Wesco or Role Call Custom Engineer boots?

[Lost Ronin]

I read through the massive engineer boots thread here. I want to have custom engineer boots made. The main reason being my size. I'm a 10.5 EEE Width US size. Almost nothing fits off the rack.

I had a pair of Wesco boots 20 years ago. They survived many miles on foot through Boston weather. My mother threw them away. She didn't know any better I'm afraid.
Those were a 10.5 EE size. My feet have gotten a bit bigger.

I've been professionally fit for issued combat boots, running shoes and dress shoes. All are a 10.5 EEE sizing.

I've heard great things of Brian at Role Call. In get to L.A. a few times a year. I could be measured in peson if I had too.

Shall I go custom Wesco or Role Call?

I'm thinking dark brown or black. 10" shaft height. Soft toe is a must.

Thanks in advance!

 

[El Marro]

I hear amazing things about Brian, and the photos of his work definitely seem to support his stellar reputation. I believe he has a very long wait time at this point. I know I have seen this discussed before here, and perhaps someone who is themselves in the queue right now could chime in regarding lead time for Role Club Boots.
I personally own two pairs of Wesco Boss boots and I am very pleased with them. The second pair I custom ordered through Baker Shoe in Oregon and they took about 14 weeks to arrive.
If you want the boots sooner rather than later then Wesco is probably the way to go.

 

[Grayland]

The difference in price is substantial. Is it worth it to you?

 

[Lost Ronin]

It's not so much the cost as obtaining a great fit. The most expensive boots in the world are useless if they don't fit properly.

Wesco are of very high quality. My last pair I nearly lived in them. They held up and aged beautifully.

 

[Americanaaa Mark]

Quality between the two is probably indistinguishable except role club may have slightly more attractive outer half soles.

You can get triple stiching and solid brass rollers now for extra money and weeco i think can get hh but it's extra too.

Role club i know comes standard blinged out with hh, triple stitch and solid brass rollers.

I'd go wesco if you want them sooner. If you like the roleclub last and don't mind waiting then go role club. I heard brian has a real long wait list. I plan to get a pair by him but it's gonna be after I've gotten by Lofgren and I won't mind the wait.

 

[Lost Ronin]

Quality between the two is probably indistinguishable except role club may have slightly more attractive outer half soles.

You can get triple stiching and solid brass rollers now for extra money and weeco i think can get hh but it's extra too.

Role club i know comes standard blinged out with hh, triple stitch and solid brass rollers.

I'd go wesco if you want them sooner. If you like the roleclub last and don't mind waiting then go role club. I heard brian has a real long wait list. I plan to get a pair by him but it's gonna be after I've gotten by Lofgren and I won't mind the wait.

I love the Lofgren boots too! I'd like a pair of each one day. Timeelss.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I don't have any Wescos, but I am about to get my boots from Brian in a couple of months.

I've always been more in favor of smaller operations and for boots and handwelting. Brian's boots won't last any longer, but there are several elements that just show a greater attention to detail.
I also think the leather options are better and I personally prefer his last.

That said, the wait list is at least a year now and Wescos are amazing. I probably will buy a pair of those one day as well.

 

[El Marro]

If fit is your primary concern (as it should be!) I am confident that Wesco will be able to accommodate you. I recommend that you reach out to them directly and tell them what you are looking for. Several members have posted on the engineer boot thread about the one-off collaborations they have put together working directly with Wesco and it seems that there are some options (such as toe shape, different lasts, etc.) that are not commonly known or offered on the webpage. I'm sure that they will be able to recommend for or against certain options or styles based on your foot size and shape.
I wish you luck, and please keep posting to let us know how this all works out for you.

 

[Lost Ronin]

If fit is your primary concern (as it should be!) I am confident that Wesco will be able to accommodate you. I recommend that you reach out to them directly and tell them what you are looking for. Several members have posted on the engineer boot thread about the one-off collaborations they have put together working directly with Wesco and it seems that there are some options (such as toe shape, different lasts, etc.) that are not commonly known or offered on the webpage. I'm sure that they will be able to recommend for or against certain options or styles based on your foot size and shape.
I wish you luck, and please keep posting to let us know how this all works out for you.

Thank you all for your input and advice. I will keep everyone posted as to how it all goes.

 

[kyboots]

I have worn Wescos for years and still have the ones from 20 years ago. I have great love of my Wescos and you should be able to obtain a perfect fit. They will also be cheaper but the key as you say is fit.

 

[AeroFan_07]

I think either one would be a good route to go. Both will be very good quality and hope they don't get tossed in 20 years.

White's Boots in Spoke, WA also does an engineer boot: http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=541

They have very detailed fit procedures (see video on site) and lots of customization options.
White's also builds around a high arch, so they work well for my foot.