Engineer Boots, Harness Boots...

Daniel Hunter · Dec 21, 2009

Griemersma said:
Marineabilly,

Are those red-brown Frye's in the front the "Brando" boots? If so, what's your opinion of them, as far as comfort, durability, etc? I've been considering getting a pair. Love that color. I don't actually own a motorcycle, so not having the steel-toe isn't that much of an issue for me.

Daniel Hunter,

Did you receive your Rogan's yet? I actually got to try some of those on the other day-- super comfortable. They were the beat-up, pre-distressed leather though. They looked authentic, but I would just rather add the wear myself, you know?
What is the leather like on yours-- does it have a bit of shine to it, or are they more matte? The pictures I've seen of brown Rogans all look totally different.

The new Red Wing 2991 looks pretty good:

http://www.volls.de/index.php?cat=RED_WING_SHOES&lang=ENG&product=RW-2991&sidVOLLS=5772942574144ab801183f5b5b4a79f9

I've been wearing my Fryes off and on now for a couple of weeks. They're not the heavily distressed model just oiled leather. The leather is alot softer than I expected it to be and they seem to be more of a "fashion boot" than true protective footwear with an attitude. I still like my boots but I'm thinking of ordering a pair of Chippewa 27911's.

marineabilly · Dec 22, 2009

27911's are HOT!! I've had those on my radar for a long time. I don't think you can go wrong with those. Nice price, too.:eusa_clap

Griemersma · Dec 22, 2009

Viola--

Frye actually makes their regular engineer boot in women's sizes:

check out www.thefryecompany.com

And no, you would not look heinous. In fact, engineer boots are actually considered "in fashion" right now-- my wife has two "fashionable" (probably not nearly as durable as the Frye) pairs.

Griemersma · Dec 22, 2009

Marineabilly--

Thanks for those pics. I think I'm gonna have to get some of those Brando boots someday. They look even better broken in. I love the rich color on them and the fact that they are smooth finished leather. Most of the other brown engineers around only seem to be available in oil-tanned gaucho leather, which just isn't what I'm looking for

celtic · Dec 22, 2009

GriffDeLaGriff said:
I understand that it could be a problem with the soles if one works in construction or something where you walk around inside peoples homes and so with shoes on.

But for me I dont see any problem. I never walk around inside with my boots ever. As soon as I come home I take them off inside the door, and that goes when coming to friends houses as well.

I change shoes at work so ill just be using them outside.

Is there something I missed?

I don't wear shoes in my house, so I don't give a care about marking soles either. [huh]

celtic · Dec 22, 2009

RE Frye boots:

the only engineer boots I'd consider from Frye to wear as true motorcycling boots are the 12R model. http://www.zappos.com/product/7167142/color/72

the Brando and some of the others are more fashion than function. i LOVE the look and might own the Brando (or the Rogan) for casual use, but I prefer a larger, grippy sole on the bike.

mattfink · Dec 22, 2009

David Ward said:
I'm taking it as a given that wearing motorcycle boots when you don't ride a motorcycle is a bit of a no-no.

Actually, what you call "motorcycle" boots are actually "engineer" boots...made for work and adopted by motorcycle culture. Unless you are referring to some other kind of boots?

Fletch · Dec 22, 2009

Griemersma has a good point. Brown finishes are ok in the US market as long as they're not smooth.

Part of it may not even have to do with the "correctness" of black. It might be cost. Cheap sturdy hides probably vary in color too much to be tanned any color but black and still hold the line on cost. If so, a brown shoe would have to have its surface regularized somehow - say by distressing or sueding. You could process the leather another way or add a step, but then you have to charge more for the product.

jac · Dec 22, 2009

I always considered Frye a fashion boot, had a pair many years ago and they were beautiful but just not rugged enough.
I had a new pair of Chippewas fall apart on me- never again.
Always partial to HH, Dingo, Acme, Durango, all of which lasted for years.

Elmonteman · Dec 23, 2009

Hey Griemersma,
Thanks for posting that Fryecompany.com link. I hadn't seen those 'campus' boots since the 70's! Glad they still make them. I'd been avoiding the Frye company because I have a pair of their brown engineer boots that don't seem to 'breathe' like they should. I'm hoping that it's just that particular line because I'm going to give some of their other shoes a try. Lately I've discovered the Geox brand that although disctinctly un-vintage, 'breathe' incredibly. Speaking of engineer boots, I picked up some very nice Wescos from their online 'factory seconds' bin. Someone had ordered engineer boots with 'harness straps' and not picked them up. Since they were in my size, it was no problem to snip off the harnesses. Wescos are beautiful boots. Unfortunately (because they're expensive) they make my Fryes look a little puny.

