I've owned 3 pairs over the last 20 years and they've all been rebuilt multiple times. Seems like the quality is slipping. All of my previous rebuilds required very little break in but my last Smoke Jumper rebuild was horrible. Lots of break in and they began squeaking within a month. I even broke a leather lace the first week. Most everyone at work has the same squeaking issue that White's is unable to resolve. Going with Nick's on my next pair unless something improves.
UPDATE: Just received an email stating they will honor the price with an 18 week build. Ok, the wait time I can deal with but I am now skeptical on how this will play out. First time customer with White's. Ordered boots online, received order confirmation shortly after. 3 days later received an email stating my particular boot was now out of stock but for extra money they could craft me the pair I ordered?!?!?! Huh? So you advertise a price, customer orders goods at that price, but then you say sorry we need more money to give you our goods? Clearly bait and switch practices which are illegal in Washington State. Interesting business model. Luckily, the Washington State Attorney Generals Office has a strong Unfair Business Practices Division to address these matters.
I've never been to the store, this is only a review of the boots... I've owned 2 pairs of smoke jumper boots, had 1 pair rebuilt/corked. The boots are really comfortable, sturdy boots, but only for a while. I've had the vibram heel fall off on both of my current boots. I literally used wood screws to repair them myself. I work as a forester, and I only use these occasionally on fire, but I've worn down the tread in 8 months on dirt, gravel, and duff (hardly any pavement). Bottom line: I really like how comfy the boots are, but they fall apart. I will never buy another pair.
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