Anybody familiar with Ace Boots, Orange Co. USA?

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Hi guys. Not much of a poster on this site. But I always enjoy checking in on occasion and learning more about high quality motorcycle gear.

I ride with a Vanson Continental Comet and an old Schott Perfecto and I learned more about them here.

I happened upon a pair of great engineer boots at local thrift shop today. Very high quality and definitely all the touchtones of a handmade product. I was able to find their website, Ace Boots of Orange Co. Calif. I'm in L.A., so it makes sense these would be consigned at a local shop here. But it looks like their website is not being refreshed with new content.

Anybody familiar with these boots and if they ever built up a following? Seems like they definitely should have. This is the model I'm eyeballing. Yes in this great brown leather.

Update: I went ahead and bought them. They were just too nice to let sit at the thrift shop.

 

[53Effie]

Killer boots. Really nice find. Resemble Road Champs to a degree. Are they your size?

 

[Dinerman]

Looks like they run about $825 new.

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Thanks for taking a look guys. They definitely look and feel like $800 boots. I am going to hold off on wearing them on the bike for now. I messaged the Ace Boots website to see if they are still up and running and if they have any care instructions and additional information.

It would be a shame if they went out of business. You just don't see this type of quality very much anymore. Oh, and they do fit, but a little big. I'm a 10 and they are 10.5, but thicker socks or insoles should do the trick. : )

Here's a few more pics to give you an idea what these guys are like:



Triple stitching, and nice tooling:

And looking good with jeans (around the house for now):

And a top shot:

 

[53Effie]

Thanks for the additional pictures. Those are really nice and appear to be brand new and very well constructed. I particularly like the strap placement. Why can't I ever run across anything like this? Born under a bad sign, I guess.

 

[winterland1]

Very nice. Curious how cheap they were selling them?

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Hmm. Well let's just say under the $800 they go for retail.

I'm astounded. I don't think the shop knew what they had.

 

[bretron]

That's a huge score. Isn't Himel using these for his future release "cordovan" engineers?

Btw what size are they?

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

10.5, as mentioned above, Bretron.

The boot maker, Robert Medillin was kind enough to return my email. Turns out he's still making boots and filling orders as they come in small batches here in the U.S. I believe he said he's also continuing to fill orders in Japan.

If any of yall are interested, I'm not affiliated with Robert. But I must say, I am one lucky duck to score some of his fine workmanship. He recommends Cadillac brand boot and shoe care lotion for these, by the way.

Here's a link to Robert's Instagram. Scroll down about halfway and take a look at what his Engineers look like broken in with a lil patina. Just lovely.

http://instagram.com/acebootco

 

[Bunyip]

Whoa a great find! Congrats on those beautiful boots..

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Cool indeed. Thanks for the compliments. I'm starting the wear-in process today. Gonna put a little sleeve over the shifter of my bike to protect the boot against a shifter mark and do my regular daily commute with them. Though, after the boot gets a little patina, like below, I'll let a mark work in as well.

 

[53Effie]

So how did the first day of break in go? I would just love to know how they ended up in a thrift store. I'll bet it's an interesting story.

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Went really well, actually. Thanks for asking. Surprisingly comfortable for being essentially brand new. And those Cat's Paw soles are nice and sticky when I have to back my bike out of the garage.

I rigged up a shifter condom on my Harley to keep the boots from getting marked at this point. I don't want the shifter mark to dominate the patina of the boots. Just some thumb supports I had in my medicine cabinet. Worked like a charm. Later, when the boots are broken in a bit, and showing some nice wear, then I'll let the shifter have at em. haha.

Nice Heritage you got there in your avatar, by the way.

Shifter condom:

And no damage to the boots after the ride:

 

[53Effie]

Good idea with shifter pad. Boots look great. It's hard to tell from the small avatar photo, but my bike is actually a Softail Deluxe. When I bought it, I had actually gone to look at and try out a Slim. I wanted one in gloss black, which the shop didn't have in stock. I tried out the Deluxe and it just felt like it was made for me and that was it. Lots of fun.

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Ah yes. A Deluxe. Post a bigger picture if you like man. Would love to see it.

My Slim:

 

[53Effie]

I have trouble posting photos, but I'll try. Here is the Deluxe and the Nightster I traded off on it. I have added a solo bag to the Deluxe, but so far that is the only non-stock item.

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Nice looking bikes there, man. Though I like the Nightster, I think you did the right thin to go with the Deluxe. Classy and no need for mods unless you want em!

 

[Seraph1227]

Total Score. Those are some sweet boots. A similar pair should would look nice with my 06 Deluxe

 

[Mr Peabody]

Recently bought a pair of Ace Brand Engineer Boots in black and they are the best looking Engineer Boot I have so far. Just a classic look. Long ankle straps. Black oxford with Vibram cushion sole and a leather split half sole and cat's paw heel.
I need a pair of brown in size 9 now.