To learn more about Earl Shaffer, go to www.earlshaffer.com/ or check out facebook.com/earlshafferfoundation/ I forgot to say what I always say! 1. My name is Michael and 2. You can check out my favorite items of the week here! carrot.link/theironsnail/what-im-looking-at-this-week-060123

@carrotdotlink

Жыл бұрын

Carrrotttttt

@dontworrybout2664

Жыл бұрын

How much did they pay you for this? Poron being high quality lol.

@SteitzMeister

Жыл бұрын

Great video! What is the pack you’re using at 1:40?

I can’t believe he did it in one boot. I always wear two boots so I can protect both feet

@doughuras5407

Жыл бұрын

Lol ❤

@slodoco

Жыл бұрын

And here I am using up both good legs like a sucker!

@bryanweed515

Жыл бұрын

And a pair of pants too?

@xJetJaguar

Жыл бұрын

Who said he was using it on his feet bud?

@jonboy8181

Жыл бұрын

Hahahaha

Congratulations on your first pair of big boy boots. Now we need Rose anvil to put them to test.

@Smegmalicious

Жыл бұрын

Yeah let’s get these suckers cut in half asap!

@AfterDeath1986

Жыл бұрын

I would enjoy that haha

@Iberian247

Жыл бұрын

Great looking and GREAT functioning boots. I gotta get me a pair. 👍

@ObelixCMM

11 ай бұрын

He does have a pair and only reason he didn't review them is ownership change in W C Russell, and from what I see they are changing their boot line up

@alexanderstuff5100

10 ай бұрын

I would love to see a Rose anvil video on these boots! Would be fascinating.

"Walk the war out of his system" ...the phrasing gave me chills for some reason

@richardalfaro8886

Жыл бұрын

Why?

@JR-gp2zk

Жыл бұрын

Warrior Hike was a charity started in the 2005. It provided gear and support to any US combat Veteran that wanted to hike the AT. Thousands of soldiers used this charity. Columbia, Mountain Hardware, MSR and Merrill were some of the companies that helped. Patagonia was complete scumbags for their lack of help and lambasting anything involving combat veterans....even though they make stuff for the US military.

@shadymaint1

Жыл бұрын

I felt that in my soul. I was part of the initial invasion force into Iraq back in 03.

@dontworrybout2664

Жыл бұрын

Wonder if Obama will walk the war out of his either after starting more conflict and droning an American teenager. Or Biden, trying to start wwiii

@schlomoshekelstein908

Жыл бұрын

@@richardalfaro8886 zoomers are emotionally stunted

There are Cobblers in North Conway NH that make boots that last forever. You put a deposit. Then your on a 3-5 year list. When it gets close, they measure your feet. And like 2 or 3 months later, you have the last pair of boots you'll likely ever actually wear out. 30 years old, 1 year old, look identical. Forest service, Fish&Game, Mountain Rescue, AMC hut workers get to skip the several years wait.

@a.mccomb3296

Жыл бұрын

Where can I find out more about these cobblers?

@jl8628

Жыл бұрын

Limmer boot company. They have stock and custom boots. Last boots you will need

@LukeA_55

9 ай бұрын

3-5 year wait list??? I thought Nick's had the worst wait time with 3-6 months

@Beck-pc7ip

9 ай бұрын

Lmao fuck that wait list. There are other boots that aren't as pretentious that will last your lifetime with maybe you have to replace the sole. I'm not waiting 3-5 years

@chanceweatherford9578

8 ай бұрын

@@Beck-pc7ipright like we’re supposed to be on a fkn pedestal or wait around like dogs for some boots😂

Russell makes absolutely amazing boots. They are handcrafted and feel like they were made for you because they were. I have two pairs i had made 15 years ago. I have never even worn the second pair and have been wearing the first almost daily since. From deserts to mountains and the deep red clay of the south, these boots have been through everything. Resoled multiple times they just get better with time. They are worth every penny. American made and built like a tank.

@kevinomalley1145

Жыл бұрын

Their new made to measure program will be $1500. Otherwise they are not made for your feet anymore.

