Help with John Lofgren boot lasts

[Brandrea33]

I’m hoping some of you with experience with John Lofgren boots can assist.

I’m looking at adding the Combat boots in Shinki shell cordovan, and the web site says they are based on the 120 last. I couldn’t find much on their web site about the fit of this last, but it would appear it has a generous toe box with some width and volume. Is that correct?

My only other pair of nice boots are Viberg 310’s and they work really well for my feet. I wear a size US 11.5 in them.

Does the Viberg 310 and the Lofgren 120 fit about the same?
Thanks,

 

[Alabama Blacksmith]

No , think more of
a Alden last .

 

[Brandrea33]

The reply I got back from the maker …

 

[BaslerChrysler]

Hi,
I guess Timing is right here - overall she is super knowledgable and gave me previously good advices re sizing.
The Shinki boots Lofgren produces are super stiff and thick I had to size up half a size as the feeling that they are slightly smaller and your toes, heels push against the boots. Overall, Lofgren combat boots are good for wide forefoot and high arch. I wear 6.5 in Combat boots but in Viberg 310 last I wear 6 cause it’s wider IMO.
I’m 7d in brannock may be now tending to be E or 7.5D. For reference, I wear Viberg 2030 and 1035 with thick socks (Chup), Red wing iron ranger 6.5 with thin socks, New Balance 7US, Nike Airmax 7.5 US, alden modified last 6D, alden Van last 6.5 E, if this helps.

 

[Brandrea33]

Hi,
I guess Timing is right here - overall she is super knowledgable and gave me previously good advices re sizing.
The Shinki boots Lofgren produces are super stiff and thick I had to size up half a size as the feeling that they are slightly smaller and your toes, heels push against the boots. Overall, Lofgren combat boots are good for wide forefoot and high arch. I wear 6.5 in Combat boots but in Viberg 310 last I wear 6 cause it’s wider IMO.
I’m 7d in brannock may be now tending to be E or 7.5D. For reference, I wear Viberg 2030 and 1035 with thick socks (Chup), Red wing iron ranger 6.5 with thin socks, New Balance 7US, Nike Airmax 7.5 US, alden modified last 6D, alden Van last 6.5 E, if this helps.

Thank you for your insight, I really appreciate it.

sorry for the delayed reply.

Would you say the height (volume) inside the combat boot is the tallest out of all their styles? The reason I ask is that I have to wear orthotics and need the extra room.

Thank you, Brian

 

[BaslerChrysler]

Thank you for your insight, I really appreciate it.

sorry for the delayed reply.

Would you say the height (volume) inside the combat boot is the tallest out of all their styles? The reason I ask is that I have to wear orthotics and need the extra room.

Thank you, Brian

Hi Brian, no problem at all. Yes, I would say combat boots and and donkey punchers are the most voluminous among Lofgrens. My orthotics coming end of next week so if you wish can share my experience cause I have pretty high instep and wide forefoot.

 

[BaslerChrysler]

So i tried my orthotics with combat boots and they don’t work for me cause they elevate the arch and with already high arch it just feels uncomfortable. But if your arch is not very high it might work actually

 

[Bfd70]

I’ve used orthotics for 27 years. They limit which shoes/boots you can wear. They work best with boots that have a removable footbed so you don’t raise your heel too high. Unfortunately this rules out most better made boots.

 

[Brandrea33]

So i tried my orthotics with combat boots and they don’t work for me cause they elevate the arch and with already high arch it just feels uncomfortable. But if your arch is not very high it might work actually

Thank you very much for this. Exactly what I was afraid of. Sadly these won’t work for me.

 

[BaslerChrysler]

Try Alden Modified last from Moulded Shoe. They can produce an orthotic for you or they have options where you can remove existing insole and insert your own.

 

[Brandrea33]

Try Alden Modified last from Moulded Shoe. They can produce an orthotic for you or they have options where you can remove existing insole and insert your own.

Thank you, I’ll give them a look, much appreciated.

I was going to go with Kreosote, but based on the wait time I opted not to.