Lone Wolf boots. Fit true to size?

[Colin G]

Fellas, I am looking at some Lone Wolf boots. Wood Cutter or possibly the Carpenter.

I need a new pair, these look nice and price is decent but I can't nail down sizing from any internet research I do. From what I gather they fit true to size but I want to confirm before I order anything.

Can anyone here comment on how they fit? I typically wear a US size 9 in everything except Red Wing Heritage which I am a US 8.

 

[Bobby Peru]

I usually wear 8.5E and my Lone Wolf Carpenter boots are a size 8. The fit is perfect with room for thick socks.

 

[Colin G]

Thanks. I have read true to size, and some say size down a 1/2 size.

How much room in the toe do you have?

 

[Bobby Peru]

Thanks. I have read true to size, and some say size down a 1/2 size.

How much room in the toe do you have?

The fit is ample enough to allow toe splay with a little bit of room remaining past the longest toe.

I was confused about the sizing prior to ordering. I ordered mine from HPA and Charles was helpful in confirming my size.

 

[Colin G]

I e-mailed HPA but no response yet. On the site they say order to your brannock device size which is a size 9 then I read to size down hence my confusion. I like 1/2" + room in my shoes or boots. I don't like a close fitting boot where your toes are right up there.

I don't want my boots to fit like hockey skates. I fit my skates tight back in the day.

 

[deaner33]

I ordered my normal brannock size and was able to put some aftermarket work insoles in them. Love the fit.


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[Colin G]

I ordered my normal brannock size and was able to put some aftermarket work insoles in them. Love the fit.


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So did they fit a bit large and the insole made them perfect or is the boot in your size simply able to accommodate an aftermarket insole?

 

[deaner33]

I would say they run about a half size large. I got a size 9, but could have easily fit into an 8.5.


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[Colin G]

Cool. Thanks deaner.

I will be ordering off of Rakuten so no returns and I want to make sure on size.

From my research and what History Preservation Associates says on their site about fit, I should size down 1 size. I am a US 9 so go down to a size 8 in a Lone Wolf.

 

[Colin G]

Just going to bump this up for more info before I roll the dice and order a pair.

 

[John_Z]

In my experience they fit true to size. I have 2 pairs, all black and 2 tone. I wear a size 8 UK which is equivalent (for me) to 8-1/2 US. The fit is good. Breathing room without being too loose so I get no slippage. My toes do not 'feel' the end of the toe box so they don't cause any discomfort. Generally I wear them with thin cotton socks but can just as easily wear them with thicker socks if the need arises.

I have high arches so some of the engineer boots I own require some considerable effort to get on and off. The Lone Wolf's though are just right for me as they have a comparatively generous shaft.

I own 14 pairs of engineer boots form a variety of makers. It's fair to say that of those the Lone Wolf's are easily the most comfortable.

 

[Colin G]

Thanks John. You saying they fit true to size yet again gives an entirely different opinion on fit from what I am reading.

I may just end up not getting these at all since I can't exchange size if they don't fit.

 

[Mich486]

It’s a gamble Colin... not saying it’s not worth but still a gamble.

What I normally do when I start finding contrasting opinions online is to stick with my usual size.


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[Colin G]

It’s a gamble Colin... not saying it’s not worth but still a gamble.

What I normally do when I start finding contrasting opinions online is to stick with my usual size.


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Yup. A gamble.

This is my first foray into Japanese made footwear so it gets tricky since I am unfamiliar with sizing and finding information about sizing is also tricky.

The only sizing standard I can go by is how a boot I am after compares to the fit of a Red Wing Heritage like an Iron Ranger or Blacksmith and finding info or reviews online that make that comparison is sparse.

 

[Bfd70]

Colin, what sizing system does Canada use? I’ve found that US and UK tend to be all over the place but my European number doesn’t change.

Also, have you spoken to the proprietor at History preservation? He seems quite knowledgeable and responsive.

 

[Colin G]

Colin, what sizing system does Canada use? I’ve found that US and UK tend to be all over the place but my European number doesn’t change.

Also, have you spoken to the proprietor at History preservation? He seems quite knowledgeable and responsive.

We use standard US sizing up here. I am a US 9D measured on a Brannock device. (left foot is actually an 8 1/2).

I did e-mail History Preservation and they say size down 1 size so like a typical Red Wing.

I just have read so many reviews and comments that are all over the place so it gets a bit frustrating.

Same with White's buying through Baker Shoe. They say 7 1/2 E on a Bounty HUnter which just seems insane to me. Never been an E in my life while most reviews I read say size down a size like a Red Wing heritage.

 

[Bfd70]

Then, while i see the appeal of the lone wolf, a custom made pair of wesco size exactly to your feet seems like a good alternative.

 

[HPA Rep]

Yup. A gamble.

This is my first foray into Japanese made footwear so it gets tricky since I am unfamiliar with sizing and finding information about sizing is also tricky.

The only sizing standard I can go by is how a boot I am after compares to the fit of a Red Wing Heritage like an Iron Ranger or Blacksmith and finding info or reviews online that make that comparison is sparse.

There is no gamble ordering from us because the purchase is returnable. I think the convenience of a common language, extensive product knowledge, and service and care we offer is worth the price for every item we sell, but this is obviously not shared by all.

 

[John_Z]

Thanks John. You saying they fit true to size yet again gives an entirely different opinion on fit from what I am reading.

I may just end up not getting these at all since I can't exchange size if they don't fit.

No worries Colin. Sorry if my input being contrary to the general consensus of opinion on the fit of these boots confuses matters. I can only speak as I find. I imagine that someone with a lower, flatter foot profile may well find them loose as the resulting more relaxed fit across the instep could well allow the foot to move back and forth.

ELMC sell rebranded Lofgren's here in the UK. They state on their online shop that they run loose and to order a size down. Again this is not the case in my experience. I have 3 pairs and find them all true to size.

Also I had a pair of Red Wings in size 8-1/2 US. I sold them on as they were a tad too big for me so didn't find the sizing comparable with Lone Wolf's.

However much research you do on the sizing of an article of apparel when buying an item you've not tried for size there will always be a a chance the fit will be wrong. At best you can only hope to minimise this. I've made a few mistakes in my time and it's disappointing when it does happen but something I have to be prepared for if I'm to enjoy the ability to shop internationally.

 

[Colin G]

No worries Colin. Sorry if my input being contrary to the general consensus of opinion on the fit of these boots confuses matters. I can only speak as I find. I imagine that someone with a lower, flatter foot profile may well find them loose as the resulting more relaxed fit across the instep could well allow the foot to move back and forth.

ELMC sell rebranded Lofgren's here in the UK. They state on their online shop that they run loose and to order a size down. Again this is not the case in my experience. I have 3 pairs and find them all true to size.

Also I had a pair of Red Wings in size 8-1/2 US. I sold them on as they were a tad too big for me so didn't find the sizing comparable with Lone Wolf's.

However much research you do on the sizing of an article of apparel when buying an item you've not tried for size there will always be a a chance the fit will be wrong. At best you can only hope to minimise this. I've made a few mistakes in my time and it's disappointing when it does happen but something I have to be prepared for if I'm to enjoy the ability to shop internationally.

Thanks for the extra information John. It does help.

Each person also has his/her own personal fit preferences so I do take any online research I do, with that in mind.