John Lofgren Engineer Sizing Issues - Help Needed

[fthompson]

Hi all - I’ve been trying to dial in my size in the John Lofgren Wabash Engineer Boots, but I keep striking out.

So far I’ve tried sizes 10.5, 11, and 11.5.

• 11.5 (used pair): Way too big. My feet were floating.
• 10.5 (used pair): Width felt okay, but my toes were too far forward in the toe box — definitely too short.
• 11 (brand new pair from S&S): Just arrived today. I can barely get my feet through the shaft, and once they’re on they feel very tight in the width. They’re somehow more uncomfortable than either of the other sizes.

I’m not sure if the tightness on the 11 is just because they’re brand new and need break-in, or if it’s genuinely too small.

For reference:

• I typically wear 11.5 in most footwear.
• My John Lofgren Combat Boots are 11E and fit well, maybe slightly wide, but comfortable overall.

I don’t have a Brannock measurement.

Has anyone run into similar sizing issues with these? Any thoughts on whether the 11 might break in, or if this just isn’t the right fit for me?

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Sounds like you may need an 11E for the best fit in the Engineers as well (a Brannock measurement would really help with that determination). It's my understanding that the last runs wide for a D width, but I didn't particularly think so with the new pair of 9.5D's that I tried on @S&S (my Brannock is 10E). The 11D's will definitely stretch with wear and you can use a boot stretcher to help facilitate that process if needed. The used boots that you previously purchased were likely stretched a noticeable amount.

I have flat, low volume feet and found the Lofgren Engineers to be too narrow (and a bit short) in the toe box and extremely loose in the vamp and heel counter areas. So much so, that I could tell that no size of Lofgren Engineer would work well with my feet. Thankfully, it sounds like you won't have the same excessive heel slip issue.

Do you still have the 11.5D's? If so, have you tried adding a thin insole like the Rose Anvil 2mm thick foam inserts?

 

[fthompson]

Sounds like you may need an 11E for the best fit in the Engineers as well (a Brannock measurement would really help with that determination). It's my understanding that the last runs wide for a D width, but I didn't particularly think so with the new pair of 9.5D's that I tried on @S&S (my Brannock is 10E). The 11D's will definitely stretch with wear and you can use a boot stretcher to help facilitate that process if needed. The used boots that you previously purchased were likely stretched a noticeable amount.

I have flat, low volume feet and found the Lofgren Engineers to be too narrow (and a bit short) in the toe box and extremely loose in the vamp and heel counter areas. So much so, that I could tell that no size of Lofgren Engineer would work well with my feet. Thankfully, it sounds like you won't have the same excessive heel slip issue.

Do you still have the 11.5D's? If so, have you tried adding a thin insole like the Rose Anvil 2mm thick foam inserts?

Thanks for the reply. I don’t think the JL Engineers come in an E width, but I’ve read the same thing about the D width running wide. The 10.5 pair I had were heavily worn, so I think you’re probably right that they stretched a noticeable amount over time, which made them fit better than the new 11s. I’m not sure if I want to risk trying to stretch these new ones or just return them and move on.

I wish I still had the 11.5s, because your suggestion of adding an insert sounds like my best bet at this point. I may try to track down another pair in 11.5, but it’s starting to feel like an expensive experiment with a zero success rate so far. I’m hoping the JL Engineers just aren’t for me - because I really do love the look of them.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Thanks for the reply. I don’t think the JL Engineers come in an E width, but I’ve read the same thing about the D width running wide. The 10.5 pair I had were heavily worn, so I think you’re probably right that they stretched a noticeable amount over time, which made them fit better than the new 11s. I’m not sure if I want to risk trying to stretch these new ones or just return them and move on.

I wish I still had the 11.5s, because your suggestion of adding an insert sounds like my best bet at this point. I may try to track down another pair in 11.5, but it’s starting to feel like an expensive experiment with a zero success rate so far. I’m hoping the JL Engineers just aren’t for me - because I really do love the look of them.

Correct, I don't believe that the Wabash Engineers are available in anything other than D width, unless JL happens to do a small batch run in E. I'll see the occasional M-43 in an E width, but I haven't personally seen an Engineer in anything other than D.

If the 11's are the correct length, they are likely the most correct size for your foot (the shaft tightness is normal), but I fully understand your reservations with attempting to stretch them to accommodate your feet. If the boots primarily need stretched in the toe box, that's achievable with a boot stretcher off of Amazon, but if it's in the mid-foot/ arch area, it won't be much help.

