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Footwear to go with our jackets

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,074
Location
London, UK
I think almost all of my footwear is now leather or predomiantly leather; I've not bought new sneakers - nor even worn them, I think - in over a decade. Just more comfortable in a Sensible Sho nowadays, I guess. I vary between 'dress' shoes when in a lounge suit or more formal, and leather workboot type boots when I'm gonig more casual, whether military surplus, Iron Rangers, William Lennon B5s, or whatever. I'm a big fan of my Chinese-made Wested Indy boots thus far; bought them in September 2018 and they have been heavily worn since, holding up well. I'd love a pair of 'real' Alden Indy boots, but they are hard to find and silly-money here in the UK, alas. Today I'm wearing a pair of oiled-finish black leather Redwings which I bought on eBay a long time ago. Not in the same line as the heritage stuff, I think they are from the modern American range. They didnt look all that great to begin with, but as tey have conformed to my feet over time (especially the heel-cup), thy now look nicely shaped. Oh, I've also got a pair of Aero Town boots, which I love: my next work boots will likely be more Aero boots, or some William Lennons. At this time of year, I often enjoy the leather jacket with a collar and tie, slacks and co-respondents look.

When I'm in jeans, I love a good pair of engineer boots with a leather jacket. I've got a nice pair of black with natural-edge sold Redwing 2268s, my old Grinders (best thing in snow I've ever owned), a pair of Caterpillar brown ones, and my SJCs in Oxblood. I'd like some Chippewas, and, if I can ever be certain of the sizing, perhaps a pair of White Nomads or Wescos. I also have a very nice original pair of Aviakit/Lewis Motorway boots, though they don't really get worn as they are a bit long to wear under my jeans, and (aswith all of my boots) not wide enough to go over the top of the wide-leg jeans I favour. I do have my eye on some Lewis Westways, though, both black and brown, and maybe after that some of the Lewis 'Mechanics' boot', their take on traditional engineer. My engineer boots are exclusively worn with denim - indigo, at that. Not had black jeans in over a decade now (though I could be tempted if I could find some with an inner giving thesame contrast effect of cuffs on indigo denim....).


Got these comfortable canvass sneakers.....

3245804

Too modern astyle for my personal aesthetic, but a veyr nicexample of their kind. I particularly like the colour - a nice detail is that the part of the sole that would normally be white is, instead, a lighter shade of grey. Gvies them something of a noir look, as if they are a brightly coloured pair of sneaks in a black and white noir film. Would be a very cool look on a pair of black wingtips...
 

zebedee

One Too Many
Messages
1,900
Location
Shanghai
Tend to wear Blundstones, Loakes or old DMs. I also had 'disposable' footwear for hotter temperatures- canvas shoes with rubber soles and a pair of boat shoes that I (I hate boat shoes in general) look forward to chucking away when they become unnecessary luggage weight.

With a leather jacket, the Blunnies, Loakes or DMs work well- I don't bother 'matching' leather more than two of three (so I'll wear a brown belt, brown boots and a cordovan jacket, no probs). I once tried matching a cordovan jacket with cordovan footwear and felt really self-conscious...
 

NZJono

One of the Regulars
Messages
169
Location
New Zealand
I have several pairs of Trickers - quality beautifully made shoes and boots that go well with my Aero Leather Aeromarine. Also have a pair of Doc Marten made in England boots that’s pretty nice too.
 

dannyk

One Too Many
Messages
1,812
I think almost all of my footwear is now leather or predomiantly leather; I've not bought new sneakers - nor even worn them, I think - in over a decade. Just more comfortable in a Sensible Sho nowadays, I guess. I vary between 'dress' shoes when in a lounge suit or more formal, and leather workboot type boots when I'm gonig more casual, whether military surplus, Iron Rangers, William Lennon B5s, or whatever. I'm a big fan of my Chinese-made Wested Indy boots thus far; bought them in September 2018 and they have been heavily worn since, holding up well. I'd love a pair of 'real' Alden Indy boots, but they are hard to find and silly-money here in the UK, alas. Today I'm wearing a pair of oiled-finish black leather Redwings which I bought on eBay a long time ago. Not in the same line as the heritage stuff, I think they are from the modern American range. They didnt look all that great to begin with, but as tey have conformed to my feet over time (especially the heel-cup), thy now look nicely shaped. Oh, I've also got a pair of Aero Town boots, which I love: my next work boots will likely be more Aero boots, or some William Lennons. At this time of year, I often enjoy the leather jacket with a collar and tie, slacks and co-respondents look.

