The Flat Head
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New boot day. These are Flat Head's SKB-70H horsehide boots.
I've handled many of the high-end brands, and these are the nicest I've ever seen. The leather is seriously incredible, they're comfortable and fit well right out of the box, the construction and details are beautiful.
Here's a pic of a pair that's been worn for two years.
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They're my boots, I bought them today at the FH Nagano flagship store! I've been looking out for some FH boots for a long time now. This is a new model for the 2013FW collection. Compared to the other horsehide engineer model (SKB-30H) these have a Vibram 430 sole and a slightly tapered toe shape. They're sort of like a cross between an engineer and a western boot; simultaneously badass and classy, a very flexible shoe suited to many occasions. Another major selling point is that in Japan - land of frequently needing to take shoes on and off - this kind of laceless boot isn't just good looking, it's practical.
The pictures don't quite represent the real color, it's a bit of a bright red at the moment (similar to the Red Wing Oro Russet) that darkens up and turns to a really nice red-brown over time.
I bought a size 10/28cm (I wear size 10 in FH sneakers, most Red Wings, and size 11.5 in Converse and Vans.) The toe is very comfortable, there's just the right amount of room in the toe and the width is just right. Once the ankle openings stretch a little bit to make them easier to get on and off, they'll be pretty much perfect!
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Interesting how low the gusset strap is on those. Nice boots, though I personally like longer stovepipes on my engineers. Would have cost a fortune in that leather though.
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Flat head 3009 size 33 are my dream jean I think.
Pre soak -
Post
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Now if we can just convince you to do something about the shoes…
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Thanks guys!
And heh, I promise I'm working on it Chris
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Snowy: Yep, retail is 100,000 JPY / about $1000 USD. Expensive, yes, but considering the overall quality and the scarcity of this ultra-thick horse butt leather (the included card says it's even rarer than cordovan!) I'd say that you certainly get what you pay for.
Here's another pic of my new boots. The color is true to life in this one. I wore these on the train to church and around town… they feel amazing already. My feet are happy indeed.
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Those def look sweet and I can't wait to see them as they darken up. Here's some measurements of my 3009s
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@Cold:
New boot day. These are Flat Head's SKB-70H horsehide boots.
I've handled many of the high-end brands, and these are the nicest I've ever seen. The leather is seriously incredible, they're comfortable and fit well right out of the box, the construction and details are beautiful.
Here's a pic of a pair that's been worn for two years.
Holy crap… My new favorite engineer... Wonder what size these go up to?
