I have several pairs of Wesco Boss boots and now two pairs of White’s Nomad boots. These boots are engineer boots in style, appearance, and function.
Someone looked up “Whites Nomad vs. Wesco Boots” and got directed to this blog, but to a post that did not provide my opinions on how the boots compare. Here is what I think about each of these tough motorcycle boots:
Both White’s Boots and Wesco Boots originated in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where men working in the logging industry required extremely tough, durable boots. White’s Boots is based in Spokane, Washington, and Wesco Boots is in Scappoose, Oregon, about 20 miles northwest of Portland. Both companies have a strong reputation of hand-made bootmaking with exceptional quality materials.
A few decades ago, Wesco Boots began to offer the Boss line — engineer boots — to expand their line from loggers and linesman boots for which they were so well known. Discerning bikers who recognized quality began to buy and wear them, though I estimate the penetration by Wesco Boss boots in the traditional “biker market” is low because the boots are expensive and some bikers make dumb decisions — they lay down thousands of dollars on chrome for their rides, but are too cheap to buy quality boots and riding gear.
I digress… back to the comparison.
In 2011, the White’s Nomad engineer boot hit the market. White’s Boots also were very well known for their lineup of tough, durable, and exceptionally well-made linesman and logger boots. With the Nomad on the market, this boot became the direct competitor with the Wesco Boss. No other engineer boots are made with such rugged durability, thick leather, stitching, Vibram lug soles, and construction. Sure, there are other engineer boots on the market, such as Chippewa engineers, but Chips are not nearly as high in quality of construction and materials.
What the Wesco Boss and White’s Nomad boots have in common include:
- Premium full grain 6-7oz. leather sourced in the USA or Canada. No cheap leather from Pakistan.
- Different colors of leather available — black, brown, and reddish
- Vibram sole options — big lug, mini-lug, smooth
- steel shank
- nickel buckles
- custom modifications for heel lifts and midsoles.
- Both brands of boots can be made custom-to-measure.
- The “short” Boss boots (11 inches) and White’s Nomads (only at 12 inch height), cost about the same.
The most notable thing about what each company’s engineer boot has in common is weight. These boots are HEAVY! 11-inch or 12-inch boots from either company weigh about five (5) pounds (2.3kg) EACH! The heft of the boot speaks about its quality and durability, but to a biker, it also speaks of potential trouble. Walking in very heavy boots can be hard for some men. It tires the feet to lift a big heavy boot with each step. These boots are not hiking boots, that’s for sure!
I have not observed much of a difference between the Wesco Boss and White’s Nomad boots. The only differences I have noticed include:
- Wesco Boss boots run true-to-size. White’s Nomad boots run large. This was proved to me twice.
- It is possible to order Wesco Boss boots at various heights from 11 inches to 14, 16, 18, 20, and even crotch-high. White’s Nomads are only available at a 12 inches.
- … and that’s about it. No other major differences.
Both brands of boots are excellently made. They will last beyond a lifetime. They can take very rugged wear. Even if you beat them up, both bootmakers can rebuild their products. The boots are worth the price, but come at a cost — the weight. If you will wear them mostly for riding a motorcycle, you will find them to be the best boots made and well-suited for the purpose. If you may also be walking in those boots — beware. The heavy weight of the boots can be very tiring, especially as a man ages.
Life is short: wear boots!