When I'm in jeans, I love a good pair of engineer boots with a leather jacket. I've got a nice pair of black with natural-edge sold Redwing 2268s, my old Grinders (best thing in snow I've ever owned), a pair of Caterpillar brown ones, and my SJCs in Oxblood. I'd like some Chippewas, and, if I can ever be certain of the sizing, perhaps a pair of White Nomads or Wescos. I also have a very nice original pair of Aviakit/Lewis Motorway boots, though they don't really get worn as they are a bit long to wear under my jeans, and (aswith all of my boots) not wide enough to go over the top of the wide-leg jeans I favour. I do have my eye on some Lewis Westways, though, both black and brown, and maybe after that some of the Lewis 'Mechanics' boot', their take on traditional engineer. My engineer boots are exclusively worn with denim - indigo, at that. Not had black jeans in over a decade now (though I could be tempted if I could find some with an inner giving thesame contrast effect of cuffs on indigo denim....).




Too modern astyle for my personal aesthetic, but a veyr nicexample of their kind. I particularly like the colour - a nice detail is that the part of the sole that would normally be white is, instead, a lighter shade of grey. Gvies them something of a noir look, as if they are a brightly coloured pair of sneaks in a black and white noir film. Would be a very cool look on a pair of black wingtips...
How do you like the Aero boots? I would say 2 months ago now I fancied a pair of Jarrow Marchers in the cordovan color. They were out of my size. I emailed Aero and surprisingly they said yes we are out and we have no idea when we will get more. They usually have amazing service but such a blunt and uninformative response made this experience sour. But they’ve been like 9/10 on the positive side. But to the point yes they are a different model than what I want but how is overall leather thickness and quality? Like no blemishes or knicks? Stitching and all that jazz. Hopefully one day they will have my size ha.
 

Harris HTM

One Too Many
Messages
1,883
Location
In the Depths of R'lyeh
How do you like the Aero boots? I would say 2 months ago now I fancied a pair of Jarrow Marchers in the cordovan color. They were out of my size. I emailed Aero and surprisingly they said yes we are out and we have no idea when we will get more. They usually have amazing service but such a blunt and uninformative response made this experience sour. But they’ve been like 9/10 on the positive side. But to the point yes they are a different model than what I want but how is overall leather thickness and quality? Like no blemishes or knicks? Stitching and all that jazz. Hopefully one day they will have my size ha.

I own a pair, it is two years old now, black colour. Very nice and thick Horween leather, supple from the start. Good stitching, no blemishes. My biggest complaint is that the leather sole wore out really really quick, much faster than any other of my boots/shoes. Go for a pair with Dainite soles.

Similarly priced:
If you want something sturdier, pretty indestructible but bulkier then I'd recommend William Lennons.
For something dressier go for Loake's.
 

dannyk

One Too Many
Messages
1,812
I own a pair, it is two years old now, black colour. Very nice and thick Horween leather, supple from the start. Good stitching, no blemishes. My biggest complaint is that the leather sole wore out really really quick, much faster than any other of my boots/shoes. Go for a pair with Dainite soles.

Similarly priced:
If you want something sturdier, pretty indestructible but bulkier then I'd recommend William Lennons.
For something dressier go for Loake's.
I was going to go Dainite. Where I live is a concrete jungle, and snows and rains a lot. I have my dressy boot situation handled. I’ve heard of William Lennon but never really checked them out. How is the price compared to Aero? That’s what drew me to them for this pair. I like the components being used, and Aero generally makes very nice and reliable products.
 

Harris HTM

One Too Many
Messages
1,883
Location
In the Depths of R'lyeh
I was going to go Dainite. Where I live is a concrete jungle, and snows and rains a lot. I have my dressy boot situation handled. I’ve heard of William Lennon but never really checked them out. How is the price compared to Aero? That’s what drew me to them for this pair. I like the components being used, and Aero generally makes very nice and reliable products.

Here is the website: https://www.rufflander.co.uk/brands/william-lennon/
I own three pairs (shown also on the photo posted in this thread last week), for the 2nd and 3rd pair I went custom (Horween Leather, Vibram Soles, higher model, leather lining on the interior, etc) for extra charge. The downside is that you have to wait, for me it was something like 6 weeks.
Keep in mind they are real workboots, so expect something bulkier and stiffer.
 

dannyk

One Too Many
Messages
1,812
Here is the website: https://www.rufflander.co.uk/brands/william-lennon/
I own three pairs (shown also on the photo posted in this thread last week), for the 2nd and 3rd pair I went custom (Horween Leather, Vibram Soles, higher model, leather lining on the interior, etc) for extra charge. The downside is that you have to wait, for me it was something like 6 weeks.
Keep in mind they are real workboots, so expect something bulkier and stiffer.
Thanks for the feedback! I’ll definitely take a look.
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,074
Location
London, UK
How do you like the Aero boots? I would say 2 months ago now I fancied a pair of Jarrow Marchers in the cordovan color. They were out of my size. I emailed Aero and surprisingly they said yes we are out and we have no idea when we will get more. They usually have amazing service but such a blunt and uninformative response made this experience sour. But they’ve been like 9/10 on the positive side. But to the point yes they are a different model than what I want but how is overall leather thickness and quality? Like no blemishes or knicks? Stitching and all that jazz. Hopefully one day they will have my size ha.

