Irish Setter Ashby Soft Toe Wedge Boot makes working on hard surfaces more comfortable
So are you up for the wedge boot challenge? They're a more comfortable way to go if you work on hard surfaces a lot. There are so many options out there, I've been wearing the Irish Setter Ashby Soft Toe Wedge Boots for a while. That's why I think you should give them a chance.
advantage
- nice
- Comfortable, Lightweight Design
- Welt structure
- Pretty easy on your wallet
- Fit to size
shortcoming
- no major disadvantages
Editor's note: Check out our best work boots review article to see our favorites for all applications.
style
Being a wedge boot, the outsole takes up the entire bottom without the gaps you see in high-heeled work boots. Some people like the look, some don't, but it has a direct effect on comfort.
What catches your eye more than the outsole style is the contrasting cream color, rather than the usual black found on standard brown work boots.
Thanks to the extra high-contrast stitching around the toe of the boot, it gives the overall impression of a deck shoe when you're wearing jeans with the upper hidden around the ankle. Personally, this is a style I really like, preferring it to my Wolverine wedges.
put up
The Irish Setter Ashby boot has a welt construction – the strongest of which is cement (glue) and direct attachment. Triple stitching along with a high-contrast, thicker single stitch on the toe does most of the work of holding the boot together. An extra single-needle stitch around the laces and a double-needle stitch on the back tab complete the job.
Out of the box the leather is very supple and doesn't require much of a break-in period. Pair the boots with good quality boot socks and I don't see a tendency to blisters at all.
Internally, reinforcements help stabilize the heel area to help hold it in place.
One of the characteristics of wedge boots is that the tread pattern is less aggressive than that of high heel boots. The Irish Setter uses their Rubber-EVA Traction Tread design with a very typical tread depth of this style.
If you're familiar with Irish Setter or Red Wing, they use an internal rating system for their outsoles. The Irish Setter Ashby boots were rated "Best" in every category they rated:
- wear resistance
- chemical resistance
- heat resistance
- Oil/gas resistant
- Anti-skid
So far, the boots haven't given me any reason to disagree with these ratings.
Keep in mind that wedge boot outsoles wear out faster than platform boot outsoles. Here's what to expect from the class as a whole, and what you need to be aware of when shopping.
fit
I live in the wonderful world of 12-1/2 men's shoes – no one wears work boots. Based on my experience with the Irish Setter's Crosby boots, I again went with size 13 and it was definitely the right decision. Half a size smaller than a boot has some extra room, but not much more than a size 12 would fit better.
Please stick to your normal size when ordering online.
comfortable
Wedge boots tend to be more comfortable than high-heeled boots because the outsole has more contact with the ground. The Irish Setter Ashby boots are no exception and they perform great on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. This is because your weight is spread over a larger surface and takes some of the pressure away from the heels and toes.
The footbed is a removable polyurethane that can be easily replaced if you prefer orthopedic surgery. The footbed does add to the comfort of the boot, but I feel there are other footbeds that are more comfortable.
I wear the soft toe style, which is lighter and more comfortable to wear in situations where a safety toe is not as important. The size 13 boots are only 29 oz per pair, making them the lightest boots in my current rotation.
Additional features
- Meets ATSM Electrical Hazard Standards
- HRO sole heat resistant to 475ยบ F
- Trout Creek Leather uses only American Raised
price
One of the great things about wedge boots is that they cost less than high heel boots. Irish Setter Ashby 6" Soft Toe Boots, $144.99. Other styles in the collection are only a whopping $159.99.
That's a great price for a welt boot, and a little less expensive than some of the competition.
- Ashby Soft-toed Irish Setter: $129.93
- Keen Utility San Jose Soft Tip: $150
- Wolverine I-90 Durashocks Wedges: $155
Irish Setter Ashby Wedge Boots: The Bottom Line
The Irish Setter Ashby boot is one of the most comfortable and light weight boots in my current rotation. They look great thanks to some extra high-contrast stitching options.
Keep in mind that the outsoles of wedge boots wear down faster than heeled boots due to their aggressive tread and sturdier construction. Other than that, as long as you take care of the leather, Ashbys will take care of you when you're working on hard surfaces.