Engineer Boots, Harness Boots...

[mlwdp]

Compared to Clinch Boots (Japan) or Role Club (LA), $800 isn't VERY PRICY. Brian's (Role Club) can run up pretty high depending on the leather selection, I think shell is around 3K. That's a very expensive boot. I love the look of Clinch and it's compressed toe box, but I have big feet and they're Japanese so I'm not confident of fit on them, and they're hard to put your hands on so I haven't had a chance to try them out. Wesco's Mr. Lou's do have a great reputation and those that owne them seem to love them

Depends on what you have done on your Wescos when they’re being built. Mine ran in the $1k plus range when all was said and done (Chromexcel leather, resizing, resole, leather lining, Japanese buckles, Dr. Sole sole).

Black Bear Brand is selling shell cordovan Wesco Boss in the $1k range right now.

You get what you pay for.

 

[2g4]

Depends on what you have done on your Wescos when they’re being built. Mine ran in the $1k plus range when all was said and done (Chromexcel leather, resizing, resole, leather lining, Japanese buckles, Dr. Sole sole).

Black Bear Brand is selling shell cordovan Wesco Boss in the $1k range right now.

You get what you pay for.

I agree that you get what you pay for, and I am pretty accustomed to paying $700-$1200 for a great pair of new boots. I know a lot of people think this is nuts, and I'm not thrilled about it, but I like high quality boots that are made by craftsmen who are rewarded for their craft, so when you have more than 40 hours into a pair of booth, then that's going to be add up pretty fast. I'm proud to support american and japanese and canadian bootmakers and I hope that this support will allow them to continue making great boots. I see what Red Wing lets out of the factory for $300-$500 and it's pretty bad in terms of attention to detail and quality control. Crooked welts, glue on the vamp, poor leather selection and placement. If that's what you get for $400, then $800 for a viberg seems about right.

Finally, I keep these boots forever. I've been wearing a pair of Alden Indy's in shell for 20 years. Despite three resoles, I'd spend less per year than your average person, if I didn't have too many boots that is, lol. But those boots I bought young and couldn't afford a lot of others, so they got worn four times a week for 15 years.

PS those Wesco X Black Bear's are pretty insane, and closer to 2K. thx for the tip

 

[handymike]

Wearin’ my vintage Frye’s

 

[Tyler Durden]

I just had these Red Wing 2966 rebuilt by Unsung. Can not say enough good things about them. Communication is great, work is even better.

Specs:

Removed toe bump ( Now are a soft toe )
Dr. Sole Half soles
Black Welts

 

[Blackadder]

The pioneer by Attractions in cxl. Too big though.

 

[Tyler Durden]

The pioneer by Attractions in cxl. Too big though. View attachment 501172 View attachment 501171

Curious about the sizing ? What did you reference when buying these?

 

[Blackadder]

Curious about the sizing ? What did you reference when buying these?

I have other attraction boots. A lot 268 in size 9.5 and a size 9 444. I took a chance with the size 9 with these. These are made longer so the flat toe would be completely flattened after wear. Personally, i dont like them cos they are too long by design.

 

[Drzdave58]

Try not to laugh. Frye Duck Engineer boots.These aren’t your typical engineer boots. Ive always had a soft spot for Frye boots as my 1st pair of engineers back in the 70s were Frye. A local guy had these for sale. Brand new for $75 So I couldn’t resist. At first glance I thought they looked weird but once I took a closer look at them I realized they are quite a unique and well made boot. I thought they were rubber but it turns out they are all leather of a substantial thickness too. They will be great for the winter here. They retailed for around $400 I believe.

 

[Jiaward]

Try not to laugh. Frye Duck Engineer boots.These aren’t your typical engineer boots. Ive always had a soft spot for Frye boots as my 1st pair of engineers back in the 70s were Frye. A local guy had these for sale. Brand new for $75 So I couldn’t resist. At first glance I thought they looked weird but once I took a closer look at them I realized they are quite a unique and well made boot. I thought they were rubber but it turns out they are all leather of a substantial thickness too. They will be great for the winter here. They retailed for around $400 I believe.
View attachment 502224 View attachment 502225 View attachment 502226

I'd be all over those even in California. I remember cold wet feet from back home. Great find.

