Leader Outdoor

I ordered the Leader outdoor boots. Upon arrival, I tried them on and found that there was divot- like bumps in both boots where my pinky toes lay. I felt inside and clearly there were imperfections that would inevitably rub against my toes. My husband also felt them and advised I return the boots. So I emailed customer service and they issued a return label but said that there would be a restocking fee although this is not mentioned in the chat bot under the FAQ for return policy (see screenshot from website). When I persisted that there was a defect, I was informed that an inspection would be conducted when they receive the boots back. So I sent them back promptly. About 2 weeks later, they informed me that of my refund minus the restocking fee. When I inquired about the manufacturers defect, they said the inspectors did not find any. This is categorically false!! Unfortunately there was no way to take a photo of the inside of the boots. So it's my word against theirs. This was a very disappointing experience. Although customer service was responsive, they ultimately would not honor their manufacturer warranty for brand new boots with defects. Beware of unscrupulous business practices from Heartland Footwear!

I’ve tried several other brands over the years, but these rubber boots are by far the best I’ve owned. They’re incredibly comfortable, even after long hours working around the farm. What really impressed me was their slip resistance—I wore them while sealing an in-ground pool, and they provided solid, secure footing the entire time, even on wet surfaces. Durable, supportive, and reliable—these boots are a must-have for anyone who works outdoors or in slippery conditions. Highly recommend!

Customer service has been great. Brandon has been great to work with. He issued a return label right away for exchanging the returned boots. with the small crack/rip in heal. Now waiting for new boots to be shipped out. Without purchased footwear for who knows how long now after shipping the return. Had issues with my wife’s boots being delivered the first time when mine and hers were ordered at the same time. Not the fault of heartland footwear. Apparently distribution center issues. Still a plan to deal with as it was over 15 days from when I received my boots. Thankfully she can enjoy her new boots. Time will tell as to when mine arrive and if the quality really is good.
Shipping and product longevity are our current concerns.
Hopefully these two areas of concern can be addressed quickly.

I like the comfort. I like to wear boots year round while I garden. I had initially seen them on QVC but did not like the colors they were presenting.

It is wonderful to find a made in USA boot which offers such great value and quality. I replaced a pair of Rocky made in china rubber hunting boots (which, several years ago, cost double the price of today's Heartland's boots ) with these and am both very happy and impressed. Thus far I have logged several miles in these: dirt roads, logging tracks, bush-hogged scrub, recently mowed pheasant fields, and, to my chagrin, clear cut woods where, for years, my favorite deer stands were located. All this in search of illusive spring turkey sign.

I will never again purchase a different brand of rubber boot.