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Engineer Boots, Harness Boots...

Edward

Edward

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https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/hayakawa-htc/item/md-gb-9809a/

Amnyone able to make head or tail of the sizing system in operation here? I am interested in a pair of short-shaft engineer boots without spending the big money (RedWing / Chippewa.... yes, I know, by far not the biggest money options out there, but still more than I want to spend in this instance). These look like a nice option, but I'm wary of getting thesizing wrongb as returning would be impractical at best....
 
Mich486

Mich486

One Too Many
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1,671
26cm is US8 (IIRC) and then you move by 0.5cm = half size. Japanese shoe sizing system, try to Google it to be sure ;)


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Dm101

Dm101

A-List Customer
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496
Location
Maryland
Edward said:
I think it is partially aesthetic for med too, tbh. I like that they incorporate the zip into the design, rather than trying to hide it. (The most inexplicable thing to me are those women's fashion boots I haveseen in recent years that have a big, showy, *fake* zip on the outside....... and a real, flimsy and same-colour, designed to tone in actual zip on the inside.)

Thinking about it, what Brian - Role Club? - 's boots do well is that they actually incorporate the zip into the design so that it's a part of the boot, rather than trying to hide it as if it's not there.



Undoubtedly you can create a better fitting boot if it opens to let your foot in and then does up, with a zip, buckles, velcro, laces, or whatever. I think the trick with a nice-looking engineer boot is getting the shaft just right, so that it's easy on/off, without looking comically wide. That has its challenges - though equally, the grading on a boot like a Lewis Westway is equally tricky, given that you don't want it to end up too tight with the zip.
Click to expand...

I have a pair of Frye rear-zip boots, but they're almost ankle boots and I would only wear them to a formal event. So easy to get in and out of. I thought I'd keep them around for when I have to travel, but they're not nearly comfy enough for daily wear or carrying the gear I need to move when traveling. And they're so flat in the toes that I can't put a comfortable insole in them or my toes are smashed up against the top leather/plastic toebox.
But they're very very comfortable for about 4-5 hours stock and look beautiful...so I keep em around.
 
K

kenucklehead

Familiar Face
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55
Location
Vancouver
What do you think?
 

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handymike

handymike

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10,988
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SoCal
Nice color...Natural?
They look like Phigvals. I prefer a little shape to the heel, but overall they look pretty great. Price point?
 
torfjord

torfjord

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Sweden
Looks like wonky stitching in places, otherwise nice. I prefer a higher heel myself.


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torfjord

torfjord

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kenucklehead said:
Yes, you’re right. Also agree re: heel. I’ll explain later
Click to expand...

I’m curious on the story about these. If you’re an aspiring craftsman and did these yourself I’d say “that’s amazingly cool, keep practicing and I’d be happy to buy from you in a year or so”. On the other hand, if you’ve paid serious money and got stitching like that I’d advice you to try for a refund, at least a partial one.
 
K

kenucklehead

Familiar Face
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55
Location
Vancouver
So, here's the story behind the boots I made.

Having spent too much money on engineer boots over the years, I wondered how difficult it would be to make my own pair... to customize them to be just what I want. The photos I shared were of my first attempt to work in leather, let alone to make footwear.

I researched boot making web sites and tutorials and found a place to buy a last. Got some relatively cheap leather and buckles for my "learning" project, and proceeded to design the patterns. After cutting out the pieces, I took my time and started to put together the elements in a sequence that made sense to me. Had to remake some parts due to some oversights but I got everything for the uppers together and was at a point where I felt like I could use some pointers. I called up a local bootmaker and asked if they'd be willing to see what I'd done and perhaps offer some advice and was welcomed. Seeing what I created, they were impressed and were more than happy to help with lasting and showing me what it would take to put the soles/heels on. They even provided the material without me asking!

I had no expectation that I'd end up with something wearable, let alone looking decent. They are not exactly what I would want but with some tweaks, I feel like I'm close. I've got some nicer leather and am planning to take what I've learned to do even better next time.

Not bad for a first attempt though, eh?
IMG_4562.jpg
IMG_4670.jpg
IMG_5125.jpg
 
Edward

Edward

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24,789
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London, UK
kenucklehead said:
So, here's the story behind the boots I made.

Having spent too much money on engineer boots over the years, I wondered how difficult it would be to make my own pair... to customize them to be just what I want. The photos I shared were of my first attempt to work in leather, let alone to make footwear.

I researched boot making web sites and tutorials and found a place to buy a last. Got some relatively cheap leather and buckles for my "learning" project, and proceeded to design the patterns. After cutting out the pieces, I took my time and started to put together the elements in a sequence that made sense to me. Had to remake some parts due to some oversights but I got everything for the uppers together and was at a point where I felt like I could use some pointers. I called up a local bootmaker and asked if they'd be willing to see what I'd done and perhaps offer some advice and was welcomed. Seeing what I created, they were impressed and were more than happy to help with lasting and showing me what it would take to put the soles/heels on. They even provided the material without me asking!

I had no expectation that I'd end up with something wearable, let alone looking decent. They are not exactly what I would want but with some tweaks, I feel like I'm close. I've got some nicer leather and am planning to take what I've learned to do even better next time.

Not bad for a first attempt though, eh? View attachment 165221 View attachment 165222 View attachment 165223
Click to expand...

Well done; for a first effort, these are incredibly good. It must be a real buzz to have a pair of very-wearable boots you actually made yourself. Good idea going for the lower heel to start with, too; I've seen other makers struggle with getting the cut just right on a taller heel. I'll be interested to see your progress on these as you go along. Do you havea hankering to go into business, or are you planning on keeping it to a hobby?

I'd be curious to know how long it takes you to handbuild a pair when you have some more experience, given that part of what pushes the price up with handmade bootsis the labour hours required. For now, though, wear those and be proud!
 
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