When the autumn chill rolls into the Northeast, or at least into Philadelphia, you’ll usually find me in a lively mood. I love the summertime as much as anyone, but after a while, the heats start slowing you down, and I, for one, begin to yearn for some crisper air.
As a clothing fanatic, it’s totally reasonable that I’d want to wear sports coats, hats, and all the other accouterments that come along with the time when leaves change color. And as you’ll see in some of my fit pics below, there’s nothing quite like pairing these with a nice pair of dress boots!
After recently purchasing my first pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, I was convinced that I’d have to see what else the brand had to offer. I went for a dressier style, the Wolverine 1000 Mile boots in Cordovan No. 8, and will be reviewing them here via the following points:
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot Specs
- Brand: Wolverine
- Made In: USA
- Style: Derby / Bluchers
- Formality: Casual
- Upper: Horween Chromexcel Leather
- Construction: Goodyear Welted
- Leather Outsole
- Vibram Heel
- Flat Waxed Cotton Laces
- Price: $385 USD [Shop From Wolverine]
The Wolverine 1000 Mile line of footwear is an American-made, workwear-inspired line of shoes with a particular focus on boots. Utilizing high-quality materials and construction, these boots’ design is based on Wolverine’s original pattern, which was created in 1914 for American workers.
The Wolverine 1000 Mile Heritage Boots can be dressed up or down quite easily. As such, there’s incredible value behind the $385 price tag.
Editor’s Note: Note: The Wolverine 1000 Mile Cordovan No. 8 boot is also featured in some of our shoe buying guides, including Top 10 Best Men’s Boots and Top 10 Best Work Shoes.
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots: What’s In The Box?
The box, unsurprisingly, is sturdily made. Like the Wolverine 1000 Mile Bison Boots I reviewed in the past, these boots came wrapped in a branded black flannel bag. Again, I would have preferred that there were two flannel bags (one for each boot), but I can always repurpose another set should I need to travel with these and/or store them safely.
The Last Used For 1000 Mile Boots
In keeping with the previous pair I got, the last features a rounded toe box and standard boot heel. Being a big and tall man, I take a 14-wide shoe and have a preference for round toes over pointed ones.
Like the Wolverine 1000-mile boots, this also means that most of my boots don’t tend to have cap toes, as boots with a cap toe generally have narrower toe boxes.
With regards to sizing, I went for a half size down from my normal Brannock size. In this regard, I was also considering that I’d need extra room for thicker socks. Overall, I don’t recommend going true-to-size here; either take a half size or a full size down from your normal/sneaker size.
Additionally, look for a retailer that allows refunds or exchanges in case the fit just isn’t right. It’s simply not worth spending this much money on an everyday boot that’s not going to fit well.
Overall, I found this last to be perfect for me, which is another reason these likely won’t be my last pair of Wolverine boots!
Construction: Leather Soles & Goodyear Welt
These 1000 Mile leather soled boots are crafted with Goodyear welt construction. As mentioned above, the upper is premium Chromexcel leather, the welt is leather, the outsole is leather, it has waxed laces, and there is a Vibram heel that improves comfort and durability.
The Goodyear welt construction, in my opinion, is enough to justify the price tag, as it imparts water resistance and allows for the leather soles to be replaced repeatedly for years and years. Should I ever have a kid, I could pass these down to him if I take excellent care of them (which, for the record, I do).
However, it is not just the method of construction that makes these boots special; it is also the fact that each of the individual components is top-of-the-line. Put together, they are greater than the sum of their parts, making the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots a rugged boot that can take whatever you throw at it.
What Does Cordovan No. 8 Mean?
First things first, the word “cordovan” refers to both a color (burgundy-ish, brownish red) as well as a particular type of leather called “shell cordovan.”
In the case of Wolverine’s 1000 Mile Cordovan No 8. boots, the word “cordovan” refers to the color of the boots and not the leather material. This can be confusing as the name of these boots can lead one to believe that the boots themselves are actually made with cordovan leather.; in fact, they are not..
That being said, the upper of these boots is made of Horween Chromexcel leather, which is a premium and durable material from the Chicago-based Horween Leather Company.
This relatively small leather tannery is known not only for its aforementioned premium Horween leather, and especially for its Chromexcel leather, but also for exceptional full-grain leather products.
More On Cordovan Leather…
Cordovan leather, also known as “shell cordovan,” is a fascinating thing. The word “cordovan” itself comes from the Spanish town of Córdoba, its hometown.
Varied Color Horween Leather Rolls
This type of high-quality leather doesn’t come from a cow but rather a horse. Specifically, it’s a material that comes from a horse’s rump. This leather is renowned for its breathability, comfort, and longevity. It’s also very expensive. In fact, many shoes made with cordovan leather will be hundreds of dollars more expensive than their calfskin counterparts.
The total process for making cordovan leather – tanning, stuffing, shaving, and polishing – takes no less than six months. It’s an exhaustive process that yields a phenomenal product.
Again, these Wolverine 1000 Mile boots are not made with genuine Cordovan leather, but I thought it’d be valuable to touch on this. Given that you’ve found your way to this review, you’re likely in the market for a premium pair of boots, and the Cordovan term is undoubtedly one you will encounter if you haven’t already.
