Depending on where you live, the shoulder seasons and winter can bring some foul weather. As a General Contractor, I like to wear a functional and stylish boot to work. One that doesn’t sacrifice anything in ways of comfort or weatherproofness. Muck Boots have a long tradition of producing fantastic rubber boots for hunters and agriculture alike. But it’s their recent foray into leather boots and shoes that have my attention. The truth is, I can’t use the classic muck boots for work when meeting clients or walking through the home we’re currently building for them. The new Freeman from The Original Muck Boot Company is the perfect solution.
Construction job sites can be messy. Always surrounded by freshly excavated dirt, gravel and sand. Managing these projects require I spend 80 percent of my time on-site. A boot with a sturdy outer sole and a comfortable insole allow me to navigate the job sites in comfort and without worry. Plus, a fully waterproof oiled leather upper so mud and slush don’t phase me. Additionally, the Freeman is lined with a layer of neoprene on the interior for warmth making this piece a true three-season work boot. Not only have I been wearing the Freeman all day while on the job, but after-hours as well. Its classy patina leather and bold stitching are right at home when I meet my family for dinner or a drink.
Men’s Waterproof Freeman features:
- 100% Waterproof
- Oiled, pull-up leather
- Neoprene Strobel for flexibility
- PU footbed for underfoot comfort
- Rugged outsole for extended wear
- Shaft Circumference: 10in
- MSRP: $150
The Waterproof Freeman includes two different pairs of laces. A classic leather lace and a para chord “like” lace. Although I love the look of the leather laces, I swapped them for the more conventional laces after a short time. The leather laces just proved to be more cumbersome to loosen and tighten the boot. While the alternate laces allowed an easier entry and exit from the boot after a long day. I really like the sole Muck chose for this boot and have felt sure-footed on a variety of unstable surfaces. However, with only three rows of lace holes, getting that totally custom hiking boot fit isn’t as easy. But it hasn’t been a factor so far. These boots remain a solid “go” for me.
Finally, if you only know The Original Muck Boot Company for their iconic tall rubber boots, you’ll have to take a look at their new offerings in the leather section. There you will find several stylish yet functional options for both men and women. To top it off, Muck Boots is celebrating its 20th year in business.