 

[Edward]

Try not to laugh. Frye Duck Engineer boots.These aren’t your typical engineer boots. Ive always had a soft spot for Frye boots as my 1st pair of engineers back in the 70s were Frye. A local guy had these for sale. Brand new for $75 So I couldn’t resist. At first glance I thought they looked weird but once I took a closer look at them I realized they are quite a unique and well made boot. I thought they were rubber but it turns out they are all leather of a substantial thickness too. They will be great for the winter here. They retailed for around $400 I believe.
View attachment 502224 View attachment 502225 View attachment 502226

You know what, reading your description I expected to hate these, but as I scrolled down I was pleasantly surprised. They look just like a regular engineer boot with an interesting design on the toe (would pair nicely with an Aero Sunburst!). I like the idea of a duckboot from pov of warm and dry feet, though have always shyed away from them on the twin basis of not wanting something that would be expensive to buy and import (I've never seen them in the UK), and where the soles were glued in / not replaceable. These look like a Goodyear welt arrangement, though - and a good compromise between style and the utility of a duckboot. The fleecy lining also appeals. I've had half an eye out for a cheap pair of old Bundesmarine boots this Winter - did find some NOS at an excellent price in a UK surplus place, but hesitated too long and they sold out of my size.....

 

[Drzdave58]

You know what, reading your description I expected to hate these, but as I scrolled down I was pleasantly surprised. They look just like a regular engineer boot with an interesting design on the toe (would pair nicely with an Aero Sunburst!). I like the idea of a duckboot from pov of warm and dry feet, though have always shyed away from them on the twin basis of not wanting something that would be expensive to buy and import (I've never seen them in the UK), and where the soles were glued in / not replaceable. These look like a Goodyear welt arrangement, though - and a good compromise between style and the utility of a duckboot. The fleecy lining also appeals. I've had half an eye out for a cheap pair of old Bundesmarine boots this Winter - did find some NOS at an excellent price in a UK surplus place, but hesitated too long and they sold out of my size.....

it’s funny how sometimes we dismiss something at first glance, but if we stop and take a closer look, our opinion can change. I am looking forward to wearing these next winter. They are very comfortable. Full grain leather and Goodyear welted.

 

[Edward]

it’s funny how sometimes we dismiss something at first glance, but if we stop and take a closer look, our opinion can change. I am looking forward to wearing these next winter. They are very comfortable. Full grain leather and Goodyear welted.

Definitely. There's a lot of stuff I once would not have worn that has really grown on me over time.

 

[Tyler Durden]

I have other attraction boots. A lot 268 in size 9.5 and a size 9 444. I took a chance with the size 9 with these. These are made longer so the flat toe would be completely flattened after wear. Personally, i dont like them cos they are too long by design.

Sad man... Those things look amazing !

 

[Edward]

I love the look of Clinch's Engineers, in particular the compressed toe box. Anyone has suggestions for other lasts which have this toe shape?

Wesco do - the MP shape, I think they call it. It seems to be a common option in the more expensive stuff (and espcially across a lot of the Japanese brands) as well. I still live in hope Aero eventually do their own take on an EB. If they did something akin to that shape around the price of their fleece-lined NVG style boots, that would be something. Maybe to be hoped for when they find a new boot supplier (the one they've been using for some years now gone owing to retirement).

 

[58panheadfan]

Still my fav pair of Engineer Boots RMC HH Buco, Teacore at its finest

 

[58panheadfan]

My older pair of RMC HH Buco Engineers

 

[58panheadfan]

Older vs. Newer

 

[Mr_Saver]

Anyone here own a pair of Clinch Engineers? I have a (secondhand) pair of Clinch Yeagers and I'm kind of surprised that I don't like them more. They sort of feel like they don't have a shank. They are very flexible side to side. The only other boots I have that are like that are like mall brand type stuff like Bostonian, etc.

 

[Blackadder]

Anyone here own a pair of Clinch Engineers? I have a (secondhand) pair of Clinch Yeagers and I'm kind of surprised that I don't like them more. They sort of feel like they don't have a shank. They are very flexible side to side. The only other boots I have that are like that are like mall brand type stuff like Bostonian, etc.

I have a pair in natural Latigo.

 

[NCF]

A pair of Keystone engineer boots that I bought from @andyone (cheers, brother!). They where originally in a light natural leather tone that I fairly quickly realized wouldn’t work for me(plus, I always need a project), so I dyed them. Could have done worse, should have done better (the dye leaked through the tape I used to protect the soles at a few places, unfortunately. Can be seen especially in the last pic). Weird that I’m wearing these in the summer? Well, all my sneakers are actually warmer.

Paired with Indigofera Swearengen trousers and in one (the third) pic LVC 1947 501. Which brings us to the next thing - anyone know if there are any 1947 501-clones in black denim? I prefer the higher waist (when they are unwashed) of the ’47 501, as it kind of disguises part of my dadbod (the potbelly), something that jeans with lower waist (as the indigofera trousers) instead rather accentuates.