I find them very good indeed. A nose ahead of my Redwing Iron Rangers, on a par with my William Lennon boots. William Lennon made the first run of Aero boots some years ago; somebody else in Northampton does now.
 

Davidm

Familiar Face
Messages
75
Location
Netherlands
Finally took pictures of my small collection. It's all started together with denim obsession and leather jackets as well.
I dont buy often, but every boot have a purpose and serves me well. In further plans: to add two pairs of shoes for summer (guess moto and hobu leather port from Japan) and few engineers (role club and brass and maybe smth else like road champs)
I always prefer to wear proper boots/ shoes with leather jackets.

1. Whites boots Packer
Originally was a steel toe packer snatched from ebay like 10 years ago for like $300, new but with some minor stitching defect. Wore them on in off for like 7 years, they been trashed, so sent them to brass tokyo for restoration and they made an amazing (just WOW!) job. Steel toes was removed, so toes are unstructured now and after i will finally give them a decent amount of wear the toes will become flat and very vintage looking i hope.
View media item 2371View media item 2365View media item 2366
2. Custom Wesco Jobmaster
Ordered directly from Wesco. Sadly not happy with the quality. Seems like im unlucky.
Stitching is very bad everywhere. =( And also i regret i didn't went for a half sole.
Went all out with a configuration on those: Its actually two different kinds of leather - 7oz black oil tan and 5oz pebble grain on top, olive stitching, lower curved heel, narrow last, etc etc.
Anyway, i'm planing to give them hell for upcoming 2-3-4 years and then i will send em to brass for total re-stitch everywhere (white thread now) and will go for half soles.
View media item 2367View media item 2368
3. Viberg Service Boots 310 last
Some old school Vibergs, like 8-9 years old.
Heavy merlot CXL (i believe its not produced anymore as modern CXL became a bit thinner)
Heel was replaced few times. Still holding strong, actually among whites-wesco-viberg, id vote for viberg in terms of build quality. But sadly i don't like what styles they do now. And pricing as well (as for this money you can easily buy some better Japanese stuff)
View media item 2363View media item 2364
4. Red Wing GT
Customised and resoled.
Thats where it all started like 11 years ago =)
Resoled with Dr. Sole white corc soles, False tongues were bought in Frankfurt, original rolled top was removed and replaced by stitching here in NL. Laces are new as well =)
View media item 2372View media item 2369View media item 2370
5. Alden x Leffot Saddle Shoes
Quite rare Alden collaboration, but i just like them
Color 8 cordovan + alpine grain leather.
View media item 2373
 
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GHT

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,774
Location
New Forest
Always had zero luck with engineer boots, never found a pair that was even remotely comfortable so recently, I finally decided to try my luck with harness boots which I originally preferred but didn't really have the courage to wear. Now I wish I had skipped the engineers altogether.
Former Lounger SimonC does a great pair of Engineer Boots. They come in three choices of colour: Black, Oxblood & Acorn.
sjc10.jpg
You talk about having the courage to wear Harness Boots. You should see Simon's Balmoral Boot:
sjc8.jpg sjc9.jpg
And if you think that's flamboyant, you should see his two tone Balmoral, part suede, part leather, with calf skin linings.
sjc7.jpg
 

jonbuilder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,563
Location
Grass Valley CA Foothills
I am always wearing a leather jacket weather permitting when I am outdoors unless sailing or riding my bicycle. When sporting I wear western boots
left to right JB Hill calf, Lucchese goat San Antonio, Lucchese Ostrich, Lucchese overlay steer, (all ebay finds) Paul Bond Bisson made to measure.
fullsizeoutput_1da.jpeg

T. O. Standley Anteater, Pual Bond Shark Skin relast by PB to measure, M.L. Leddy, Falcon Aligator, M. L. Leddy Anteater (all ebay finds)
fullsizeoutput_1dd.jpeg

When I want to make a statement Fommer bespoken full wellington french calf worn with a Dobbs fourty and one of the jackets shown Star Gove, Buco J24, Harley Davidson long half belt
fullsizeoutput_1de.jpeg

