Thursday Boots Interview

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In late 2019 I sat down with Connor, one of the founders of Thursday Boots. Over a couple hours we discussed the brand, their goals, and addressed some criticism. Please excuse the NYC city noise in the background!

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About the Author: Carl Murawski

43 Comments

  1. I really did not like my Olive Captains. Reasons: The artificial patina (which I am already not a fan of) was not reflective of the product photos at all, finishing seemed cheap and fake in person, much more prominent. The bed was too stiff and uncomfortable; interesting to see all that was put into them but they still hurt the sole of my foot after a day (admittedly possibly a "me" problem but has not happened in over 20 pair of boots of mine). Then there was the typo on the inside "made in small bathes", made me think of cheaply manufactured overseas product with low QC. Higher end Thursday's are in the same range (if not more) than fully US manufactured boots that give them a run for their money. That being said Connor seems to be a bright and humble guy who is open to criticism, always looks forward, and willing to take care of the customer. That's huge and I wish him success.

  2. Bottom line is Carl is you’re a heritage snob. Not a bad thing but you want stuff made the same way it was made in 1906. Realize it’s a time when women couldn’t vote and black peoples couldn’t use public bathrooms. Move on with the times

  3. As with a new undiscovered band or restaurant, everyone who found them first loves them when their small, get a little success and those who originally loved the brand start turning sour when it's gets popular. I'm 6 pairs in and own concurrently more expensive brands and cheaper brands. Thursday hit their mark, stylish and durable enough for everyday, but not something you'd cry about if they happened to get a character mark that wasn't planned. Once you start making a couple of $s and learn what makes a quality shoe, TBC can be a good base of operations as they expand their genres. Nice to see he didn't shrink away from criticism and is "leaning into" improving his brand.

  4. 1. I am happy to see that they are willing to do a real interview and face criticism.
    2. I do not like that they are outsourcing their manufacturing, it shows a level of not caring as much. I understand they are aiming for a price point, but that in it of itself, shows a level of not caring. They are not attempting to make the best possible boots, they are attempting to make the best boots that they can make and sell at a price point of $~200. Although I am happy that they chose Mexico and not China.
    3. I rewatched the review video of their jacket. And I get that it was a new product and they were experimenting, but in the end, they released them in that somewhat shoddy condition. If you cannot make your product at high standards, then you should not release that product, and they did anyway.
    4. I understand that money is going to be the main motivation of any large manufacturer, but there should be a crossover between money and passion for what you are doing. And I think Thursday is far too focused on the money side of it. They seem to be out to expand the company and become a very large business. More respectable boot/shoe companies like money too, but they do not sacrifice on quality to accomplish this, they make what they make very well, sell what they can, and at the end of the day their goal is to make great boots and earn a living doing so. These guys seem like their goal is to end up on the Forbes list.
    5. And what are these "Big Legacy Brands" to which he is referring? Name some of them. Is he talking Red Wing, Danner, Thorogood, Viberg, etc.? Because they are not on par with those. Or is he referring to the more lower cost ones that you can find in regular shoe stores?
    6. I like the honesty of the whole, "We are still learning and trying to improve," but it does give off the vibe that I should absolutely not buy any of their products right now because they will be better in the future. When are they going to get to the point where they are going to stand behind their products and say that these are the best that we could possibly make them? The fact that they are not at that point would prevent me from buying a pair.
    7. The other fundamental problem is that these guys seem like the boot equivalent of MVMT watches. Now for boots, you cannot have the quality sink as low and you cannot just resell Alibaba shit with your logo, because people would know, but the mindset behind them and their story seems very similar, which is off putting.

  5. Excellent interview! I’ve had multiple exchanges with Connor via reddit and email and this interview solidifies the fact that this guy gets it. A young brand driven by a forward-thinking perspective, based on continuous improvement is how you build something for the future. Connor knows his stuff, and best of all, he’s still learning and his products and success are evidence of that. So much respect for him and his brand. I wish him nothing but continued success and hope to benefit as a consumer from his values and ambitions. I already have two pairs (Kavalier and Saint) and see more in my future.

