Why I love Engineer Boots and Why You Might Not Want to Buy Them

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[@stevecrawford7814]

I’ve been wearing cowboy boots since I started wearing shoes. I got into engineer boots in the 60’s, used them working as a metal fabricator. My current pair are from the early 70’s Chippewa, I’ve used them for riding the last 50 years. Im looking at getting a nice new upper end pair.

[@HorseBawlz]

Proves that Chippewa was pretty good quality. I bought a pair for $100 over 10 years and still going strong.

[@stevecrawford7814]

@@HorseBawlz Indeed they wear like Iron. The made in USA stuff was good back in the day.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Wow thats some seriously impressive durability! Awesome

[@da.reverend]

Dude. I'm 3:16 minutes into your video and I must say: As far as I'm concerned, you have no reason to apologizes for your curiosity about the cowboy esthetic, especially cowboy boots. No matter what silly-ass opinions others have of you when you wear those items, they're not you. Rock. Them. BOLDLY. I say. And for the record, cowboy boots have been a staple of my wardrobe, off and on--and most definitely on during the past four years--for most of my life. And at this point in my life, they're not going anywhere for the rest of my life. I got you. And I'm sure many others do, as well.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Very good points and I really appreciate that. I do really want to give them a try

[@fatthor2396]

I grew up in Texas and didn't get my first pair of cowboy boots until I was nearly 40. First they're super comfortable, and as for the opinion of others. Who cares, if you love them then rock em

[@bradboustead1682]

Much of the cowboy culture originally came to the United States from Mexico. The Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City Oklahoma mentions this in their displays.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yup and a lot of the US was Mexico

[@renangaidheal1320]

I think this was a wonderful video because you took seriously the maybe-not-for-you with clarity and candor. And your obvious passion for engineers---and the ways to style them---is stellar. Of course, I share your tastes here though I do love a long, slow lace boot 'cause it reminds me to remember that wearing my boots might be the best part of my day.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thank you so much! That's a cool way to look at having to lace up your boots in the morning.

[@jons3808]

I also live in Southern California and when I rode motorcycles (mostly Triumphs & Nortons) in the early 2000s, engineer boots were the only boots I wore on my bikes. Then the kids came and the bikes went away, but I still have several pairs of engineer boots.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Very cool!

[@Necrotic_Rat]

Wanted a pair for ages but they aren’t very available in the UK found some Harley Davidson ones but they were too small, I bought some second hand ones today dunno what brand they are and they are kinda beat up already but I’m excited to get em

[@almostvintagestyle]

Hey if they fit, they'll be awesome

[@mjig76]

I have recently gotten my first engineers from Willie's. the fit is perfect and im really enjoying the experience and will definitely get more. Have you seen Willie's version? what's your opinion on them? By the way, I really appreciate your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@kintrap5376]

You may have mentioned in other videos, but what are those large black spots on the heels of some of your boots?

[@almostvintagestyle]

It's from driving my car haha🤣 I call it driver's heel

[@elephantricity]

2:17 What exactly were you trying to say here? And what does you being Mexican have to do with anything?

[@almostvintagestyle]

I say it later in the video. It means you're trying to dress cowboy or Ranchero which are not looks I like

[@jasonissm496]

Got my Moto engineers upon your recommendation and they're in my top 3 now. Fit is awesome which I didn't think was going to work for my feet, and I had to get very lucky with a restock at their store.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Awesome! So glad you were able to get them and that you dig them

[@DJPTEXAS]

Used to buy Herman Engineering boots but now all the brands are very expensive....

[@BlackEyeBobBlackEyeBob-up6ch]

I grew up in a railroad town coal town in the 50, 60 and 70s wearing Engineer boots. I own a pair now. Most all the workers wore them. The lore was they were made for men working in dangerous places that could get their foot caught. Buckled they could be worked in but slipped off quickly in emergency if need be

[@almostvintagestyle]

Interesting! I hadn't heard that. Very good to know

[@JulesChapelon]

as i am french i dont understand the connotation of cowboy boots, can somebody explain it to me ?

[@t4rbrah899]

I just found a pair of Chippewas in original box( was a return ) from the '80s U.S made for under $60 bucks. And before that I got a pair of brown Harleys US made from the '80s or '90s new in box for around $70. I work at a really old surplus store here in CA

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah thats a good way to get deals

[@jessebuttery3407]

Per your thoughts on heel slip: All cowboy boots will have a degree of heel slip. Period. It will minimize as the boot breaks into the foot. Same with Chelsea boots. The heel will naturally follow as the fit improves with break in. Several of my cowboy boots are the most comfortable shoes I own. Last forever with proper care and you can replace the soles. No engineers as yet, but good information here. I may take the plunge.