There's always the option for relasting the boot. @Mulceber did so with his Lofgren's and can provide much more helpful insight on the fit than I can.

 

[fthompson]

Correct, I don't believe that the Wabash Engineers are available in anything other than D width, unless JL happens to do a small batch run in E. I'll see the occasional M-43 in an E width, but I haven't personally seen an Engineer in anything other than D.

If the 11's are the correct length, they are likely the most correct size for your foot (the shaft tightness is normal), but I fully understand your reservations with attempting to stretch them to accommodate your feet. If the boots primarily need stretched in the toe box, that's achievable with a boot stretcher off of Amazon, but if it's in the mid-foot/ arch area, it won't be much help.

There's always the option for relasting the boot. @Mulceber did so with his Lofgren's and can provide much more helpful insight on the fit than I can.

Thanks again! The length of the size 11 seems fine, and I don’t think there is any issue with the midfoot/arch fit. The tightness when on is entirely along the outer edge of the ball of my foot near my big toe and my small toe on the other side. The leather feels very stiff - should I expect it to stretch in that area over time?

I just tried them on again, and it’s still a bit of a struggle to get them on. Once they’re on, though, they fit well in the heel and I have zero heel slip. I would say they are snug. The main thing I notice is that tightness in area of the outside edges of the ball of my foot. If I just had a little more space in that area they would be good.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Thanks again! The length of the size 11 seems fine, and I don’t think there is any issue with the midfoot/arch fit. The tightness when on is entirely along the outer edge of the ball of my foot near my big toe and my small toe on the other side. The leather feels very stiff - should I expect it to stretch in that area over time?

I just tried them on again, and it’s still a bit of a struggle to get them on. Once they’re on, though, they fit well in the heel and I have zero heel slip. I would say they are snug. The main thing I notice is that tightness in area of the outside edges of the ball of my foot. If I just had a little more space in that area they would be good.

Yes, CXL will absolutely stretch. I'd recommend using the stretcher in the link below just to give yourself a bit more width room in the toe box. Inserting and removing the stretcher will also help loosen up the pass through point of the shaft that's giving you so much resistance. A lot of people report needing to use plastic bags to get into their Lofgrens for the first few wears, so that's not uncommon. I do think that you should probably have at least a small degree of heel slip, but that may develop once the boot is more broken in.

If the boots are painfully tight, or you cannot move your toes in the toe box area, they are too small and using a boot stretcher will not solve the issue. You can always purchase a second pair of boots from S&S in 11.5 (if in stock) and return the pair that is the worst fitting.

If you decide to go the stretcher route, be sure to unbuckle both straps before inserting and removing the stretcher.

https://www.amazon.com/Tigcent-Stre...2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

 

[AeroFan_07]

You can also try a plastic bag in the front area of your foot, slide them on with the bag on the front of your foot, and they should slide on pretty easily.

Lofgrens are too wide for me, even as a "D" width.

This should be easy to resolve, if you have anything like a Red Wing shoe store, or a higher end department store, such as Macy's, Dillards or Von Maur, should be able to measure your feet with a Brannock (or better) device. Red Wing has their own devices that's electronic. Or a running store. Any of these places should be able to measure your feet.

 

[fthompson]

You can also try a plastic bag in the front area of your foot, slide them on with the bag on the front of your foot, and they should slide on pretty easily.

Lofgrens are too wide for me, even as a "D" width.

This should be easy to resolve, if you have anything like a Red Wing shoe store, or a higher end department store, such as Macy's, Dillards or Von Maur, should be able to measure your feet with a Brannock (or better) device. Red Wing has their own devices that's electronic. Or a running store. Any of these places should be able to measure your feet.

Thanks for the advice. I went to a local store and I’m a 12D Brannock. Not sure why I didn’t do this sooner. I had assumed I was 11.5D, so that explains the fit issues.

I’m still not sure why the first pair of 11.5 Lofgren Engineers felt so big - other than them being used and maybe really stretched out?

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Thanks for the advice. I went to a local store and I’m a 12D Brannock. Not sure why I didn’t do this sooner. I had assumed I was 11.5D, so that explains the fit issues.

I’m still not sure why the first pair of 11.5 Lofgren Engineers felt so big - other than them being used and maybe really stretched out?

Based on that info, I'd ask S&S to exchange for a pair in 11.5D.

Another thing to bear in mind is that Lofgren has updated their sizing within a few models lines during the last few years. I'm not sure if the Wabash Engineers may have been one of the models with revised sizing. If so, what was once a 11.5D would now be considered a 12D. That may account for the previous pair being a bit large.

