First off, yes they are a half to a full size too large. I bought a 10 and I normally buy 10.5 or 11 in sneakers (depending on brand). Also, my shoes are the "Beeswax Leather", which is gorgeous. I see there's also a "Beeswax" option and I don't know if that is different or not. Moving on...
As you will know if you've been researching, these B2s have a synthetic sole vs the "crepe" sole on the ODBs. Clarks touts the cushioning of the crepe sole, so perhaps that is the main selling point. I have to note that the B2 synthetic soles ARE hard and not cushy. I went ahead and dropped in some Dr Scholls gel inserts and I can wear them comfortably all day. I've also read that the leather may be somewhat better on the ODBs and that they have brass eyelets (although it doesn't currently say that on the ODB Amazon description, so it may no longer be the case). One thing is for sure, and that is that the B2 is over $30 cheaper, at $60 vs $96 (Beeswax, size 10M as of 4/15/17).
While the ODB's crepe soles may be more comfortable, a unique cream color, and the more classic style, I like the understated all-brown look you get with the B2. Apparently the crepe soles are also known for wearing out faster and losing grip when wet. Having worn the Bushacre 2 for about 6 months in wet weather, I don't find myself worrying about slipping during normal activities. The soles may lack tread, but they do have a significant texture to them that provides perfectly adequate grip. I even (inadvertently) wore them on a brief hike once, and yeah, they aren't good for walking in mud, but they aren't hiking boots. On the trail they were fine, normal—about the same as any regular sneaker. Incidentally, the mud wiped off easily with some damp paper towels and they came out looking exactly the same as before.
As for the leather, I was prepared to accept the supposedly lower quality compared to the ODB, but honestly the leather is great. It's not thin, it is pliable and comfortable but still sturdy, and it looks fantastic. I scratched it in one spot on a stick during my hike, but the blemish just gives it character. That's the beauty of leather shoes, anyway: I'm really looking forward to these aging further and acquiring that worn leather look. And I know the synthetic soles will really last and and not wear out before that happens.
For all these reasons, I think the B2 is a great shoe and probably the better value compared to the ODB.
Before I bought these I was looking at other styles of chukkas from Clarks and other brands, so allow me to make a few observations about the style as well. I was a little worried about these being comfortable around the ankle because they lack cushioning and I thought they might dig into my Achilles area. Here's why that's not a concern at all: unlike a traditional boot, the laces are low and don't tighten up around your ankle, but on the top of your foot instead. The leather is pliable and sits gently on your ankle with lots of play. So that, along with the fact that they fit great all over and with the addition of some Dr Scholls, makes these actually one of my most comfortable pair of shoes. I had originally been looking for kind of an everyday boot, sort of a chukka style with a more chunky boot sole, but I couldn't quite find one I liked (Timbs are too chunky, Redwings too expensive, some of the other Clarks didn't have good color options, etc.). So I'm still kind of in the market for that, but in the meantime these B2s were by far the least expensive shoe I looked at, they look fantastic, and I'm really glad I picked them up.
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Reviews with images
Very good quality
This Clarks Bushacre 2, is well made from strong quality leather and should be very durable based on the observed build quality. The only challenge I have so far is that the insole is hard with zero cushion. This may pose a challenge if worn all day. One may wish to purchase a padded insole to mitigate this challenge. Other than that this is a very good value for the cost.
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
AmazonCustomer
Good boots, sizing is accurate
Reviewed in Canada on April 9, 2024Size: 10.5Color: Dark BrownVerified Purchase
jose de la pena
Es talla wide la bota de la publicación
Reviewed in Mexico on April 1, 2024Size: 11 WideColor: BeeswaxVerified Purchase
tyoma
Beautiful and comfortable shoes. Perfect sizing.
Reviewed in Canada on February 15, 2024Size: 7Color: Black SuedeVerified Purchase
