Footwear to go with our jackets

[Bennarion]

@Tom71
Amazing shoes. The photo is like under a microscope

 

[Bfd70]

I indulged (again). John Lofgren Service Boot.

I wanted to try JF for a long time. I can’t do their Engineers due to the tiny instep. I also convinced myself I needed a pair of rough out boots.

JF also does the “Boondockers” boot which would be the US Navy equivalent of this Army boot. I couldn’t find a difference but for the last, so one can go by fit preference.

Craftsmanship and comfort are super. I sized according to my RedWings which gives me plenty of room. Sizing down 0,5 would probably work, but it feels good as it is.

Optics are spectacular. Already received a ton of compliments, just three hours into my day.

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Those are in top contention for boots I’d want if i “needed” boots which i absolutely do not. They would arm wrestle the alden snuff suede on this page for 1st place.
As forJL “tiny instep” on their engineers, i find the, absolutely baggy. Loose with a tongue pad and 1/2 insert.

 

[Ianrivaldosmith]

Probably rather unconventional for this forum, or maybe not? But I picked up these:-

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[Tom71]

I own suede boots and shoes from most of the usual suspects (crockett n jones, carmina, trickers etc) and I can guarantee that Alden's snuff suede is by far the best. Although nowdays in thr EU this pair costs 950e which I find pure madness.

I believe that. The colour ist most beautiful. Price - yeah, hard justify, especially if you already have a pair. They do fill a niche I don´t expore to often: Not dressy enough for the office, not sturdy enough for my weekends. I love to take them to all smart-casual occasions (private and job), but two pairs....?

 

[Tom71]

Those are in top contention for boots I’d want if i “needed” boots which i absolutely do not. They would arm wrestle the alden snuff suede on this page for 1st place.
As forJL “tiny instep” on their engineers, i find the, absolutely baggy. Loose with a tongue pad and 1/2 insert.

Thank you. Very happy indeed.

We talked about JL. I have the same issue with Bright Shoemakers: If I want to get them on/off I need to size up twice, so my feet swim in them when walking. Wesco Mr Lou are my go-to in that respect.

 

[Trouser Bark]

Thank you. Very happy indeed.

We talked about JL. I have the same issue with Bright Shoemakers: If I want to get them on/off I need to size up twice, so my feet swim in them when walking. Wesco Mr Lou are my go-to in that respect.

Snug boot removal issues can often be cured w/ a little extra leverage. I used to use a ten buck boot jack but have since opted for something I can yank a little harder with and not have to be concerned about damaging the boot.

Once in a while you can find them on the Bay as made by Tex Taylor. The ones I've seen are oak so slick enough that I put a section of stair tread material on it to keep my sock from sliding off.

Shot of the underside:

 

[marker2037]

I indulged (again). John Lofgren Service Boot.

I wanted to try JF for a long time. I can’t do their Engineers due to the tiny instep. I also convinced myself I needed a pair of rough out boots.

JF also does the “Boondockers” boot which would be the US Navy equivalent of this Army boot. I couldn’t find a difference but for the last, so one can go by fit preference.

Craftsmanship and comfort are super. I sized according to my RedWings which gives me plenty of room. Sizing down 0,5 would probably work, but it feels good as it is.

Optics are spectacular. Already received a ton of compliments, just three hours into my day.

View attachment 776855

Thank you. Very happy indeed.

We talked about JL. I have the same issue with Bright Shoemakers: If I want to get them on/off I need to size up twice, so my feet swim in them when walking. Wesco Mr Lou are my go-to in that respect.

Those M-43s are great, very high on my list. I personally prefer the look of the N-1 Boondocker and I have a pair in my cart for a couple days now, just waiting for the urge to push a button overcomes me lol.

I am actually very, very surprised you feel the instep of the Lofgren Engineers are too low, especially when you talk about Mister Lou’s in comparison. I own both and the Mister Lou are far, far, far more tight on the instep for me. My Lofgrens are a 9D and the Mister Lou is a 9.5E and only one can give me pain/be too tight occasionally.