@3nertia

Жыл бұрын

@@kevinomalley1145 That's definitely too rich for my feet 😅

@connorperrett9559

Жыл бұрын

They better be absolutely amazing considering they cost up to 800 bucks!

@EQ9962

Жыл бұрын

@@connorperrett9559 yeah I completely understand. They did not cost nearly that much when i bought mine.

@codys4937

11 ай бұрын

@@connorperrett9559Its a lot of money but it’s worth it. I was going through $200 boots every year. I’ve had my Russell’s for 17 years of almost daily use.

Please never stop making videos! Love your work, thank you Michael!

Big hiker/backpacker here. Maybe I should try these out at some point- would love something with more heritage construction. I’ve also looked at the Peter Limmer & Sons Boots- you should check them out, custom heavyweight hiking boots made in US/Germany with a heritage construction.

@TheIronSnail

Жыл бұрын

I was looking at them! I guy I met on the trail said he really wanted a pair

@exceptionvideo

Жыл бұрын

@@mom_im_losing_it For long-distance hiking?

@northeastwanderer

Жыл бұрын

@@mom_im_losing_it I’m a fan of bucks nicks boots but they’re not made for the most part for long distance backpacking. I’d be interested to know why you think they’re best for it.

@dontworrybout2664

Жыл бұрын

Don’t. This guy was probably paid. Get one with a leather not poron sole. Poron unlike what this guy said does not last long and it breaks down.

@dontworrybout2664

Жыл бұрын

@@exceptionvideo absolutely.

I love you man. Could watch your videos all day. Appreciate your effort.

You’re my favourite filmmaker on KZread! Your videos are informative, the storytelling is brilliant, and your shot composition/aesthetic is beautiful. Keep it up! Your work is important and the prologue jacket looks stunning I’ll definitely buy it one day.

Wooow, well this is going on my wish list. Thank you for the awesome video.

@TheIronSnail

Жыл бұрын

Ty for watching!

Another excellent video Michael. Appreciate what you do!

Oh i was hopping someone makes video about them and i was really hopping it is you. Thank you!

Great technical review and heritage story. Love a moccasin boot. I have a Sebago x Ronnie Fieg camp boot that taps into this type of design.

One of your best videos to this date! Loved the story telling

I just learned a new boot brand to look for. Thank you.

7:01 That is the crest on Bear Mountain in Tomkins Cove, New York. I have stood at that exact spot many times before, most recently in March when the snow begins to melt.

I like the focus of this video and I believe that your pleasure towards longevity and your content will take you a long way. Subscribed

AMAZING!!! Video keep it up. Hope they got Affirm or something I am bad about spending but those are exactly what I've been looking for

Your channel will be huge one day, you're a great personality with outstanding production quality.

I was planning to buy a moc toe and this video came up. Very informative!

I don't think anybody makes a better looking moc toe boot than W.C Russell. If I can ever afford it I really want a pair of their plantation series birdshooters.

Your video clued me in that my custom pair was actually made improperly as a single vamp, rather than a double. I'll fill you in on my customer service experience with taking care of this. I was surprised that I was walking right on the blake stitch, and also surprised at how much they leaked and how little I could feel the poron, and now it makes sense!

@matthewsbernier

Жыл бұрын

Well, so far, this has been the worst customer service experience of my life. I gotta like, actually compile a lot of it, maybe make a video, but long story short is, they confirmed my boots should be double vamp, and told me to send them in. I sent photos of the single vamp insides and asked for a shipping label, and they then ghosted me for a week as I wrote emails to every address I had at Russell, including the CEO, Luke. I then sent an unrelated inquiry under another email address, just to see if their email worked, and I got a reply within hours. I let them know about that, and lo and behold Luke wrote me pretty quickly after to let me know that, photos of my boots notwithstanding, they will not give me a label, and I have to send them in for evaluation. There's also no garauntee repairs will be free, or possible. Also...no one has given me an address to send them to, and they don't have an address on their site. So MAYBE they'll fix it, but I have to pay more money for them to even contemplate fixing the mistake. I'm leery to send them. I have no trust I'll be taken care of, and if you look at the finishing on my boots in my videos...um, I'm super not confident about how taking them apart and putting them back together would go. I could wind up in a worse situation. But as it stands, I paid for labor and materials that aren't in this pair, waited the 11 months, and now I have to pay to...maybe have them fix it? I wish I had better news. The workers, I trust. The new management? They are not making a good impression on me. If they ever send me an address, I'm unsure if I'll take a chance sending them in, or if I should cut my losses while I still have boots I like, even if they aren't what I paid for.

