Wolverine 1ooo Mile Boots (2nds Quality) – $160 – $171* via STP ($370)
You’ll need the code ALAUG3 which delivers 30% off orders of $200+ through 9/4/13. There’s often 35% off codes floating around too. Sierra Trading Post was listing these Wolverine 1000 Mile boots as an exclusion on all codes for a good long while, but recently lifted that exclusion. That, of course, can change. Sizes and colors are limited.
In retail, “2nds quality” means the product has suffered some sort of noticeable factory defect. Think “Scratch and Dent sale”. Usually aesthetic blemishes, these defects don’t often impact the overall structural integrity of the product. Sierra Trading Post got a batch of 2nds quality Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots a few months back, and there was a run on them when they first appeared. With a 30% or 35% off code, a pair was dropping into the mid $100s. A steal for a legendary boot both in terms of style and quality.
But STP started to exclude them from codes shortly after their debut. A month or so went by, and now it seems like you can use some codes on them again (ALAUG3 is working as of post time). People have started to jump on these again. It’s an astoundingly low price for such a high quality of a boot, and they’re not final sale. You can return them. Plus, some of the defects/blemishes are barely noticeable, but you just don’t know how noticeable they’ll be until you open the box. For example:
It’s the major burr seen to the left that’s at issue.
The small scuffing on the edge to the right? No big deal.
Dammit. Ouch. Looks like a nasty gash that’s scabbed over. And it just HAD to be dead center on top of the vamp huh? Bulls-eye. Of course, not all of these 2nds will have blemishes this noticeable. In fact, over on threads you can see how others made out with their STP Wolverine 2nds purchases. This pair of Addison Wingtips seem to be the exception when it comes to notice-ability of the defects. Yet in all fairness, it’s not as noticeable from other angles and in other light:
Same boots, different angle.
Overall the boots are stunners. Some of the softest and thickest leather you’ll find. Welted sole, comfortable (if you size down half to a full size), and most of the 1K collection is made in the USA. That defect on this pair also happens to be right where the leather will crease over time. So it might blend in. Or… that’s all just major rationalizing.
Pretty sure you guys are going to lean heavily in one direction on this one. But here’s the rundown:
Usually: $370
On Sierra Trading Post: $245
After code: $171
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Good looking shoes.
Exchange them for another pair
Sadly, no dice. No more size 10 left.
I’m not sure if you’re aware but it seems like people have figured out that Nordstrom will price match their Wolverine firsts to STP’s seconds. I believe someone made a small thread in the forums about it…
If you wear these boots as they are meant to be worn, these defects will blend in in no time.
I don’t understand the dilemma. They will have more scuffs and abrasions on the third or fourth wear than what you see now. Shoes and belts with that type of leather finish remind me of baseball gloves. They sure look pretty when new, but they aren’t suppose to look that way.
Wear ’em.
Are the single-color Addison’s all gone? All I’m seeing are the two-tones, which seem kinda gross.
US shipments only, so Canadians and everyone else SOL.
Nordstrom no longer does this according to folks who tried last week.
And Joe, I got the same pair of boots (Addisons in Brown) — that scrape is much worse than what I got. I’d return. Despite what others say, that scrape will never blend in.
I think this’d be a no brainer if it wasn’t for the location of that scrape. I mean, dead center. Bullseye. But I hear you.
And I’d say wear them – scrape doesn’t seem that bad. I’d offer to buy them off you if they were 9’s instead of 10’s – maybe offer them on Threads, rather than returning, so a Dappered reader can get their hands on them?
Send them back, and then use the money to buy a pair of AE Daltons.
Wear ’em. Even if I saw them before buying, I’d buy and wear. It’ll blend in, not in a totally hidden way, but just as a interesting variation in the normal wear.
I got in on the first run of seconds at STP and I love AND hate that I did it. There are few items of clothing that I use the word “love” for and the brown 1Ks I got jump that hurdle. They’re great. Some scuffs, though the defects are barely noticeable now and I love the boots too much to give a crap. The defects on your boots will most likely fade into the character of the boot. Will it always be there in your brain, though?