 

[marker2037]

Speaking of Lofgren engineers…

Shinki Hikaku horsebutt just arrived. Can’t wait to break these in, the leather feels amazing, the grain is ideal for me, not too heavily honeycombed and not too lightly; just right. I was worried it would be a very stiff leather, but it’s actually extremely pliable. I have never been a black edge and heel kind of guy, but recently the desire to own a pair of all black boots has enveloped me and this is the result.

Compared to my Ezo Shika deerskin

 

[Tom71]

Snug boot removal issues can often be cured w/ a little extra leverage. I used to use a ten buck boot jack but have since opted for something I can yank a little harder with and not have to be concerned about damaging the boot.

Once in a while you can find them on the Bay as made by Tex Taylor. The ones I've seen are oak so slick enough that I put a section of stair tread material on it to keep my sock from sliding off.

Shot of the underside:

Thanks for the suggestion. I am aware of boot jacks and also of the “plastic bag technique” to deal with a tight shaft.
For me, a boot needs to be functional in every day life, on holidays, when I am in and out of the house. All of my boots (Weso, RW, Rios) provide easy slipping in and out, so I can’t be bothered with footwear that for some reason don’t work for me.

 

[Tom71]

Those M-43s are great, very high on my list. I personally prefer the look of the N-1 Boondocker and I have a pair in my cart for a couple days now, just waiting for the urge to push a button overcomes me lol.

I am actually very, very surprised you feel the instep of the Lofgren Engineers are too low, especially when you talk about Mister Lou’s in comparison. I own both and the Mister Lou are far, far, far more tight on the instep for me. My Lofgrens are a 9D and the Mister Lou is a 9.5E and only one can give me pain/be too tight occasionally.

Yes, the Boondockers are also great. Personally, I don’t really see the difference, but I haven’t handled them in person.

Wore the M-43’s today at a “Vintage Festival” and was complimented again on them. Lookers, for sure! After a full day walking around town, I can also confirm that they are very comfortable.

As to instep: I generally have no issue with boots (Engineer or Cowboy), but JL and Bright just don’t work.

 

[Tom71]

Speaking of Lofgren engineers…

Shinki Hikaku horsebutt just arrived. Can’t wait to break these in, the leather feels amazing, the grain is ideal for me, not too heavily honeycombed and not too lightly; just right. I was worried it would be a very stiff leather, but it’s actually extremely pliable. I have never been a black edge and heel kind of guy, but recently the desire to own a pair of all black boots has enveloped me and this is the result.

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Compared to my Ezo Shika deerskin

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Visually, JL makes (one of) the nicest Engineer on the market. Great pair!

 

[Biff42]

Yes, the Boondockers are also great. Personally, I don’t really see the difference, but I haven’t handled them in person.

Wore the M-43’s today at a “Vintage Festival” and was complimented again on them. Lookers, for sure! After a full day walking around town, I can also confirm that they are very comfortable.

As to instep: I generally have no issue with boots (Engineer or Cowboy), but JL and Bright just don’t work.

I recently bought a pair of JL **********cher boots. They are really nice and comfy too.

 

[andyone]

Speaking of Lofgren engineers…

Shinki Hikaku horsebutt just arrived. Can’t wait to break these in, the leather feels amazing, the grain is ideal for me, not too heavily honeycombed and not too lightly; just right. I was worried it would be a very stiff leather, but it’s actually extremely pliable. I have never been a black edge and heel kind of guy, but recently the desire to own a pair of all black boots has enveloped me and this is the result.

View attachment 777125


View attachment 777126
View attachment 777128

Compared to my Ezo Shika deerskin

View attachment 777129

View attachment 777130

Wow, those black JL look great! Wish the last would fit me…

 

[marker2037]

Yes, the Boondockers are also great. Personally, I don’t really see the difference, but I haven’t handled them in person.