Since the boots were used, there's no telling how stretched out that they might have been from their original state. Either from normal CXL stretch/ wear or from using a stretching device.

 

[justjogoh]

Sounds like you may need an 11E for the best fit in the Engineers as well (a Brannock measurement would really help with that determination). It's my understanding that the last runs wide for a D width, but I didn't particularly think so with the new pair of 9.5D's that I tried on @S&S (my Brannock is 10E). The 11D's will definitely stretch with wear and you can use a boot stretcher to help facilitate that process if needed. The used boots that you previously purchased were likely stretched a noticeable amount.

I have flat, low volume feet and found the Lofgren Engineers to be too narrow (and a bit short) in the toe box and extremely loose in the vamp and heel counter areas. So much so, that I could tell that no size of Lofgren Engineer would work well with my feet. Thankfully, it sounds like you won't have the same excessive heel slip issue.

Do you still have the 11.5D's? If so, have you tried adding a thin insole like the Rose Anvil 2mm thick foam inserts?

This sounds different from what others have said about Lofgren's being good for flat, low volume feet Did you not find that it gripped your heel or ankle well?

 

[Bfd70]

Sounds like you may need an 11E for the best fit in the Engineers as well (a Brannock measurement would really help with that determination). It's my understanding that the last runs wide for a D width, but I didn't particularly think so with the new pair of 9.5D's that I tried on @S&S (my Brannock is 10E). The 11D's will definitely stretch with wear and you can use a boot stretcher to help facilitate that process if needed. The used boots that you previously purchased were likely stretched a noticeable amount.

I have flat, low volume feet and found the Lofgren Engineers to be too narrow (and a bit short) in the toe box and extremely loose in the vamp and heel counter areas. So much so, that I could tell that no size of Lofgren Engineer would work well with my feet. Thankfully, it sounds like you won't have the same excessive heel slip issue.

Do you still have the 11.5D's? If so, have you tried adding a thin insole like the Rose Anvil 2mm thick foam inserts?

Similar experience. Lofgrens never fit. @justjogoh i have flat low volume feet at JL were waaaay too roomy. Best stock engineers i found were addict. In the end mtm was the only really good way to go albeit pricey. Engineers are not good in general for low volume

 

[coolhandluke_7]

This sounds different from what others have said about Lofgren's being good for flat, low volume feet Did you not find that it gripped your heel or ankle well?

Absolutely not. I have a 10E Brannock and tried on a 9.5D in the Lofgrens. They were slightly too small (in both length and width) in the toe box. The heel and ankle had zero resistance when I placed my foot into the boot. The back half of my foot just sloshed around in them. The portion of the shaft above the heel counter dug into my Achilles pretty well though and was highly uncomfortable. Especially on the left boot.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Similar experience. Lofgrens never fit. @justjogoh i have flat low volume feet at JL were waaaay too roomy. Best stock engineers i found were addict. In the end mtm was the only really good way to go albeit pricey. Engineers are not good in general for low volume

I found that the lasts that Attractions uses work well for my flat, low volume feet. The 329's that I have are a touch narrow, but I probably purchased a 1/2 size too small in them.

 

[justjogoh]

I found that the lasts that Attractions uses work well for my flat, low volume feet. The 329's that I have are a touch narrow, but I probably purchased a 1/2 size too small in them.

How much did you size down?

 

[marker2037]

I’m a 10D Brannock. I bought my first pair of Lofgren Wabash in 2021 and took a gamble going down to 9D as I was afraid of excessive heel slip and a sloppy fit. They were the first pair of engineers I ever bought. Luckily, it worked out well, though I was initially panicking as I felt I couldn’t get my foot in the shaft (again, I was a rookie and it’s not a problem at all).

Fast forward 3 pairs, those engineers have stretched and molded to my feet considerably, making them the most comfortable engineer I own. What initially may feel too tight, eases up over time a good amount to the point where I feel a 9.5D would eventually be too big. I just got a new pair in black Shinki horsebutt and when I compare them from Day 1 first try on to just a week later, the fit has loosened significantly.

Use this as you wish, but this is my experience.

For context:

Alden Trubalance/Barrie - 9.5D
Alden Plaza/Aberdeen - 10D
Allen Edmonds 65/1757 - 10D
Whites 55/1970 - 9D
Whites MP - 9.5D
Briselblack Kapak - 43
Wesco Mr Lou - 9.5E
Truman - 9.5

 

[coolhandluke_7]

How much did you size down?

