Footwear to go with our jackets

[Jin431]

I lucked into the onderhouds. Entered the Stitchdown premium drawing and was selected. SDP is a pretty cool group of boot fanatics. I’ve enjoyed the banter on their discord.

Good on you for getting one from onderhoud. Got it, must be a fun one. I'm sure that will spell trouble for me if I subscribe haha

 

[AeroFan_07]

This discussion is interesting to me just now:

Thank you, JustinW and MrFrown, much appreciated.

Indeed, it's the instep fit that has me buffaloed. I have a high/full instep that requires a "close instep" adjustment withn most White's boots. I don't know how to translate that to a boot that will slip on and off, but still be snug when worn. I HATE a sloppy/loose boot, having worn lace-ups since my early teens. I thought that I could stretch the instep out with the strap loose, then tighten the strap to a snug fit, but that plan did not play out with a cheaper pair of engineers I was using as a test case.

I really do like the look of that aged brass with the brown leather - much, much better than nickel!

Thank you both again!

By way of reminder, I started this thread in the "General" attire section. I am in no-manner an expert at anything. Much less Engineer boots. I just like them:
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/comparison-wesco-mr-lou-to-john-lofgren-engineer.102418/

Woodtroll - If you (like me) have worn primarily lace-up boots since you were a teenager, you may find the engineer boot journey a challenge. Sounds like you started with some cheaper ones, which is a very good idea. I have a "slightly" narrow foot, a 11.5C/12C is my ideal size in most makes & models of boots. However as I indicated in the thread, John Lofgren's only come in one width.

The Wesco Mr. Lou's can be ordered in other widths. I suggest looking at Baker's boots if you decide to try Wesco's (no matter what type).

Here is the rub for me - the Lofgren's require a good double-sock to fit me. Once on however and "locked in" they walk rather well for an engineer. My Mr. Lou's fit much better (and with only one pair of socks needed) however as I am starting to wear them a bit on carpet in my house only, I am finding something different out here. The "walk" is different. They seem a lot more choppy. I would have expected the opposite - as they fit Much Better. However the Lofgren's' simply walk smoothly. I still do not recommend walking all day in them - that would be pretty difficult.

I suspect some of this can be attributed to the photos below. Notice the shape difference below (mostly toward the front) Lofgren's on the Right in both photos.

The difference is a bit easier to see with a straightedge in between:

So I cannot pretend to tell how this works a different "step" feel between two similar pairs of boots. However it sure seems to. I would be interested in your throughs. Also this may be something to consider as you look for the right pair of engineer boots. Hope it's helpful...

 

[Goel]

Already put in for my Flamepanda boot. Just a basic service boondocker with a bit of added height and a special leather I'm providing, probably the last boot I'll get unless I can find a nice Tanker.

 

[Jin431]

Already put in for my Flamepanda boot. Just a basic service boondocker with a bit of added height and a special leather I'm providing, probably the last boot I'll get unless I can find a nice Tanker.

Have you checked Standard and strange? They still offer the Eastman tanker boots made by john lofgren. The rough out version of that looked cool

 

[powerserge]

Oops, I wrote benzein huh. Yes they are the Sagaras, don't know why I wrote the other company lol I want to get shell cordovan later on too but maybe in a derby boot or something more formal

Would you go for the normal black/color 8 or one of the rarer shell colors?

Has anyone heard of these guys or better handled any of their shoes?

https://www.johndoeshoes.com

I don’t have personal experience but I have seen reviews from Stridewise and some on Reddit. From what I know it’s a decent boot for something like 2-300 but don’t expect great quality control

What else ya got in the works? I went a little crazy this year. Got a benzein coming soon, 2 flamepandas, and an onderhoud. Merry Xmas to me.

What do you have coming in from Benzein and flame panda? My Benzein came in last month and have a pair of flame pandas set to arrive later next year

I lucked into the onderhouds. Entered the Stitchdown premium drawing and was selected. SDP is a pretty cool group of boot fanatics. I’ve enjoyed the banter on their discord.

