Updated Sep 6, 2024
Thursday Captain Boot Review (2024) | Five Years Testing the “Anywhere Boot”
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I’m the kind of weirdo who decided to make a living by testing and reviewing boots.
And after six years, dozens of reviews, hundreds of YouTube videos, and visits to factories and tanneries in eight countries, I feel pretty darn qualified to say that Thursday Boot Company makes the best value boots on Earth.
Sure, some guys only wear handwelted Japanese boots that cost four figures, but when a normal, everyday, not-glued-to-boot-subreddits dude asks me for a boot recommendation, I always go with Thursday’s Captain.
Why? Well, to summarize: they’re inexpensive, match with anything, come in a ton of widths and colors, they’re more comfortable and lightweight than traditional bulky work boots, and returns and exchanges are really easy.
There’s no one else on the market that matches their value proposition, but if you need some more convincing, let’s take a closer look at the boot that turned a humble Kickstarter page into the industry’s leading brand: Thursday’s Captain boot.
The Anywhere Boot
Thursday Boot Co.'s Captain Boot
Check Thursdayboots.com
Check Amazon
With an unbeatable price, shock absorbing insole, dozens of colors, and a much more modern and versatile look than its competitors, it's easy to see why the Captain is so popular.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Who Should Buy the Thursday Captain Boot?
- Those who want a versatile “anywhere boot,” this is a hybrid of dress and work boots that looks great with just about any outfit.
- People who want great value at under $200, this is far and away the best price for a resoleable boot, which usually runs about $300+.
- Guys who prize longevity and durability, thick leather on a resoleable Goodyear welted boot means the Captain can endure multiple resoles.
- Folks who find most boots uncomfortable, instead of thick leather, Thursday put a layer of Poron foam underfoot to add sneaker-y shock absorption and reduce break-in.
- People who like a lot of choices, there are over a dozen different leathers available
- Guys with wide feet, these come in wide and extra-wide sizes.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Thursday Captain Boot?
- Anyone who needs a seriously heavy duty work boot or hiking boot; although it’s very water resistant, this lacks the technical features of dedicated work or hiking footwear.
- Those who prefer American made; for that, check out Thursday’s slightly pricier Vanguard.
- People who prefer the look of traditional boots; the Captain is less chunky and more streamlined than your Grandpa’s work boots.
- Guys who hate it when your boot tongue slides; it’s a weak point, but you can always cut a slot in the tongue for your laces.
Thursday Captain Boot Overview
- “Hybrid” of a dress boot and work boot
- Low profile silhouette
- 5.5″ tall, plus 1.25″ of heel
- Two rows of speed hooks to get in and out fast
- Available in full-grain leathers and suedes in over a dozen colors
Before getting to the interior of these leather boots, let’s do a quick “first glance” and what you see when you unbox them.
Boots come in all shapes and sizes and purposes, and you should know that this is not a boot for sheet welders, lumberjacks, hikers, or miners. It is a boot for guys who want durable footwear, keeps their feet dry, feels comfy, and matches whatever they’ll wear with them. Pulling off that combination (and at this price) is the feat for which the Captain is rightly celebrated.
About 5.5 inches tall with a 1.25-inch heel, these are stylish boots that are designed so as to not stand out too much from the crowd the way a meaty logging boot would in the city, but these aren’t dress shoes either. With a low profile toe box and a “cap toe” design — it’s decorative, not another piece of protective leather, so as to keep the silhouette relatively flat — it nails the kind of subtlety the average guy wants from his footwear.
(As it turns out, it’s also the kind of look the extremely not-average Dwayne Johnson likes as well:)
There are currently two sole options: one with recessed, grippy lugs that look completely flat from the side and chunkier “StormKing” lug soles that broadcast practicality and outdoorsiness.
Like a great leather jacket or pair of well-loved jeans, the Captain aims to look good in a classically masculine, American way without making you look like you’re trying to get noticed or like you don’t know how to dress outside of a warehouse.
Perhaps the most important thing to emphasize is that, unlike a lot of competing workhorse casual boots like Red Wing’s Iron Rangers, it’s sleek in a way that pairs well with tapered trousers and, with a glossier leather, even business casual environments. If you love wide and baggy jeans, it might not be for you, but for just about anyone else, this is just the right kind of uncontroversial look that will fit in with most wardrobes and situations.
Further Reading
16 Best Boots For Men to Buy Tested By Experts (Spring 2024)
We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time and effort finding the best boots on the market for guys who want durable casual leather boots that’ll last a lifetime. Learn more →
Thursday Captain Boot Leather
- ~Two dozen leathers available
- Most popular are the “Rugged and Resilient” line
- ~1.8-2.0 millimeters thick
- Sourced from well-known tanneries, mostly Lefarc and Horween
As part of their mission to make high-quality boots that aren’t so hard to break in, the Captain’s leather is about 1.9 millimeters thick. That’s thinner than work boots (~2.2mm) but thicker than dress shoes (~1.0mm), aligning well with the Goldilocks elements of the Captain: not too thick to be painful, not too thin to be dainty.
