First Impressions-Westland Norse 2-toggle Boot

[RenJunkie]

I'm doing this as a separate review, as Viking Leather Crafts doesn't make these.

They're very good looking boots. Stitching was well done, the nails (I got the nailed on sole, as opposed to turnshoe) seemed well set, nothing stabbing me or hitting the floor when I wore them. There were two weeeeeee tiny holes, one in one of the toggle straps and one in the center back of one of the boots. I noticed because they had been slightly discolored. Looks like contact with iron.

They fit well. I think. Wearing them longer will tell for sure. I am slightly bigger than an 11. If Westland made them in half sizes, that would have been perfect. I thought about a 12, but like I said, I'm *just* over 11. The shoe has plenty of give, and the fit isn't uncomfortable. I do hang about 1/4" over the back of the heel tho. Again, I dunno if that's to be expected or an indicator I should move up. I can't feel it when they're on, so I'm thinking it's maybe just the up curve of my heel. Which reminds me, they have no heel stiffeners/reinforce. Again, time will tell if this is a problem or not.

The way they close, there is about 1/8" open over the instep. Same size on each one. I don't know if that's period for this style, or if it's an indicator I went too small, or that its a design flaw. Someone who knows more about the type of shoe will have chime in on that. I'm very unaccustomed to toggle closures. I broke a thumbnail trying to get them closed (which is gonna hurt tomorrow, let me tell you). Probably a combination of them being brand spankin new, and me never having worked this sort of toggle before.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased in my first hour of ownership. We shall see how they handle the long term.

Thanks!
Christopher

[Alric of Drentha]

They will probably stretch a little as you wear them, so it's good that they're a tiny bit tight now. My fiancee's Westland shoes were tight at first, and stretched to just right. My shoes that I make for myself tend to do the same thing.

[VikingLeather]

Glad they got to you quick. I think the tiny holes are made with an awl, I have seen a few of them, probably mismarks. If you are going to dye the shoes, they will become less noticeable.

You think about the size. I want you to be happy with them. If you will not scuff the bottoms and wear them around the house, I will trade out for a size up if you want. It is entirely up to you. We will keep sending you different sizes until we find the one that fits. We will also pay the return shipping. We want you happy with the order. I think there may be a slight problem also if your foot is hanging over the back by 14 inches. LOL, typo I know, just thought I would gig you for it.

Sorry you broke a nail on the toggles. If you need to open up the holes just a bit, just take a utility knife to them, but do it in baby steps, not too much. As for the fit, everyone fits up differently, sometimes folks have to punch a couple extra holes for the toggles to fit through to tighten up exactly where you would like them.

Thanks for the review, and thanks for the purchase. Give me a shout if we need to get you another pair out.

Frank
Viking Leathercrafts

[Lloyd]

I do hang about 14" over the back of the heel tho.

Good Lord, Man, how large are your feet?! :wink:

Oh c'mon, you know you all were thinking it!

[RenJunkie]

Rootin frootin slash mark.....

I fixed it. One quarter of an inch.

I appreciate the offer. I think tho, I'm gonna hang onto these and see how it goes in the long term. Nothing experimented, nothing learned.

I doubt they need opened up. Probably more me fumbling than anything wrong with them.

Thanks!
Christopher

[Gerhard von Liebau]

I'm in the same boat as you on the shoe size, Ren, down to the digits. I've tried on size 11 shoes from Historic Enterprises and Revival.us, and have always gone with 12s. As it is, getting chausses to fit perfectly over the foot is an issue, so I get it bunched or pulled tight at the heel. I prefer not to then slip on a shoe that's almost too tight. Starting with size 12s, I've felt that the additional material, after use, gathers nicely to the form of the foot, and often makes the points on my toes flare upward (due in part to the way I walk) which looks cool.

-Gerhard

[RenJunkie]

Hmm, hadn't considered that. I have yet to procure or make a pair of causes.

Hope I don't have to end up wearing the footless kind and using ankle socks.

Thanks!
Christopher