Congratulations! I’m in the group as well! It’s a great group of people there and anyone else who is interested should definitely join. Plus you get access to discount codes and giveaways

Good on you for getting one from onderhoud. Got it, must be a fun one. I'm sure that will spell trouble for me if I subscribe haha

I’m in the group as well, join us!

Already put in for my Flamepanda boot. Just a basic service boondocker with a bit of added height and a special leather I'm providing, probably the last boot I'll get unless I can find a nice Tanker.

His boondocker is one of the cleanest out there. Have you seen Tichoblanco’s boondockers on Instagram? Every time he posts them I want to put in a order for the same exact pair. Which leather did you choose for yours? I have a boondocker-like model coming in from him later next year. Super excited to get a pair from him

Have you checked Standard and strange? They still offer the Eastman tanker boots made by john lofgren. The rough out version of that looked cool

That’s a great model and would recommend that one as well. Another brand you could look at is Dehner. They’re actually based from my home state of Nebraska and are actually the people to create the original tanker boot with General Patton. Now they won’t have the fanciest leathers but they also are only about $450.
http://www.dehner.com/customboots_military.html

 

[red devil]

I don’t have personal experience but I have seen reviews from Stridewise and some on Reddit. From what I know it’s a decent boot for something like 2-300 but don’t expect great quality control

Thanks, I was having trouble figuring out where they stood

 

[Blackadder]

First day wearing the RM Buco High Polished Steerhide engineer with RM J-100 padded.

 

[Jin431]

Would you go for the normal black/color 8 or one of the rarer shell colors?

I don’t have personal experience but I have seen reviews from Stridewise and some on Reddit. From what I know it’s a decent boot for something like 2-300 but don’t expect great quality control

What do you have coming in from Benzein and flame panda? My Benzein came in last month and have a pair of flame pandas set to arrive later next year

Congratulations! I’m in the group as well! It’s a great group of people there and anyone else who is interested should definitely join. Plus you get access to discount codes and giveaways

I’m in the group as well, join us!

His boondocker is one of the cleanest out there. Have you seen Tichoblanco’s boondockers on Instagram? Every time he posts them I want to put in a order for the same exact pair. Which leather did you choose for yours? I have a boondocker-like model coming in from him later next year. Super excited to get a pair from him

That’s a great model and would recommend that one as well. Another brand you could look at is Dehner. They’re actually based from my home state of Nebraska and are actually the people to create the original tanker boot with General Patton. Now they won’t have the fanciest leathers but they also are only about $450.
http://www.dehner.com/customboots_military.html

If I go for shell cordovan, I feel I might opt for color #8. It might be more versatile and doesn't it go well with black/brown?

Got it, I'll look into that discord community.

Those Dehner tankers mean business, that's some serious footwear

 

[Ayeteael]

Inbound:
Chelsea from Benzien
black teacore horsebutt Engineers from FP
burgandy horsebutt Monkey boots from FP

 

[Monitor]

First day wearing the RM Buco High Polished Steerhide engineer with RM J-100 padded. View attachment 295601 View attachment 295602

Beautiful boots. Shame they're hidden under those blue tents. Stick those jeans into the boots!

 

[Goel]

Have you checked Standard and strange? They still offer the Eastman tanker boots made by john lofgren. The rough out version of that looked cool

Yeah I have considered those, though I'm not a fan of half soles and if I do another horsehide boot I would really want it to be shinki or something. I know JL has used that before. The Dehner boots actually look really nice too and offer a lot of customization, although the leather selection is lacking.

His boondocker is one of the cleanest out there. Have you seen Tichoblanco’s boondockers on Instagram? Every time he posts them I want to put in a order for the same exact pair. Which leather did you choose for yours? I have a boondocker-like model coming in from him later next year. Super excited to get a pair from him

I'm supplying some elk leather for it and I'm doing it on the 108 last, as I don't like the squared off toe of the 206.