[@petersilecchio4417]

Great Video. Loved watching them. I just bought a Vintage “Walker” Engineer Boot in Brown. Ever hear of “Walker Boots”? Thanks.

[@almostvintagestyle]

No I haven't actually

[@richardichard4237]

I owned Walkers in the 80's....bought in Oxford St, London. I loved them, although due to my own ignorance, one of the boots had poorer quality leather....probably belly as opposed to shoulder, so it creased more....but still, a great mid range brand. Im surprised Jake ( ?? ) doesn't know the brand....?

[@petersilecchio4417]

@@richardichard4237 Thank You for sharing your experience with your Old Walker Engineer Boots.

[@_JOMOMA]

I’m a fistful of dollars kind of guy 😎🤠. Also I do think heel slip in general is something that all bootmakers have yet to “fix” when it comes to engineer boots. I’ve had Chelsea boots and cowboy boots where I’ve hade little (meaning not even noticeable) to no heel slip, but my engineers I can always feel my heel slipping in the beginning of every wear.

[@48grizzly]

Custom fit Whites "Nomad" Engineer boots ....Awesome !

[@toneohm]

im also a huge Rio Bravo fan! probably the best western.. one of Tarantino's favorite films too.. and it influenced John Carpenter to make his first 'big' commercial film.., Assault on Pres. 13.. love your videos btw.. i watch most of em.. and all the boot ones.. bought my first engineers the other week.. Wesco Mr. Lou in black Horween horsehide.. really liking them.. my only trouble is how much shaft width there is.. i have thin feet, ankles, legs.. so its tough to get my tighter jeans over them. and i got a full size down too.. just to avoid any heel slip. think i'll get another pair of engineers at some point too,, maybe Lofgrens.. thanks !

[@woemyrom996]

Def recommend trying in a store. I never tried the WMLs but I have a pair of lofgrens in my standard sneakers size that is a little loose try an insert if need be a thicker sock it made my logrens fit better

[@toneohm]

​@woemyrom996 ill be doing a half size down,, that's what they recommend.. if my Lous weren't CXL.., they would have never fit in the vamp,, they're snug at an 8d when I'm actually a 9d Brannock,, but they are comfortable now after some stretch from wear

[@williamburns6689]

Beautiful floor lamp too.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks so much!

[@patrickmiao1698]

Wow, this content is great. I was thinking about getting a pair of engineer boots but didn't really appreciate the negatives. I am going to have to rethink this, thanks for the great feedback.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I love them, but they're not practical at all

[@shano81]

that jacket you're wearing looks fantastic

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thank you so much!

[@XxF0RTR3SSxX]

Well put and researched. Thanks Jake!

[@the_CHAR_official]

I bought my first pair of used engineer boots to get a feel for them. Turns out I absolutely love them but the pair I bought blew out on the toe crease on me and I'm looking for a new pair. Thanks for the video!

[@almostvintagestyle]

Well at least you learned that you like them!

[@R4z0xR_1st_Comment_Enthusiast]

Love these boots just got me a pair of red wing 968 engineer boots

[@bradboustead1682]

Come to Iowa and visit John Wayne's boyhood home in Brooklyn and the John Wayne museum in Winterset.

[@almostvintagestyle]

That sounds pretty great

[@highdesertutah]

Engineer boots, leather jackets and tight blue jeans…

[@thec.tysonsynopsis7280]

In terms of affordability, Renavgoodsco does an 8 inch engineer for $400 shipped, using the quite good Indonesian leathers... also, the same factory that xbxs and luos jiet makes there boots is making Chinese engineer boots for $275 shipped.

[@almostvintagestyle]

That Chinese brand has been shown to copy other designs and the owner has been proven to be quite racist and xenophobic

[@df540148]

I second the Briselblack engineers. I love mine (in Kapak 2 last), but fit is still a little iffy. They're in a 41, a touch tight but my side zips in 41.5 are just too big. I really like the last, but the fit is tough.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah they look beautiful, but mine didn't fit perfectly either

[@toleranceapparel]

Just found your channel, great video. Engineers kind of look like a long shaft molder boot with straps instead of elastic.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thank you! Yeah they are similar to quite a few riding boots in fact

[@SD-th6jv]

Which engineer boot is that short one?

