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Engineer Boots, Harness Boots...

Lost Ronin

One of the Regulars
Messages
153
Thanks for your reply! I do own a pair of chippewas size 9 but they are rather large. I would like to order a pair of wescos since the exchange rate ia perfect. But I haveno idea what size I should order.


Call Wesco. They are world class for customer service. They will walk you through it for finding your size. There is always the custom sizing route which is worth every penny of you have hard to fit feet.
 

Blackadder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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3,828
Location
China
Best i can guess is that lofgren boots are less of a work boot and way more of a fassion boot considering their leather choices. Im not saying theyre not as good, but, i would expect the west coast boots to take a beating better.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk
John Lofgren mainly uses Horween CXL which is the same as those used by White's.
As to why some would say JL, Clinch etc are much better looking-

Erratic stitching seems to be a norm for Wesco and White's boots. IMO they have a pretty carefree attitude to where the thread go so long as it holds the boots in place. Oh and I have been told by the local dealer to not be OCD (one heel being visibly bigger than the other) about my pair of custom White's bounty hunter. When the same visible mis-match happens to say JL or Mister Freedom, you can pretty much ask for a refund cos those are rejects. Does the mis-match or crazy stitching affect wear or durability? Usually not.

All these JL and MF boots are produced in small quantity and do not enjoy economies of scale. Their prices reflect this as much as their quality if not more. Wesco and White's even though they offer custom works do possess certain economies of scale. So bear in mind that the premium you paid is not just for quality it is for owning a rare piece or on the flip side a penalty for choosing a product that does not have economies of scale.
 

Blackadder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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3,828
Location
China
OK, no offense, but those boots would make me never want to get a pair of Engineers. I know we all are diff taste, but the soles look ridiculously thick to me. I mean, I've had dozens of pairs of all sorts of good boots over the years and never anything like that was needed nor desired. Can someone explain that to me?
They are not that thick. Single midsole with Vibram rubber sole. Same as lots of engineer boots.
http://www.rebroth.com/info/12400.html
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/gmmstore/item/wesco-boss-11h-430-bg/

Some of the coloured leather they use however is an acquired taste.
 

dudewuttheheck

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,403
I just had the good fortune of trying on Redwing 2268, Wesco, and John Lofgren engineers. I was amazed at the difference bumping up to Lofgren makes! What a beautiful and amazingly made boot. Miles above the other 2 brands.
Agreed on this, though I will give Wesco credit for making their boots very solidly. Lofgren are the best non-hand welted boots I've ever seen, though. Only Role Club and Clinch are better and even then it's extremely close.
 

willyto

One Too Many
Messages
1,616
Location
Barcelona
Agreed on this, though I will give Wesco credit for making their boots very solidly. Lofgren are the best non-hand welted boots I've ever seen, though. Only Role Club and Clinch are better and even then it's extremely close.

At that price point I just don't get why they don't use hand welting. The gemming shouldn't be an option in a top quality shoe or boot.
 

dudewuttheheck

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,403
At that price point I just don't get why they don't use hand welting. The gemming shouldn't be an option in a top quality shoe or boot.
I wonder why they don't as well, but then other than dress shoe makers, there are only three hand welters in Japan or the US that I know of. Brass, Role Club, and White Kloud. I own the first two and have the last one on order/have seen them in person. It's a nice feature to have and when done perfectly like White Kloud, it is art, but it's not entirely necessary. Keep in mind that it's not actually easy to do well according to those I've talked to and it takes a LOT of time. Even at Clinch, only one guy does it. The other two are one man brands.

There are different ways to look at it. Compared to Clinch and Role Club, you wonder why Lofgren doesn't have hand welting, but at the same time it is arguably the most unique engineer boot last out there and doesn't take at least 6 months to get. Also, compared to Road Champs, I would argue that Lofgren is worth more money despite costing the same... so it really all depends. It's already past the point of diminishing returns anyway :D
 

Bushman

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,138
Location
Joliet
"I need your clothes, your boots, and your motorcycle." Just got these slightly used Harley Davidsons in the mail! :D
VNXkcEF.jpg
 

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