John Lofgren (Speedway)
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Haha no worries here it's an important discussion, especially since cordovan–er, SHELL cordovan, that is--is so costly.
I wonder if there's a thread for discussing leather, tanning, etc...? Seems reasonable to have something like that if we don't.
Back OT, John indicated he would be willing to take a small group of IH addicts on a tour of the factories he uses once he gets his Tokyo offices operational in 2014. Very gracious offer, I hope this results in some pictures and commentary in this thread!
EDIT: I feel better about that picture of the Himels, that it wasn't shell cordovan. That was messing with my head, just didn't look right!
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Hey VEB, you wear a size 7 in all your Lofgren engineers? I'm thinking about getting a pair. I wear a 7.5 in Road Champs, so I think we have similar sizing. There's one pair of 7 Lofgrens left in black. Any sizing advice would be a great help. Also, how wide is the shaft, similar to the Road Champs? Thanks, I love your blog. It inspired me to buy my RCs.
-Andy
Andy, All my Lofgren's are size 7 and they couldn't be any better in the fit department. My perfect-fitting RC's are 7 1/2. I say snag up the 7 if you have a chance. These are my first CXL boots and I just love 'em.
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No worries. I find them to be equal in diameter and both are pretty standard … Nothing too loose. Just right.
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Go and get your Lofgren buddy smile
I think Ed has turned me off of CXL!
I know Ed is not particularly find of CXL but there are many people across the web community's that have posted their reviews of their personal pairs of lofgrens and I've never seen anyone complain about the cxl getting beat too quickly. Everyone forms their opinions from personal experience while some worry about what others have stated. I've had several pair of cxl boots throughout my lifetime (though not lofgrens….yet) and I have been without issue with the exception of my final pair of Alden Indys, too which I blame the use of thinner cxl on the boot as a quality control and judgment call on Alden. There was nothing wrong with those pieces of CXL however their thickness would be more suited for a jacket rather than a boot. Alden has displayed their interest in cutting corners to meet the demand for a while now so that was no surprise to me (unfortunately, because I love my older Alden shoes). Anyways, I guess at the price point it might be considered "taking a risk" but you need look no further than VEB engineers to see that these are built to last. Just my 2 cents and take it for what its worth.
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Yep… It's a tanning process, there are all kinds of different hides and thicknesses available. This is a reasonably thick cowhide, I think it's going to be fine. John rides, I can't imagine he'd spec something that wasn't up to task.
That said, it's a big investment, and if one is at all even slightly uncomfortable with something as fundamental as what the boot is made out of, I can understand not pulling the trigger...
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I was just kidding with my CXL comment. After seeing VEB's black pair worn in, I think they look great. I have a pair of Alden Roy boots and Indies in brown CXL, both are nice. FWIW I have a friend who's works with leather making belts and bags and accessories and he doesn't like CXL leather for some reason.
Thanks for the help, VEB. I'm trying to decide between three different engineer boots for my next pair. Not sure if this makes my decision easier or harder. Maybe someone will snatch up the last size 7 Lofgrens and that will narrow it down for me!
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I think you're gonna be fine regardless of which way that pans out
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Finn, I'm trying to decide between the Lofgrens, Viberg/IH collab, and Edie's cordovan special orders. One will be mine, hopefully…
ha, guess we're almost in the same boat then…my list is the exact same plus a pair of Wesco's ^^
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Those ones on eBay I love…
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^ so do you sir
Those ones on eBay I love…
yap, those are the ones that are on my list!
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Yeah, double sole, durable hide, solid brass rollers (Wesco doesn't use roller buckles I don't think), nice soles, and that interesting Morrison toe. And they let you do a natural or stained sole (I prefer the latter, looks like fine wood).
Almost drove down there today, but since I'd grabbed the Lofgrens I'll wait.
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when du you think you can post some first hand experience pics of the lofgren's?
what size did you went with btw.?I think the 9.5 D boots will arrive next week but I'll likely be out of town when they arrive, until the 12th. I'll grab em when the PO is open in the morning before work and post my thoughts on the 13th. From John: "Our size 9.5 measures 11-15/16 inches (heel to toe) and 4-7/16 inches (ball of foot)." They sound perfect for me.
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Yeah but I suspect the Takeshi resole on this may have shrunk the size a bit though.. I'm 9.5 in RW work boots, made in US. As I think I mentioned previously, he said they run fairly true to Brannock. He said if you open them on carpet and try them on gently, and return em pristine, they'll take em back if they don't fit. I am planning on selling mine here if they don't fit, and returning only if no one wants em. Fitting includes the option of an insole, so it's unlikely this will happen. I do not wear an insole with the MF and can wear athletic and thick socks comfortably. Perfect. Thanks again nerkg!
