The outsole is the deciding feature
Thorogood’s matching 804-4378 model uses the MAXWear 90 sole. That defined heel is the clearest reason to compare this boot with the 8-inch wedge in the same collection. A ladder-related footwear rule may specify heel geometry; the approved specification matters more than a general claim that one sole is best for every construction trade.
The leather moc-toe appearance stays recognizably American Heritage, but the side profile under the arch changes. When shopping from small photographs, inspect the outsole view as well as the front of the boot. Similar uppers can conceal a materially different sole configuration.
Eight inches without a waterproof assumption
A tall shaft does not convert this American Heritage model into a waterproof 1957 boot. Choose between them based on actual exposure: repeated wet ground calls for documented water protection, while a dry-work purchase may not need that additional specification. Do not infer waterproofing from Crazyhorse leather or the use of a storm welt.
This listing’s 10 D selection is a medium-width size variant. Thorogood’s 6-inch heeled Crazy Horse is the useful comparison if you want the heel but a lower collar. The 8-inch Crazy Horse wedge preserves the taller format while changing the ground-contact profile. Neither alternative is automatically more protective merely because its upper looks heavier or its sole appears thicker. Match the named toe rating, outsole requirement and boot height to the task.