As their most popular boot, the Captain offers the widest range of leathers to choose from, including the occasional “limited edition” like blue suede. At the time of writing, there are two dozen uppers to choose from.
The Rugged and Resilient Leathers
The two most popular Captains, Arizona Adobe and Black Matte, are part of the Rugged and Resilient line. These leathers, as the name suggests, are developed to be hardwearing and to require little care. Most leathers need some conditioning and moisturizing every few months, but these are oil-tanned.
This means they’re infused with extra oils during the tanning process, which makes the leather more waterproof and, well, resilient: boots from this line need no care or conditioning at all, so they’re great for guys who want a rugged-looking boot.
The Classic Leathers
Guys who need more versatility from their boots can pick from the Classic line, most of which are easier to dress up than the outdoorsy-looking Rugged and Resilient line. The best-known Classics are Thursday Chrome, combination-tanned leathers that were the most popular boots that the company sold — until the Rugged ones outpaced them.
Still, if you want something you can wear casually but also slip on under chinos and a sports jacket, the Classic line will have what you’re after.
The Suedes and Roughouts
You can also pick up some Captains in suede, and they sell two kinds: the regular soft suede that you’re used to and their much more popular waterproof (“WeatherSafe™”) suede, which is imbued with oils and waxes to make it stainproof and waterproof.
You might encounter “Waxed Flesh” as well, like the “Coyote” on the left above. Roughout looks a little like suede, but it’s actually normal, thick, full-grain leather — turned inside out. The furry part that’s usually on the inside of the boot is now on the outside, and it gets coated with wax to add waterproofness. Also, it’s very scratch-resistant, and boot nerds gravitate toward waxed flesh because it ages dramatically, lightening and becoming fuzzier at stress points.
Thursday’s Leather Quality
All of Thursday’s leather is from United States cattle, and it comes from a variety of tanneries. The most esteemed example is probably Horween Leather Company in Chicago, who produce the world famous Chromexcel leather you can see on the Natural Captain and most of the Vanguard boots.
But most of the uppers are from Lefarc tannery in the leather hub of León, Mexico. Lefarc won a gold medal from Leather Working Group in 2009, was named one of the two best tanneries in the Americas by World Leather Magazine in 2013, and process leather for a wide variety of American boot companies — I actually visited them for a fun series of videos in 2021. The Leather Working Group certification is important: it means they’ve been rigorously audited to make sure their production isn’t polluting local waterways or harming workers, effects that are not unheard of in poorly regulated tanneries.
Whichever upper you choose for your Captains, you can be confident that the leather quality is high, especially for the price. It’s a little thinner than work boots, but, again, it’s thicker than dress shoes. Still, if you want boots that will withstand all manner of scuffs and nicks with pride, go with Rugged and Resilient or one of the waxed suedes or roughouts.
Some of the Classic leathers are indeed a little easier to scratch, so while they’re far from delicate fashion boots — and it’s not hard to remove most scratches with care and conditioning — opt for Rugged if you plan to wear them hard.
[Related: My list of The Best Leather Briefcases for Men]
Thursday Captain Boot Leather Care
- Condition once or twice per year
- Rub with a clean, dry rag
- Apply Cobbler’s Choice or a similar product
- Buff with a horsehair brush
Suede, waxed roughout, and the Rugged and Resilient Captains don’t need conditioning creams. You can use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the suede if it’s looking dirty, but that’s about it.
But if you bought the Classic leather, or if you just want your boots to get that nice, lustrous look of well-loved leather that every guy covets, your boots need a little moisturizing now and then — just like the skin on your face. Here’s what you need to do:
- First, rub them down with a clean, dry rag.
- Then dab some leather balm on the rag and work it into all their creases. (Thursday recommends Cobbler’s Choice, which I’ve reviewed.)
- Once you’ve worked the balm into all the creases, gently wipe the boot down until there’s just a thin film of balm on the shoe.
- Buff it with a horsehair brush, let them dry for ten minutes, and they’re good to go.
How often you should condition the boots depends on how often you wear them, but I think twice a year — at the start and end of boot season — is a good recommendation.
Thursday Captain Boot Sole
- 2 options to choose from: Flat or “StormKing”
- EVA insole, cork bed midsole
- Vegetable-tanned leather midsole
- Steel shank improves stability
- Soft leather lining
If you want a more casual and outdoorsy boot, get a Captain with the chunky StormKing sole; for a more versatile option, get one with the flat rubber sole. More leathers come with the flat offering, which is clearly inspired by Dainite soles, a brand you’ll find on countless high-quality boots over $400.
Thursday made their own version of the rubber that works about as well: while it’s flat, the recessed lugs offer a surprisingly solid grip. I’ve worn these during several particularly grueling storms and didn’t once find myself skittering into a gutter, as I have with other brands made with leather soles.
Thursday Captain Boot Construction
The big attraction here, especially to fans of quality footwear, is the fact these are Goodyear welted boots. That refers to how the leather upper is attached to the sole: sneaker are typically cemented or glued. The Goodyear welt, invented in the 1860s, is a much more complicated method that essentially means the upper and the sole aren’t directly attached to each other. They’re stitched to a strip of leather between them called the welt. This means that when your sole wears down, a cobbler can easily attach a new one, vastly extending the boot’s lifespan.
