The Beckman Break-In

In early October, I picked up a pair of Beckman boots at Red Wing’s factory sale.  I’ve worn them almost every day since, because their workhorse durability and clean lines make them excellent for both on and off duty pursuits.  That said, two things have come to my attention about the boots since they joined my shoe rotation.

Number one is that I’m afraid of scuffing them.  Since the Beckman is less rugged than Red Wing’s other offerings, I tread with a lighter foot in order to keep the leather clean and the soles from wearing out (I’m tough on my shoes, so they tend to break down fast).  The initial results - minus the quick wearout of the back of the sole - are positive.  There are a series of small scuffs on the boot, as well as one water spot, but until I find the time to clean them with mink oil, they add to the boots’ charm rather than detract from their profile.  

Number two is that the crease that separates the toe from the shaft has bent down in a way that rubs and pokes against my upper foot.  The friction has left me wishing I had worn more comfortable shoes on several days, but then I look at the cigar brown hue of my Beckmans and these thoughts vanish.  The indentation comes from excessive wear without allowing the boots to breathe, and this problem is solvable by putting in a pair of shoe trees and giving the boots several days’ rest so that the leather can stretch again.

Despite the growing pains of the Beckman, I find myself wearing them more than my Iron Rangers.  Aside from the crease, they fit the contours of my feet better and by going one half size down from my Iron Rangers, I find they provide more supple and accurate arch support when walking (the chunky profile of the Iron Ranger also makes it more conducive to slippage when not worn with a pair of hefty socks).  Between work and play, they complement nearly every outfit I wear and function as an ideal three-season boot; I wouldn’t dare wear them in winter, for god knows what havoc the Minnesota road salt will wreak on the boots’ leather.  I’ll have a follow-up report after I let my Beckmans rest with shoe trees for a few days.  Until then, I’ll proudly wear them through the pain as part of the break-in ritual.

Boots: Red Wing Heritage