  6. It'd be cool to see Thursday break into cowboy/motorcycle boots. I really like the silhouette and heels but I don't like the extra harnesses, buckles, or extra patterns and designs.

  7. I own way too many boots. Most of which are Redwings. But I do have two pairs of Thursday Boots. One pair I have owned for year or so that are still really comfortable and the other pair I bought a month or so ago. The leather isn't as thick and sturdy as the Redwing leather but is great for the price. I really like their boots and the footbed is probably the most comfortable I have worn in a pair of boots. I just wish they did more boots in a wide fit. I tried the standard width and I could barely get my foot in it.

  8. I bought a pair of captains and diplomats last month. The sole on the Captain started to separate after a couple of weeks. Thankfully Thursdays customer service is good and they are shipping a replacement pair. No problems with the diplomat boot. They do seem to do their best to make it right if you have problems

  9. a great interview. after watching this interview I will have to buy a pair Thursday boots now just have to pick which style I would like to own.

  10. I own three pairs of Thursdays: sequoia Cadet, chestnut Aviator and black Executive. Funnily enough, I'm almost more into the dress shoes than boots because even in Canada, it's still an incredibly good deal for the price. My next two pairs will likely be a Scout and Lincoln. The only criticism I have is that the Cadets are ever so slightly loose around the back of the ankle, at least for me.

    What I would appreciate is a physical showroom here in Toronto so I can see them in person, feel them before I buy. Not upset with my purchase, though. Not at all.

  11. This interview was incredible. Nicely done. I’m in the market for a good pair of boots and I haven’t considered Thursday’s until now. I appreciate the questions and the refreshing format.

  12. I got a pair of Presidents in brown a couple years ago. Super nice and hold up well. The insole is giving me the same issues, where it feels flatter over time. Also, I believe I got them a half size too small. That’s my fault. Still I get many compliments on them and I intend to purchase another pair soon. I bought mine as factory seconds, which was nice, but I probably should’ve researched more before the purchase. I’m glad to see them moving forward the way they are. Rock on!

  13. I have one pair of Thursdays in my collection, Diplomat moc toes. Are they good for $199? Yes. Are they better than my Red Wings, Helms. Or Trumans? Absolutely not, and any influencer who makes this claim is being paid to do so. The real test is when they are ready for a resole. Would I spend $100 to resole a $199 pair of boots? No way. Essentially Thursdays are like sneakers. Once they are worn out they get thrown out.

  14. Carl, this is a very informative, interesting interview of one of the founders of Thursday Boot Company. Kudos to you in being able to do this interview, as it becomes apparent you have done some reviews/videos which are critical of Thursday’s shoes/boots. This certainly adds to your credibility as it pertains to your independence and ethical standards. Thanks for the great job!…Ed

  15. I actually own a pair of boots I bought them almost 2 years ago the leather is beautiful and a decent quality but I had to replace the standard sole 2 months ago because it was a low grade sole but over all for 200 dollars it’s an okay boot

  16. I own 4 Thursdays pairs. 1 pair of captains in olive suede, 1 pair black scouts, 1 pair of brown dukes and 1 pair of cadets in sequoia. The captains, scouts and dukes were pretty awesome out of the box. The cadets were a huge pain to break in and get to not murder my foot. They're all size 10 but the cadets felt very tight, they fit fine now but aren't go to like I hoped they would be. The other 3 get much more wear and I'm very happy with them.

  17. I bought my pair of Captains after watching Trent and Heath's channel on the deconstruction video of the boots. It's one thing to say how nice they look but another to know the value and quality that are actually in the boots.

  18. Great interview – I bought a pair 2 years ago and they are super comfortable but I can see the problem with the insole – and I think my boots will have that insole problem one day. To me these boots are good value for money and I personally bought them because I want to support smaller business and I really like their approach to their business and their products. Nobody starts out without making mistakes – but I believe him and that they try to made their products better and better. That’s the best strategy any company can have. Some people like their style and some don’t – but they have passion and have come a long way in few years so I might get a second pair in the future or their new sneakers which looks great.