@matthewsbernier

Жыл бұрын

I was really hoping I could say "Oh man, they saw the mistake and went 'Here's a label, send them in, we'll work it out'" , but this was, um, the opposite of that.

@triskaidekaphile

11 ай бұрын

I had a pair in the cart, then wanted to make sure the sizing was correct. Came across your video... I'm gonna hold off and see if the new ownership can get their act together before I drop several hundred bucks 😕

@VincentW2

10 ай бұрын

I would expect them to send a employee to my door and hand resole them on the spot for that amount of money lol. I'll stick to any other company after reading these comments. I hope you get it good in the end

@matthewsbernier

9 ай бұрын

@@VincentW2 I didn't, but I should update with this: I recommend watching the Stitchdown interview with Luke. My own interactions with him show why CEOs should not do customer service themselves, although he was better than the actual customer service person I first contacted, so, they still have work to do there. BUT, in that interview, he really clarifies his decisions and changes to the company, and outlines his vision for the company going forward. And it's clear he isn't some goober fleecing the company or randomly cutting costs. He also deeply understands their construction, has improved the quality in many ways, and really respects the craft of making the unique boots they make. If I never speak to him again it will be too soon, but I understand and respect a lot more about him and his position because of that episode. My take now for others is, if you buy a stock boot from them, you're very safe to try it on, return it, and the QC is likely to be as good or better than ever. Even with the experience I outlined on my own channel, which I am VERY unhappy with, I'd STILL feel safe doing that. And they really are the only company on the planet making boots that meet certain needs. I actually just bought ANOTHER pair off ebay. I love all 3 of my pairs, and there's no other company that makes boots like this, that do what these do.

Woooo another video from the tungsten slug let’s goooo!

Thrifted a pair of Russell Mocassin Boots for $50. They have the old style sole from the 70's, so I am assuming they were built sometime around then. They are in great shape, and I can tell they will last forever. I love them. Honestly...I had never heard of Russell, and passed on them the first time I saw them at the Thrift Store. Went back a few weeks later, noticed they were still there...and decided to look them up on the web. Wow. I couldn't believe my great fortune. As soon as I realized what a great boot they truly were, and that $50 bucks was a steal...I snatched them up. Now...I am educated about Russell and what a good pair of boots are. (Of course I am also aware of the Pacific Northwest Boots likes White's and Nick's as well). Becoming educated about good welted footwear, has been a pleasant journey.

I have a pair and they are next level..

@TheIronSnail

Жыл бұрын

AGREED!

I have been a fan of custom Russell Moccasins for decades and have several pairs with last pair being delivered a year or so ago. They last a long time, and just as importantly they are very comfortable.

Do you know what the brilliance of you is Michael. Take your last video about Hemp. A subject I didn't really have much knowledge or interest in and then this video that definitely appealed to me. But I throughly enjoyed them both in equal measure. A true craftsman in the story telling industry. Each video takes you on a magical arc of narrative joy. Simply fantastic mate

I have had the same throrogood moccasins for almost 10 years. Resoled and restitched many times because I do literally everything in them. I have run many miles and backpacked even farther. Well worth the money to buy rebuild able boots.

