WESCO-MRLOU-BLK - Wesco® - 10" Horsehide Pull-On "Mister Lou" Engineer Boot - Black
-
The incoming end of summer sale has rekindled my interest in picking up a pair of these. Initially, width was a bit of a concern as I have quite narrow feet. Reading through this and other threads the consensus seems to be that the MP last runs quite narrow, so D width may actually be adequate.
However, I'm still uncertain on how to size for length. I did have a pair of Red Wing IRs in size 11D which were probably about a half size too big although they still fit comfortably. My standard sneaker size (and Brannock measurement) is generally 12. The only comparable pair of boots I currently own is a pair of Nick's custom work boots, but their sizing philosophy seems to differ from Wesco's a bit. Nick's is very insistent on sizing up .5-1 in length to ensure adequate toe room as your foot tends to "stretch" out a bit after wearing high arch work boots for an extended period of time. This placed me in whopping 13A in their boots which are incredibly comfortable, however I find the extra toe room a bit cumbersome for casual wear. I should also note that I owned a pair of Chippewa engineers some years ago that were a 10.5E (sized down to compensate for additional width) that were too tight in the toe box to wear comfortably but otherwise fit quite well.
All of this is to say, should I order true to size or treat them as Red Wings and size down? I would like to take advantage of the sale to pick a pair of these up if I can. Otherwise, ordering a custom pair may be the way to go.
-
Hey @Costch - Sounds like you have decent experimentation with boot sizing! Luckily, Wesco makes it easy..
Here is how my foot stacks up - as I too am I standard D width - although I can handle E width with Boot socks and some laces
I wear a standard Size 10D in all Wescos - both Lace up and pull on. I have 2 pairs of 10E, and they offer some wiggle room, but a D would be preferred. FWIW I also wear a 10D in Red Wings (Both Pull Ons like Engineers and Pecos, as well as IR and Moc Toes). Now, I have a pair of downsized engineers in a 9.5E and I actually don't suggest doing the size down thing, mainly because the stitching hits weird on the side of my foot as opposed to my true size pairs.
I wear a 10.5D in New Balance 993 V5s, a 10 in Vans, and 10.5 in Stan Smith or 11 in Slimline Adidas. I also wear a 10.5 in Nike Dunks and an 11 in flyknits, etc.
-
I appreciate the reply and insight @Appfaff! I can generally take a snug 11.5 in Vans or a bit roomier 12. I've been a 12 in PF Flyer's USA made sneakers and a UK 10/US 11 in Shoes Like Pottery/Moonstar. My left foot is nearly a full size larger than my right so sometimes it's a matter of compromise but I generally size to the larger foot. What throws me off though is that I had to downsize so dramatically for my Iron Rangers, where as you and others seem to take your true size across the board for Vans/Wesco/Red Wing. Would it perhaps be best to just split the difference and shoot for 11.5? 11 may be out of the question if sizing down isn't recommended.
-
@Costch - I think an 11.5 would be a good bet most likely - I too have PF Flyers in a 10.5 and my wescos are a 1/2 size down - so that's a good reference point.
@Chesson has helped people size more boots than most of us would ever try on in our lifetimes - he most likely has a great trick to sizing these as well!
-
Those look fantastic @Costch
After seeing yours I’m reminded I already have a pair of black engineers but it may be time to add a pair of brown ones; the black ones must be lonely. -
@Giles do you know if there will be a restock in these?
-
Look good @Costch
-
Hey everyone, new member here. I was wondering if someone can comment on the heel slip in this model? I own a pair of red wing 2268 engineer boots in 7, which is my usual size in iron rangers too. The overall fit is good, but the heel slip is extreme and keeps me from wearing then more often. Also they're very roomy around the calf. The description of the Mr. Lou's sounds like they are the exact opposite. I'm just wondering if the red wings just don't fit me good or I might just not be an engineer boot guy at all.
-
Hey everyone, new member here. I was wondering if someone can comment on the heel slip in this model?
Welcome. I’d agree with the above that some heel slip is totally normal. In my opinion, a lot of bullshit is talked about heel slip, like it’s a problem, it’s actually a feature. That being said, Mr. Lou’s are designed in a way that heel slip is minimised.
-
If the heel slips to the extent that you cramp your toes and literally carry the boot, then it’s too much, but as the others stated, there is always a biting heelslip in engineers. The Mr Lou are certainly narrower in the shaft than the Red Wings.
They are grat boots, you will like them. -
Hey everyone, new member here. I was wondering if someone can comment on the heel slip in this model? I own a pair of red wing 2268 engineer boots in 7, which is my usual size in iron rangers too. The overall fit is good, but the heel slip is extreme and keeps me from wearing then more often. Also they're very roomy around the calf. The description of the Mr. Lou's sounds like they are the exact opposite. I'm just wondering if the red wings just don't fit me good or I might just not be an engineer boot guy at all.
@slubbyphil I have a pair of 8' Wesco Boss boots, which has a little bit of heel slip. After breaking in the boots, the heel slip became minimal. I also have a pair of Mister Lou's, and the heel slip on those is almost unnoticeable.
-
Thanks for your input guys! Luckily its not like I have to cramp up my toes in the red wings, its more like an irritating feeling that they dont fit properly, which could be the case of course. Think I'll give the Mr. Lou's a shot once the next paycheck hits.
