In this article I want to do a quick overview of Thorogood 1957 vs Chippewa Edge Walker Boots so you can better understand the differences. When I recently tried 11 different types of waterproof moc-toe boots, these two boots were my favorites.
Both of these are excellent options, but there are small differences that might make one better than the other. Below I will discuss the most important qualities for both boots.
Thorogood 1957 vs Chippewa Edge Walker
Thorogood 1957 Pros & Cons
Here are the most important things to understand about Thorogood 1957 Series Boots:
- Easy to Break In – My boots use Briar Pitstop leather. This leather is heavily infused with oils and is tumbled so that despite being thick, it feels soft and flexible out of the box (learn more).
- Thick Leather – When I tested 11 of the most popular waterproof moc toe boots, these boots had the second thickest leather at 2.48mm thick (learn more).
- Long-Lasting – The thickness of this leather combined with the infused oils makes this a very long-lasting leather that is not prone to flaking (learn more).
- Leather Repels Water – The well-oiled leather was also much more water-repellent than the other boots I tested (learn more).
- Made in USA – The Thorogood 1957 Boot is made in the USA (w/ Global Parts) and the Chippewa Edge Walker is fully imported.
- Waterproof Membrane – The internal waterproof membrane passed my waterproofing submersion test and did not let any water leak inside the boot (learn more).
- Outsole – The Thorogood MaxWear Wedge Outsole is a polyurethan-based wedge outsole. The Chippewa Edge Walker uses the Vibram Cristy Wedge Outsole. These two outsoles are similar, but the Thorogood MAXWear Wedge is more durable and the Chippewa Vibram Cristy is a bit softer (learn more).
- Welt – This boot is built using a Goodyear Storm Welt Construction for easy re-crafting and extra moisture protection. However, this is a synthetic welt instead of a leather welt, which may lead to extra repair costs at some point (learn more)
- Grommets – This Thorogood 1957 boot has more eyelets and speed hooks than average work boots which creates a secure fit & easier on/off (learn more).
- Cork Filler – The Thorogood 1957 Boot uses cork filler under foot and the Chippewa Edge Walker uses foam. Cork is lightweight, easy to break in, and forms to foot and is widely considered to be a great filler material (learn more).
- Shock Absorbing Insoles – These Thorogood Boots use shock-absorbing insoles that have gel pads under both the heel and the toe pad. I like this insole better than the Chippewa insole (learn more).
- Durable – My heavily used boots have no damage to the seams which are holding strong and the leather is not flaking or cracking. All grommets are still in good shape and the boot has proven to be a long-lasting boot.
- Price – Waterproof liners in work boots don’t last as long as other premium boot parts which can cause a tough decision on whether or not to replace the boot if liner wears out despite boot parts in good shape. Price of these boots may exceed some budgets (learn more).
Chippewa Edge Walker Pros & Cons
- Thinner Leather – These Chippewa Edge Walker Boots use a unique leather that is thinner than many other boot leathers, but still has premium, long-lasting qualities. The thinner leather makes this boot very lightweight versus competitors (learn more).
- Easy to Break In – The leather is heavily infused with oils and is tumbled so it is very soft, flexible, and easy to break in (learn more).
- Long-Lasting Leather – The quality of this leather combined with the infused oils makes this leather long-lasting despite being a thinner leather. However, the Thorogood 1957 leather will be more durable since it is a thicker leather (learn more).
- Waterproof Leather – The well-oiled leather was also much more water-repellent than the other boots I tested. These Chippewa Edge Walker Boots and the Thorogood 1957 Boots both have excellent leather that repels moisture effectively (learn more).
- Rubber-Based Wedge – The Vibram Cristy wedge outsole in these Chippewa Edge Walker Boots is a rubber-based wedge, which makes it softer than polyurethane-based wedge outsole used in the Thorogood 1957 Boots (learn more).
- Waterproof Membrane – The internal waterproof membrane on my Chippewa Edge Walker Boots passed my waterproofing submersion test and did not allow any water to leak in (learn more)
- Leather Welt – This boot is built using a Goodyear Welt Construction for easy re-crafting and it is a leather-based welt, which is better than the synthetic welt on the Thorogood 1957 Boots. However, this is a flat welt and the Thorogood boot uses a storm welt which is considered to be a slightly better barrier against moisture (learn more).
- Foam Filler – The foam filler in these Chippewa Edge Walker boots proved to be very resilient and much thicker than other types of foam filler. You can trust this foam filler to provide long-term comfort (learn more).
- Foam Insoles – The insole on these boots is not uncomfortable, it just doesn’t separate itself and feels like an insole I’d find in a $150 boot. It’s removable so you can swap if needed. I liked the Thorogood 1957 insoles better (learn more)
- Used Boots – My heavily used Chippewa Edge Walker boots have no damage to the seams which are holding strong and the leather, despite being a thinner leather, is holding up very well.
- Price – I bought my Chippewa Edge Walker Boots for $220, which was much less than the Thorogood 1957 Boots. The price point of these boots is within the price range I like to use for waterproof boots (learn more)
- Padded Collar – Did you know Chippewa was the first boot company to incorporate a padded collar into a work boot? In 1970, the company received approval on US Patent 3545107 and incorporated what the company calls the Kush-N-Kollar®. This collar is designed to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon as you walk and work.
Thorogood 1957 vs Chippewa Edge Walker Conclusion
These boots are both excellent waterproof moc toe boots. The Thorogood Waterproof Moc Toe Boots use a thicker leather and are made in the USA, and because of that, they are more expensive. The Chippewa Edge Walker Boots use a thinner leather, are more lightweight, and because they are imported, they are offered at a lower price point.
To read more, visit my reviews linked below: