WESCO
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Yeah, for people with normal feet, which is most of us, a custom last isn't necessary. Probably about 90% of people can find a really good fit with a standard sized last. That said, many of the best cowboy boot makers don't do stock sizing; they all custom make the lasts for each customer and store them for future orders.
One of my favorite makers, Lee Miller in Austin, hangs his from the ceiling of his shop, which is just really cool looking:
So you been at his shop? Me too. I ordered a pair 3 years ago and it is not yet ready… Cool still! I loved checking out the lasts. And he and his wife Carrlyn are super cool people.
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Thanks Friday, those look great. Would you mind listing the specs for your build when you get a chance?
+1, they look awesome Friday!
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Bretro - Perhaps a dumb question - I know a lot more about White's than Wescos - but what exactly is the standard MP heel (is it a short block heel)? And what is the difference between the boss and highliner heels? Is the pic above your personal boots (you got them already?), and which heel is it? I am carefully contemplating my next pair of engineers and really like the MP last - I really like the boots pictured above.
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Thx for the comments gents! As explained to me by the guys at Wesco, the standard Boss heel is one stack shorter than the Highliner and one stack higher than the MP. The MP heel is a block heel whereas the Boss and Highliner heels are both Cuban. Yes indeed the boots pictured above are mine- MP last with the standard Boss heel, 10" height, black oil steer, double leather soles, 705 half soles, extra 2" instep strap, and custom brass roller buckles from John @VEB. The best engineers for under 7 bills IMO. And as Finn alluded to they are soft toe, which I gotta tell ya on these boots means your toes practically stick up through the leather!! They're finally breaking in after about 7mos of wear. Also as a note, the Narrows are built on the Boss not Highliner heel.
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No sweat man. also to add to the heel discussion; the Morrison or western last engineers are built on the Highliner heel… I was very confused myself as often it seems the Boss and Highliner heels get discussed synonymously, like they're one in the same, but Chris at Wesco told me they were different. (If anyone else can correct me, i sure as spit wont have my feelings hurt!) Regardless, the boss heel is high enough for me
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Thanks for the detailed explanation - best one I've seen anywhere. I'd def. want the boss heel (cuban/just a bit shorter).
Did you have to specify the soft toe with your build, or are boots with the MP last normally built that way? I saw Superfuzz did not get the soft toe, so I assume either you specified soft or he specified hard.
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Also I would highly recommend getting vintage roller buckles like Bretro's and sending them to Wesco, especially if you're going for the vintage look with the flattened toe box. I got a pair from Vintage Engineer Boots Etsy shop and if he's out you can order them here: http://hukurokuju.com/
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You got good taste, bro
@superfuzz:Also I would highly recommend getting vintage roller buckles like Bretro's and sending them to Wesco, especially if you're going for the vintage look with the flattened toe box. I got a pair from Vintage Engineer Boots Etsy shop and if he's out you can order them here: http://hukurokuju.com/
