When it comes to finding the perfect pair of boots, discerning shoppers want it all – premium materials, expert craftsmanship, enduring style, and all-day comfort. Tall order, right? Enter Thursday Boot Company.
This direct-to-consumer startup is shaking up the footwear industry with their handcrafted, small-batch boots that don‘t skimp on quality or break the bank. I had the chance to test drive a few of their most popular men‘s and women‘s styles, and spoiler alert: These boots were made for walking, working, and turning heads.
In this comprehensive Thursday Boots review, I‘ll give you the inside scoop on the brand‘s impressive lineup and help you determine which pair is right for you. We‘ll dive into the materials and construction, fit and sizing, styling potential, and so much more. By the end, you‘ll be ready to step out in your new favorite boots. Let‘s get started!
About Thursday Boot Company
First, a little background on the brand. Thursday Boot Company was founded in 2014 by friends Connor Wilson and Nolan Walsh. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, fairly priced options on the market, they set out to craft boots that would meet their own exacting standards.
The result is a thoughtfully edited collection of boots and shoes that perfectly balances form and function. By partnering with top-notch suppliers and selling directly to consumers online, Thursday is able to offer a luxury-level product at a revolutionary price point.
Every design decision is intentional, from the full-grain leathers to the custom-developed comfort insoles. These are boots built to last, in terms of both construction and style. They‘re timeless, not trendy, with a clean, classic aesthetic that works for all occasions.
Materials & Construction
Let‘s take a closer look at what goes into a pair of Thursday Boots. The uppers are crafted from premium leathers, sourced from the best tanneries around the globe. The exact type depends on the specific boot style, but some examples include:
-
Horween Chromexcel: A rich, pull-up leather from the renowned Horween Leather Co. of Chicago.
-
WeatherSafe Suede: An innovative suede that‘s engineered to repel moisture and resists stains.
-
Chrome leather: A soft, pliable leather with a subtle shine, hot-stuffed with waxes and oils for comfort and durability.
-
Waxed canvas: A hardy cotton duck fabric with a weather-resistant paraffin wax coating.
Thursday‘s sturdy Goodyear welt construction ensures a resoleable build that can handle anything life throws your way. The outsoles are rugged rubber with studded tread patterns that offer excellent grip on any surface.
Concealed within the boots, you‘ll find multi-layered insoles designed for all-day comfort and support. There‘s a shock-absorbing PU core, moisture-wicking Dri-Lex layer, and a supple leather lining that molds to your feet over time.
Sizing & Fit
Thursday Boots offers an inclusive size range, with most styles available in men‘s sizes 6-16 and women‘s sizes 5-12 (including half sizes). The lasts give a snug, glove-like fit through the heel and instep, with a bit of extra wiggle room in the toes.
For the best fit, I recommend following the size guide on the product page and taking advantage of the printable Fit Finder. Generally, you‘ll want to size down a half size from your normal shoe size. Thursday offers free size exchanges, so if you don‘t nail it on the first try, they‘ve got your back.
In terms of break-in time, many reviewers happily report instant comfort right out of the box. That said, allow for a brief period for the cork midsoles to conform to the shape of your feet and the leather to soften up. With wear, these boots will feel custom-made for you.
Popular Styles: Men‘s
Captain Boot
Thursday‘s all-time best-selling boot is a handsome, hardworking classic. With a streamlined silhouette, the Captain works equally well with jeans or a suit. It features a slim cap toe, metal eyelets, and low-profile heel. The Captain is available in a wide range of leathers, from natural Chromexcel to earthy suede, all of which patina beautifully over time.
President Boot
The President is the slightly more rugged sibling to the Captain, with a rounded toe and heavier weight leather. Versatile and durable, it‘s a reliable everyday boot that‘s always up for an adventure. Take your pick from waxed cacao, shadow grey suede, tobacco leather, and more.
Vanguard Boot
Inspired by vintage military boots, the Vanguard is a modern take on the traditional service boot. With its slim profile and contrast stitching, it‘s a style statement that doesn‘t sacrifice comfort. The Vanguard comes in supple suede or oil-tanned leather, with antique brass hardware.