This kind of construction quality has other benefits: it’s extremely water resistant, it’s very stable, and it’s usually made with leather midsoles and cork filling, both of which conform to the shape of your foot over time and produce a boot that, after a few months of wear, has molded to your individual foot. Basically, Goodyear welted boots get more comfortable every day you own them.
Are Thursday Boots Comfortable?
The downside of boots with this kind of durable construction is that they’re often tough to break in, especially if the upper is thick. This is because leather needs heat and friction to conform to your foot’s shape, which is why they break in first and then get more comfy.
Thursday limits the break-in issue by using uppers that are a little thinner than work boots and by using a Poron insole instead of a leather insole. This is tech borrowed from the sneaker world: Poron is softer than leather and much better at absorbing shock. Thanks to the cork filling and leather midsole, the Captain still gets much of those conform-to-the-foot benefits of a Goodyear welted boot. But the Poron really helps with comfort, and if you’ve spent much time in heritage boots like Red Wing Iron Rangers, you’ll know that old-fashioned constructions feel like walking on hardwood. Not so with the Captain.
If you’re getting one of the Rugged and Resilient Captains, there’s a good chance you’ll get a blister or two in the first week of wear.
I don’t want to oversell this, though: if you’re getting one of the Rugged and Resilient Captains, there’s a good chance you’ll get a blister or two in the first week of wear, like I did when I first got my Black Matte Captains.
Just know that this is to be expected with any resoleable boot and that after a few wears, things will ease up. Consider bringing a pair of sneakers with you the first few times you go out in your Captains just in case your feet need a break.
[Related: Thursday’s President Boot Review | Rugged and Resilient for $199]
How to Size Thursday Captain Boots
- Order a half size smaller than your typical sneaker size
- Half sizes and 3 widths available
Thursday changed their sizing at the end of 2023, so listen up.
The new rule for sizing Thursday boots is: order a half size smaller than your sneakers.
Most boot brands recommend subtracting a half size from your Brannock measurement (that’s the device you measure your foot in at the shoe store, sometimes called your “true size”).
But when I asked Thursday’s CEO Nolan Walsh if that’s what he meant by “a half size smaller than your sneakers,” he said that they received fewer returns and exchanges when customers order a half size smaller than sneakers than when they ordered a half size smaller than Brannock.
So look at all your sneakers, get the average size, and go down a half size.
A big benefit of the size of this company is that they can offer multiple widths, an extravagance that smaller footwear brands can’t pull off. You can get the Captain in Wide and Extra Wide for EE and EEE feet — not for all the leathers, but the more popular the leather the more widths you can choose from.
If your feet feel too wide for your boots, you have the option of ordering a wider width, but many find success by simply sizing up half a size. Since Thursday does free exchanges, it might be worth trying both of those strategies for hard-to-fit feet before deciding this boot just isn’t for you. (And that does happen, sometimes. I simply can’t get a good fit in Thursday’s Duke Chelseas, but that’s another review.)
[Further Reading: How to Size Thursday Boots]
Thursday Captain Boot Price
- $199
The Captain, and the majority of Thursday’s boots, cost $199 on both their official site and Amazon, inclusive of shipping.
I get that this company is often a guy’s first foray into boots after a lifetime of sneakers, and he might find it rich to call that a great deal. But I encourage you to look around the market: nobody makes boots that can be resoled infinity times at this price point. Almost every other Goodyear welted boot on the market is over $300.
I even whipped up an exhaustive list of other boots that cost under $200 and none of them come close to this quality. (No, Dr. Martens don’t count, they can’t be resoled.)
The Anywhere Boot
Thursday Boot Co.'s Captain Boot
Check Thursdayboots.com
Check Amazon
With an unbeatable price, shock absorbing insole, dozens of colors, and a much more modern and versatile look than its competitors, it's easy to see why the Captain is so popular.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Thursday Captain Boot Alternatives
“How can I get something similar without paying so much?” You can’t. This boot is the best-made boot at this price, but if you like the look or the build and want to know about Thursday boot alternatives, here are some that are often in the conversation.
Portland Leather Goods’ Breaker Boots: They look just like the Captain, but they cost a dollar less. Sometimes, even less when they’re on sale, the problem is they aren’t Goodyear welted. The upper is glued to the sole like sneakers. That means they cost about the same, but they’re made more cheaply, so they’re not a great buy.
Red Wing’s Iron Rangers: An extraordinarily popular casual boot, the Iron Ranger has the advantage of being made in the USA, but it’s $150 more expensive, doesn’t absorb shock well at all (there’s no midsole), and the break in is much tougher. Plus, it’s a lot chunkier, but maybe that’s the look you’re after.
Meermin’s Boots: This is probably the next best value for a boot in the same casual category as Thursday. The tanneries are great, and the build is solid, but they usually cost around $275. Still, the best place to shop if you’re looking for unusual leathers like kudu or cordovan.
Jim Green’s African Rangers: They’re resoleable, and they’re under $200, but they’re closer to hiking boots than city boots.