[@almostvintagestyle]

It's a custom Clinch pair

[@aceymac]

Rolling Dub Trio does an awesome 'plain Jane' cowboy boot in black tea-core horsehide that doesn't feel too costume-y. I love engineers, they are good for everything but walking. If I'm gonna be on the move, I grab the western boots.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah some Japanese brands makevsome more subtle cowboy boots which is cool

[@DillonPadgette]

Damn I wish you said which brands each boots were! Can you do a detailed look at them all perhaps? I’m talking with Brian at Role Club, probably going there for my first paid. Hoping the fit will be the best it can get.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'm going to do more in depth looks at all my engineer boots, especially once I get my new pairs that are coming in

[@DillonPadgette]

@@almostvintagestyle I eagerly await this!

[@nickcaplanson4124]

Well done , Jake. Thx for sharing your thoughts and comments.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thank you so much!

[@Eirik_Bloodaxe]

Lol bro doesn’t wanna get called Paisa.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Haha 😄

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Big calves , big feet ,eee width, = hard to fit engineer boots.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah that would not be easy

[@qltyboots]

Great video. I love the engineer style, but haven’t got any myself

[@almostvintagestyle]

They're definitely a specific taste

[@qltyboots]

@@almostvintagestyle I always liked them

[@SteveMcMex]

LOL "It's Evil" totally got what you feel.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Haha thank you!

[@Emanuel_carey]

I have two pair.. a nice exotic pair, and ariats. I love them, and not that people loving them on me matters… but they do

[@aceymac]

I think Carl had problems with the Enzo deerskin, I have them and they are really weird to get on ...like pulling on a really really thick wool sock.

[@va6gkthaskey311]

With cowboy boots a little heal slip is actually expected. I dont know about engineers but being so close in style id think heel slip is ok as well. Not that i have tried them but There are some lower priced engineers. I believe AD-TEC has or had engineers that were under $300. Anyways enjoyed the video thanks again Cheers, beers and whiskey 🤠 🥃

[@jerhornet2546]

Love the video! When I was 16 (8 years ago, huh), I got my first pair of western boots from Sancho, which I do still own but unfortunately, don't quite fit anymore. Last year, I participated in the Patina Thunderdome with a pair of Engineers since I wanted to revive the experience of wearing tall laceless boots and got some Sendra Engineers from a swedish shop which fit my price range. You will hate them since it is a full rubber sole:p I missed that feeling but you are right with the fit and especially the heel slip, I have to compensate the fit with thick socks. They come with a removable insole, maybe I should hone in on the fit with other insoles. You mentioned chambray trousers, where do you find them? I have a N&F pair which do not quite fit with Engineers nor my waist😆 Best regards

[@raymondcausey3926]

Great video as always Jake. Thank you for the info. I recently ordered a pair of black tea-core engineers from quan the shoemaker. My first pair of engineers. We’ll see how it goes lol. You made me a little nervous with all the heel slip and fit information you gave this video. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼

[@holimoli8802]

growing some noticeable stubble, friend! they suit you imo, does your wife like it too? haha

[@RoadToHeritage]

Great video! I tried engineer boots at self-edge I honestly didn’t think I could pull it off. I didn’t like the way I looked. Maybe should try a different pair of pants. 😂 you make them look so good!

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah you just need wide enough trousers and/or jeans

[@woemyrom996]

1980 Friedkin/Al Pacino movie Crusing had a lot of ppl in engineers. Grail boot is a brown horsebutt roley &or clinch is there a new engineer grail out there?

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'd say Raland and Kreosote as well, but the Kreosote wait time is forever

[@da.reverend]

Now that I've finished watching your video, I must say: good work. You spent the time you needed to explain why you love Engineer Boots and why some of us won't like them. After having boots with a similar buckle around the ankle/vamp, I wound up not liking them. So I don't see myself buying Engineer Boots. But for those who do like them, I hope they Rock. Them. BOLDLY. When it comes to heel slip, that reminds me that good fitting cowboy boots have the same thing. However, like engineer boots, too much heel slip is annoying, and irritating, in the long run. And lest I forget, I, too, prefer not to wear lace-up shoes/boots these days. Lemme just slip them on and keep gettin' up, thankyouverymuch. Unless I'm hiking...or going out into three feet of snow... Oh. Thank you for giving me another topic to. study. I may not ever wear engineer boots, but I want to learn as much about them as I can.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! Yeah they're very polarizing. I'm glad to know that cowboy boots are the same. I don't get bothered by a bit of heel slip, but there is a line after which it becomes extremely annoying. And yes I'm just like you. I research things I don't even think I'm going to buy just because it's interesting haha

[@MrChiumiento]

I want a pair of engineers bad. But I am not sure if I will actually love them. I think I would only wear them with a specific outfit. That would mean if I bought a pair I would have to buy a whole new outfit.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yes thats what stops a lot of people from buying engineers

[@amBullseye]

You have heel sleep with your engineers? That's surprising. I have the Attractions Lot 444 and with boot socks they dont heel sleep at all. They did at the start but nothing now

