A Response to Thursday Boots: The Wolverine BLVD Collection Boot Review + Sizing
The somewhat highly anticipated BLVD Collection from Wolverine is here and I’ve got a pair to take a closer look at!
The first shot of these beauties before try on
Although this is my first boot from Wolverine, I have tried them on before and found they run very long. The BLVD collection is on par with the 1000 mile fit, so I sized down half a size from my red wing 8 last size which is used on their popular Blacksmith and Iron Ranger boots. I went for 8.5 on these and I’m a 9 in iron ranger and a 10 in New Balance and Nike sneakers.
So let’s not beat around the bush; the BLVD collection is a direct response to Thursday Boots.
These hit the exact same price point at $200 and are also made in Mexico. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they’re even using the same factory as Thursday. That might not come as good thing to some, but I don’t think it should turn you off from giving these a chance.
Overhead view of the sleek fit of the BLVD boots
First impressions of the leather is that it is quite solid. It feels well hydrated, waxy, and is very soft right out of the box. Honestly it feels a lot like Horween Chromexcel but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. It may very well be the same leather that Thursday uses on their “Thursday Chrome Leather” but we’ll see how it ages. It also has a very strong leather smell too which I enjoy like that new car smell! Honestly I never had a problem with the Thursday leather since I got the natural CXL from Horween and that doesn’t seem to be something that people complain about.
The leather lining, unlike the Thursday glove lining, is made of sheepskin and I think it makes a big difference. This is because a problem I had with Thursday was my heel slipping - but the sheepskin lining has a LOT more traction, is very soft, and it keeps my heel in place well. That is a huge plus for me.
As for the soles, the outsole is on the softer side and a lot like the Thursday’s. I think being primarily a fashion boot, they are probably cutting costs here since these don’t really need to stand up to intense wear for the most part. Like the name implies, these are suited for street wear and I think these are fine for what they are. The treads area nice touch and for me are a step up from the Dainite-like soles Thursday uses in terms of functionality.
A nice tread on the goodyear welted sole means these will be your best friend
The insole is actually a removable foam covered in the same sheepskin lining on top of a Poron board. I prefer leather and cork insoles like my Red Wings and Allen Edmonds, but I really really didn’t like how cheap Thursday went on their cork filling (see YouTube videos for more on that). I was very pleasantly surprised though by how comfortable the insole is on these. It’s something you need to try for yourself I think they’re actually great.
Really like the sheepskin lined cushioned insole
I think the biggest strength of these and where they far surpass the Thursday boot is the overall fit and last. These have a much more “inspired” last and they have a really nice shape that hugs the foot well in the arch, ball, and a generous but sleek toe box that is really comfortable. I found the Thursday to be a straight bullet shape that feels far too narrow on the outer part of my foot especially. Also, the collar on this is not too wide which I find to be big problem with cheaply made boots. The collar accommodates my foot nicely keeping it in place while a walk. A final note on the fit is that they don’t feel as much of a heel drop as Thursday. I much prefer the BLVD fit as it feels a lot more natural and comfortable.
The finishing is also solid. I personally don’t really care too much for such close analysis of stitching but everything looks good - see pictures for details and decide for yourself. The leather feels nice and the eyelets feel solid.
Overall, I was really pleasantly surprised with these and think they give Thursday a run for their money. I’m not a Thursday hater per se but I just think they have certain shortcomings with their last. For $200 they still have heavy competition but I’m curious to see how they are received in the boot community over time. Also worth noting is that these do go on sale and someone reached out to me saying they snagged a pair for $150 over the holidays.
A shot of how the BLVD Collection arrives in box - really nice presentation and a hefty leather smell that doesn’t disappoint!
