AeroFan_07
I'll Lock Up
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So this is a really more of an "appreciation for" than a "Who is best" topic & thread. I am not a competitive person, I just simply appreciate products as they are designed & built. I mean no ill will toward any either of these two makers. Both build a high quality, durable and desirable product. The fact I even have one pair of these is in itself quite a privilege. Therefore, to be able to review both of them at the same time is a straight up honor. These are not-inexpensive products, so I take this seriously.
Full disclosure - both pair of these came my way slightly pre-owned. The Lofgren's had maybe one mile of actual wear in them when I received them. The fit is slightly loose being a 12D (and very true to size) where my "ideal" slip on boot runs around a 11.5C. Not easy to find in any engineers. However, these work great with a pair of wool socks over normal socks. Fit is fine in that configuration. The Wesco's were also very slightly used, and are an 11D and do not fit - too short on both feet. Therefore, my plan is to order a 12D pair of these. These fit slightly narrower so may not have to do the 2x sock trick with the pair I order.
So here's a few photos to get the conversation started. As you can see they are quite similar - yet quite different as well:
This third photo shows off the obvious size differences between the 12D Lofgren's and the 11D Wesco's.
As can be quickly observed, the Lofgren’s are taller and have a more shaped upper shaft, which actually makes them more challenging to build I would have to suspect. The Mr. Lou's are straight cut and all stitching around the top is straight as well. One hidden feature of the Wesco's is the presence of a function pull on-loop that "hides" among the back stitching.
Some general observations here:
^^ Wesco has the brown stiching in the uppers
Here are the top details:
The Lofgren's are quite a bit taller than the Wesco's, however both should provide great protection for your feel & ankles on a motorcycle. Both had "narrowed" shafts and are designed to be worn under your pants leg. Both appear to have "moderate" arch support, and are completely leather inside & out.
Overall - summary: I really like both of these pairs of boots. The JL's have an obvious air of deep, rich quality to them that slightly overshadow the Wesco's in my opinion. That said, they are also around $1075 new through Standard & Strange and are only offered in batches as they are made. If you can swallow the price, and hold up with the wait, these are worth a serious look. They are wonderful boots however you really do have to be sure they will fit you- standard D width is all that appear to be offered, yet they run slightly wider in my experience than a "D".
The Wesco's are an excellent choice, especially at $699. They are beautiful to look at, comfortable to wear (except when a bit short) but have a little more of a "edge" to them. To the best of my knowledge (please correct me if I am wrong here) these are stitch down constructed. This is a great feature as they would be full re-buildable as well. They may be just a bit more eye-catching in the wild, and that may or may not be your thing. I think they would be excellent Motorcycling boots, or even for horseback riding. They are not afraid of some good honest in the dirt work as well. (To be fair the JL's are not either, but you will feel it a bit more knowing these were four-digit boots from a pricing standpoint).
With some care and careful ordering from the start to get the fit dialed in, either of these could be with you for many decades. Each will give you great service and foot support and look great at the same time.
Full disclosure - both pair of these came my way slightly pre-owned. The Lofgren's had maybe one mile of actual wear in them when I received them. The fit is slightly loose being a 12D (and very true to size) where my "ideal" slip on boot runs around a 11.5C. Not easy to find in any engineers. However, these work great with a pair of wool socks over normal socks. Fit is fine in that configuration. The Wesco's were also very slightly used, and are an 11D and do not fit - too short on both feet. Therefore, my plan is to order a 12D pair of these. These fit slightly narrower so may not have to do the 2x sock trick with the pair I order.
So here's a few photos to get the conversation started. As you can see they are quite similar - yet quite different as well:
This third photo shows off the obvious size differences between the 12D Lofgren's and the 11D Wesco's.
As can be quickly observed, the Lofgren’s are taller and have a more shaped upper shaft, which actually makes them more challenging to build I would have to suspect. The Mr. Lou's are straight cut and all stitching around the top is straight as well. One hidden feature of the Wesco's is the presence of a function pull on-loop that "hides" among the back stitching.
Some general observations here:
- The Lofgren's have very tight, neat, black stitching in the uppers
- Wesco's stitching is brown and more typical of their work boots
- The Wesco stitching is a fairly noticeable feature of their boots
- The bright, polished metal buckles of the Wesco are much more apparent than the more subtle brass buckles of the Lofgren's.
- The heel is more shaped on the Lofgren's
- The Wesco's have a much greater upward point to their sole, given the relative size difference of the shoes.
- Both have a similar (high) level of build quality
- Both use Horween-sourced leather. Apparently, the Wesco's are horsehide.
- My Lofgren's are already starting to show some tea-core effect in places.
- The leather used on the Lofgren’s for the straps, upper & lower is slightly thinner than the Wesco's.
- Those straps on the Wesco have more defined holes for adjustment
- Wesco's uses a "cat's paw" style sole & heel pad
- Lofgren’s uses Vibram sole & heel pad
- Lofgren's 12.5" tall, Wesco's 10" tall
^^ Wesco has the brown stiching in the uppers
Here are the top details:
The Lofgren's are quite a bit taller than the Wesco's, however both should provide great protection for your feel & ankles on a motorcycle. Both had "narrowed" shafts and are designed to be worn under your pants leg. Both appear to have "moderate" arch support, and are completely leather inside & out.
Overall - summary: I really like both of these pairs of boots. The JL's have an obvious air of deep, rich quality to them that slightly overshadow the Wesco's in my opinion. That said, they are also around $1075 new through Standard & Strange and are only offered in batches as they are made. If you can swallow the price, and hold up with the wait, these are worth a serious look. They are wonderful boots however you really do have to be sure they will fit you- standard D width is all that appear to be offered, yet they run slightly wider in my experience than a "D".
The Wesco's are an excellent choice, especially at $699. They are beautiful to look at, comfortable to wear (except when a bit short) but have a little more of a "edge" to them. To the best of my knowledge (please correct me if I am wrong here) these are stitch down constructed. This is a great feature as they would be full re-buildable as well. They may be just a bit more eye-catching in the wild, and that may or may not be your thing. I think they would be excellent Motorcycling boots, or even for horseback riding. They are not afraid of some good honest in the dirt work as well. (To be fair the JL's are not either, but you will feel it a bit more knowing these were four-digit boots from a pricing standpoint).
With some care and careful ordering from the start to get the fit dialed in, either of these could be with you for many decades. Each will give you great service and foot support and look great at the same time.
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