Logger Boot
Rugged good looks meet all-terrain durability in the Logger. Borrowing details from classic work boots, it‘s got a tough-as-nails build and edgy style. The Logger features a Vibram outsole, gunmetal hardware, and 6 inches of oiled leather. Go ahead, put them to work.
Popular Styles: Women‘s
Captain Boot
Like the men‘s version, the women‘s Captain is an endlessly versatile lace-up boot. The narrower silhouette and lower heel height give it a more feminine feel, without sacrificing its signature casual cool. Perfectly balanced and effortlessly stylish, the Captain is a one-and-done wardrobe workhorse.
Knockout Boot
The Knockout is a thoroughly modern Chelsea boot with attitude. Elastic gore insets make for an easy on/off, while the stacked heel and angled top line create a leg-lengthening effect. Choose from richly pebbled leather or soft, strokable suede.
Legend Boot
With its dramatic knee-high shaft, the Legend boot commands attention. But it‘s also a masterclass in understated luxury, with a simple silhouette and fuss-free detailing. The full-grain leather is at once tough and buttery-soft, made for all-day wear. Subtle stitching and a sturdy stacked heel complete the design.
Customer Reviews
While the quality and style speak for themselves, the glowing testimonials from satisfied customers really say it all. With thousands of 5-star reviews, it‘s clear that Thursday has a devoted fan base.
Comfort is king, and reviewers rave about how great these boots feel on the feet, even after long hours of standing or walking. The well-cushioned footbeds and supportive lasts make a huge difference.
Customers also appreciate the outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the careful stitching to the tight-grain leathers, every element is designed to go the distance. Many comment that their Thursday boots are holding up beautifully, year after year.
Of course, style is a major selling point too. People love the versatile designs that transition effortlessly from work to weekend. The color options and leather finishes get top marks for their ability to elevate any outfit.
The reasonable price point seals the deal. Reviewers say they‘d expect to pay double for this level of quality. Getting a made-to-last boot for under $200 feels like a steal.
How They Compare
If you‘re considering Thursday boots, you‘re probably familiar with other leading brands like Red Wing, Wolverine, and Chippewa. So how do they stack up?
In terms of construction and materials, Thursday is very much on par with its pricier competitors. You‘ll find Goodyear welts, steel shanks, and top-grain leathers here too. The craftsmanship is impeccable across the board.
Style-wise, Thursday has a more fashion-forward, less workwear-inspired aesthetic. The lasts are cut slightly narrower and the silhouettes are more streamlined overall. They‘re also lighter in weight, which some may prefer for all-day wear.
The biggest difference is price. Thursday boots cost about half as much as comparable Red Wing or Wolverine styles. By cutting out the middleman and going direct to consumers, they‘re able to offer legitimate value.
How to Get the Best Deal
As mentioned, Thursday boots are already very competitively priced. But there are still ways to save a few bucks.
Students and teachers get a 10% discount on all orders with a valid .edu email address. Active duty military, veterans, and first responders are also eligible for 10% off.
Thursday occasionally runs promotions for free gifts with purchase, like a leather care kit or bottle opener. Follow them on social media or sign up for the email newsletter to be the first to know.
If you‘re eyeing a discontinued style or second, you can score a deal at their rare sample sales. Again, get on the email list for alerts.
The brand offers free shipping on orders over $50 and free returns on orders over $100. Easy delivery and no-hassle returns make it totally risk-free to give them a try.
The Bottom Line
After thoroughly putting Thursday boots to the test, I can confidently say they live up to the hype. The styles are current and cool, but not so trendy that they‘ll look dated next season. The materials and build are best-in-class, especially for the price. And most importantly, they‘re comfortable enough for extended jaunts around town.
With their direct to consumer model and commitment to ethical, small-batch production, Thursday Boot Company is doing things differently. And that‘s a very good thing for your feet and your wallet.
Whether you go for a goes-with-everything brown Captain, a rugged-meets-refined President, or a sleek leather Legend, you‘ll find yourself reaching for your Thursday boots daily. These are instant wardrobe heroes, and the beginning of a beautiful friendship with your feet.