@a.mccomb3296

Жыл бұрын

Although it has a moc toe a Thorogood is not a true moccasin construction like a Russell boot

@Atvsrawsome

Жыл бұрын

@@a.mccomb3296 ok

I haven't really backpacked since the 1970's. After seeing all the synthetic crap boots sold today I'm struck by two things: - the old motto "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints" now results in mounts of synthetic trash which will NEVER decompose: disposable hiking boots, "ultra light" packs which will not hold up and will require replacement, and of course plastic tarps bought by the ultralight set. - the loss of knowledge about how to rate a boot, how to understand it, and how to care for it so it lasts a lifetime. I still have my Reichle mountaineering boots which I used on my last hike in 1995. Admittedly they are way to heavy, but they give tremendous ankle support. People also seem to have forgotten about using a light and heavy sock together to increase wicking and decrease hot spots.

@michaelvanbenschoten2165

Жыл бұрын

For years now, the 'ultralight is the only way to camp' and all the latest greatest gear marketing has rubbed me the wrong way. I've gone more and more to vintage and thrift store gear. Stuff that may be heavy, but is durable and multipurpose. I get a lot of wierd looks with my external frame pack.

@davegriffin9083

Жыл бұрын

Raichle made the best boots I have ever had, and I miss them more than I can say. I have never found anything as good.

@lutze5086

11 ай бұрын

What did humans do for the thousands of years before ankle support 😮 what a nightmare

@IHateYoutubeHandles615

11 ай бұрын

@@lutze5086 They broke their ankles or got early onset of arthritis. Or died at an early age as most humans did then.

@lutze5086

11 ай бұрын

@@IHateKZreadHandles615 life expectancy wasn't actually that bad if you made it past childhood, the childhood deaths skew the average way low. Does any other animal in the wild suffer without ankle support? What makes humans evolution different?

Interesting vid. I live in WI and have never herd of Russell Moccasin. I'm sure I'll spend the rest of the night researching them now. :)

I have learned over my 61 years, that a hard sole that does not twist and flex, is the best way to keep your feet and back from hurting, and all the new flexible boots do NOT last, and rob your energy with all the softness. They may be comfy for a short while, but when you are moving, working, climbing rough terrain, having a hard sole with a steel shank, gives me much less fatigue. My most comfortable boots are 2 pair of old Fryes, one is the Cavalry style boot (like wearing hard sole moccasins!) And my square toe boots with the leather straps. Each is so easy to wear, all leather, rebuilt several times, I can go days in them, hot, cold, and they are so damn comfy, nothing comes close.

Fascinating boot. It's on my wishlist!

Love mine. Went up to the summit of Mt Lassen in them a week after purchase. Tough and comfortable all the way.

@w.c.russellmoccasinco

Жыл бұрын

Kyle thats awesome! Definitely would love to see some pics from the trip!

Russel boots, they were the boots for upland game hunters and Foresters in the midwest years ago, but do not have great support for high instep folks, and rocks may be improved from those days. For a story of interesting boots, a pulpwood cutter that lived near Nirvana Michigan walked from North Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, this was in the late 60’s early 70’s. He created a wood sole that was made to rock so every step added a little extra distance. He wore out many soles and then carved new ones. He never wrote about his exploits, but he would tell the stories. A local Baldwin paper documented some. Interesting guy, never had a vehicle did own a tractor. The most he got out of the walk was the memories, and free beer at the bar for the stories.

I got a like new pair of Russell's at a thrift store for $30 a couple months back and I love them.

A collab between you and Weston from the Rose Anvil channel to cut one in half for review would be awesome

Great video! I love bear mountain, I hope you enjoyed the trail on these boots :)

Fantastic boots. Ive been wanting to buy some of them... Russell really makes good stuff..

@ShadeSlayer1911

Жыл бұрын

They are very expensive though.

Appreciate the interesting cinematic vlog style shooting!

Currently own 6 pairs of WC Russell Moccasin Boots. My first pair I bought 20 years ago, 12” High Grand Slam Sheep Hunters with 400 gram Thinsulate are still going strong with their 4th Vibram Resole. Super comfortable, extremely durable, heritage boot…….these are boots you pass down to your kids.

I have a pair of Russell Art Carter Bird Shooter Chukka boot. I love them. I may have to break down and buy the boots in this video.

I'm definitely buying these! I'm all about the 1950s, and I work as a Ranger with the National Park Service, and I've been on the hunt, looking for cool heritage hiking boots like these!

