$1,200 Boots That Don't Fit?! John Lofgren Engineer Boots One Year Review

[@CarlMurawski]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/carlmurawski05211

[@telemarktumalo6978]

Timeless video. I finally pulled the trigger on a pair of Lofgren Engineers. My anxiety about sizing was short lived as I followed the advice on 1/2 size down from Brannock and they are money! I got the Dark Brown Shinki through Standard & Strange. Thanks for your review on these Carl. It really motivated me to take the plunge. Keepers!

[@thevintagefuture6567]

Super helpful, as usual, Carl! I particularly resonate with your last point, that some boots have a bit of an aura about them, an “X-factor” that makes them special. I’m all about that. I think a great design is something immaterial which is worth a higher price. A boot with the same level of materials and craftsmanship but a lower level of design prowess is an inferior boot. Thanks for the 1 year update on these amazing Lofgrens!

[@gmfc1]

I think very few people will have both JL and RC engineer boots to compare. To be honest i think that anytime you get into a boot that's above five hundred bucks you should be looking at made to measure options. That's a lot of money to pay just to put up with a few issues. Back in the nineties i wore boots by a company called Eldorado. Very high end and the fit was amazing. You definitely had to pay big bucks for exotic leather but their standard cowhide boots with seamless shaft only ran about 250 back then. I've long since blown them out. But my point is valid. Get what fits from the start. Just a tip for anyone reading this. Nicks and JK make engineer and harness boots.

[@SUP3Rnocturn]

As a casual wearer of cowboy boots, i definitely have had this issue with some pairs of boots and i wish i had known the trick of putting plastic bags on my feel because now the leather lining on the back of one of my boots has stretched out

[@robertaguilar3279]

I have engineer boots since 1998, love them.

[@stratvm]

this is not a pair of boots but a piece of timeless art. this is just incredible - the quality, the concept, the fact that it is built like a tank, everything.

[@StolenAlias]

Wait...a Kreosote engineer might be the most metal boot ever made 🤘

[@CarlMurawski]

Oh man, ABSOLUTELY!

[@krazmokramer]

Very nice boots, Carl! I know exactly the buzz you are talking about. I had, and restored, an early 1963 Corvette Roadster when I was 20. I got that buzz every single time I got in that car for the 15+ years I owned it!!

[@johnmatarazzo1901]

I had to have my left boot stretched in the shaft and bought a thin metal shoe horn. The quality of the boot is amazing. very comfortable. I went with my iron ranger size and they fit perfect

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

I suffered with my Vibergs then eventually said screw this. I sold them. I do not like uncomfortable clothes and footwear anymore. I am too damn old to be uncomfortable to achieve an aesthetic, sartorial goal. Haha.

[@Ya0Yao]

My Vibergs also fit terribly. The size is right in the toe area but I still have heel slippage.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Chippewa engineer boots are the same way. The shaft is supposed to form to you so they don't slip in the back. Just put them on and off a few times a day and they will break in faster. Wesco engineer boots are easy on but a lot of people complain of slippage in the back. I had to modify mine with sticky inserts.

[@trungminh321]

My chippewa are the same :))))

[@johnnymissfire8464]

My chippewa engineer boots looked and felt good but the heels kept coming off so I never went back to them.

[@1995dresser]

Had the same problem with them some time back sent them back to Zappos ended up buying a pair of Double H boots which were USA made at the time they do not make that boot anymore but they fit well

[@Philo68]

They are some of the nicest boots I’ve ever seen! You must feel like a Boss wearing them with your amazing jacket.

[@eugenedebs3281]

First time I got a pair of engineer boots from XBXS Boots it took me 3 hours to get off on my right foot. After a couple of weeks they fit perfectly and now I can get them off in less than 30 sec

[@michellemorgan3133]

I just tried your sock trick for keeping the socks up. Awesome idea! It works.

[@jeanmartox3570]

Hello to France Karl. I use this method with 90 degré alcool for my Sendra boots for my toe and it's work verry well. Now my boots are than Charentaise. Thank's!!!!

[@robertsandgren9389]

I REALLY like this follow-up. Your original video combined with one from Rose Anvil sort of made me give up on engineers. Now, I might give it a shot. Keep up the great work!

[@davewilkes9138]

I just picked up a pair of black CXL Lofgren's. My foot slid in with a nice thwomp at the end. Just a little struggle. They're f'n beautiful. They're going to be daily drivers too. So they're going to patina really nicely and quickly.