Thursday Captain Boot: To Buy or Not to Buy?
Again, as a guy who writes about boots and visits factories and tanneries for a living, I recommend Thursday more often than any other brand.
I think that’s easy to justify given the fact that very few guys want to spend more than $200 on boots, but even if money isn’t a factor for you, the Captain’s versatility, array of leathers and sizes, low break-in, free shipping and exchanges, and great customer service make the Captain a great option for anyone.
Traditionalists might prefer a leather insole over Poron foam, and some guys prefer bulkier boots. And, of course, some dudes need boots with ASTM ratings for factory work, all of which is fine if that’s your jam.
But the reason Thursday has gotten so popular is that they’re ideal for the average use case: most guys just want good-looking, comfy, rainproof boots that look good with anything.
Thursday Captain FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions from guys looking to buy Thursday’s Captain boot.
What type of boot is Thursday Captain?
Thursday Captain Boots are cap toe service boots, which means they're leather lace up boots with stitching across the toes and a fairly low profile — they're not big and blocky like work boots, rather they're suitable for casual and business casual wear.
Are Thursday captains waterproof?
They’re very water resistant, though not technically waterproof. Their Goodyear welt construction and water resistant leather mean your socks will stay dry in a rainstorm, they’re just not ideal for standing in a lake fishing all day.
Are Thursday boots durable?
Yes, they have all the hallmarks of your traditional rough and tumble boots: full grain leather, leather midsoles, and Goodyear welt construction — so you can replace the sole when you need to and thereby extend the boot’s lifespan. If you need something to handle a jobsite and electrical hazards you should perhaps look elsewhere, but for daily wear it’s far more durable than a sneaker.
Are Thursday Captain boots resolable?
Yes, all of the Captain boots can be resoled because of their Goodyear welt construction. Some are made with storm welts, but this is just another kind of Goodyear welt that's extra water resistant.
Do you think they are good for everyday casual wear or too clunky?
The Captain boot stands out in the market for its unusual silhouette: slimmer than a chunky work boot, but less dainty than dress boots. This makes for an extremely versatile piece of footwear that can be paired with everything from a blazer to a t-shirt.
How do I care for the Thursday Captains?
It depends on the leather; there are over a dozen different kinds to choose from. For most of the leathers, applying Cobbler’s Choice Leather Conditioner every 6 to 12 months will help to hydrate the leather and improve its longevity. The Rugged & Resilient lines don't need conditioning, but it’s also a good idea to leave cedar shoe trees in the boots between wears to help maintain their shape and reduce moisture.
How long does it take to break in Thursday’s Captains?
Usually, no time at all: the leather is about 0.2 millimeters thinner than most chunky work boots plus there’s shock absorbing foam on the insole, both of which make for a boot that’s easier to break in. However, Thursday’s “Rugged and Resilient” line of leathers are tougher and stiffer and will take a few wears to soften up.
Hi Nick, just wondering what kind of QC issues do you look for when purchasing a boot? I’m about to order my first pair and looking at reddit reviews, I’m terrified I will not notice and just use a defective product. TY!
Thanks for commenting, David! I mostly look for loose threads and loose grain, is the short answer. Obviously there can be bigger problems like loose heels and scuffs, things like that, but if there’s nothing big it’s threads and leather quality, discoloration, and grain. I’ll take a good look at the welt as well because sometimes it’s uneven or poorly attached, like with the Indy: https://stridewise.com/alden-indy-403-boot-review/
Try velez boots in Colombia.
Hi Nick, I was wondering if you would be able to a comparison of the Thursday boot Captain vs the Iron Ranger from Redwing? These ar ethe two I’m kind of stuck between right now.
Hey Ian, I’ve got a Thursday Vs Wolverine coming out in a little bit but to answer your question briefly, I’d say the Red Wing is a chunkier, tougher, more outdoorsy shoe that would more comfortably be described as a workboot. As such it’s a bit less versatile and dressy than the Captain, plus the Red Wing has thicker leather that’s harder to break in. It depends on what environments you’re planning to wear the boots in I guess, but you also have to take into account the Thursday is over a hundred dollars cheaper. I also prefer its welt and sole…
I don’t know, it’s hard to make a decision between the two, it really depends on your needs. If you don’t have a ton of boots, versatility is usually the most important factor for me. Hope that helps!
Hi Nick, hello from Hong Kong. Came across your site and learned a lot about Boots from you. I have been thinking to buy the Captain or Scout Boots. Do they good enough to be kind of rain boots? I always want to buy boots that’s not too causal and with some degree of water resistance that I can wear to office. Thursday is reasonably priced and fits my bill. Would love to hear your opinion. Thanks.
Hey Brian, yeah I think the Thursday boots are solid in the rain, they’ve got a 360-degree Goodyear welt so they’re very water resistant. Hope you like ’em!
Hey Nick! I’ve been in the market for a new pair of boots, I’m a daily motorcycle rider and your reviews have really helped me out in narrowing down what I need from a utility standpoint. Love how in-depth you go and really explore the boot. It might be beneficial to do a review on a lower tier boot to help review possible pitfalls for consumers.