How To Wear Wolverine 1000 Mile Cordovan Boots – One Look, Two Ways
It’s clear as day that these boots will look fantastic with something as simple as denim and a t-shirt. I decided to push the envelope a bit and asked myself, “Can I wear these with a suit?” I just got a new one from Indochino that I was excited to take for a spin, and I’m very pleased with the results!
Look 1: Three-Piece Suit
Again, fall is here, and it’s not getting any warmer for months. I picked up a suit in a heavier-weight fabric to combat the chill, so it makes sense that one would wear boots with it.
As it happens, the base color of my suit is navy blue, whereas the boots are that classic brownish red cordovan color. These primary colors always play nicely together, and I couldn’t help but have a bit of fun coordinating my pocket square with the boots.
John Lennon was wrong. Happiness is a new pair of boots!
Look 2: Odd Sport Coat
I love playing around with clothing, and one of my favorite things to do is wear matching trousers and waistcoat with an odd jacket. I happen to have a beautiful hunting jacket from Benson & Clegg in a gorgeous houndstooth that paired beautifully with both the other elements of my new suit and the Wolverine boots.
The coat has some flecks of red and other Earth tones in its houndstooth weave that work incredibly well with the Cordovan No. 8 boots. There’s also a fair amount of blue in it, which allows it to pair well with the trousers and waistcoat.
You can switch out the trousers for dark jeans and lose the vest and have yourself a more casual iteration of the same thing.
Taking Care Of Your Pair Of Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots
In the pictures, you’ll notice that these boots are still in pristine condition. Indeed, I’ve just started breaking them in.
Given the price point, one may be inclined to be extra careful not to tarnish the 1000 Mile boots. Yet, I think this kind of apprehensive wear can take away from what these were originally intended for.
The Wolverine 1000 Mile work boot was designed for heavy-duty, daily wear more than a century ago. Today, they are still made in the same way, arguably with better materials, so if anything, they’re more resilient. Moreover, with wear, these will develop a nice patina that will only enhance their character.
When it comes to caring for the leather, as with any other shoe of similar quality and construction, it’s a good idea to use a damp cloth to clean them if they have surface dirt. Additionally, consider using a leather dressing or conditioner such as Saphir to keep the upper, welt, and edge of the sole conditioned.
Final Review Of Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots: 5 Out Of 5 Stars
I’m in love with these boots.
They’re comfortable, well-made, versatile, and extremely handsome. The workwear aesthetic is wonderful, and I’m very pleased with the color and choice of Horween Chromexcel upper. Kudos to Wolverine for such an amazing boot!
Further Reading
If you enjoyed this review of my new pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile boots, let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, check out some of our other shoe content:
- Top 10 Best Men’s Boots
- Best Work Shoes For Men
- Top 10 Most Comfortable Men’s Shoes
- Wolverine 1000 Mile Bison Review
"What a phenomenal pair of boots! Incredibly well-constructed, comfortable, and handsome, these boots are a must-have for the fall and winter. Very highly recommended."
Shoe Content
Sorry to say that these shoes are NOT made of Shell Cordovan. They are regular Chromexcel leather and “cordovan” refers to the color only.
Ah okay. But the site does state it is Horween Chromexcel leather.
I suppose you’ll have to take it up with them, if you believe they are falsely advertising.
Thanks,
– Paul
Their site states it is Chromexcel. They would not be guilty of false advertising if the shoe is made of that material. That part is not confusing.
But in the article above it is stated the boots are made of a material contrary to that which is stated by the manufacturer.
Odd…
Paul,
I believe Alex is correct. I do not believe Horween Chromexel is shell Cordovan, but a less expensive calf leather that has fantastic characteristics. Shell dies not wrinkle the way your boots have around th e toe break. I think it confusing that they call it #8 as this is a common shell color.
Thanks for that Greg!
I’ve been looking extensively at Wolverine, specifically at shoes they made out of shell cordovan. Your review should be revised knowing what you know now that these Wolverine 1000 mile boots are NOT MADE OF SHELL CORDOVAN. The only shoes Wolverine produced in that superior horse hide material is their limited edition 744LTC and 721LTD. I almost made the mistake of purchasing Wolverine 1000 mile Cordovan #8 boots because of your review. If you are such an expert in high end shoes what not, it shocks me that having those boots in your hands, you still could not discern Shell Cordovan from regular Chromexcel cow hide leather. Please do more research before you start making reviews and spreading false information, to me that completely ruins your integrity as a writer and reviewer. Here I thought you were an expert in your craft but after what, almost an entire year you still have not revised your writing knowing that a key fact is incorrect?
Hi Tom,
Thank you for following up on this point – the article has been revised to reflect the fact that the word “Cordovan” refers to the color of the boots as opposed to the material.
Kind Regards,
Trevor
The boots Gramp wore on the farm are the ones I wear today. My Wolverine, 1,000-mile boot, fits like a glove, dresses like a charm and will be passed to my grandson.
Hi John,
Yes, it goes to show that these are boots that are really made to last!
All the best,
CP