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Engineer Boots, Harness Boots...

Mich486

One Too Many
Messages
1,690
My second pair of engineers after a 4 year hiatus. I feel like I spent way too much money on these but I really do like them a lot. I just need a pair of Attractions now and then it’s case closed.

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Rigs

New in Town
Messages
20
Just thought I would add my musings over the various engineer boots I have owned over the years having just taken delivery of my favourite pair so far. I was lucky enough to purchase from the Wesco surplus stock page a pair of their 1940 style black engineer boots and I am hugely impressed. The quality of construction and materials is excellent. I find the fit is the best I have experienced with no issues with the shaft width (unlike my recent experience with John Lofgrens, which, try as hard I could, I just could not get them on. This is particularly strange as I already have a pair of the burgundy Lofgren engineers in the same size and like them very much, although the left leg is still hernia inducingly hard to pull on) and the strap/buckle hole placement perfect for easy adjustment and no heel slip. They may not be as soft as some, but that, in my mind, is the point, they are comfortable and function as a hard core engineer boot. Size wise they seem to be similar to Redwing moc toe boots as I take a US 9.5 in both (although a nine in Lofgrens).

My previous favourites were also Wesco boots, the nine inch brown collaboration they did with Ironheart. Similarly robust and comfortable, but there is just something about a black engineer boot!

Before that I had a pair of Tony Mora's I got almost 30yrs ago from an amusingly named boot store in the UK called R Soles. Was a bit of a shock to see that come up on the credit card statement until I remembered what the hell it was! The boots are really good, beautifully made and lined they have endured many filthy days and soakings on the bike and always come back like new.

Many years ago I also tried some Sendra boots, which again, I have no complaints about, they were good for the bike but were a bit like galoshes compared to the Wesos and Lofgrens.

I wear mine for work, out of work, for everything really and love them to bits.
 

Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,255
Location
Traverse city
Wow. Thats a great score. I check that page often but must have missed those. Are they the same size as your Wesco IH colab?
How to they fit compared to those (shaft,instep,toebox)?
 

Rigs

New in Town
Messages
20
Yes they are, but the 7400's are narrower and the shafts too are slightly narrower. They are also an inch taller. There are still some on the Wesco site, seem to be some more posted recently in size 9's if that is any good - oh, and a size 13.
 

trapp

Practically Family
Messages
546
Location
bay area, ca
Whoa, I didn't know they offered those 1939 boots with the nailed down soles in black. I've only seen the brown 'British Tan' version offered by Standard and Strange. Both nice looking boots. I still don't love the way the tag is sewn to the outside of the shaft but whatever.

Has anyone who frequents this thread been wearing a pair (in either color)?
 

Vintagestyle

One of the Regulars
Messages
166
I ordered some of the 1939 100th anniversary Brit tan ( not received yet ) but the black ones have 2 different toe shape from this one and are made on different lasts.

I suppose i am on a minority but i desperatly search for some (new / unused ) Chippewa 27863 ( or 27899 ) in 10,5 D cause i really prefer the toe shape of those boots compared to all the others made ( even all the high end ones except the Buco repros and Beck which are not made in sizes over 10 unfortunately !) that i find too flat for most or not a shape i like ( they all seem to flatten like French pancakes and loose their shape even if they are very flat to start with . And yes ,i know most of the high end ones don't have steel toe ); except the Red Wing 2268 but they are a different leather and are not all black like the 27863 ( or 27899 that have a black heel at least ) even if they are nice as well.
What i like in the 1939 100th anniv Brit Tan is that the toe shape is not as flat as most even without a steel toe and it also comes from the nailed construction.
That said ,to each his ownnd i respect other people preferences !

Please , if some of you know some shop where they might have a big stock of Chippewa 27863 ( or if not ,some 27899 but i prefer 27863 ) especialy in 10,5D i would really appreciate to know ! I would be really grateful for some help !
 