Wore the M-43’s today at a “Vintage Festival” and was complimented again on them. Lookers, for sure! After a full day walking around town, I can also confirm that they are very comfortable.

As to instep: I generally have no issue with boots (Engineer or Cowboy), but JL and Bright just don’t work.

I recently bought a pair of JL **********cher boots. They are really nice and comfy too.

How did you both size the Lofgren service boots? I was thinking .5 down from Brannock. I do 1 full down from Brannock on the engineers as I always wanted a snug fit, limited to zero heel slip and they were the first size I tried, which worked. But in the service boot with laces, I think a 9.5D instead of the 9D on the engineers, will work best and give me some more room with the ability to crank down if need be.

I am 10D Brannock, 9.5D in Alden Trubalance and Barrie, 9.5 D in Whites MP, 9D in Whites 55, 10D Allen Edmonds 65 and 1757.

 

[Biff42]

How did you both size the Lofgren service boots? I was thinking .5 down from Brannock. I do 1 full down from Brannock on the engineers as I always wanted a snug fit, limited to zero heel slip and they were the first size I tried, which worked. But in the service boot with laces, I think a 9.5D instead of the 9D on the engineers, will work best and give me some more room with the ability to crank down if need be.

I am 10D Brannock, 9.5D in Alden Trubalance and Barrie, 9.5 D in Whites MP, 9D in Whites 55, 10D Allen Edmonds 65 and 1757.

The m-43 is on the munson last and the combat and **********cher are on the 120 last. For the 120 last I went a half size down from brannock and I'd recommend that for you as well. They are marked as e width, but I didnt find them exceptionally wide, especially with kilties.

Buy them from a reputable online store so you can exchange them.

Edit to add that the m-43 are on the Munson last. Also, I do not like snug/restrictive footwear. Some guys buy smaller sizes and claim the leather stretches and all that, but that is not my experience. YMMV.

 

[marker2037]

Cool, great advice, thanks! That’s what I figured. My feet can expand a bit while traveling and I would much rather have some extra room than not enough as I walk a lot during my travels. I have heard the 120 last isn’t as roomy as the engineer last, so I plan to go 9.5D on them.

 

[Khilij]

Anyone else pick up anything from the Parkhurst Sample Sale? I got a pair of cap toe boots in their gray cloudburst kudu. Very excited for them to come in.

 

[Tom71]

How did you both size the Lofgren service boots? I was thinking .5 down from Brannock. I do 1 full down from Brannock on the engineers as I always wanted a snug fit, limited to zero heel slip and they were the first size I tried, which worked. But in the service boot with laces, I think a 9.5D instead of the 9D on the engineers, will work best and give me some more room with the ability to crank down if need be.

I am 10D Brannock, 9.5D in Alden Trubalance and Barrie, 9.5 D in Whites MP, 9D in Whites 55, 10D Allen Edmonds 65 and 1757.

I took the same size as with RedWing or Viberg. We don’t use Brannock in Europe, but the info from the store I ordered from confirmed that it fits pretty generously. They did recommend the same size for the M-43 and the Boondockers.

I have the D width, and I wouldn’t want to size down.

 

[Trouser Bark]

I picked up a pair of lined Wesco Boss Engineers @ 16" today. Won't have 'em for a month or so. If it's true that an ounce on the foot is a pound in the pack then these ought to be a hell of a workout everyday. I've got a pair or 11 or 12" Wesco Morrisons and they're hefty girls. These engineers can't be lighter.

 

[Pandemic]

I picked up a pair of lined Wesco Boss Engineers @ 16" today. Won't have 'em for a month or so. If it's true that an ounce on the foot is a pound in the pack then these ought to be a hell of a workout everyday. I've got a pair or 11 or 12" Wesco Morrisons and they're hefty girls. These engineers can't be lighter.

I’m pretty sure the Wesco Boss has a lead midsole