[@Richard_Lush]

Shoe horns work to get em on. I’ve used them. They work. As for sizing try wetting them and wearing them till dry. Wet inside and out.

[@williamswiger7547]

I eventually donated my pair in the natural to charity. After wearing quite a few times, still took forever to get the right boot on my foot. From all the effort to get the right boot on numerous times, the boot looked way different than the left which looked fairly new. Looked like mismatched boots due to the leather on the right boot being beat to death with discoloration and wrinkles. Funny thing is my 2-pairs in shinki horsehide do not have any issues.

[@dennisnordlund902]

Finally someone who agrees with me about the Lofgrens being the best design. Too many people seem to like the clinchs, which to me just look too feminine.

[@CarlMurawski]

Same here. I prefer the Lofgren or even the Mister Lou.

[@mrgt3201]

My wife has this problem with her Red Wing engineer boots. She loves how they look and they're comfortable when they're on. However it's getting them on that's the problem. Hopefully after seeing this video I'll be able to stretch them in the right place for her and she'll have less trouble getting them on.

[@ianmedium]

with my calf length boots like cowboy boots I always turn my sock tops over the top of the boot. No one sees it as they are under my trousers (boots over trousers to my eyes just look silly!) It keeps the socks from becoming loose and keeps the comfort day long but then, I don´t use a car and walk a lot more than most regular people who have cars so comfort is much more important.

[@DalesLeatherworks]

excellent video!! i gotta get on this engineer train!!

[@CarlMurawski]

Yes you do!

[@gilpavon5257]

I think that a $1200 pair of boots are still affordable for a working class person but $2000 like the Clinch and the Role Club examples are very high. Horsehide is legendary for been hard to break in.

[@taorion]

I have a pair of older Chippewa engineer/motorcycle boots that I have a difficult time putting on. But once on are the most comfortable pair of footwear that I own.

[@trungminh321]

I have 1 too, feel the same :))))

[@Fumwum]

Man, they're just, immaculate. Like something a mythic knight would wear.

[@Incredible_Mister_J]

The Boots of Badassery

[@cdakskid]

CXL versions would probably break in much easier, but the leather on yours are WAY nicer looking!

[@cdakskid]

I spoke too soon. You mentioned that in the video

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha, yup! You predicted it!

[@jovienarciseph]

Honestly, how many minutes did you spend to remove them from your feet?

[@jurgenbrandt642]

I'm actually waiting for my black ones to arrive next week 🤫

[@splashpit]

I got some custom built Last&Loom boots that l had trouble with pass through mainly because l have steel pins in one foot due to an partial amputation that was fashioned back together . What I find helped me was sitting the boots in front of the radiator till they were almost too hot to the touch .

[@nickkestler4848]

One calf might be bigger than the other causing the chafing.

[@colt4573]

I had the same problem with my Frye Harness boots for a while. Not it’s not so bad thank got. They’re just about broken in now.

[@shaunhudson2120]

Your friend Gabbard makes some of the most badass engineer boots I’ve seen to date. They are a work of art and I definitely want a pair. The work that goes into boot and shoe making is definitely an art and only some are done to a higher standard, those are the hard to get ones as only one set of hands does A to Z and the time it takes to make them definitely doesn’t reflect the cost. If you add up the materials and labor it takes to make a custom boot then 1500 to 2k is cheap for the right pair.

[@CarlMurawski]

Theres no doubt! That Parlor Scar boot is absolutely gorgeous, rare, and well made.

[@edward2198]

Great video Carl 🔥🥾

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you sir!

[@edward2198]

@@CarlMurawski your the man Carl, you have the best KZbin channel in my opinion keep up the great work brotha

[@mikecosentino6775]

I have a recommendation for socks I wear Darn Tough over the calf socks. I have a pair of custom made Wesco engineer boots it takes a long time commitment to break these in. In fact its more like the boot is breaking in my foot in. But once on there great. With the Darn Tough socks I can wear my Engineer boots all day because your feet don't sweat because of the material used. So getting boots on and off is faster.

[@davel2734]

I just got a pair of The Flat Head engineer in natural cxl and I will say that my feet slip into the boots with a firm but gentle pull. No major struggle like u had, of course yours are horsehhide which makes a huge difference and your high instep is an issue. The craftsmanship on these is top tier, and I like the last, the fit and comfort. Personally I would buy another pair for sure but I don't know if I would get horse hide. I agree with u that their design is the best. I enjoyed your video and review!

