wrote in message
news

For years, I have worn the Rockport M5106 boat shoe, which they have
now discontinued. Their new line of shoes are oil tanned and are *not
nearly* as rugged as the old models. Additionally, I'm not dying to
buy "Made in [Communist] China" apparel.... so,

does anybody have recommendations for a rugged, yet comfortable boat
shoe? TIA.....

Sperry Top Siders come in several price ranges. The cheaper ones are not
that great in my experience, but I found the more expensive ones were both
comfortable and long lasting. Last time I bought a pair they were about
$150 bucks.

Eisboch

"Gene Kearns" wrote
Sperry Top Siders
I'm leaning towards these

The print on the bottom of the tongue that says "made in China" wears off in
a couple of months...

"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...

On Wed, 8 Nov 2006 13:11:08 -0500, Eisboch penned the following well
considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

Sperry Top Siders come in several price ranges. The cheaper ones are not
that great in my experience, but I found the more expensive ones were both
comfortable and long lasting. Last time I bought a pair they were about
$150 bucks.

I'm leaning towards these and if they prove "in stock," sturdy, and
comfortable... they may be my premier choice.


We'll see what West Marine has in stock....


Doubtful that West Marine will have the good ones. I always had to go to a
shoe store to find them. You can get them on-line also. 30 day return policy
minus shipping charges.

http://tinyurl.com/yxfbrq

Eisboch

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...


Doubtful that West Marine will have the good ones. I always had to go to
a shoe store to find them. You can get them on-line also. 30 day return
policy minus shipping charges.

http://tinyurl.com/yxfbrq



Heh. Just noticed the other offering on the bottom of the above link.

Only $999.95

http://tinyurl.com/snwdg

Eisboch

"Eisboch" wrote
Doubtful that West Marine will have the good ones.

Do you know if the hibux Sperrys are made in China? The ~$60 ones are. (I'm
wearing a pair right now.) Makes no diff to me, but Gene mentioned a mild
aversion to Chinese apparel in the OP.

"Ernest Scribbler" wrote in message
...
"Eisboch" wrote
Doubtful that West Marine will have the good ones.

Do you know if the hibux Sperrys are made in China? The ~$60 ones are.
(I'm wearing a pair right now.) Makes no diff to me, but Gene mentioned a
mild aversion to Chinese apparel in the OP.


I have no idea. (they are on the boat and I can't check 'em)

Probably though ... or Taiwan or South Korea. I think very few, if any,
shoes are still made in the USA.
According to this old article, Rockport orders its shoes from around the
globe, from Indonesia to Brazil.

http://www.usfoundation.org/openspace.htm

Eisboch

"Ernest Scribbler" wrote in message
...
"Eisboch" wrote
Doubtful that West Marine will have the good ones.

Do you know if the hibux Sperrys are made in China? The ~$60 ones are.
(I'm wearing a pair right now.) Makes no diff to me, but Gene mentioned a
mild aversion to Chinese apparel in the OP.



I found some information that is interesting.

Both Rockport and Sperry have headquarters in MA. Rockport in Marlborough
and Sperry in Lexington.

Rockport is a division of Reebok.
Sperry is a division of Stride-Rite.

Eisboch

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"Ernest Scribbler" wrote in message
...
"Eisboch" wrote
Doubtful that West Marine will have the good ones.

Do you know if the hibux Sperrys are made in China? The ~$60 ones are.
(I'm wearing a pair right now.) Makes no diff to me, but Gene mentioned a
mild aversion to Chinese apparel in the OP.



I found some information that is interesting.

Both Rockport and Sperry have headquarters in MA. Rockport in
Marlborough and Sperry in Lexington.

Rockport is a division of Reebok.
Sperry is a division of Stride-Rite.

Eisboch


I checked both corporate websites. They both claim to "design and market"
various types of shoes.
Nowhere does it mention where they are manufactured, but I strongly suspect
it's all done overseas but no idea if any are done in China. Wouldn't
surprise me though.

Eisboch

Eisboch wrote:
"Eisboch" wrote in message
...


Doubtful that West Marine will have the good ones. I always had to go to
a shoe store to find them. You can get them on-line also. 30 day return
policy minus shipping charges.

http://tinyurl.com/yxfbrq




Heh. Just noticed the other offering on the bottom of the above link.

Only $999.95

http://tinyurl.com/snwdg

Eisboch


Think I'll hold out for the cowboy boots made of croc leather.

wrote
Yeah, but the poor quality lingers...

Maybe you should walk a mile in my shoes ...