I wrote a post on this blog on December 10, 2013, comparing Wolverine “1,000 Mile” Stockton Engineer Boots with White’s Nomad engineer boots. My opinion of the Wolverine boots was reinforced today when I wore those boots on a day packed with errands. I’m not sure why I picked those boots from all that I have, but I did.

What do I say now about Wolverine boots?

Awful!

Now, what do I really think?

If anyone pays anywhere near the manufacturer’s US$495 list price for those boots, he must have his head examined. Not only are those boots constructed using cheap short-cuts, I have to say, the single sole thickness makes those boots very uncomfortable.

The boots are holding up okay, and are scuffing just the way Horween leather will… but the inside sole (insole) and exterior sole (outsole) are so thin, it makes you feel as if you are walking on concrete.

Well, actually I did walk on a lot of concrete today, but that is not the point (giggle.)

This morning, I picked up three sr. pals at their homes and drove them to a grocery store. I walk with my friends across the parking lot into the store, and throughout the store as they look for items on their grocery list. The store’s floor is concrete.

I drove my lady friends back to their homes, and carried their groceries inside for them. (They pay me with a smile and a hug, which is all I “charge.”)

That is not really that much walking, but it’s enough. By the time my first round of grocery shopping was done, my feet were sore and I was ready to go home and change boots before going on round two.

Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to change boots. So there I went again, this time with four sr. pals, and to a different store. Nonetheless, the same type of walking was involved up and down dozens of aisles in this even larger grocery store. After we checked out, I brought my friends to their respective homes, carried their groceries, and continued until my last pal was safely home.

By then, my feet were killing me. I drove home and limped inside. My spouse looked at my feet and said, “boots aren’t that good, are they?”

I gave him a “no shit, Sherlock” stare and pulled off the boots. There’s no friggin’ way anyone could substantiate the title that Wolverine applies to this line of boots: “1,000 Mile boots.” I call that title “bull.”

I ran afternoon errands for my spouse — to the drugstore, post office, and home improvement store — to get things on his list. My feet felt fine. Why? I switched to my Belleville Air Force tactical boots. The Bellevilles are built for comfort when doing a lot of walking and standing.

Next week when I take my sr. pals grocery shopping, I plan to be “tactically booted.” Comfort is important!

Life is short: choose comfort over style.