My Torrid combat boots are falling apart, so I’m in the market for a new pair that are specifically platform boots that come in black.

Unfortunately, the pair from Solovair (pictured) that I’ve had my eye on for a while (their 8-eye derby platforms) is no longer being sold, and it was replaced with a visually worse alternative where the zippers face outward.

I’ve never owned Martens before, but knowing that Martens aren’t what they used to be, how much do I have to lose by picking up a pair of Jadon III’s instead? If anyone knows any alternatives in the same style that are also Goodyear Welt, that could also be an option.

  • actionjbone@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    10 days ago

    Here’s the thing: quality Goodyear welted boots do not come with zippers. Zippers are a sign of cheap, crappy boots.

    No zippered boots will be BIFL.

    So, what do you do if you don’t want to have to deal with laces?

    Chelsea boots. https://thursdayboots.com/products/womens-duchess-black-chelsea-boot

    I collect and restore shoes, and I can tell you all about construction + types of leather + what truly makes a boot last a lifetime. Feel free to ask me all your questions.

    • prettybunnys@piefed.socialEnglish
      0·
      10 days ago

      Why is the stretchy bits of the Chelsea boot better than the zip?

      I’d imagine the stretchy bits and the the zipper both require binding to the leather.

    • Mandarbmax@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      10 days ago

      How on god’s green earth does a side zipper interfere with Goodyear welting? I’ve got a pair of boots with side zips that were advertised to be as goodyear welted and they are in the shop for their first sole replacement right now and you’ve got me worried that I’m going to get a sad call from my cobbler.

    • MystValkyrie@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOPEnglish
      0·
      10 days ago

      Yeah, it’s a shame how that specific style seems to be inextricably linked to zippers.

      I actually have Thursday’s Explorer boots and have been really impressed with the fit and quality after a year, considering the price point. It actually occurs to me that I could get another of those in black and get similar aesthetic without the zipper 🤔

      I know generally that Goodyear Welts can usually be resoled and often have longer lifespans, but I’m less knowledgeable about the craft itself, so your Chelsea boot recommendation from Thursday as an alternative is intriguing. In what situations would you prioritize a good leather upper that doesn’t have a resoleable welt, over a boot that has a Goodyear Welt with design flaws in the upper?

      • Gerudo@lemmy.zipEnglish
        0·
        10 days ago

        I 2nd Thursday Boots. Arguably the cheapest Goodyear welts out there. I got a pair barely used 2nd hand, and so far they are great. Nice thick quality leather that should hold up for years.