Last edited:

Big7

One of the Regulars
Messages
173
This forum will be the death of me, I'll be going to the poor house.
First there were jackets, now boots.
Anyway, below 2 of my newest acquisitions a pair of Lofgren and Wesco Iron Heart boots.
Even though both of these Engineer Boots, it is a completely different boot from one another.
Lofgren are a bit more stylish, light , more dressy.
Were Wesco boots reminded me of Sienfeld episode were Elaine putting catalog together with the guy in fatigues Eddie, and he comes up with a slogan for Bangalese galoshes :
"It is tough keeping your fit dry, when you kicking in the skull ! " :)
This is exactly how I feel about pair of Wesco boots, you can kill a man with it :) Nice, substantial weigh.
Both perfect in their own way
Enjoy the pics below ! :)
jZ2hd37.jpg

Ym227i8.jpg

IzkABGH.jpg

MsErvGr.jpg
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,060
Location
London, UK
Interesting two-tone effect with the rough-out tops to the Wescos. I like the leather on these; the rich, reddy brown looks great with a Horween FQHH jacket.
 

Robbie79

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,160
Hi all, I'm considering to buy Engineer boots and have done a lot of research on the internet but I'm not sure which brand offers the best in terms of contstruction quality, craftmanship, leather. I really like the RMC's cordovan boots (I always wanted to own cordovan boots) but these are very pricey and more expensive than competitors - not sure if they are worth the price. Number 1 for boots (even if they don't offer engineer boots) seems to be White Kloud, Japan (I don't have a chance to go to Goto-san's shop in Tokyo in the next 2-3 years) and number 2 RMC followed by number 3 - Clinch (I like these horsebutt boots - https://www.brass-tokyo.co.jp/onlineshop_en/item/clinch-engineer-boots/ ) and number 4 Viberg, John Lofgren and Wesco (all ranked number 4). Before ordering very expensive RMC cordovan or horsebutt, I wanted to ask you about your opinions and experience. Perhaps my ranking after my investigations is incorrect. Thank you in advance!
 

Mich486

One Too Many
Messages
1,690
I wouldn’t rule out Attractions (bilt buck) and also Moto leather.

Attractions in my opinion (but not only mine) have the best silhouette and also I think are good value for money. I just got my hand on a pair and I like them a lot! I own also a pair of Clinch and while the construction is maybe finer in terms of details etc. I don’t think they look quite as nice as my Attractions when worn. It depends what matters to you the most and of course we are talking about very nice boots across all the brands you brought up.


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Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,255
Location
Traverse city
This forum will be the death of me, I'll be going to the poor house.
First there were jackets, now boots.
Anyway, below 2 of my newest acquisitions a pair of Lofgren and Wesco Iron Heart boots.
Even though both of these Engineer Boots, it is a completely different boot from one another.
Lofgren are a bit more stylish, light , more dressy.
Were Wesco boots reminded me of Sienfeld episode were Elaine putting catalog together with the guy in fatigues Eddie, and he comes up with a slogan for Bangalese galoshes :
"It is tough keeping your fit dry, when you kicking in the skull ! " :)
This is exactly how I feel about pair of Wesco boots, you can kill a man with it :) Nice, substantial weigh.
Both perfect in their own way
Enjoy the pics below ! :)
jZ2hd37.jpg

Ym227i8.jpg

IzkABGH.jpg

MsErvGr.jpg
Just wait until you hit the “this jacket (or boots, or whatever) is really great, but that other one is a little better. I’ll sell mine in the classifieds and start over”...and over....and from what I’ve seen here over to infinity.
 

Trotsky

A-List Customer
Messages
421
Hi all, just picked up a pair of vintage Engineer boots. Probably '50s or '60s judging from the construction. I have slathered them in pecards and plan on wearing them. Any suggestions to take care of them better? No, I do not know the brand, all that is worn off. Cats Paw heels with oil resistant soles. Thanks!
 

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