Amazing breakdown of that classic boot! Question: What if Earl hiked in those boots because that's all he had, and it just so happens that he picked super amazing boots on a whim or for the price point at the time? That curious thought just came to me.

@w.c.russellmoccasinco

10 ай бұрын

Earl was a sportsman and he was a fascinated with Native American practices, like the wearing of moccasins. I bet these were his hunting boots before he hit the trail.

I wear Thorogoods which I adore. They're about as far as my budget will stretch especially here in the UK. However if I had a few quid to spare these would definitely be something I look at.

Awesome thumbnail! The video was great too!

@TheIronSnail

Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU!!

Cool Michael. I got a question for you and the community. What's the best, strongest, and most colorful choice of boot laces?

I need a pair of these boots…thanks for the rad video 👍🏻

Great vid. Very well done!

This channel is such a gem

I had a pair of British Industrial Giants made on this pattern with Michelin soles, lasted me four years on building sites ( never had anything else that lasted that long in this the worst of environments).

I have three pair of RM boots size 13 double wide. They are great boots for off the pavement. I originally went with RM because it was so hard to find boots that fit. Now I will not buy any other boot period. Now RM has been sold. At this time they are not making custom boots for any size and lets hope that changes otherwise I won't be able to buy any more of their boots. Let's hope that RM does not go the way of Filson and forget their roots. If you have an average size foot, don't hesitate to get a pair. I highly recommend their boot.

Poron is actually a pretty great material.

@franky3fingers337

Жыл бұрын

It’s really not though

@jensrb50

Жыл бұрын

People hate on synthetic materials too much . Vegetable tanned leather for example is a terrible material depending on the intended use .It dries very badly .Mold can grow pretty quickly .Warps and cracks with heat etc. A mixture of synthetic and natural materials is the best option

@AgonxOC

Жыл бұрын

@@franky3fingers337 Have you ever used Poron in work boot applications? I think NOT! I have several old pairs on RW with a Poron layer (2233, 2231, 1155) exposed and the oldest ones, the 2233, still has a nice bouncy layer of Poron, which has yet to come apart. The other ones are equally as good.

I still hike in my Scarpa backpacking boots I bought for my NOLS class back in 2004. Still haven't had to resole them.

This was a great one!

That's a beautiful boots.... Might get them....

Excellent video. I had never realized how moccasin boots were so different from goodyear welted boots.

That Schafer dudes fit was fire haha. Also, I have a video idea. Good bags for travel? I know you have done some bag reviews, but maybe the pros and cons of a backpack vs tote? And good options for each category? I guess, I am looking for a good bag for vacations, but for the day trip piece. Hold my cameras, a jacket, water, random purchases etc etc haha.

Nice boots and nice watch!

Hey it’s the guy from the thing with watches. Glad I done found ur channel again.

Excellent video. Did you shoot it in Harriman/Bear Mountain State Park?

Not comparable with the original boots used in 1948 except as a homage. The construction materials of the boot used in period in the 1940s was far removed from today, where in general everything was leather with no synthetic or rubber midsoles materials inside including poron; the leather quality in terms of the way they were tanned was also different. ALso the outsole would never have been glued on in period, but fully stitched as can be seen from vintage boots on sale!

Great video

The inner vamp is silicone tanned leather so they didn’t stick to heritage above performance… it’s a nice medium.

You're awesome, sir. Thank you

He did have them re-soled at some point. Without a heel so they were more natural " like the Indians wear". I have a pair of Russell moccasins and they are wonderful.

@nomadmarauder-dw9re

5 ай бұрын

3 times

A glued on sole had me sold hahaha

Which white pants are you wearing here? I've been looking for a new pair!

I do like the idea ,. My only concern is gluing the Vibram sole . I know from experience glues break down and soles come off at the worst time. Shouldn't there be something along with gluing the sole. Tacking maybe!

Who made the pants Michael's wearing in this video? They're fantastic.

The Soloman Hootsy Tootsy.. I need a pair of those..

Great video. I kind of want to get these boots even if I'm not the target demographic.

don't know why but that 8.45 hit me hard. Just keep on being you man

Great review and history lesson! Loved it, but I was fixated on your watch? Zenith?

