Well as it happens I have a story to tell you all.
It starts with a pair of Jack Pyke boots, a year in time and a heck of a journey,Jack is one of our many kind sponsors, offering me a field trial of a pair of boots from the new range. When we say trial its more a case of,in the deep end and see if they float, we test lots of gear and it goes a long ways to being destroyed or die trying…
These are the fieldman boots in short leg, made using tough full grain leather with raised rubber welks ( that’s the sides are brought up from the soles to part way up the foot of the boots.)
With a very ingenious speed lace system. the eyelets lift out from the boots which makes re-lacing them a doddle instead of a fiddle. I always recommend using a good grade dubbing on working boots .
They problem with all the boots is jack has made them really comfortable from straight out of the box. So instead of having to break them in like most brands, old Jack seems to have done it for you. Now I know your all asking how much well you can wait a while.
As some of you may know I’m a big lad over 6 feet tall and very well built with it. but I’m very light on my feet and have great fun sneaking up on my 3 children and going Boo! Behind them. Naughty Daddy.
These are made using the mighty Vibram soles world famous with the yellow logo in the mid sole. with a classic clover pattern tread and plenty of it.
With the padded tounge fixed just below where the laces start and coming up well over the height of the boots giving a rounded finish to the front view.
renfordced toes and heels make a secure cradle for your feet and lower ankles.
Heavy stitching in the upper rear boot attaches the finger pull tab made from the same leather as the rest of the boots.
4 sets of fast eyelets start the boot off then 3 tension hooks lock the laces in tight, finish off with a normal shoe lace knot bow. i have never even had to tie a double lace knot. so would I recommend the boots yes even though I have a grumble, it only a tiny one but none the less has nearly cost me my self respect.
Just every now and again.
The boots tension hooks will catch the loop on the other boots laces. so effectively tieing your feet together I’ve only had it if I’ve stood with both feet close together and then go to walk through my gait.
Nearly doing one of them face plant things the younger ones go on about.
Us older ones would call it falling over.
And the other issue is the bloody price around £135. a pair!
Surely Jack are losing out on these, when you look at some other brands nearly twice or 3 times the price.
And I have worn them to possibly the limit, Ive worn them on average 16 hours a day everyday for well over a year, and that works out including normal wear, out with the family, and even out hunting with them on, it a massive 6000 hours use, and the only issue I currently have is I managed to cut the rubber welks in 2 places, possible from my clutch pedal in the truck.
The smaller cut I repaired with vulcanized rubber glue, yep the stuff from puncture repair kits, but alas the bigger split didn’t hold, as it was right on the natural crease of the toes.
So a pair of boots under £150.00, built to last, comfy from day one , industry standard Vibram soles, extended tounges, speed laces, tension hooks, waterproof, weather proof, lightweight full grain leather, insulated with 3m technology.Ive been in water, ice, and snow, and kept warm and dry, these are lightweight and comfy.
I know many will have expensive stalking boots and going out boots and day to day boots, but I’m after a boot that will do it all.
So for the money they are good value, hard wearing, and fit for purpose as they say, Now I know Andy Crowman wears his a lot, and even around the farm hes a manager on, so if they are tough enough for a farmer to wear they will do you.
And your supporting a British company,
So want boots get Jack’d.
From miles of walking, and stalking, and shooting and booting, and roadtrips, and family days high days and holidays. they are worn all day every day and bar getting the rubber cut they would still be giving a great service to me.
So a year and a bit, 6000 hours wear, many memories shared and made, from friends and family to shooting and life in general. I won’t throw these boots out I will put them in a spare box and one day will see if a cobbler mate, can do a nice little repair on them to make some more memories in them ole boots.
You can find the full range of Jack Pyke gear here: