oldcrow82
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 194
- Location
- Northern California
Good looking boots art89b! Tell your cobbler he needs to unretire, he does beautiful work. Welcome to the lounge.
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Engineer Boots, Harness Boots...
- Thread starter Creeping Past
- Start date
oldcrow82
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 194
- Location
- Northern California
Wesco will build your boss's any way you want. I have a pair, and I can't speak highly enough of them. Read through the this thread, you'll see a few examples of wescos.
SHOWSOMECLASS
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 438
- Location
- Des Moines, Iowa
I would second the vote for Chippewa engineers. I have a pair made in the USA and I love them.
Mr Badger
Practically Family
- Messages
- 545
- Location
- Somerset, UK
The Frye Brando boots have double top buckles, and nice low-profile toes. They came in brown and black, and can sometimes be found on Ebay for cheap but, as per usual, not in my large size!
Nice boots !The Frye Brando boots have double top buckles, and nice low-profile toes. They came in brown and black, and can sometimes be found on Ebay for cheap but, as per usual, not in my large size!
say are those the original Brandos or the Rands #87240 & do they fit true or big, 1/2 size ?
any pics of the Black Brandos out there ?
http://stompersboots.com/products-page/engineer-boots/rand-engineer-tobacco/
tonypaj
Practically Family
- Messages
- 659
- Location
- Divonne les Bains, France
Got Rands from Stompers, I reckon they're true to size. Tobacco, fairly comfortable, if I could have them a bit wider, even better.
kyboots
Practically Family
- Messages
- 988
Really good looking boots. I wear Wesco's in size 13 too. They run true to shoe size for me and I would suggest you order the 13's. Agree with the earlier comments you can have them built "your way" with how many top straps you want. Had some brown engineers made with two straps and they look great. Stompers has a sale right now on black 20 inch engineers with three straps, really cool if you want that tall a pair. Give Stompers, or ********* Boots (several others) all of them a look.---John
just a note:
I just Ebayed Toys McCoys Beck engineer boots size 9½. And sold them onwards about 15 min. after they had arrived. Nice boots, and good construction, but something has gone wrong when designing them.
I don't have high instep, and it took me more than 5 min. and lot of effort to get them on my feet, anf they were already a bit broken in. Once they were on my feet, they felt like true 9½.
A bummer for me and warning for all who think of getting these....
I just Ebayed Toys McCoys Beck engineer boots size 9½. And sold them onwards about 15 min. after they had arrived. Nice boots, and good construction, but something has gone wrong when designing them.
I don't have high instep, and it took me more than 5 min. and lot of effort to get them on my feet, anf they were already a bit broken in. Once they were on my feet, they felt like true 9½.
A bummer for me and warning for all who think of getting these....
White's "Nomad" Engineer Boots! New pics and review
Hey all,
I just got a pair of boots that I have been really anticipating. I was one of the first people to order a pair of the new White's Boots "Nomad" Engineer boots when they were released three months ago. they just arrived on Friday, and I have to say, I am very impressed. Since I also own a pair of Wesco "Boss" engineer boots with similar specs, I will compare and contrast these boots in my review.
Overall, these boots represent the standard configuration with brown leather instead of black. I chose to go with White's standard brown 7-8 oz leather for this order. It is thick, but not overly stiff, and the color is a pleasing shade of brown - not too dark, not too light. The leather is a bit on the dry side, but it came with a container of White's boot grease. I think I will hold off on greasing these up for a bit since I like the color so much. The boots are triple stiched, and the stitching is straight and tight. Overall, the workmanship is excellent - I have been very pleased with White's quality in general. Both buckles are nickel colored roller buckles - the instep uses a 1 inch buckle and the calf uses a 0.5" buckle. Some might feel that the 1" instep buckle is a bit large (Wesco's use 0.75" buckles), but it does not bother me. The toe is a nice round 50's profile, just slightly less round than the standard Wesco Boss toe. It looks great, and it features a standard celastic toe box to help it keep it's shape ( I personally like the hard toe box). I would say these boots are a 50's style engineer boot, but it would be easy to ask for a different toe profile and to have the celastic toe box removed if you want more of a 1930's - 1940's look.
I ordered the same size I wear in a Smoke Jumper, and the fit is spot on. They feature White's "Arch Ease" high arch support, which I like, but it may take some getting used to for those who have not experienced it. The only fit issue I encountered is that these boots come with foam insoles (like Wesco), and the boots were too tight until I removed the insoles. When I took the insoles out, they fit exactly like my Smoke jumpers (which do not come with insoles). I think the lasts they use for these are virtually the same as the Smoke Jumper, so if you order your usual size, the foam insole may not work for you. On the contrary, my Wesco Boss boots fit perfectly with the insole, but would be too large without them.
One major sucess is that the boot manages to be easy to slip on, yet it still cups the heel to help prevent heel lift. I was really hoping this would be the case, and this is a huge improvement over the heel fit of my Wesco's. My only real gripe with my Wescos has been that the heel fit is sloppy in width, and it does not cup around my heel. Even being well broken in, I experience sloppy fit in the heel and heel lift in my Wesco's. The White's are a huge improvement, and for a pull on boot, this kind of fit in the heel is very important. I see this as a big advantage for White's. White's takes a lot of care to make sure your boots fit right - they ask for measurements, and if you walk into their store in Spokane, they will sit you down and measure your feet with a cloth tape. To contrast, I drove up to the Wesco factory and asked for a fitting, and the guy there seemed a little surprised. He searched around for a pair of boots in my size, had me put them on, and asked how they felt. That was the extent of it. The people at Wesco are great, and they make a wonderful product, but I think that at this price point a little more care with the fitting would be appropriate.
n any case, the new White's are great boots, and I think they give Wesco a real run for their money. With Wesco's recent price increase, these boots are even a bit cheaper (although I think with some options they will even out). I will post more info as they break in, but I am very pleased with these boots and highly recommend them to anyone who wants a solid pair of 50's style engineer boots. As soon as my bank account recovers, I will definitely be ordering a second pair - this time in Red Dog leather with double midsoles and Vibram 705 half soles.......
Hey all,
I just got a pair of boots that I have been really anticipating. I was one of the first people to order a pair of the new White's Boots "Nomad" Engineer boots when they were released three months ago. they just arrived on Friday, and I have to say, I am very impressed. Since I also own a pair of Wesco "Boss" engineer boots with similar specs, I will compare and contrast these boots in my review.
Overall, these boots represent the standard configuration with brown leather instead of black. I chose to go with White's standard brown 7-8 oz leather for this order. It is thick, but not overly stiff, and the color is a pleasing shade of brown - not too dark, not too light. The leather is a bit on the dry side, but it came with a container of White's boot grease. I think I will hold off on greasing these up for a bit since I like the color so much. The boots are triple stiched, and the stitching is straight and tight. Overall, the workmanship is excellent - I have been very pleased with White's quality in general. Both buckles are nickel colored roller buckles - the instep uses a 1 inch buckle and the calf uses a 0.5" buckle. Some might feel that the 1" instep buckle is a bit large (Wesco's use 0.75" buckles), but it does not bother me. The toe is a nice round 50's profile, just slightly less round than the standard Wesco Boss toe. It looks great, and it features a standard celastic toe box to help it keep it's shape ( I personally like the hard toe box). I would say these boots are a 50's style engineer boot, but it would be easy to ask for a different toe profile and to have the celastic toe box removed if you want more of a 1930's - 1940's look.
I ordered the same size I wear in a Smoke Jumper, and the fit is spot on. They feature White's "Arch Ease" high arch support, which I like, but it may take some getting used to for those who have not experienced it. The only fit issue I encountered is that these boots come with foam insoles (like Wesco), and the boots were too tight until I removed the insoles. When I took the insoles out, they fit exactly like my Smoke jumpers (which do not come with insoles). I think the lasts they use for these are virtually the same as the Smoke Jumper, so if you order your usual size, the foam insole may not work for you. On the contrary, my Wesco Boss boots fit perfectly with the insole, but would be too large without them.
One major sucess is that the boot manages to be easy to slip on, yet it still cups the heel to help prevent heel lift. I was really hoping this would be the case, and this is a huge improvement over the heel fit of my Wesco's. My only real gripe with my Wescos has been that the heel fit is sloppy in width, and it does not cup around my heel. Even being well broken in, I experience sloppy fit in the heel and heel lift in my Wesco's. The White's are a huge improvement, and for a pull on boot, this kind of fit in the heel is very important. I see this as a big advantage for White's. White's takes a lot of care to make sure your boots fit right - they ask for measurements, and if you walk into their store in Spokane, they will sit you down and measure your feet with a cloth tape. To contrast, I drove up to the Wesco factory and asked for a fitting, and the guy there seemed a little surprised. He searched around for a pair of boots in my size, had me put them on, and asked how they felt. That was the extent of it. The people at Wesco are great, and they make a wonderful product, but I think that at this price point a little more care with the fitting would be appropriate.
n any case, the new White's are great boots, and I think they give Wesco a real run for their money. With Wesco's recent price increase, these boots are even a bit cheaper (although I think with some options they will even out). I will post more info as they break in, but I am very pleased with these boots and highly recommend them to anyone who wants a solid pair of 50's style engineer boots. As soon as my bank account recovers, I will definitely be ordering a second pair - this time in Red Dog leather with double midsoles and Vibram 705 half soles.......
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I just received my new White's "Nomad" Engineer boots on Friday, and they are fantastic! I wrote up review and included more pictures here:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?64952-White-s-quot-Nomad-quot-Engineer-Boots!-New-pics-and-review&p=1474069&posted=1#post1474069
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?64952-White-s-quot-Nomad-quot-Engineer-Boots!-New-pics-and-review&p=1474069&posted=1#post1474069
Beautiful looking boots, I like everything about them. The price seems very reasonable considering, and I'm glad you posted as going on the black on black photos I've seen elsewhere I wasn't too fussed on these before.
Enjoy breaking them in!
Enjoy breaking them in!
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kyboots
Practically Family
- Messages
- 988
Good looking boots. I must bite the bullit too, but I do love my Wesco's. Will give them a try.--John
too much coffee
Practically Family
- Messages
- 912
- Location
- Not too far from Spokane, WA
Hey jimmer;
Great boots man! Thanks for the review as well.
For any boot to go head to head against the WESCO Boss boots and come out basically even money is an accomplishment. Your Boss boots are looking great now with some creases and graining going on.
I've always found that the White's (at least the Packers and the Ranchers that I have) took longer than the WESCOs. White's have also told me their boots require between 80 and 120 hours of wear to be considered broken in and I've always found that to be correct.
Enjoy the boots......they're *****in'.
Regards,
coffee
Great boots man! Thanks for the review as well.
For any boot to go head to head against the WESCO Boss boots and come out basically even money is an accomplishment. Your Boss boots are looking great now with some creases and graining going on.
I've always found that the White's (at least the Packers and the Ranchers that I have) took longer than the WESCOs. White's have also told me their boots require between 80 and 120 hours of wear to be considered broken in and I've always found that to be correct.
Enjoy the boots......they're *****in'.
Regards,
coffee
Great choice jimmer,
I ordered a pair of Nomads from Baker's boot about 45 minutes after they posted the availability of facebook.
I'm still waiting...
I ordered black with the 430 sole. I'll be using them when riding my HD. I agree with your comment about the heal "cup". I have a pair of Wescos and they are not as good of a heal fit as my White's Semi Dress or my Vibergs. Both White's and Viberg have a nice design to cup the heal...and they both have a nice cup to the sole due to hand lasting. The cupped sole really cuts down on the foot slap I experience with my Wescos since the Wescos are very flat across the bottom. I do, however, love all three pairs from White's, Viberg, and Wesco. I give White's number 1 ranking followed closely by Viberg. Wesco is lagging a bit due to the lack of heal and sole cupping (and leather choices). Wesco and White's custom fit process rocks...Viberg not so much. Viberg is really focused on the higher margin Asian business so getting their attention is not easy.
My two cents...
I can't wait to receive my Nomads. Thanks for the review, billyb
I ordered a pair of Nomads from Baker's boot about 45 minutes after they posted the availability of facebook.
I'm still waiting...
I ordered black with the 430 sole. I'll be using them when riding my HD. I agree with your comment about the heal "cup". I have a pair of Wescos and they are not as good of a heal fit as my White's Semi Dress or my Vibergs. Both White's and Viberg have a nice design to cup the heal...and they both have a nice cup to the sole due to hand lasting. The cupped sole really cuts down on the foot slap I experience with my Wescos since the Wescos are very flat across the bottom. I do, however, love all three pairs from White's, Viberg, and Wesco. I give White's number 1 ranking followed closely by Viberg. Wesco is lagging a bit due to the lack of heal and sole cupping (and leather choices). Wesco and White's custom fit process rocks...Viberg not so much. Viberg is really focused on the higher margin Asian business so getting their attention is not easy.
My two cents...
I can't wait to receive my Nomads. Thanks for the review, billyb
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that it took me at least 3 months of full time wear to break in my two pairs of White's Semi Dresses. I actually almost gave up on the first pair. They were absolutely killing my feet, but I kept at it thinking I wasn't going to give up on a $500 pair of boots. Then one day the boots just gave in. Just like they stopped fighting and all of a sudden I had a new best friend. Very strange experience...but the process was exactly the same with my second pair.
oldcrow82
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 194
- Location
- Northern California
Wonderful review, and well done on the specs i love love love those natural midsoles. Have you done anything to the midsoles (treatment wise) on the wescos yet?
I find your fit issues to be interesting indeed as my western boss boots are the best fitting (even better than my packers go figure) with no heel lift.
I can't get past the rivet for the calf adjustment, as obscene is WESCO's non availability of roller buckles. One day I will spend too much and hopefully have a perfect pair of engineer boots. Anybody know if nomads are offered in horse hide?
I find your fit issues to be interesting indeed as my western boss boots are the best fitting (even better than my packers go figure) with no heel lift.
I can't get past the rivet for the calf adjustment, as obscene is WESCO's non availability of roller buckles. One day I will spend too much and hopefully have a perfect pair of engineer boots. Anybody know if nomads are offered in horse hide?
Thanks for the comments everyone. After re-reading my post, I feel kind of bad - perhaps I am being too hard on my Wesco's. The truth is that they are my favorite boots, and they are getting better every day. I am just frustrated with the heel fit - I have been wearing pull on western and motorcycle boots for 15 years, and I have rarely ever had this kind of heel slip and slop after over a year of wear. It is due to the shape and reinforced stiffness of the heel counter - it is too stiff to ever wrap over the top of the heel as is breaks in. Perhaps I need a narrower size. I will continue to wear and enjoy my Wesco's.
just really like White's as a company, and their boots fit me really well. The decision to buy a second pair has already been made in my mind.
BillyB, I hope yours arrive soon - they're worth the wait. I live about an a hour and a half from Bakers, and 7 hours south of the White's Factory, so I was ideally situated to receive my boots quickly once they were completed. I also made virtually zero custom changes to the boot itself which may have helped. My next pair will be a little more creative and vintage.
Old Crow, I thought your Wesco's were custom fitted? Glad to hear they work so well - they are a fantastic looking pair. I think when I need a resole, I will run up to Wesco and discuss my heel fit problem with them. Perhaps they can do something to help.
just really like White's as a company, and their boots fit me really well. The decision to buy a second pair has already been made in my mind.
BillyB, I hope yours arrive soon - they're worth the wait. I live about an a hour and a half from Bakers, and 7 hours south of the White's Factory, so I was ideally situated to receive my boots quickly once they were completed. I also made virtually zero custom changes to the boot itself which may have helped. My next pair will be a little more creative and vintage.
Old Crow, I thought your Wesco's were custom fitted? Glad to hear they work so well - they are a fantastic looking pair. I think when I need a resole, I will run up to Wesco and discuss my heel fit problem with them. Perhaps they can do something to help.
oldcrow82
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 194
- Location
- Northern California
They were custom fit my story is a bit more complicated, I ordered packers (western last) first with great results, then my boss engineers (standard boss last) which did not fit nearly as well as the packers. I had similar issues with heel slop. After fussing with heating and reshaping The counter myself (which did help out), WESCO kindly offered, due to the extreme narrowness of my foot, to rebuild using a western last, which for me made all the difference in fit, and made me a customer for life!
I suggest taking a heat *** to the counter of your WESCO's and see if a little reshaping can't fix them right up.
I really love the patina that has developed in your WESCO's. Please wear your whites hard, we need more comparison photos in a year.
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illumin8em
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 396
- Location
- Oregon
hey jimmer, congrats on finally getting them. I have been rather impatiently waiting for some photos to show up somewhere. Just curious, do you wear the same size in Wesco as you do in White's? I have a few White's and know my size, but am not confident on Wesco.