[@Devin_Stromgren]

That pull tab chafing isn't a boot problem, its an inferior sock problem. If your socks won't stay up you need better socks.

[@kristianjosang9763]

You have to just build up a callus on your calf where it rubs, happened to me when I first started wearing cowboy boots a few years ago!

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Hell no... I seriously doubt you went through bleeding for several weeks to develop your calluses... and who wants scars and unsightly calluses on their legs... shouldn't have to do that for an expensive pair of boots I get it men should have calluses on their hands and work hard I sure do, I have calluses on my hands from iron weights that are a quarter inch thick... but never bled... I'm not buying the callus thing on your calves being what is needed to protect you.. that's like someone saying your wrist won't slice anymore when you cut it with a knife if you just do it a lot and develop a callus lol... yeah I don't think anyone's going to endure that pain long enough to develop calluses and there would be scars long before that Point being this s*** feels like someone is cutting you it's rubbing so Raw... I've had this problem no way am I enduring it long enough to build up a callus and scars.... Maybe yours wasn't rubbing you as Raw just tell me my story

[@kartikchary]

Love the leather on those John Lofgren engineers ,but the whole, getting the boots on experience might not be my cup of tea. Still one of the best looking pair of Engineer boots I've laid my eyes on.

[@TylerSnyder305]

When I was a kid a neighbor gave me a vintage pair of engineers from the 60's that they had bought and could never wear. I think I eventually gave them to a cousin who they fit, but I wish I had kept them because they were the size I wear now. I don't know if they were a good boot or not, but I would be able to try them out and see if engineers were for me. I know they definitely looked nice.

[@junkyard-p1s]

I've been wearing them since the 70's. Used to buy them for $49.00.

[@logansmith9437]

Chippewa engineers can be found new on ebay pretty cheap. Got mine for 65 and they are pretty great.

[@brianeharmonjr]

Suffering through some of these same issues with my first pair of Engineers (Red Wing, nothing fancy like these). I'm getting rubbing only on my right calf, by the little side gusset flap (only my right). Hate having to bleed to break a boot in, but sometimes you gotta, I guess. Will absolutely try the mop handle method shown here to work on trouble spots though. Thanks for the tip!

[@stevenr5534]

Tall boot socks can help. If the rubbing is irritating your calf even through the sock try athletic tape, or an ace wrap.

[@michaelshearer3559]

I just got a new in box pair of Red Wing 2268 Engineer Boots and can't get them on. I'm going to try to bag trick along with the stretch method with wooden handle. It's very stressful and tiresome trying to get them on. I'm hoping they stretch enough and can work on the real break-in phase. I have also heard to get them wet and wear them as long as you can. I am over the moon excited because I never thought I could afford a pair or even find the really, but scored these locally for $250 new in box with tags from 2005. Could not have been so lucky in all my life.

[@iveheardenuff3752]

Great video family...salute👊

[@KuruuuKito]

Great review Carl, I had a mind to pick these up but the breaking in process and labor to actually get my foot in put me off. I feel like engineer boots greatest strength is the simplicity of their looks if you decide to let down your pant hems, that toe and sides can really showcase some of the crazier textures and colors that engineers can come in. They sit somewhere between the crazy outlandish leathers and colors of cowboy boots and the sturdy utility oriented looks of typical lace ups, which to me treads that fine line between costumey and badass. Anyone looking for an alternative still in the aesthetic realm of Engineer boots should look into John Lofgren’s/Eastman Leather’s Tanker Boots.

[@dpulitzer]

ZIPPERS. Hi, Carl. Love your channel. New sub. I rarely get the chance to read comments from a year ago, so ... no expectations. I HAD the same issue ... could not get them on to SEE if they fit. My solution: ZIPPERS. I took them to s cobbler, who put zippers on the inside shafts (medial sides in anatomic jargon) for $120. They fit great and imo, LOOK better. Put them on (or take them off) in 10 seconds. Importantly : The boots stretch to fit your FOOT, rather than the but end of a huge hammer.

[@rarebreed9208]

I bought a pair of RideTech® engineer boots, for a little over a hundred bucks, stuck a set of cushioned insoles in them, and they fit and wear perfectly.

[@ailill5458]

I see this complaint often, and I wonder how much of it is due to engineers usually being made in stiff leathers that don't stretch much.

[@annahenderson1730]

Oh I like those boots

[@CarlMurawski]

Gorgeous right?

