Fit expectations for engineer type boots vs lace up boots ?

[Bfd70]

I think that depends on your foot shape. The instep strap definitely makes a difference for me

 

[TLW '90]

I think that depends on your foot shape. The instep strap definitely makes a difference for me

On these it is making a little difference for me was well, and every little bit you can do seems to go a long way.

 

[TartuWolf]

For me the strap makes a huge difference and is essential. It's been that way with every pair of engineers that I've ever had. Also I noticed that that engineers slip more when I just put them on and less when I have walked/warned them a bit during the day. Maybe some kind of warming up or molding happening. It starts like "hmm, is this an acceptable amount of heel slip? I'm not sure..." and end up being "oh yeah, this is great, completely fine".

 

[El Marro]

All i wear are Engineers, i never use the straps, to me they are decorative.
All my Engineer have some heel lift, and my foot is quite mobile inside the boot, i don't consider heel lift "annoying", i consider it normal.

While I don’t only wear engineers I agree 100% with Carlos on both points. I only have one pair (my Wesco Mr. Lou’s) that require me to loosen the bottom strap in order to get my foot in and out and I find it quite annoying.

 

[TLW '90]

I ordered a pair of medium thicknesses leather " boot breakers " from Rose Anvil to try in these.

 

[cbez]

To clarify, the strap does keep my foot in, but it isn't like snugging down tightly either, even on boots where I have to undo them to get my foot in and out.

 

[TLW '90]

To clarify, the strap does keep my foot in, but it isn't like snugging down tightly either, even on boots where I have to undo them to get my foot in and out.

Yeah it's not like lacing up a regular boot.

 

[TLW '90]

Will they ever stop bothering the instep of my foot ?
It just kind of feels like the boots are hard right there and it does make the instep of my foot sore, not so much that I can't wear them but again I just really don't know what to expect.

 

[Sfemet]

Will they ever stop bothering the instep of my foot ?
It just kind of feels like the boots are hard right there and it does make the instep of my foot sore, not so much that I can't wear them but again I just really don't know what to expect.

Some discomfort initially I think is ok if it seems like it is improving. If it’s *painful*, or not getting better, it may not work out.

My current pair were certainly snug at the instep and there was some soreness the first few wears. Not pain but more mild (though noticeable) discomfort at that one spot (I have kinda high, bony insteps). They gradually loosened up a bit and I now consider them my most comfortable boots. I don’t undo the strap to get them on/off.

I had another pair that was painfully tight at the instep. I pushed on for a while thinking it would get better; it did not and I eventually sold them.

 

[AHP91]

Will they ever stop bothering the instep of my foot ?
It just kind of feels like the boots are hard right there and it does make the instep of my foot sore, not so much that I can't wear them but again I just really don't know what to expect.

Listen my man, don’t get attached to shoes. There could be any number of reasons a boot ain’t fit. There’s another one out there that fits you better. Better to accept early than just cave in after torturing yourself. Good luck

 

[TLW '90]

Some discomfort initially I think is ok if it seems like it is improving. If it’s *painful*, or not getting better, it may not work out.

My current pair were certainly snug at the instep and there was some soreness the first few wears. Not pain but more mild (though noticeable) discomfort at that one spot (I have kinda high, bony insteps). They gradually loosened up a bit and I now consider them my most comfortable boots. I don’t undo the strap to get them on/off.

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I had another pair that was painfully tight at the instep. I pushed on for a while thinking it would get better; it did not and I eventually sold them.

It's not terribly painful, just leaves a red spot and eventually starts to bother me a bit.

 

[TLW '90]

Listen my man, don’t get attached to shoes. There could be any number of reasons a boot ain’t fit. There’s another one out there that fits you better. Better to accept early than just cave in after torturing yourself. Good luck

If these don't end up being a very good wearing boot then that's it for me, I don't really even have much interest in pull on boots of any kind and will just stick to lace-up's.
I only bought these because the price was right and I figure I should try to give pull on boots a fair chance since my first foray were definitely too big.

 

[cbez]

I've never had instep pain. You can try thicker socks. Wool socks are great because they wick sweat and don't get soggy. You can also try a bandaid preemptively on the area that gets sore.

 

[fthompson]

I’ve had the same issue. Bought my first pair of engineers recently from John Lofgren. I have other boots from them, so I got the engineers in the same size as my other Lofgren boots and my feet were just moving all around in them. I then went a size down and had the same issue. I’m not sure what to do next.

 

[TLW '90]

I've never had instep pain. You can try thicker socks. Wool socks are great because they wick sweat and don't get soggy. You can also try a bandaid preemptively on the area that gets sore.

I have been wearing my medium thicknesses wool boot socks, but can't wear any thicker because the weather is still in the mid 90's lately.

 

[AerGuitar]

My only real experience with engineers are the Mr Lou. I picked up a 10E second hand. My Brannock is 10.5D. Felt like my feet were swimming in them at first. Shortly after, I found a pair of 9.5E on the bay as well. Those felt very restrictive, and I quickly resold them. I played with a couple different insoles at the red wing store and ended up with a perfect fit in the 10E. I’m convinced that my ideal size in the Lou is a 10D, but trying the different insoles made the “too large” initial fit of the 10E feel perfect. No heel slip, ample toe room. I guess my point is that the right insole can make all the difference, in my experience.

 

[TartuWolf]

Insoles can make a big difference. But here the toe-box volume plays a big role. If you have an unstructured or low volume toe box then you can only really use 3/4 style insoles, which are harder to find with high arch support (which fill out the instep and reduces heel slip in case the instep is a bit higher than would be ideal). This is the case with my Willie's engineers. On the other hand if you have a structured toe with ample toe box volume then you can wear full insoles without sacrificing toe comfort. Which is the case with my Sendra engineers. But in both cases insoles help the fit go from rather meh to pretty good, albeit not ideal.
You also don't want insoles with a lot of heel lift as that raises your heal out of the intended heel cup increasing heel slip again.

 

[Soleamp]

Will they ever stop bothering the instep of my foot ?
It just kind of feels like the boots are hard right there and it does make the instep of my foot sore, not so much that I can't wear them but again I just really don't know what to expect.

Personally, I like them tight across the instep when I first get them. I’ve found once they break in, it usually loosens up enough to be comfortable and still keep my foot in place. Pairs that I have had that are not tight end up being sloppy eventually. You will also find that some makers/lasts just don’t work for you. For example, can’t wear Mr Lous in any size (I’ve tried at least four different sizes and widths) and I swim in Attractions even though they are impossible to get on. I have high insteps and low volume feet.

 

[BloodEagle]

I swim in Attractions even though they are impossible to get on. I have high insteps and low volume feet.

I have the same experience with Attractions - damn near gave myself a hernia trying to get them on, but once they were on my feet were moving around in them like they were an unlaced boot. I sold them pretty quickly.

 

[Soleamp]

I have the same experience with Attractions - damn near gave myself a hernia trying to get them on, but once they were on my feet were moving around in them like they were an unlaced boot. I sold them pretty quickly.

Same, they were impossible to get on, I was definitely sweating. It’s a shame because they make some nice boots.