PoohBang · Dec 25, 2009

and don't forget Wesco...

blethook · Dec 27, 2009

Martinis at 8 said:
Engineer boots are still popular with us engineers who need a steel-toe safety boot out in the field.

I agree... I work in the oilfield and prefer (safety) pull-on boots to lace-up boots. But these days, where I work, only lace up boots are allowed (better ankle support, etc.) The pull-on boots, without the laces, eliminate trip hazard introduced by loose laces, etc.

I used to wear the Red Wing Pecos, which basically are Engineers boots without the ankle and calf straps. From practicality point of view pull-on boots are great (can be in & out of them quickly) but fit-wise, lace-up boots are much better.

univibe88 · Dec 29, 2009

I just ordered some Chippewa 27899. With any luck I'll have them by the end of the week!

blethook · Jan 3, 2010

univibe88 said:
I just ordered some Chippewa 27899. With any luck I'll have them by the end of the week!

Let's see some pics when you get them!!

Here's a link I found with some pics & infos on engineers boots (& others):

http://www.classicboots.com/engineer/index.htm

Those who already own engineers boots can you tell me if the straps actually do their job or are they just for show? I used to wear pull on boots (RW Pecos) for work in the oilfield but I found the fit to be poor (loose). I'm wondering if the straps actually make the fit better?

univibe88 · Jan 3, 2010

I didn't get them yet b/c of the New Year holiday. Hopefully Monday! I will definitely share some pics.

s_crumb · Jan 4, 2010

Does anyone know of any sources for soles? I have a pair of boots that I need resoled. I literally have my pick of any number of old Korean men who are capable of resoling my boots. My only concern is that they won't have access to soles in my size. (14-15 US). Is there a website where I could buy the soles and have a professional put them on locally? Vintage style would be great but these aren't vintage boots so anything functional will do. Thanks guys.

Zephyrspeed · Jan 6, 2010

marineabilly said:
South, as far as I know, all 2268's are steel toe. The Japanese market is really big on 2268's and they have many variations that we aren't fortunate to have, so they may have non-steel toes.

The only thing you can get that is close without steel toes are Work America boots. Like I said, I've sold both my 2268's in the past and now have my 2268 version from Work America (I will never get rid of them). They have the same look and feel of 2268's, but without the high price and steel toe. You can find them on eBay. In fact, there's a brand new size 9D on there right now with over 4 days left and a starting at $49.99. Here they are:

Wow thats really funny. I saw these the other day on ebay, then after buying them I just stumbled across this post with the same ones- crazy! For a starting bid of $39.99, I was suprisingly the only bidder. I don't think thats a bad deal at all, especially compaired to the $250 ones I was trying on at the local Work World that wasn't even a style I liked. I can't wait to get them, they should be here in a couple of days!

eClairvaux · Jan 7, 2010

I own and use three kinds of boots that might file under engineer boots (with a bit of a stretch to the definition):

austrian rail worker boots (mine are black though)

Ludwig Reiter has a similar style, costing thrice as much.

These must be the best winter boots I have tried and I wear them regularly when walking in deep snow.

lewis leathers W10 westway boots

These are comparatively light-weight and very comfortable, but have also held up well in ugly conditions.

Wesco Boss 16"

Heavy but suprisingly comfortable boots for the harshest conditions, which I wear with lower heels, no lower strap, a 705 sole and the motorcycle toe, so they look quite plain and not like those tank-like versions you'll find in most pictures of that style.

Aaronlowe · Jan 7, 2010

Westway boots

What are your thoughts on the Lewis Westway boots?

How are they for actual walking around (as compared to being on the bike)?

Leather quality? I've had a few emails back and forth with Lewis and was very impressed with their Cust Serv.

bburtner@moran · Jan 7, 2010

Frye 12R

Owning a pair of the Frye 12R,which worn a few times,they are a bit heavy for me.They are petty well made(USA) but I guess for 58 year old guy they are not for me.I was thinking of selling them but do not own a digital camera myself.If anyone is interested they are a 10D in that dark brown oiled type leather.Thanks.

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