Panama Jack Basic Mens Boot

I was given a pair of Panama Jack boots as a Christmas Present. I was thrilled, until I wore them for just ONE day. The 'walking in'needed for them was a very uncomfortable time, leaving me with blisters (I usually have resilient feet, things like this aren't an issue for me with any other brand) The lambswool lining wore away in a matter of circa 10-14 days at the back of the heel and under the ball of the foot, forcing me to buy insoles to attain any comfort at all.

It was when I explained these issues to the person who bought them for me, she replied with 'Well, they should be good, they were nearly £200.' I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the price point. I actually thought she was joking to begin with! For these boots, I would pay circa £65-70 at best, but even then, they'd need to be made far more comfortable. They're an old fashioned style build and incorporate no high end technology whatsoever that would load the cost based price point. After getting in contact with the manufacturer (who were incredibly hard to track down) they simply weren't interested. In fact, they seemed surprised and angry that I'd managed to obtain a direct telephone number for them at all.

Essentially, from my research, it would appear I'm far from alone. It would seem that Panama Jack products are mediocre products at a high price point, built by a company who don't care this is the case and have no customer facing skills whatsoever.

Mine sit on a shelf gathering dust, although sometimes they make excellent door stops.

Before these boots, I had a pair of Magnum Elite II's which were perfect from day one and lasted around 9 years. I suppose when you have to build a boot that will be depended on by military forces, you have to build them right first time.

Panama Jack, please cease trading, your efforts bring nothing to this world.

A very well made boot, leather outer AND leather lined. Very soft leather means you get a comfortable fit in just a few wears, not like some stiffer boots that take weeks to feel comfortable. I bought mine a month ago, and have tried them in rain, snow and ice with no problems. In fact the only problem I've had with them is that they are too warm! Wearing them indoors can make my feet too hot. There seems to be quite a lot of padding between the inner and outer layer, which is great in the cold, but not so good in the warm.

They come with spare laces and protective cream, which adds to the high quality image of this product.