Hubby had to finally break down and get a new pair of boots for work. He can go through a good pair of boots in a year. He works on rail cars, so he's really putting them to the test. So, us being Americans, went looking for American made boots. We looked, and we looked, and we looked. We FINALLY found a couple pairs. Did we buy them? No. We wanted to buy American. We REALLY did. But, I couldn't bring myself to pay $256 for a pair of work boots that Hubby would have for only a year.
That's right folks. The cheapest boots that we could find that were made in America were over $250. That's ridiculous! What's the deal?! (or should I say NO deal) The other boots were around $100. We did end up paying a little over that, we didn't mind that. But, I just couldn't see paying double that. I even thought maybe the American made boots were built better. No, no better. Actually, they weren't made as good.
So what are we suppose to do? Buy an inferior boot for a lot more just because it was made in the U.S? We would have bought the American boots if they were closer to the price range of the other boots. We would have bought them even if they weren't as good. We are supporters here. But, when they were soooo much more. I don't think so.
So my question is, how are we suppose to support the U.S when we can't afford to?
So until next time,
Small Farm Girl, confused
P.S. The boots we bought were from the Dominican Republic. That's close.
12 comments:
We have the same trouble with hubby going through boots pretty quickly. We also looked for American Made and we did find some that he really likes. Of course he works at a computer during the day and the boots are more for working in the yard...so he gets several years out of them. The ones he chose have really high reviews for being well made. He even ordered them from a family owned business. But, it took like 6 weeks of searching to find them. I get ticked that its so hard to even find American Made stuff!
Sadly, some things are cheaper, some aren't, buying American. I haven't had to do the boot buying thing for a bit for any males recently. Husband is wearing rubber boots or safety style tennis shoes for his jobs.
I know the prices haven't gone down, however, I don't remember how much Dad paid for his boots, we said he wore size 2 1/2, as it took that many cows to cover his feet! In truth, he wears a size 16, and had to have line boots, which had reinforced soles, so yes, needing to re-buy these each season is not fun...
Cat
I am real hard on boots myself but the last pair I got lasted three years and they are American made. They are "Belleville" and you can get them at www.uscav.com. I buy the heat resistant ones and love them. I figure if they are good enough for our men over in the desert then they are good enough for my feet.
We wrestle with the "Made in USA" goods a lot around here. We try very hard to support manufacturing here at home, but when the quality is sub-par, it really doesn't make sense. Why should one patronize a company that does shoddy or below-average work....regardless of the country?
We try to support buy USA products too and I think one reason for the high price might be a manufacturing issue. Things are cheaper when purchased overseas for the retailer but the USA mfg. runs into the same problem in trying to keep all the items USA products and I think the price reflects that. Just my opinion. I have never had to buy boots but I have paid more for USA products when the are choices given. Hard decisions for sure!
Connie
It is hard for sure. Hard enough to find products made in the USA and you are right, they are usually WAAYYY more than the imports.
Well, do what you just did and buy something else. Sending a message to the US boot maker that it's too expensive and of lesser quality. Could be the leather is of better quality...??? just buy US when you can. That's all we can do! ...debbie
everything i purchase is made in america with just a few exceptions. and what i make to sell (crochet, quilting etc..) are totally american made products-no imports. yes, it is a bit more expensive. i was just wondering-if your husband is really hard on boots during a years time..would it not be wiser and more frugal to buy two pair at one time and wear them alternately...they would then last longer..also, if one pair is starting to wear they could be taken to a shoe repairman for reconditioning and repair..most goods from overseas this cannot be done because of their construction. but a good pair of american boots or shoes are generallly repairable at very reasonable and small cost. now, you also have to be careful about that american made label. new balance athletic shoes are american made...out of imported goods...does not seem fair does it?
I went to google and typed in American Made boots and saw lots of boots, many in the 125-150 dollar range. But I always want to try boots on before buying so an on-line purchase wouldn't be an option. We still have an independent shoe store here in town and he will order what I want and if I don't like the fit I'm not commited to buying them, he just puts them on the shelf.
Well, at least there is something to be said for trying! If I had to spend that much money on shoes, I would definitely try looking for a good shoe-repair place.
We have the same problem with Mister and his work boots. We want to buy American but just can`t afford it. Even with the staggering boot allowance of 30 dollars his company gives him, which is laughable to say the least.
came upon your blog today. Have you tried Red Wing Shoes.. http://www.redwingshoes.com/
Made in Minnesota. Please check them out.
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