Thanks Graham! Yeah I’m trying to do some cheaper boots, I’ve got a few from LL Bean and Doc Martens and stuff coming out soon. Appreciate you commenting!
Just wanted to follow up and say I purchased Thursday’s captain boot as a result of your reviews. Gotta say you were spot on! Definitely recommending your site to my friends. After a couple weeks I’m extremely happy with my purchase. They do well in both wet and cold weather with water not penetrating seams or over saturating the leather. I was nervous about the outsole but it has a confident grip which was good when I backed out of my drive way down a wet and sloped incline. All that combined with the above ankle cut of the boot makes it great for motorcycle riders.
So glad to hear it, Graham! Delighted they worked out for you. I really do believe these boots are the best combination of construction, value, and materials. Have never been sure about whether or not they’d work for motorcycle riders when people ask me, glad to hear they’re working for you!
Hi Nick,
I’ve been wearing CBD’s for the last 4-5 years as an all-around work and play boot and looking to upgrade to something a little more durable yet still holding a bit of that “hybrid” feel between fashion and function. I also wanted to make sure I could get a boot with a relatively easily replaceable sole – because that’s what always goes out in my CBD’s. First I read your comparison between Iron Rangers and 1000 Miles and was going to pull the trigger on the 1000 Miles because of the Vibram outsole (Evans). But now, thanks to your comparison with Thursday Boot Company’s Captains – you may have saved me $200. I wouldn’t have known about the absence of the steel shank, and the crinkling of the leather, though I may end up getting a pair of each eventually. Really appreciate what you’re doing here. Thank you for your help!
Hey Austin thanks for commenting man. I think going from CDBs to Thursdays is a really good move, Thursdays aren’t all that much more expensive (considering how expensive boot get) but the quality is a lot better and the sole is easily replaceable. Also the Clarks boot’s sole is crepe which wears through very fast, Thursday’s is a hardier rubber. I really appreciate your kind words about the site! If you do get Wolverines eventually I think it’d pay to get them in a store so you can inspect the leather yourself and make sure there’s no loose grain and stuff. If you can do that, and you get the rubber sole, they’re pretty good boots. Enjoy!
Hey Nick, thanks for the highly informative review: here’s a fashion/wear question. I got the terra cotta color thinking it was a bit warmer and more versatile – turns out it’s lighter than I thought & I’m thinking it might show scuffs easier than the brown. So now I’m thinking to exchange with either brown or black. I am NOT going to wear these on trails or working outdoors, it’s more biz casual or just casual. I do wear a lot of black but like the mild contrast of the dark brown. Any thoughts on the best all-around color? Thanks.
Hey thanks for the comment Rob, sorry for the delay. The terracotta boot looks a bit like the Burnt Copper I have for my Thursday Vanguards — yes, they’re lighter and scratch more, I think the idea though is to for the scratching to sort of build up until eventually you basically have a hatch like quality that makes the boots look badass and well worn. I think that looks great adventuring or in casual environments, for the office, depending on where you work, I can see what you mean about them not being as dressy as the other leathers. I think what you’re looking for is the Natural color https://thursdayboots.com/products/mens-horween-natural-captain – that’s light but not as outdoorsy. My colleague wears these every day and they look great.
Hi Nick,
Loved your reviews on the Thursday Captain here and on YouTube. I was considering buying the Thursday Explorer boot. Would like to hear your opinion on their quality, durability and comfort. Do you think they are good for everyday casual wear or too clunky?
Thanks
Arnab
Hey Arnab, thanks so much for the kind words! If you can believe it, I hadn’t even heard of their Explorer boots. They look like they’d be good bets for super snowy winters, they’re not waterproof but the storm welt is kind of an extra water resistant Goodyear welt. I don’t know if “clunky” is the word I’d use for them, I think they’d be acceptable during a very snowy/rainy day, they’d be forgivable. A bit odd to wear when there’s no precipitation to trudge through.
Hi Nick,
I just purchased the AE Higgins Mill boot in Brown, and the Thursday Captain in Brown. I love them both, and am slightly leaning towards the Thursday due the more fashionable, less clunky toe box. However, I am worried about the longevity, and also being able to resole them. Since the bottoms of the Thursdays are their own design, where would I be able to get another sole? Can you just take them to any cobbler? Allen Edmonds takes care of the entire resole process for you for 150 bucks.
Thanks.
Hey Matthew, thanks for commenting. Both shoes are Goodyear welted so they can both be resoled by any cobbler. I think most cobblers would have Dainite soles, which is what the HM has and is pretty much exactly what Thursday has, although they make their own sole it’s more or less meant to mimic Dainite. Don’t worry about either of them not being able to be resoled, you could probably get a cobbler to resole the HMs for under $150 as well. (I think.) Both shoes are super versatile but I’d agree the Thursday is a tad dressier.
Nick,
After finding Thursday Boots web site, I immediately gravitated to the Captain Boot. I read your in depth, unbiased and thorough reviews of the Captain. Then I watched your YouTube reviews of the Thursday President. Thank you for your excellent work in both written and video formats! Based on the information you presented I purchased a brown pair of the Captains and I couldn’t be happier! What an excellent pair of boots!
