The Irish Setter Fifty, a review

 

A few weeks ago I received a pair of Irish Setter Fifty boots from Irish Setter in exchange for an honest and candid review.

To quote the Irish Setter website: 

The 6-inch leather Setter Fifty boot is inspired by the original Irish Setter that became a top-seller in the 1950s. Fully updated for a new era, it features sustainably sourced full-grain leather, an outsole made from 51% post-industrial materials and Goodyear Welt construction that is both durable and resoleable. Its classic design features inspired details like the white wedge sole, pinched moc stitching detail and a familiar silhouette. For added comfort, it has a CuShin™ tongue that reduces pressure on the shin and a highly breathable stretch nylon collar. The pull loop also makes the boot very easy to put on and take off.

The boots arrived just as I was preparing to build a new three-bin composting system out of 2x6s. Although the Irish Setter Fifty boots are billed as a casual boot and not a work boot I thought I'd wear them to the lumber yard to pull and load around 25 2x6x12s. I went on to wear them to unload my lumber onto the driveway and since I was already in the zone, I kept them on as I set up my chop saw and then cut all that lumber into the sizes I needed for this project.

I have another pair of Irish Setter boots, the Ashby model, and I've worn them exclusively for all of my house and yard projects for the last two years. They are an excellent boot and after two years they feel as good now as they did when I first bought them. I keep those boots in my mud room and at any point I could have changed into them if the Fifties weren't up to the task at hand.

But the Fifty boots were so comfortable I just kept them on. They held up without a problem and as soon as I dustem them off they looked like they were brand new again.

The soles are what make these boots so remarkable. There's just enough spring to them that they remind me of how the sole of a running shoe feels. My other Irish Setter boots are a bit more stiff but the Fifty felt already broken in as soon as I put them on.

The Fifty has a fabric collar and this makes them fit really well. I can tighten the laces and not feel like I'm restricting the flexibility of my ankles. The boot's cushioned tongue keeps my ankles flexing as well. That fabric collar also makes the boots weight less, so wearing them all day doesn't leave me with tired legs. The Irish Setter Fifty is a great boot and I'll keep these for years. That they're resoleable makes that a guarentee.

Now that they sailed through a field trial as a light duty work boot, they're going to be used as they were intended -- as a casual boot. I can see myself wearing these as I would any other casual leather shoe. In fact, I wore them to lunch last weekend and the compliments just rolled in.

Good boots are never cheap and cheap boots are a waste of money. Irish Setter makes a very good boot at a very fair price. You can even buy them directly from their website.

5 Clever Storage and Display Solutions Your Homeware Store Should Sell

Photo by Pau Casals on Unsplash

In the ever-evolving landscape of home design and decor, consumers constantly seek innovative solutions to maximize space and enhance functionality without compromising style. As a homeware store owner or manager, staying ahead of these trends is essential to meet the demands of your discerning clientele. One area where homeowners often struggle is finding efficient storage and display solutions that organize their space and add aesthetic appeal. Here are five clever storage and display solutions that your homeware store should consider offering to cater to the needs of modern homeowners:

1. Multi-Functional Wall Shelves

In today's compact living spaces, versatility is key. Multi-functional wall shelves offer a stylish and practical solution for displaying cherished items while also serving as storage for everyday essentials. Look for shelves with built-in hooks, cubbies, or compartments to accommodate various items such as keys, mail, or small decorative pieces. Opt for sleek designs and neutral colors to appeal to a wide range of tastes and interior styles.

2. Stackable Storage Bins and Baskets

Stackable storage bins and baskets are indispensable for those seeking to declutter and organize their space. These modular storage solutions allow homeowners to customize their storage layout according to their needs while maximizing vertical space. Choose bins and baskets made from durable materials like woven rattan or sturdy plastic for long-lasting functionality. Offering a variety of sizes and shapes will cater to different storage needs, from toys and linens to pantry items and accessories. Consider incorporating wholesale trays from waldimports.com as versatile storage and display solutions to enhance your homeware store's product offerings.

3. Floating Display Ledges

Create a focal point in any room with floating display ledges that showcase decorative accents, artwork, or family photos. These minimalist yet impactful shelves offer a modern alternative to traditional picture frames or bulky display cabinets. Consider offering ledges in various lengths to accommodate different wall spaces and encourage customers to experiment with creating curated displays that reflect their personality and style. Encourage upselling by offering complementary items such as decorative hooks or LED lighting to enhance the display.

4. Under-Bed Storage Solutions

Make the most of underutilized space by offering under-bed storage solutions that help homeowners maximize storage in bedrooms and small living areas. From rolling storage bins to slide-out drawers, there are numerous options available to suit different bed frames and storage needs. These discreet storage solutions are perfect for stashing seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or shoes, keeping them neatly tucked away and out of sight. Emphasize the importance of utilizing vertical space to free up valuable floor space and create a more organized living environment.

5. Modular Closet Systems

Transform chaotic closets into well-organized spaces with modular closet systems that offer customizable storage solutions for clothing, shoes, and accessories. These versatile systems typically feature adjustable shelves, hanging rods, and drawers, allowing homeowners to tailor the layout to their specific storage requirements. Offering a range of configurations and accessories such as shoe racks, belt organizers, and jewelry trays will appeal to customers looking to streamline their daily routine and maintain a clutter-free wardrobe.

Conclusion

Incorporating these clever storage and display solutions into your homeware store's product offerings will attract customers and position your store as a go-to destination for innovative home organization solutions. By staying attuned to your target market's evolving needs and preferences, you can ensure that your store remains relevant and competitive in the ever-changing homeware retail landscape.