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Engineer Boots, Harness Boots...

Guttersnipe

One Too Many
Messages
1,942
Location
San Francisco, CA
Does anyone have experience with Red Wing's 9085 "engineer" boots? I'm eyeing a pair in my precise size and width, but since you cannot try on shoes over the internet, I thought that I'd ask the FL hive mind for advice. For instance, does this model run large, small, true-to-size? What about Red Wings in general?

Thanks!
 

Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,347
Location
Traverse city
Easiest comparison is that i've been a 10.5 in Nike gym shoes since high school. 9.5 in any Red wing from the heritage line. 9.5 in Chippewa and Wolverine 1000 mile as well.
 

memphislawyer

Practically Family
Messages
771
Location
Memphis, Tn
I have never worn engineer boots and i am debating on getting a pair of Frye Addison engineer boots in suede or perhaps a suede chukka or Chelsea boot. I'm very much enjoyed my cowboy boots and a pair of double H work boots that I've gotten and I'm wondering how engineer boots, and more specifically the Frye in suede, would feel Walking around and look with jeans and khakis.
 

redlinerobert

One of the Regulars
Messages
288
Location
Central coast, CA
I have never worn engineer boots and i am debating on getting a pair of Frye Addison engineer boots in suede or perhaps a suede chukka or Chelsea boot. I'm very much enjoyed my cowboy boots and a pair of double H work boots that I've gotten and I'm wondering how engineer boots, and more specifically the Frye in suede, would feel Walking around and look with jeans and khakis.

I wear all of the above, so I can give you some insight.

I have several pair of cowboy boots, some custom and some off the rack. Hard to beat, but they simply don't work for every occasion. I also wear Alden suede chukkas, you won't find a nicer pair. As far as Chelsea's go, I have a pair of Dior suede boots that work quite well. On the engineer side I was going to order some custom made boots from Role Club, simply haven't gotten around to it.
 

Gav

Practically Family
Messages
528
Location
UK
Attractions lot.268 horsebutt engineers at 2 years. Love this teacore Shinki horsehide and brass buckles combined with the perfect engineer profile.


642DCD03-C57B-439E-B17B-47A82AC27108.jpeg
3299D7CD-1905-4AF0-8719-12D019AE60E6.jpeg
 

memphislawyer

Practically Family
Messages
771
Location
Memphis, Tn
Got my eyes on these and can't seem to decide. Kinda like the look of the engineer boot, and the suede seems it would be supple, not like a cowboy boot. A frye boot, in what they call Fatigue suede. Can be dressy enough because you wont see the buckles under the slacks, but will have a more boot like feel. Maybe I should just go with the leather engineers? This would be my first one in this style, and I did get a pair of Frye brown leather with a strap across the vamp, not quite a jodhpur, My wife does not like the harness look, does not like how the buckling on the side can show under pants, so the engineer is a compromise. Also, with the straps, better control over slippage.
s-l200.jpg


But the Chelsea, looks a little darker, and may be a better look for me? Downside is that the elastic in time will stretch and the foot will slip more.
s-l200.jpg
 

Stringmaster

One of the Regulars
Messages
248
Got my eyes on these and can't seem to decide. Kinda like the look of the engineer boot, and the suede seems it would be supple, not like a cowboy boot. A frye boot, in what they call Fatigue suede. Can be dressy enough because you wont see the buckles under the slacks, but will have a more boot like feel. Maybe I should just go with the leather engineers? This would be my first one in this style, and I did get a pair of Frye brown leather with a strap across the vamp, not quite a jodhpur, My wife does not like the harness look, does not like how the buckling on the side can show under pants, so the engineer is a compromise. Also, with the straps, better control over slippage.
s-l200.jpg


But the Chelsea, looks a little darker, and may be a better look for me? Downside is that the elastic in time will stretch and the foot will slip more.
s-l200.jpg
Well, suede is just flipped around smooth (rough side out)--so wouldn't be any more or less supple than the particular leather :) The suede is cool in that it gives it less of a "biker" look for lack of a better description--if that's what you're after.
 

Milesdeathescape

One of the Regulars
Messages
140
Location
Expatriate
I walk miles everyday in my 1960s Durango Chromium engineers. They are exceptionally comfortable. I am a master boot fitter trained by the US ski teams pediatrist. The key elimination of slippage is to have your arch supported properly. You may say you do or you know, but unless you’re wearing custom orthotics, you’re doing it wrong. The top of your ankle must sit firmly behind the boot strap. Crank em down. My only complaint is because my heel is so locked in place I burn through socks quicker than Freddy Kruger. Shame since all my socks are handmade wool. The boots I have do not even need to be unstrapped to get into. I have yet o try a pair of red wings, and Buco doesn’t offer the treading I need without modifying the boot. I would love to try a pair of Whites but they aren’t offered in Norway. I tried Lewisleathers engineers, and I couldn’t even get my foot in with the old plastic bag as a shoe horn trick.


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Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,347
Location
Traverse city
I wear custom orthotics in many of my shoes, but find that in engineer boots they eat up too much toe space. Also, don't you find that they raise your heel too high?
 

Milesdeathescape

One of the Regulars
Messages
140
Location
Expatriate
I wear custom orthotics in many of my shoes, but find that in engineer boots they eat up too much toe space. Also, don't you find that they raise your heel too high?

Orthotics should only extend to mid foot. They actually de-elongate the front of the foot by raising the the middle of the foot so real orthotics in fact make the foot smaller. The engineer boot doesn’t really cave around the back top of the heel too much because it’s led directly to the boot shaft


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Chris7273

One of the Regulars
Messages
102
Location
Belgium
I got them the end of July

Yup, but I've been keeping them clean and well polished lately! Will post updated pics. The leather has taken on an interesting patina.

Can you tell me If the double layered sole is not too stiff ? Is the boot still flexible enough for a comfortable walk ? Thank you
 
Messages
11,169
Location
SoCal
I'd never considered suede before, but in the photo it looks pretty nice. My suede shoes are chukkas- Clarks and John Varvatos.
 

apba1166

A-List Customer
Messages
372
Location
Philadelphia
Less slippage in Chelsea than engineer. The instep of engineers typically to allow entry also causes some heel slip. No big deal because they are not purpised for a lot of walking. Chelseas in my experience fit better for walking. A bit of slip but less than engineers.
 

01flhr

One of the Regulars
Messages
284
Can you tell me If the double layered sole is not too stiff ? Is the boot still flexible enough for a comfortable walk ? Thank you
A double sole will be stiffer but it will break in. I feel like a thicker sole offers better cushioning, more support, an better protection from maybe a nail or glass.

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bluesmandan

A-List Customer
Messages
303
Location
United States
Hey all, I’m looking to buy a good engineer boot in size 8EE. Trying to decide between black and natural. Leaning towards White’s Nomads, since I have a pair of Semi Dress that fits really well. Wesco makes wide sizes too, but I’ve never tried them. Are there other wide makers available for a modest price (not +$1000!)? And what do you think of the black vs natural tan? Thanks!


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