[@billystpaul8907]

I have a $400 pair of Rancourt boots/mocs that I also have a problem with. The right along the bottom right side where the sole and leather comes together and takes a toll on my foot. It's unwearable at this point cause I need to be on my feet all day. I am guessing it's how the seam was put together. So, I have a really nice pair of Horween leather boots I can't ware. But, that's what happens when you have boots made for you and you can't return them..

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I just started the process of ordering my first pair of engineer boots by Benzein so I hope to see what the buzz is all about.

[@CarlMurawski]

Congratulations and welcome to the club!

[@stevenr5534]

I imagine the plastic bags must have made your feet sweat in the boots. Some talcum powder in the boot shaft can help the foot slide in more easily too. As for the top of the boot rubbing on your calf and irritating your leg, a pair of long (over the calf) boot socks should help. If the rubbing is a problem even through the sock try, and some athletic tape, or an Ace-type sports wrap.

[@CarlMurawski]

Yes they did in the beginning and then I began ripping them out once my foot was in the boot. Thanks for the tips on the backstay!

[@Old_Sailor85]

@@CarlMurawski Moleskin

[@JFANderful]

I got them on but how do I get them off?

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

I've only owned one pair of cowboy boots. I spent over two hours in a boot store trying on different pairs of boots until I found a pair that fit me well.

[@ThaBKeeper]

That leather is gorgeous.

[@dscott501]

Engineer boots are getting popular? Well, that’s a good thing because they’re almost impossible to find nowadays. I’ve worn Chippewas since I was a young punk, but they’re not made anymore. I recently got a pair of White’s custom made (whoah - less than half what you paid for those), and they’re really good boots, but the heel is a little shorter than I like, so they just don’t have the vibe of the old Chippewas. I actually like looking like a 1950s hoodlum.

[@edyue1]

Some people like 1 pair of expensive boots, and some people would rather have 3-4 pairs of iconic Red Wings for that price. I’m the latter 😊

[@askandyaboutclothes6757]

Gabbard has a cool hat.

[@saviourofrockandroll]

Do you feel like, once these boots are fully on they run true to size? I would like to pre-order a pair.

[@bigbadboots9954]

I have these boots in size 11. I normally wear 12 in sneakers (Nike or whatever), 11D in Nicks 55 last, 11.5C in White’s MP last, and 11.5 in Alden Trubalance last (which is a tad large, but I make it work with a small insert).

[@saviourofrockandroll]

@@bigbadboots9954 Awesome, thank you! This helps a lot! I hope these boots are released again in the future because I'm definitely going to order a pair.

[@glenndanzigsmanycats2045]

So I've always wondered, what's your opinion on carolina boots?

[@CarlMurawski]

Unfortunately I've never had the chance to try them.

[@Richard_Lush]

I heard through some folks that they are mediocre at best. But not expensive so it’s a trade off. Every boot is different so it really comes down to what you want to spend.

[@leohanson-meier3471]

If you use foot wraps almost all the slip goes way I actsently got half a size up on some cowboy boots put foot wraps into them and there the most comfortable boot ever

[@Poise716]

I’m so interested in how a pair of boots take more then a minute to put on with no lace’s

[@senseored]

Get longer over the calf socks, made to stay up. Skiing socks are good, for example.

[@govindshrestha3962]

are these boot comes in us size 6 buddy??

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

Awesome tip!

[@savvylifestrategies9445]

Sorry, Carl, but for $1200 I expect to be able to easily put on the boot and have it comfortably fit.

[@bsextremesports]

Sir have you checked your video history?

[@1eparry]

Those boots look great but with a high instep I don’t think pull on boots are for me. I’ve never found a pair I didn’t have to wrestle with. Maybe some day.

[@masterbouche]

I have been watching your video about the John Lofgren Engineer Boots and finally got a pair. Thank you for your suggestion on how to get them on. Since you had yours for a long time now, how did you care for them? What leather conditioner to use? Never had a horse butt leather before. And you put shoe trees in them? Again thanks for your videos.

[@CarlMurawski]

Hey man! I pretty much always use Smiths Leather Balm on everything. It works great! No shoe trees. But I do stuff them with newspaper to keep the shape and dry them out.

[@atsylor5549]

How long are your socks that you can wrap it over the top of the boot?

[@TheSproox]

Soccer socks are long enough.

[@eduardomata9714]

Chippewa engineer boots are beautiful and they look cool when I wear them 👍

[@Digger927]

Cody (aka Wranglerstar) calls that "giving you the fizz". I get that from cool equipment, and looking at my livestock, Lol.

