Long Term Field Test Updates – March 2011

Long Term Field Tests:  Timberland Boots | Todd Shelton Denim | Kenneth Cole Shoes

NOTE:  This is far from an exact science.  The way one person wears a pair of boots, shoes, or jeans, will most likely be different than the way another would wear the same.  These updates are meant only as a broad guide.  Each item has been worn through different conditions with a different frequency.  Expect one of these updates every few months.
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Timberland Earthkeepers 6″ City Side Zip – Purchased for $83.00 (reg. $170)

If you snagged a pair of these side zip Earthkeepers back around the holidays, then lucky you.  They appear to have mostly vanished from this Earth that they were keeping.  The biggest durability issue that the 6″ City Zips are rumored to have is a quick wearing outsole.  I haven’t seen that quite yet, and I wear these a ton.

The leather has broken in nicely and they’re still extremely comfortable.  No issues with the zipper.  The one part that’s starting to go bad are the laces, which are beginning to unravel into a DNA like double helix.  Like I said, I wear these a ton, and just about everywhere.  Even on a muddy trail a time or two.  They’re holding up real well.
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Todd Shelton Straight Leg Watts Fit Made in the USA Jean – $99.00

These feel and look as good as the first day I put them on.  The super deep blue color might have faded a small bit, but that’s because I wash these.  Not after every wear or even every week, but I can’t bring myself to dry clean my denim.  Come to think of it, looking at the wrinkles in the backs of the knees, they’re due for a wash.  Short cycle on cold of course.  I wear them at least twice if not three to four times a week.  They’re my go-to along with 501s.
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Kenneth Cole Regal King Dress Laceups – $103.30 ($148.00)

Unlike the Timberlands, these haven’t seen a ton of action.  Kenneth Cole’s quality doesn’t seem to be there for guys who wear dress shoes to work every day.  But if you don’t, and just need a pair to wear occasionally?  The brand seems to hold up just fine.  For my $80, the Regal Kings are doing very well.  The right shoe has wrinkled a little more than the left, and the interior is showing some bulge with the insole.  Other than that, they look new.  Pay full price and wear them every day and you won’t be thrilled.  Catch them on sale and use sparingly and you’re set.