[@almostvintagestyle]

You're lucky. Most people I've talked to have at least some heel slip with their engineers

[@Seille99]

I have tried to ride my bike with engineer Boots but I find everything that doesn't have a flat sole without heel uncomfortable to apply the rear brake or change gears.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Ah ok that's really good to know thanks

[@bolandjd]

Sir, you are the very model of a modern Major General! (is there story behind the general stars on your jacket or looks cool?) Great run down. What's your opinion of Red Wing Nailseats? They look like an engineer without straps. Or a western boot without stitching. Or maybe an engineer and western got together one night... Anyways, seems like an affordable option for someone going for a similar look as an engineer.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I like the red wing Pecos, the problem is that they're too narrow for me. Haha it may trace back to that but I'm not 100% sure where the stars come from. Likely from military history though

[@jmceachern36]

I bought a brown and black pair of engineer boots (Moto and Lofgren) and all of my other boots are collecting dust. I really like the fit. Maybe I got lucky though. I did also buy 2 new pairs of jeans and some khaki trousers to fit over them. Love the look!

[@almostvintagestyle]

Well those two pairs fit similarly in my experience when sized right so they are a good pairing

[@88sstraight]

Thanks Jake! Vaguely considering a pull on boot but you mentioning the heel slip definitely gives me pause. I value the fit and planted feel of my Moorbys, so maybe best for me to stick to lace up.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah almost everyone I've talked to has some heel slip

[@GiladSteinberger]

Important to note that Karl's pair of shinki horse hide from John lofgren are the devil causeways and they are lined, I have the same pair and this is the main reason why it's very hard to pull them on. It's not due to the shinki leather itself, but to do the lining on this specific model.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Ah that's good to know. Most engineers aren't lined in the shaft at all.

[@machoprotegido5607]

Se ven cómodos por la forma de la punta

[@harrybrown7680]

OMOSSY CHANNEL has a video where he introduces his boots... his short Engineer Boots look dope

[@almostvintagestyle]

What's the brand of the boots?

[@harrybrown7680]

@@almostvintagestyle Old Joe Engineer Boots& Clinch Jodhpur Boots

[@jules32179]

Good video thanks for the insight into engineer boots fit 😊

[@almostvintagestyle]

Glad you liked it!

[@roepetoepa]

Long shot but does anyone have recommendations for engineer boots for people with a low instep?

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'd say Clinch or going custom from Role Club, raland, or unsung

[@roepetoepa]

@@almostvintagestyle thanks for the reply man! definitely thinking about a pair of Role clubs. for now I ordered a pair of Zerrows from East West and they have been great with a pretty low instep!

[@fabienponchard2220]

True grit

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah I can't believe I forgot the title

[@milkbaby99]

In Florida, it's perfectly acceptable to wear jorts with engineer boots, cowboy boots, and any type of boots really... 😁

[@Tiger24kicks]

I love WYATT boots, jodhpur boots, chelsea boots, chukka boots, combat boots and the timberland 40 and world hiker. Those are my favorite style of boot. Im latino so i understand what your saying about being hispanic and wearing cowboy boots. Like you i prefer no laces. Im also into the raw denim and biker jacket i also like the military shearling jackets and bomber jackets. This year i plan to get 3 pairs of engineer boots.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Oh nice! What engineers?

[@Tiger24kicks]

@almostvintagestyle I love those 2 I would say the celine wyatt and saint laurent, jodhpur and engineer are my 3 favorite styles. This year I'm looking to pick up 2 engineer boot.

[@johnharrington2400]

Why isn't your belt centered? Why are all your shoes in the living room? No offense, when you try too hard it appears contrived and loses any and all appeal.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Agreed

[@almostvintagestyle]

The belt to the side is something people actually did back in the 30s-50s. That's the style I go for and hence thats why I often wear my belts like that. Plus, it shows more of the secondary color from the belt.

[@lookthroughmycamera]

I am Mexican American like you and I totally agree with you on the whole western thing. When I started wearing boots n stuff my girlfriend told me to please not start wearing cowboy boots and hats 😂 I have a pair of Pecos boots but they have a crepe sole so I am able to pull them off. But yeah I’m not trying to look like Vicente Fernandez… 🤠

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

You’re with the wrong girl if she’s telling you what to wear or not wear. You’ll figure that out eventually.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Haha yeah you shouldn't look like Vicente Fernandez unless you are him haha

[@lookthroughmycamera]

@@whereRbearsTeeth but she’s right tho 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@kingof-bunz6506]

Mexico is where “cowboy” boots came from

[@HorseBawlz]

Spaniards or mestizos?

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Wrong