I’m waiting for the Wingtip to become available again at Thursday. What is your impression of the Thursday Wingtip? I’m looking to have it fill the gap for dressier nights out with slacks, chinos or jeans.
Thank you for your professionalism, excellent analysis and reporting.
Ed this means the world to me, thanks so much for leaving a comment, and I’m glad my words rung true for you! I haven’t tried the wingtip, they look pretty similar, just a different design on the toe and they look a bit dressier, so yeah I think they could work great when you’re dressing up a bit. Funnily enough that kind of broguing when it originally was designed was for hunting in the British countryside and it was an absolute sin to wear any boots with broguing anywhere except for the outdoors. Now they’re considered dressy!
Nick,
Greetings from way out East in Long Island.
I’m absolutely obsessed with your YouTube channel- you convinced me to go with Thursday Wingtips- love them! Super comfy, stylish, and all.
I have some of the Jos A Bank Cedar shoe trees, and I find that they are too tight to put in all the way, even if i loosen the laces a good amount. Do you have any brand recommendations, or am I being a wuss and push those trees in more.
Keep up the great work!
This is so lovely to hear, Trevor! What a treat, I really appreciate your comment and am glad Stridewise helped you find a boot you love. If you’ve been wearing the boots too much to return them, head to a cobbler — most have dedicated shoe stretchers to help in situations like that.
It doesn’t need to be stretched, just wondering what shoe tree you use. The only one I can get in there is the cheap plastic, but have plenty of the cedar ones. Tho I’m a size 8, so that might have something to do with it?
Oh I thought you were saying they’re too tight. I just get cheap shoe trees from these guys: https://www.wood-n-stuff.com/ but I should probably graduate to ones with rounder heels
Hello Nick.
And greetings from a tropical country! Wearing boots in the Philippines is considered “odd” however, that won’t stop me from purchasing me next pair of Thursdays!
My question is, which color is much more versatile in terms of dressing business casual look and would be able to look bad ass with leather jackets?
My choices are Black Captains and Brown President. And I already own a Cognac Suede Scout.
Your unbiased review for Captains are on point and will look forward to hear more from your posts!
Haha I hope your boots are happy in the Philippines! I’m sorry for the delay in responding, my blog hid your comment for some reason. If badass is what you’re going for, I’d go with black. I prefer brown as it’s more versatile.
Do you find that the upper tongue of the boots get scratched by the inner facings of the eyelets? the two upper lace hooks really do a job when i lace them up. Maybe thats just a part of the look as they break in, as it doesnt show when fully laced up
Yeah that happens with most leather boots, Stephen!
Great review, I especially like how you get into the technical details of the material and construction. Not a lot of people know the difference between top grain and full grain, let alone about a hot stuffed tan.
By the way, leather is usually measured in “ounces”. 1.8mm is between 4 and 5 ounces. In theory that’s based on the weight of a square foto of that leather, but in reality the actual weight of leather varies greatly depending on the animal and the tanning process and the phases of the moon. Generally 1 ounce = 1/64″ = 0.4mm.
How do you think the Thursday President compares to Bates Chukkas? I’ve been wearing size 11E Bates Chukkas for years, but I’m thinking about switching to a Thursday President, but I’m a little worried that I won’t like them as much.
What I like about the Bates Chukkas is that they’re as comfortable as a sneaker but nice enough to wear with a suit, and can handle wet weather. However, the Bates are $185 a pair and they don’t seem to last more than a year or two before the leather tears, usually on the outside of the vamp, about an inch forward from the edge of the upper.
I’m a little worried about the thickness of the soles on the Thursday, and especially the thick heel. The Bates have a relatively thin sole, and I like that, though I usually like my Bates a bit better after the heels are worn down a bit. Having a thicker heel means my foot is tilted down and that causes an ache in the top of my foot if I walk too much with that.
Thanks Steve! Yeah I know leather is usually measured in ounces but it’s details that so few companies give out, I should make a habit of asking that number though. I mention on the Whites review and a few others.
I can’t say I’ve tried those Chukkas I’m afraid! I’d definitely say the President would last longer, though. It’s true that the Thursday boots have a pretty high heel though.
Thanks for the good info. I’m looking for a solid pair of versatile boots (casual work and going out) that will last 5+ years when warn a lot. Doing additional research, I’m finding some reviewers comment the Thursday’s start to fall apart by year 3 and the insole makes it not worth resoling. Any comment on this? At $200, the Captain is a great looking boot, but I’d rather spend more for Iron Rangers or similar and get a boot that will last if Thursday are more of a “short term” investment.
I think Thursdays are pretty durable but if you’re willing to spend more money on casual boots, it’s true the Iron Rangers have thicker leather and are a bit more suited for super casual beaters. I think they’re less versatile though.
Hey Nick, love your YouTube channel and all the reviews you put out. I originally had my eyes set on a pair of AE Higgins Mills, but after going though a couple exchanges with loose grain and stitching issues, am thinking of giving up and going with Thursday. I read in one of the other comments that you also own a pair of Vanguards, how do those compare to the Captains? I am a little on the fence since the Vanguards don’t have speed hooks.
