Wolverine Rancher Flag Work Boot

I got a new pair of boots, and they kick butt!

View fullsize

I recently got a new pair of stylish Wolverine Rancher Flag Work Boots, and after wearing them for a few weeks I thought I’d share my thoughts with you. Actually the full name of the boot is Rancher Flag Steel-Toe Wellington Work Boot, in case you’re interested in looking for this boot on the company website. 

If we just look at the general footwear produced by Wolverine, the quality is consistently good. The customer reviews are good to excellent overall, although there are a few negative reviews thrown in. When considering boots or shoes for purchase I find it helpful to look closely at the negative reviews, as often those are detailed and precise in their criticisms. The Rancher Flag Work Boot is a new entry into the Wolverine line, so there is only one review (according to a company agent I spoke with online) at the time of this writing, a 5-star review in terms of comfort and durability.

Just evaluating the boots I have, I will say that on the plus side it is a darn sharp-looking boot. The top of the boot has a sweet exposed American flag design peeking through decoratively stitched leather. I actually hated to pull my pants over the top of the boot, hiding the design. Truth be told, I felt a little more patriotic wearing these boots.

As for comfort, they were easy to pull on and easy to take off, and the fit was comfortable and easy on my feet. I have a tendency toward gout, and I have to deal with some degree of it on a fairly regular basis. The first day I wore the Rancher Flag boot I was a little concerned, because I had a tinge of gout in my left foot. New boots equal stiffness equals greater discomfort with gout. But surprise, I felt no additional discomfort and actually found putting them on and walking in them to be a pleasant experience. 

Checking out the construction I was pleased as well. They appear to be well-made and solidly put together throughout, although I’ll have to wear them for a few months to honestly determine how durable they are. But I love the feel of them, and I especially love the look. The tan leather, light decorative stitching, and Old Glory showing on the front and back shafts is just plain gorgeous. I’ll likely consider these to be more a pair of dress boots than work boots, at least until they get beat up from use.

On the negative side, they're made in China. Unfortunately, all Wolverine footwear, with the exception of their famous 1000 Mile Boot, is no longer made in America. It would be fantastic, and appropriate, if the Rancher Flag Boot was American-made, but that seems to be the way of the world today. I guess I might take some small measure of comfort in knowing that workers in China are putting together an American boot that displays an American flag. But you and I know that they couldn’t care less! lol. I know I’d feel a little more proud about wearing them if they were made in America. 

In any event, the boots have so far been a pleasure to wear. They’re also steel-toe, which doesn’t matter much to me as my days of factory work are behind me. But I reckon that’s a good feature to have for keeping the boot in shape. They also feature waterproof leather, and boast a rubber cup outsole and slip resistance for better traction. Good features that I hope to appreciate come winter and icy conditions. 

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars for appearance and comfort. The jury is still out on durability, but I’m thinking they’ll do well in that area too. 1 star out of 5 for being made in China, and the one star is because of the price. The Rancher Flag Work Boot costs $115, which is a pretty darn good price for good-looking leather boots these days. I wonder how much they’d cost if they were made in the U.S. They are an eye-catching boot that I’m happy to recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable, stylish Wellington boot.