 

[Blackadder]

Beautiful boots. Shame they're hidden under those blue tents. Stick those jeans into the boots!

Thank you for the compliment. The shaft is too narrow for me to stuff my jeans into. Leather is pliable almost like CXL but a bit thinner than CXL and not as waxy. I have said I like CXL for boots and the fact that these are less waxy makes them one of my all time favourites.

 

[Jin431]

Inbound:
Chelsea from Benzien
black teacore horsebutt Engineers from FP
burgandy horsebutt Monkey boots from FP

Oh yeah! What a line up! Can't wait to see this

Yeah I have considered those, though I'm not a fan of half soles and if I do another horsehide boot I would really want it to be shinki or something. I know JL has used that before. The Dehner boots actually look really nice too and offer a lot of customization, although the leather selection is lacking.


I'm supplying some elk leather for it and I'm doing it on the 108 last, as I don't like the squared off toe of the 206.

I feel the same way, I'm more drawn to full soles and yes Shinkis would be great
True about the Dehner boots, I'm sure those are great hides on its own and that they can take a beating but you can get better.

 

[Goel]

It seems Dehner will let you supply your own leather, so I could probably get a hold of some fancy horsebutt from wherever and still get a Tanker for probably half the price of the Eastman reproduction (by the original maker no less). Might have to consider that.

 

[powerserge]

If I go for shell cordovan, I feel I might opt for color #8. It might be more versatile and doesn't it go well with black/brown?

Got it, I'll look into that discord community.

Those Dehner tankers mean business, that's some serious footwear

I think it goes very well with either black or brown and extremely versatile. Rather than a normal burgundy, the light to dark variation the color 8 shell makes it even more all-arounder.

I'm supplying some elk leather for it and I'm doing it on the 108 last, as I don't like the squared off toe of the 206.

That's really cool, where are you getting the elk from? The 108 last is much sleeker and has a dressier vibe to it, I personally prefer the 206 as it fits my style a bit better.

It seems Dehner will let you supply your own leather, so I could probably get a hold of some fancy horsebutt from wherever and still get a Tanker for probably half the price of the Eastman reproduction (by the original maker no less). Might have to consider that.

I never knew that, did you just ask them about it? I have always wanted to get a pair of boots from them and having that option makes them more appealing for sure. I never understood why the cost of the Eastman tankers is as high as it is...but I guess that's kind of the way with Lofgren's pricing

 

[Marc mndt]

I like these y2 engineers

 

[Jin431]

I think it goes very well with either black or brown and extremely versatile. Rather than a normal burgundy, the light to dark variation the color 8 shell makes it even more all-arounder.

That's really cool, where are you getting the elk from? The 108 last is much sleeker and has a dressier vibe to it, I personally prefer the 206 as it fits my style a bit better.

I never knew that, did you just ask them about it? I have always wanted to get a pair of boots from them and having that option makes them more appealing for sure. I never understood why the cost of the Eastman tankers is as high as it is...but I guess that's kind of the way with Lofgren's pricing

I hear you the normal burgundy isn't so nice compared to the color #8. Isn't color #8 and cordovan cxl the same color? I get them confused all the time

 

[Harris HTM]

I hear you the normal burgundy isn't so nice compared to the color #8. Isn't color #8 and cordovan cxl the same color? I get them confused all the time

Almost. In the figures below: a William Lennon Horween no8 cxl steer (2016, walked thousands of km's), an Alden Horween no8 shell cap toe boot (2018, moderate wear) and an Alden Horween no8 shell long wing brogue (end of 2019, almost no wear due to covid).
It is pity that there is no sunlight now, you could then see the real difference, and the amazing colour depth of horween no8 shell.

 

[Bfd70]

I like these y2 engineers
View attachment 295885
View attachment 295886

Photo makes them look like they have a pleasantly low heel.

 

[Bfd70]

Inbound:
Chelsea from Benzien
black teacore horsebutt Engineers from FP
burgandy horsebutt Monkey boots from FP

Fp?