I went a full size down, when only 1/2 size was recommended. Length wise they're just fine, but a 1/2 size larger likely would have give me a bit of additional width. I tried on a pair of 269's in 9.5D at Standard and Strange and they felt just a touch big. The 329's (on the same last) in 9D felt longer than the 9.5D Lofgrens did. As the 329's have broken in, it's allowed my foot to slide further towards the front of the boot. Making the toe box feel more crowded. A 1/2 larger would alleviate that issue.

When S&S restocks the 269's in black, I'll likely be ordering a pair in 9.5D. I'd love to try on a pair of 444's to see if that last is a little more roomy in the width department.

 

[justjogoh]

I’m a 10D Brannock. I bought my first pair of Lofgren Wabash in 2021 and took a gamble going down to 9D as I was afraid of excessive heel slip and a sloppy fit. They were the first pair of engineers I ever bought. Luckily, it worked out well, though I was initially panicking as I felt I couldn’t get my foot in the shaft (again, I was a rookie and it’s not a problem at all).

Fast forward 3 pairs, those engineers have stretched and molded to my feet considerably, making them the most comfortable engineer I own. What initially may feel too tight, eases up over time a good amount to the point where I feel a 9.5D would eventually be too big. I just got a new pair in black Shinki horsebutt and when I compare them from Day 1 first try on to just a week later, the fit has loosened significantly.

Use this as you wish, but this is my experience.

For context:

Alden Trubalance/Barrie - 9.5D
Alden Plaza/Aberdeen - 10D
Allen Edmonds 65/1757 - 10D
Whites 55/1970 - 9D
Whites MP - 9.5D
Briselblack Kapak - 43
Wesco Mr Lou - 9.5E
Truman - 9.5

Oh that's so interesting that you have so many different sizes for different boots - and that you size a full size down for Lofgrens and Whites - which of them would you say has the tightest ankle fit or lockdown

 

[justjogoh]

I went a full size down, when only 1/2 size was recommended. Length wise they're just fine, but a 1/2 size larger likely would have give me a bit of additional width. I tried on a pair of 269's in 9.5D at Standard and Strange and they felt just a touch big. The 329's (on the same last) in 9D felt longer than the 9.5D Lofgrens did. As the 329's have broken in, it's allowed my foot to slide further towards the front of the boot. Making the toe box feel more crowded. A 1/2 larger would alleviate that issue.

When S&S restocks the 269's in black, I'll likely be ordering a pair in 9.5D. I'd love to try on a pair of 444's to see if that last is a little more roomy in the width department.

Ah I see. Coincidentally I actually have a pair of 269's that I've worn 4 times that I'm trying to sell.

I wanna make room for a pair of 444's that I managed to get my hands on haha.

I actually think the 444's feel super snug and that the site description can be misleading. It says that the freeman last A008 has a sharper toe, longer and flatter too as compared to the A010 last. But in my wearing experience, the A010 specialty last is much more snug both in width and instep despite having a 'bulbous' toe. The Freeman last does taper into a dressier almond shape, but because it's longer, the taper doesn't really result in a feeling of decreased width, or pinky pinch as it happens further down the boot. Whereas the 444s really hug my foot on all side quite tightly

Attached are some pictures of my 269s that I'll probably list on classifieds at some point

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Ah I see. Coincidentally I actually have a pair of 269's that I've worn 4 times that I'm trying to sell.

I wanna make room for a pair of 444's that I managed to get my hands on haha.

I actually think the 444's feel super snug and that the site description can be misleading. It says that the freeman last A008 has a sharper toe, longer and flatter too as compared to the A010 last. But in my wearing experience, the A010 specialty last is much more snug both in width and instep despite having a 'bulbous' toe. The Freeman last does taper into a dressier almond shape, but because it's longer, the taper doesn't really result in a feeling of decreased width, or pinky pinch as it happens further down the boot. Whereas the 444s really hug my foot on all side quite tightly

Attached are some pictures of my 269s that I'll probably list on classifieds at some point

Thanks a ton for that info. Is the toe box on the A010 last a little more generous in width (since it has a more rounded toe profile), where you don't have the pinkie pinch that you mentioned? I get that on the A008, so I'm assuming it's a no-go on the A010, if they are an even slimmer fit.

 

[marker2037]

Oh that's so interesting that you have so many different sizes for different boots - and that you size a full size down for Lofgrens and Whites - which of them would you say has the tightest ankle fit or lockdown

Well I can’t really compare much except the Whites Nomad to the Lofgren Wabash, but they are two engineers on opposite ends of the spectrum: roomy and brutish for the Nomad, sleeker and fitted for the Lofgren.