Thanks a ton David! Sorry I missed your comment. The Vanguard review makes a lot of comparisons to the Captain that I think could be helpful, the main thing is they don’t have the EVA strip in the sole so it’s more of a traditional workboot feel. The last is a tad narrower too, I preferred going true to size with them.
Hi Nick,
Thursday boots seems really attractive. Maybe inspired by Viberg boots? What do you think of the Vanguard model? It cost a little more than other Thursday boots.
I just wrote a review of the vanguard! https://stridewise.com/thursday-vanguard-boot-review/
Hi Nick,
Thanks for a thorough review. Im heading to Ireland in a few weeks and wanted another boot aside from my hiking boots; one that would hold up well, be comfortable, and look good with jeans or slacks. You’ve convinced me the Captain will fit the bill.
Yeah the versatility is a huge selling point. Hope you like ’em, Gary!
Hi Nick,
Great review! I’ve been looking at these boots vs the usual suspects. You mentioned something above regarding their high heel. I’m 6’2” and don’t need to add extra height. Are the heels of Thursday’s boots the same as RW, Wolverines, etc?
Thanks!!!
They’re a little higher, actually.
You are the worst!
After finding and watching your youtube vids, I now have a pair of Captains (received last night), surprisingly purchased via Amazon.au I’m in Sydney 🙂 and some Edwin Selvedge jeans!
Captains a size 7.5D as i’m an 8 E (orEE)on sneakers. On first wear, my left foot settled perfectly, but my right is struggling it a bit(feels like the heel is being strangled.. how long do you think it would break in?
Love what you do!
missed editing my full name (auto fill). got excited leaving a post.
Haha a lot of guys cuss me out for costing them money. So the right is just tight on the heel? Maybe you should have gone with the wide fit if you’re EE. But since the right foot is fine maybe you could get a cobbler to stretch it out?
Hi Nick. Enjoy your reviews. Between you and that Michael Smolski kid, I feel somewhat confident in buying these boots. But I also see some terrible reviews of them including chunks of the rubber sole chipping off, separation of the sole from the upper, and peeling of the insole liner. Some people also aren’t impressed with the leather quality. Any thoughts on those things? I’m used to low/medium quality boots like Docs 1460’s and Clark’s desert boots so I’m not going to judge them by Alden or Viberg standards. I’d love to buy some higher quality more expensive boots but just not in the cards right now. Of note, there are some AE Sullivan Street Dress Boots to be had for about $237 on sale right now but I’m no sure about the pebbled leather. I just want a boot I can dress up or down for travel so I can pack light. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Hey Michael, glad you like the site. For me I really value versatility and cost, and I think Thursday wins in that regard. I know early models of the boot had some issues but my newer ones are holding up really well, I guess that’s all I can say about it! Parkhurst is another really solid brand, they’re a hundred dollars more expensive but they’re probably worth 200 dollars more if you want to roll the dice on them
Hi again Nick. Thanks for the reply. I picked up some Captains and am quite happy. I got the Brandy full grain. Seems like nice leather but I’m not expert. Almost seems too perfect so I wonder if it’s corrected in any way. Time will tell about durability. The first pair had misaligned caps so sent them back but the second are almost flawless. Get what you mean about the feeling of walking on sand but man are they comfortable. Also managed to snag some AE Daltons on clearance + 20% 4th of a July sale + an additional 20% after complaining about some QC issues. Ended up less than the Captains. I ordered two sizes and one of them were absolutely terrible. AE should be embarrassed they sent them out. Not even seconds quality. Literally had two completely different color soles among many other issues. So my experience, limited as it is, was that I got better QC with the Thursdays. Also, was wondering if you were going to review the Daltons. Would be interested in your impressions.
How’s that Dura EVA treating you after a year? I’m worried it’ll turn hard.
It flattened out and the shank came up and now the arch support is even better to be honest Bill! It doesn’t stay super squishy but I don’t have an issue with that.
Nice!
Thanks for your feedback Nick.
Brown or Brandy?
These are brown!
I just wanted to thank you.
This review convinced me to give the Captain’s a try, I bought them in the Arizona Adobe and have had them a little less than a year now and I have been happy with them since day one.
Terrific! Thanks for the 1-year update, Nathan! Always happy to read them.
Hey Nick
I just wanted to drop a big thank you for what you do, it really helped me decide, since I do live in a country (Madagascar) where none of these boots you reviewed are offered in stores.
So I had to buy online and a return is definitely not an option (shipping + import tax/duty cost more than the boots themselves). It was more like a gamble for me.
I wanted to order Thursday’s (president) but unfortunately they do not ship to my country.
So, instead I went with the Higgins Mill which is on sale right now so the price gap is not huge.
The wheeling issues are present but did not have the famous loose grain frequently reported on various forums. Fits true to size as you described, and very comfy. Wore them today and no breaking in needed. All in all a happy purchase!!
Still willing to buy Thursday’s though, once they ship here. Hopefully one day.