Because here’s the thing- there WILL be another sale. And the hate part I mentioned above? Now I fiend for other colors. I recently got the cordovan #8 color by Nordstrom pricematching firsts at some random website with a 40% coupon (thanks, reddit FMF). Not quite as good as the STP deal(s), but felt good about matching firsts to firsts and still getting a good deal. If you keep your head up, and you do, you will find another deal and maybe you’ll never have to worry about any scuffs.
They’re boots. Not ballet slippers.
Oh absolutely. I tried 4th position in these when I first got them, and what you get in solid construction, you really give up when it comes to close quarters maneuverability. And forget multiple Fouetté en tournant. TOTAL BITCH in these.
If it bothers you (as it seems to), you will not be comfortable wearing them. Even if 10000 people comment that it’s fine, that’ll always be the thing that your eyes are drawn to when you look at them. A good amount of style is confidence, if you don’t have that confidence while wearing them, it’ll show.
Oh, “bother” is a little strong. I’m more interested to see what you guys would do.
Ah, gotcha. Maybe I was projecting then….I’d send em back
You’re the only person that will ever pay it any attention.
I like Wolverines
I don’t disagree, but isn’t there something weird about treating a leather-soled boot as a rugged boot, especially given that contemporary rubber/synthetic soles are always more utilitarian? I feel like leather soles (and that toe cap) exude a kind of delicate, refined look that clashes with the rough-hewn elements of the boot.
Basically, I get the sense that wearing leather-soled rugged boots is an anachronistic costume in our day, akin to sporting a watch and chain.
Keep is my vote. Isn’t the object of quality leather to achieve the patina, in the manner of your Saddlebag carryall? What are seconds but a headstart on patina?
Don’t know about pocket watches or muskets, but classic work boots have been experiencing a huge surge in popularity for the past five years ever since JCrew started selling Alden Indys to the wider market. Red Wing rebrands their Gentleman Travelers into the Beckman, gets them to more retailers and sales soar. Wolverine starts the 1K Mile line, etc. These won’t be worn by the guys fixing the bridge next to my apartment. Nor will they be worn by the roofers on top of my building. But they also won’t be worn in the boardroom or at a wedding. They’re a casual shoe that you don’t mind getting scuffed up. It’s as simple as that.
Hey, don’t get me wrong; I get why they’re popular and I used to want a pair myself. I just think, in this particular case, that this particular boot look is a fad that we’ve gotten swept up in. If you like it, go for it!
Wolverines!!!!
I’ll pay it attention. A lot of attention. I’ll pay it so much attention that it’ll burn with the shame of a thousand suns.
I don’t get the whole dress boots thing, but I would return any pair of AEs that I paid $171 for and had that type of a defect (even shell).
If there was ever a Dappered Convention, no one would make any eye contact. We’d all be looking at mirrors and at each other’s shoes.
I’m not big on the wingtip stitching but if that doesn’t bother you I wouldn’t return them simply due to those scuffs if they cost $170
That being said, I do disagree with the “how they’re meant to be worn” comments. Only Joe knows how he’s going to wear them, I don’t think he has to completely wear them into this workwear aesthetic if he chooses not to.
you are smoking crack if you return a pair of $171 shell boots due to a minor blemish.
Joe – STP has a very generous return policy – 6 mths (exchange policy may be the same). If you feel the dent is too obvious (for 170 I’d want some peace of mind) hold on to them and exchange when new stock comes in. You can even set an email reminder for size/ color availability on their product page.
I’d return them. That’s a bit too much damage considering how much they still cost…
I had this happen on mine and I obviously returned them. When they came back, I emailed STP to ask if they would match the price and they were willing. Unfortunately, they were Color No. 8 and STP hasn’t had them since. (They’d honor it for any color, but that’s what I really want.) But they noted my account, said they’d honor it any time, and told me to put up an alert for my preferred size and color. So I wait.
well played sir
looks like they are gone
For me keep or not would hinge directly on whether I could get a new pair at the price. If I could return/re order for that steal of a price I’d try my luck, but if not? I’d probably keep them; once the leather creases right along that blemish it will hardly be noticeable.
