I’m doing more manual labor as a park host while we’re traveling. So, I have found the importance of investing in a good pair of work boots. Which means I got lucky recently when Duradero Boots reached out to have me test and review a pair of work boots for them.
I’m picky about my shoes and boots. My feet are small but wide, and a genetic inclination for bunyons has started to impact me. Getting shoes that fit can be challenging, especially when ordering online.
The boots I chose
I received my Gallatin 6″ Soft Toe boots about a month ago. My initial reaction was that the boots were a bit stiff, and I wasn’t sure they’d be comfortable. But the leather has broken in some after wearing them for a bit. I think they’re getting more comfortable every time I wear them.
The boots seem very well constructed. They aren’t heavy, but they feel heavy-duty because of the way they are stitched and the materials Duradero uses. I can’t speak to their longevity yet, but they seem like they should last a long time.
One bonus of buying from Duradero is that they stand proudly behind their products. They pitch their items as buying two pairs instead of one because they offer a free resole whenever you need it.
That’s a great perk, especially if you spend all day on your feet and can wear through soles. Good work boots are expensive but a worthwhile investment. Finding a company willing to refresh your used boots into new ones for free is a real blessing.
Trust the scanner
I mentioned earlier how tricky it can be to find a comfortable shoe. Another unique thing about Duradero is their specially designed extra-wide toe box. That helps people who want more breathing space around their toes or who may have to wear thicker socks at work. They also offer a more “traditional” fit. This is a narrower fit overall but with a toe box still slightly wider than in other work boots.
As I mentioned, having bunyons means I need a wider toe box, but I don’t necessarily need a bigger shoe. That can cause fitment issues elsewhere.
I used Duradero’s scanning feature to determine what size I should order. You scan a QR code on their website. That opens a web application on your phone that walks you through scanning your foot with the camera. Once it has taken your measurements, it recommends a size based on your selected shoe style.
For years, I have worn a 7.5 in every pair of shoes I have bought. So, when Duradero’s scanner said I needed a size 7, I was skeptical. I hesitated and finally vetoed the scanner and ordered a 7.5.
And I was wrong!
Exchanges and returns are easy
When the boots came in, the extra wide toe box gave me plenty of room. But the shoe itself was longer and wider than I usually have in a 7.5. I’m unsure if it’s their construction or because of the toe box design. They were loose and would not work. I needed the size 7, just like their scanner told me.
That meant I got to test their customer service, which was an unexpected perk for this review. The return process was simple, although I had to initiate a return and then ask them if I could exchange instead. The service agent I corresponded with was friendly, and they quickly converted the return to an exchange.
I liked that they emailed me a return postage label and processed shipping the new size. That meant Duradero sent a new pair my way without delay.
We’re affiliates now
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As mentioned above, I have not owned these Duradero boots for enough time to testify to their longevity. However, I can attest to the apparent build quality and efficiency of their customer service. And the promise of a free resole in the future means these boots should be in rotation for a long time.
If you’re interested in checking out Duradero boots for yourself, follow our affiliate link and see if there’s something you like.
