them taught and produce a fit I am normally accustomed to in my tackies. Fantastic ! Great all around support. Breathability of the employed membrane is excellent as well. Dry feet despite rainy conditions whilst working hard. Traction...? Never crossed my mind, they grip. Lacing is a bit cumbersome, but entry not a problem. Shame that they are coming apart at the glue seams after 3 uses. Cannot possibly recommend them. If you do try them, do not go 1 size up.

I'd been looking for a tough, desert or gortex lined hunting boot for a couple of months and came across the Wellco's as an alternative for the Danner RAT's and TFX GTX A-TACS. My last boot purchase was a Blundstone size 11(AUD=UK) Style 142's and they are a good fit with the wide type steel toe cap. I tried a pair of the Danner RAT 12R's temperates (15630) last weekend and found them a tad narrow and short. So I took a chance and ordered a pair of 13's in the Wellco's. So far, so good! With a medium pair of wool socks on my foot just gets through the opening. By now you've probably gathered my foot is slightly on the narrow side of regular width. The only defect I can see is a slight scuff mark on one boot near the outsole and the stitching along the side. Hopefully nothing major but I will follow-up after some proper run-in time. I'd buy another pair if there were any 13's left, especially given [@]retail for AUD[$] or [@] for AUD[$] + $75 shipping. Given [@] only retail the non-gortex version/desert boot, it would seem that the sizing is out because they did not allow for the gortex-liner. If I was ordering for a normal width foot I'd add 1 full size to your US boot size and change your width from regular to wide.

I was never a big fan of composite boots (cordura/nylon/etc/leather) but for these boots I make an exception. I have worn these on a desert jobsite for 80 days straight with great appreciation and very little visable wear. These are serious boots. Not casual slip on and kick off. Take the time to get in and lace up, and you're good to go no matter how long your day. Great value. Best boot laces ever. Buy one size large. Peace!

outstanding tough boot... i wear them for ranch work. ''made in USA'' comfortable and durable.. i am going to order another pair