Hey really happy the site could be useful, and it’s so cool to have a guy from Madagascar on the site! Higgins Mill is a great boot, I’m sure Allen Edmonds loves the fact that their boot is being worn around Madagascar. It’s a great boot! Congrats on the purchase.
Hi Nick,
I know you reviewed these quite some time ago now, but I have come across you youtube channel over the last month or so and I have really enjoyed your point of view. The fact that you wear all of the boots prior to reviewing them in order to give an more accurate and honest take on each product is very much appreciated.
I am strongly considering these Thursday Captain boots, but have one main concern that I didn’t see addressed. How stiff is the toe on these boots? I plan on using them as an alternative to motorcycle boots and want to know if the toe is likely to get crushed due to the shift pedal.
Thank you for your feedback
Hey Danny, glad you like the site, man. The toe on the Captains isn’t like an extra layer of leather, I wouldn’t say it’s the best for protecting your toes. Maybe consider Iron Rangers for that.
Hi, I’ve recently found your blog and have since read nearly every post and seen every video! Love your stuff.
I bought a pair of Captains based on your recommendation, and actually have found true to size seems better in my case, oddly enough.
However, I am having a slight issue where my big toe rubs against the top of the toe box due to the slim profile. Have you ever had any experience with something like that? Is it possible to stretch that spot upwards?
Thanks in advance!
ey Ian, glad you like the site! Grateful you’ve been clicking around. Yeah if you take them to a cobbler I don’t doubt they can stretch that out for you. Good luck!
Just put my Captains back in the box for return, failed eyelet on the upper left side of the left boot, eyelet completely failed, fully separated, they’re on their way back to the company, sorely disappointed as this was valued recommendation from Paul Stuart in New York City. Not sure about the durability or quality control of these Captains, could have been a bad day at the factory, but I’m inclined to look elsewhere for boots.
Sorry to hear it, Andrew! Hopefully you get a good pair next.
Hi Nick,
I am just curious on what size boot I should go for exactly, the reason being I live down under and yes you guessed it I do wear RM Williams boots and my size is 8 1/2 H UK size which they deem is there wide width…your help would be greatly appreciated as I am very keen on getting a pair of Thursday Captain boots in brown. Cheers
Hey, uh. My UK size is 10.5 and my Captains size is 11, so I’d guess you’re a 9 in the Captains. Good luck Jason!
Would you consider the captains a work boot?
It’s a hybrid dress/work boot, I wouldn’t call it a workboot workboot. It’s a bit too streamlined, not quite chunky enough.
Hi Nick,
Love your channel. Good to see an Aussie doing well in NYC. I am tall and I’m tossing up between the Thursday President and AE Higgins Mill boots. The heel on the President looks high and I want it as low as possible. Is the heel on the Higgins Mill lower? Should I be looking at any other alternatives? Cheers
Thanks Mark! The Higgins Mill heel is lower, yes. Silhouettes are similar too, though Parkhurst make boots pretty similar to Thursday with a lower heel you might want to check out. Beckett Simonon’s boots are also a good option, though a bit rounder in the toe.
I wear Thursday Boots’ Presidents every day at work. They are the most comfortable footwear I own. After 2 years of almost constant wear I had them resoled by http://www.resole.com in Virginia. Great job, fast turn around and under $100! Definitely a happy consumer. Scott V. Stamford CT
Hey Nick, thanks for the review. Would you say that the “Rugged and Resilient” colors can still dress up to business casual? I quite like the look + color combo of having both the Arizona Adobe and the Matte Black but want to make sure they would be appropriate with a dress shirt and khakis.
Hey Jones, for business casual yes, I think they work. They’re not shiny/chromey like Thursday’s Brown, Black, and Natural, but I think so long as you pick a boot that doesn’t have shiny nickel/silver looking eyelets, it can do fine with biz caszh.
Hello , I just wanted to say I love my Thursday Tobacco Captain’s Boots. The sole of my boots are different than you have pictured, not a complaint just an observation. They feel good after only a few days wear, and they look very cool. I would recommend these to all.
Cool! Glad you liked them Dave!
Thanks for sharing! Appreciate it so much
You got it Jay
Hi Nick!
I know it’s been a few years since you wrote up this review, but I wanted to say how much I appreciate how in depth it is. I’ve had my eye on the Thursday boots for a while after my poor off-brand combat boots finally gave up the ghost, and this review has answered a lot of the questions I had about the comfort, construction, and quality! Honestly your whole site has been a huge help as I’m narrowing down the options, nowhere else has been quite so thorough and approachable at the same time.
There is one more thing I’m curious about, though. I work in retail, so I’m on my feet anywhere from 6-8 hours a day, and also do a decent amount of all weather city walking, including on slick cobblestone and hills. Would these shoes hold up for comfort and grip in those conditions, even if I wear them daily?
Lee, glad you find this website so useful! Their soles are pretty good in the rain but there are a few Captains with lug soles if you want to hedge your bets
Greetings Nick. Curious as to what product you applied to your Terracotta Captains for them to darken that much or was it just the three years of wear. That’s exactly the color/patina I’m looking for. Great YouTube channel and website. Keep up the great work.
Hey thanks Erik! I just used Venetian Shoe Cream 🙂