How was the sizing for you? A half or whole size down! Thanks!!

@Rose Anvil did moctober ever cover Russel Mocs?

Didn't even click past the ad this time. Thank you for making them so entertaining, M. Love my mocs!

Best boots in the world. I have two pairs of South 40 Bird Shooters in different heights. amazingly comfy and waterproof 15 years later

Hey Michael, ae these the weathered oak or walnut leather?

Aspen Leather Boots I got was 1, 800 euros, so I might get 2 pairs of these boots for the Alps where I work near Switzerland. Thank you.

"the police are here" 🤣 great video!

How does sizing work for these? True to size?

Brain tanning is not using the blood, it is mixing the brain with hot water and soaking the hide in the brain/water slush to soft tan the leather.

Added to cart

What watch are you wearing in the video?

Mr Shaeffer had his boots resoled 3 times enroute. That equals 3 pairs of modern footwear. Grandma Gatewood did her thru hike in basketball shoes. How many pairs? IDK.

I like how you have a squarespace inside this ad for boots. That’s called an ad donut.

Given the change of ownership, I'll be waiting to see what'll happen to my beloved boot brand. I did buy one pair post-ownership change, and it appears to be the same quality. That said, you should be warned that Russell Moccasin has never had a high level of finish on their boots. Especially with what people are accustomed to at their price point. They look like they were made for somebody to beat the living snot out of them...and will wear as such. It should be noted that Russell Moccasin went from a primarily custom-lasted boot to a production boot company. They do say they will do custom boots but have yet to open the books for it (and at twice the price). They outsourced the resoling of their boots. We'll see if they'll maintain the rebuilding they once had.

@matthewsbernier

Жыл бұрын

I wrote about my customer service experience in a comment under this video. Will probably make a video or post about it soon, with all the emails and timing. Not digging the new ownership so far!

@rustyshackleford17

11 ай бұрын

@@matthewsbernier The CS I've dealt with seem to be the same from before the buyout. But I'm sure one of the reasons why they went away from the custom game unless they measured you themselves was for the fit reasons

Talking about brain tanning: eat animal has enough brain material to tan it’s own hide. Fun fact!

If you were through 2-3 hiking boots on a single,long distance trail i recommend you get better boots. I mean...I ve had my current hiking boots for 8 years and they are still going strong.

very good video

With the quality of your videos I could’ve sworn you had millions of subs

Where can buy or try on?

That a sick Zenith my friend.

@MrZeke

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, what model is it? I couldn't find an el primero stealth with colored sub dials?

Are those your pair or it is borrowed? Im really looking foword to see them age

what was made better, that boot or this video? I can't decide

i have a pair of Russell boots that i purchased in 1971. They are singed from campfires, have blood stains (mine), and are somewhat beat up. Still in wearable shape.

I hiked the Triple Crown. The AT was my third trail and I hiked all 2,180 miles in exactly 100 days. Don't even think of wearing leather boots on the AT or any other long distance trail. Don't wear water proof shoes with gortex either. Find comfortable running shoes and wear wool socks.

@InGrindWeCrust2010

Жыл бұрын

What do you reckon? Too heavy/bulky or hot? Not easy enough to dry out if they get wet?

@ShadeSlayer1911

Жыл бұрын

@@InGrindWeCrust2010 I'm curious as well.

@alexhamon9261

Жыл бұрын

​@@InGrindWeCrust2010 there's a commonly accepted belief among thru hikers that a pound off your footwear improves hiking performance as much as cutting 5lbs of pack weight. Boot is probably at least a pound heavier on each foot. Over 5 million steps the calorie difference to do the same thing is significant.

@InGrindWeCrust2010

Жыл бұрын

@@alexhamon9261 That's an awesome way of explaining it, thank you!

@ShadeSlayer1911

Жыл бұрын

@@alexhamon9261 Is that the only reason? What if I want the extra exercise and the extra protection for my feet?

What's the brand-name of the boots? The Iron Snail?

I want a pair.