Shrike, maybe a navy cotton sports jacket too?
And Joe, when we having this Dappered Convention? All joking aside, it would probably be a great event if we attracted the same sorts that frequent the message boards and comments section over here.
Keep’em, love those shoes Joe.
Aaand that comment just saved me some trouble.
WOW. That’s got to be an anomaly.
I hear you David. I spent a lot of time in Boots on a daily basis in the past, and I totally agree. I wouldn’t wear these things hiking. Not with a leather sole. I’ve got a pair of (fugly) Keens that do a terrific job on the trail, as well as a pair of rubber/synth sole Danners I got awhile back during a J. Crew sale.
For me, I don’t treat it as a true rugged boot. But when I’m dressed down and it’s cold and it’s not a blizzard, I’ll wear the hell out of these with jeans.
I’m sure there are plenty of vendors that would love to show off their goods. Maybe Nick Wooster could be the Master of Ceremonies.
I’d keep em. Not really noticeable at all from the side. And for $200 off the regular price i’d take that every time
It still looks damaged whether it’s made of cow, horse, or even unicorn hide.
Have you made a decision yet, Joe?
Personally, I’d keep them and use those blemishes as an excuse to wear the hell out of them carefree. You’ll probably enjoy them more that way because you won’t have to worry about making the first mark. There’s an analogy to be made here, but I can’t seem to do so without bringing up the virgin/whore phenomenon and it’s too early in the semester to go there. I’ll be teaching it soon enough. Regardless, I’m sure you catch my drift.
Not sure what specifically happened to the other poster’s pair, but the Wolverine 1K are tanks. Resoleable. Great leather. For $170, with basic care, you’ll wear them for a decade, maybe longer. Which isn’t to say you can’t find a nice pair for less. It just might not last as long. Like most things, I think it’s best to buy the highest quality you can afford—whether that’s $50 or $500.
If they were a dress boot, I’d say return them. But, a boot called the 1,000 mile boot isn’t meant to be preserved in a pristine condition. You want it to look beat up and broken in. In a couple months that’ll look like hard use. These boots were made for hard use. So use them, hard.
I am in the exact same position with a pair of Cortlands, which I got for $132. I bought a pair in black and brown, the black pair is perfect while the brown has a dead center bullseye defect! Its probably worse than urs actually. So this is what in going to do. I’m going to try n fix it as it us a problem which looks worse than urs but may look better once fixed. If I still don’t like it I will hold onto these until they restock n buy another pair. Then send back the worst looking of the two.
Ouch. I can imagine the disappointment in that unboxing. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist in these areas (I replaced my first pair of Allen Edmonds four times before I was satisfied with the pair enough to keep them), though recently I’ve changed my mindset a bit.
I recently learned about wabi sabi, a Japanese philosophy and aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection (check it out on Wikipedia or here: http://www.globalonenessproject.org/library/articles/beauty-wabi-sabi ). I totally identified with it in terms of my preferred aesthetic, and realized that the Italian sprezzatura is not far off.
Additionally, in my professional life, I use a lot of mindfulness (to great benefit) with my psychotherapy patients, incorporating acceptance and non-judgment. It’s interesting for me how that filtered into my personal life. Now when I get an imperfect (though not defective) piece of clothing, I think twice about keeping it and taking on the challenge of accepting the world as it is. I find myself much more relaxed about the whole thing in the end.
This needs to happen, along with that morning coat-flash mob at Cracker Barrel
I like to think that you knew these terms off the top of your head.
Really regretting not getting these. Any ideas on if they might have another sale on the 2nds?
Really regret not getting these. Any ideas on if they might do another sale on the 2nds?