[@steveeab2364]

I appreciate the video. Any way I look at em, I just don't care for the look of Engineer boots. I certainly can appreciate the craftsmanship though.

[@andersonsalazar5757]

I had to fight for almost a year against my engineers and in the end, the counter is a little shaggy, cuz I crushed it a little bit with my heel. Anyone there had the same problem with engineer or cowboy boots? Now my feet aren't tightly fit like it should be...

[@Nordic_Sky]

Engineer boots are extremely difficult to fit properly. I just spent over $800 on a custom-made pair from one of the major US makers (Nick's, Wesco, White's, etc., won't mention which one) and have had a lot of problems with them. Even after 100 hours of break-in, they didn't fit. One foot was too loose, the other too tight. After sending the too-tight one back to them, they over-stretched it. Sigh. The problem is that since you can't lace them, they either fit or they don't -- you can't adjust them. Plus, these boots are heavy, which means they'll slosh around on your feet if they don't fit exactly. I wouldn't do this again. I would find an off-the-shelf pair that fits or not bother. An expensive waste of time.

[@ralleyquattro]

I fold my socks over the top of boots all the time, makes it way more comfortable. I thought I was the only one. LOL

[@robertkeating1899]

Colonel #3 grip does it for me 😁

[@Adam666...]

My frye fit wonderful and i think i paid like 300$

[@jamessneed8789]

Those are some nice engineering boots made out of horse hide I would love to buy them👍

[@bencunningham8314]

I think Viberg make the nicest Engineer Boots

[@jonathanbellows113]

Those do look beautiful

[@basetd_dude7916]

You might consider toys mccoy buco

[@RealMuperSan]

Nice video. But, I don’t see the point of having to deal with these issues with footwear.

[@apoffs]

Great boots, I can't wear them as my foot is 6EE, and so many boot makers don't make that size, i.e Whites are a no go, I won't buy Nicks as they have terrible quality control, John Lofgren size D only.. cheers

[@dragonlover2085]

I prefer combat boots over this style because of the described problem.

[@treygreenleaf7878]

I get why some guys would be into this style of boot because of all the detail work but I'm just not a fan. Just here for the Al-Gore-Rhythm!

[@CarlMurawski]

Fair enough!

[@johnfaustus1]

This is a good example of form (literally) over function - a boot so good, you can't wear them. The question then becomes: what is the point of boots you can't wear?

[@TommyAlanRaines]

You could also just get a pair that's Half to a Full Size bigger!

[@thomasbuck303]

If I spend over a grand on a pair of boots, they better be the most convenient and comfortable boots my feet have ever touched.

[@JorgeDLeon-oo3kf]

I've been in cowboy boots stores and the boots don't pop when I'm putting em. Apparently I don't deserve to have em

[@judahmourns2995]

What is the Master’s name? He talks too fast when giving his name, couldn’t make out what he was saying

[@michaelbegin2945]

Do they run true to size?

[@CarlMurawski]

Theyre very close to the Iron Ranger last, so thats a good guide.

[@michaelgrapner1091]

What is the purpose of engineer boots just the look ?

[@b.johnathanwarriorinagarde7980]

If you don't like laces they're great.

[@1979augistine]

Wood baseball bat works awesome for this

[@samoryTure]

Spend all that $$$ and have to do all this work just to fit in for what? Are they really worth it?

[@ezragonzalez8936]

USA made frye engineer boots boots forget everything else $400 all USA made they are the originals and develop incredible patina!

[@leekleek96]

Clinch?

[@StahlFirearmsNo2]

Just go to boot barn an ask them to stretch it a bit

[@ezragonzalez8936]

I have some $2300 Ferragamo engineer boots which I purchased 6 years ago never wore them! horrifically painful to wear my favorite boots are by Frye they and red wing are the originals beautiful patina and only about $400! usa made get you some Frye engineer boots forget these or any other upscale brands!

[@johnnymissfire8464]

Why are they $1200 if not custom fit?

[@StolenAlias]

I ask myself that question alot.

[@CarlMurawski]

Man... I wish I knew. Actually I'll bet most of the cost here was due to the leather. Shinki horsehide is CRAZY expensive.

[@StolenAlias]

@@CarlMurawski i understand that, but why is their chromexcel combat boot $900?

[@jamessims9475]

i'm not doing all this lolol *strikes them from list*

[@TheDuke4878]

I'm from Texas Austin doesn't have real Cowboys lol Amarillo Texas is the place!!!

[@CarlMurawski]

Damn, I wanna go!