On the motorcycle Whites Nomad Clunky Wide welt used for upshifts and
vibrant soles for grip and to help me reach the ground with my short legs
fullsizeoutput_1e3.jpeg

everyday summer standard Whites bounty hunters oil tan
fullsizeoutput_1df.jpeg

everyday winter wear Whites bounty hunter made to order leather lines CXL 7 " double insoles
fullsizeoutput_1e0.jpeg

For the more formal occasions or diners Grknson English shoes, Whites Simi Dress, Church's English shoes, Allen Edmonds Shell
fullsizeoutput_1e2.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Messages
10,607
I am always wearing a leather jacket weather permitting when I am outdoors unless sailing or riding my bicycle. When sporting I wear western boots
left to right JB Hill calf, Lucchese goat San Antonio, Lucchese Ostrich, Lucchese overlay steer, (all ebay finds) Paul Bond Bisson made to measure.
View attachment 176106
T. O. Standley Anteater, Pual Bond Shark Skin relast by PB to measure, M.L. Leddy, Falcon Aligator, M. L. Leddy Anteater (all ebay finds)
View attachment 176107
When I want to make a statement Fommer bespoken full wellington french calf worn with a Dobbs fourty and one of the jackets shown Star Gove, Buco J24, Harley Davidson long half belt
View attachment 176108
everyday summer standard Whites bounty hunters oil tan
View attachment 176109
On the motorcycle Whites Nomad Clunky Wide welt used for upshifts and vibrant soles for grip and to help me reach the ground with my short legs
View attachment 176110
everyday winter wear Whites bounty hunter made to order leather lines CXL 7 " double insoles
View attachment 176111
For the more formal occasions or diners Grknson English shoes, Whites Simi Dress, Church's English shoes, Allen Edmonds Shell
View attachment 176112

Incredible footwear collection...but I want to know more about the Star Glove! Looks absolutely amazing.

Thanks.
 
Messages
16,799
I am always wearing a leather jacket weather permitting when I am outdoors unless sailing or riding my bicycle. When sporting I wear western boots
left to right JB Hill calf, Lucchese goat San Antonio, Lucchese Ostrich, Lucchese overlay steer, (all ebay finds) Paul Bond Bisson made to measure.
View attachment 176106
T. O. Standley Anteater, Pual Bond Shark Skin relast by PB to measure, M.L. Leddy, Falcon Aligator, M. L. Leddy Anteater (all ebay finds)
View attachment 176107
When I want to make a statement Fommer bespoken full wellington french calf worn with a Dobbs fourty and one of the jackets shown Star Gove, Buco J24, Harley Davidson long half belt
View attachment 176108
On the motorcycle Whites Nomad Clunky Wide welt used for upshifts and
vibrant soles for grip and to help me reach the ground with my short legs
View attachment 176109
everyday summer standard Whites bounty hunters oil tan
View attachment 176110
everyday winter wear Whites bounty hunter made to order leather lines CXL 7 " double insoles
View attachment 176111
For the more formal occasions or diners Grknson English shoes, Whites Simi Dress, Church's English shoes, Allen Edmonds Shell
View attachment 176112

Great boots! The drawing is awesome, too.
 

El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,588
Location
California
I am always wearing a leather jacket weather permitting when I am outdoors unless sailing or riding my bicycle. When sporting I wear western boots
left to right JB Hill calf, Lucchese goat San Antonio, Lucchese Ostrich, Lucchese overlay steer, (all ebay finds) Paul Bond Bisson made to measure.
View attachment 176106
T. O. Standley Anteater, Pual Bond Shark Skin relast by PB to measure, M.L. Leddy, Falcon Aligator, M. L. Leddy Anteater (all ebay finds)
View attachment 176107
When I want to make a statement Fommer bespoken full wellington french calf worn with a Dobbs fourty and one of the jackets shown Star Gove, Buco J24, Harley Davidson long half belt
View attachment 176108
On the motorcycle Whites Nomad Clunky Wide welt used for upshifts and
vibrant soles for grip and to help me reach the ground with my short legs
View attachment 176109
everyday summer standard Whites bounty hunters oil tan
View attachment 176110
everyday winter wear Whites bounty hunter made to order leather lines CXL 7 " double insoles
View attachment 176111
For the more formal occasions or diners Grknson English shoes, Whites Simi Dress, Church's English shoes, Allen Edmonds Shell
View attachment 176112
Very, very nice collection Jon!
I too would love to hear more about the Star Glove as I have only ever seen one pop up on eBay and of course read about them as the predecessor to Cal Leather
 

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