  19. I've been on the fence about the next boot I wanted to get, but, after this interview, you sold me on it Connor. Carl, thanks for doing this video, I appreciate it a lot because I was going to stick with Red Wing ( potentially buying a Moc Toe), just because I've had work boots and Iron Rangers and I'm happy with them. After seeing the drive to be better and better, being there for your customer, that's enough for me (as I run my business that way). I'll be picking up your Diplomats and try them out. Thanks, both of you! Carl, keep up with the channel, I'm enjoying it while on quarantine in Canada.

  20. I was one of.those turned-off by the marketing. Always refreshing to hear a non-defensive response to criticism. Great interview Carl. Will be purchasing some Thursdays and accepting any "imperfections" as tactfully as they have dealt with critics.

  21. Good interview.

    I bought my first pair of Captain’s (Arizona Adobe) about a month ago…absolutely love them. Looking to pick up either the Major or the Captain in black. They’re really well made and stylish but still rugged looking…just how I like my boots. I love how they want to keep improving. I hope the price doesn’t change too drastically anytime soon.

  22. Thank you for the video. It gives me more hope for American based companies. I am still leaning toward red wings though ?. But with this video I might try Thursday boots

  23. So I got a pair of Vanguards in a few months ago, the size was slightly big. Easily the best returns service I’ve ever experienced, I had the next size down shipped within several days. Love the boots and the company’s strategy and ethos

  24. I own one pair of Thursday boots and love them however unfortunately moving forward having wide feet keeps me from being a returning customer as they do not have any wide sizes in the boots that I’m interested in. Great interview thank you.

  25. I really hope you start doing more interviews after seeing this. As someone thats been in the fence about buying a pair of Captain's for a while, this answered so many questions and Im sold. As soon as the stimulus check comes! ?

  26. The mid-sole and outsole on my captains keeps separating at the toe. The first pair did it within 2 months with everyday wear and this second pair is starting to do it again with weekend only wear. Thursday boot replaced the first pair no problem, but I’m staring to think this is a design flaw. Anyone else experiencing this? I WANT to love these boots, everything else is excellent, but durability seems to be lacking.

  27. Appreciate these in-depth discussions. Connor seems like an authentic individual with real integrity. I'm impressed with my recent pair of Captain boots I bought and customer service was excellent.

  28. Very well done here. Own three pairs- natural Captain, a semi brogue dress shoe, and pair of the sleeker Chelsea boot. The Captain from late 2017has held up well overall, but that insole has dropped a little. The nails of the outer heel of the dress shoes came out after catching my heel on a curb (probably my fault there more than anything else), but the Chelsea boots look phenomenally good. I just got them a few weeks back, so no long term review yet.

  29. I have only one pair of captain. I am really satisfied with it even though the left tongue part is sided. I am okay with that because whatever I wear it always happens on my left foot. Right side is perfect. To sum up I am very satisfied.

  30. Great interview. I like this guy and I love the brand. I liked hearing from him. Further solidifies my love of the brand. Dress shoes for me. These are great shoes. Use a cedar shoe tree, a good shoe cleaning kit, and step up your sick game and you'll love this shoe/boot brand.

  31. He comes off a bit like a politician here. I do like the idea that they are constantly trying to do better. I have no doubt they beat others in their price range and maybe even some "overpriced competitors", but it still seems like their claims mostly fall apart if you can afford to go over that $200 mark. If you cant then they are certainly a good bet.

  32. I love my Thursday Boots! They’re very comfortable and very good value. For the price I can’t find anything comparable.

  33. As an Australian customer, I could not be happier. My captain's get almost daily abuse and always get picked over the R.M 's I own.
    Want to open a Thursday store in Sydney? Have the backers to get it of the ground once c-19 is over

  34. Thanks for this Carl. Totally agree with Connor. So.e guys wont like the brand – and thats okay. Been on the fence with the brand since early last year but this interview has me going for it. Connor was right too, some comments or feedback really not worth reading. Its going to be always about the product! Goodluck to both of you!

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