Ship John
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@northsouthdenimguy for what it’s worth, they might have some in stock in the shop if you’re ever in Portland. I was shocked to find a blue one in my size when I was out there this time last year for a tattoo
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I was able to snag one for the pre-order… same with the Kristofferson and the indigo townes. I had a good little run there.

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@northsouthdenimguy so jealous and happy for you at the same time about the Kristofferson jacket

Really looking forward when people start getting theirs and seeing some fit pics here in the group so I can live through your happiness! And maybe some day I can join you🥰

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Really interested in getting it seeing how it fits. I’m not a big jacket guy so it always takes me a little bit of getting used to like with my N1 felt like it was gigantic until it settled down a little bit.
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@northsouthdenimguy DUUUUDE. So jealous. Dying to get my hands on a Kristofferson
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Probably makes it even worse that I’m not a “jacket guy”

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@northsouthdenimguy granted I am a jacket guy, I am in on this wait with you... Black Sashiko and Kristofferson. I cannot wait for the Kristofferson
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There’s always that chance…
I told someone the other day and I think this is also the case with Ship John I feel like I’m leasing clothing(IH)if it’s lightly worn I get 80% of it whether it’s a week old or a several years old, depending on what it is.
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@northsouthdenimguy Totally. Seems to be the case with Iron Heart, as well.
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I use this point with my wife… clothing, boots, etc. I don’t think she “buys it” but she does not have a good comeback, so it usually ends the conversation.

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@northsouthdenimguy Heh, I bet! I've shifted my buying to things that last. I got tired of the runs to the donation bins and giving clothes away. It seemed wasteful. My sweet wife knows that now, so I luckily don't get a lot of heat for my acquisitions. She's coming around.

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I'm stoked to share another Grailed score and to join the Derroll Cool Kids Club. I picked these up recently... and there's a bit of a story.

These things are killer! Kind of a neat thing to have the same leather as my Guildsman (fka The Alex), only flipped inside out. The Grailed seller was a little wobbly when I pressed him on the sole construction. Nonetheless, we found a price where I could take a flyer because on an earlier trip to Wesco, I found a size I could (eventually) squeeze into of their 7500 Engineer. The seller claimed these were a Ship John Derroll boot. And by most markers, it is; the boot leather, the last, the toe shape, buckles, etc. But the soles were off. Mike at Ship John specs his boots with the Vibram V-bar full sole and heel stack pad. These suckers have a Sure-Grip half-sole and maintain the V-bar heel stack pad.

Deep in a rabbit hole - and a question I asked here - I toted them along when I picked up my reworked custom Engineers to ask the man himself at Wesco; Chris Warren. Turns out, these were likely a recraft. Someone bought a pair and had them resoled and either rebuilt or tweaked the uppers. If you look closely, you'll see different wear on the vamp (new) versus the shaft and straps (original).

It's a bit of a frankenboot, but importantly, I can get them on. There will be some break-in, especially with the left boot, but I remain committed!
Two other nuggets I learned: Chris confirmed that hot water in the boots is a-ok with their footwear. He went on to explain that with Wesco, the steel shank will support such heat, whereas a full veg-tan-constructed boot would be susceptible to accelerated collapse. The other is that people buying brand new boots will often send theirs in for a rebuild; be it a different sole, a buildup tweak, or most commonly, a full resize. I had no idea! Crazy.
I'll wear these and either have them reheeled with a Super Grip heel when the time comes or have them completely resoled with the VIbram V-bar.
Bonus nugget: Mike of Ship John specs his engineers with the full sole due to all the rain we enjoy here in the PNWet. With no sole leather exposed, the boots require less maintenance. Though Chris was quick to say that applying boot wax to the sole leather negates that breakdown. The more you know...
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@Bobcat-Sig Great info! They look awesome. I’m
Having a fireside beer with mine. Very comfortable boots 🥾

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Those look great! I kind of figured it was probably a resole at the very least. Regardless killer make up you’ll enjoy the heck out of them.
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@Bobcat-Sig after speaking with Chris awhile back I warm soak almost all of my engineers when I get them to help the break in period quicken up. For me I just need the instep to loosen up and it’s always done the trick without any issues. Enjoy the boots man they look great
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@Denimhead-0 @northsouthdenimguy Thanks, fellas. I'm stoked to not only find these, but finally figure out a model and size that works. These particular boots will take some work to break and get comfortable, but I know it's worth it. The roughout is just so cool!
@hgering27 said in Ship John:
@Bobcat-Sig after speaking with Chris awhile back I warm soak almost all of my engineers when I get them to help the break in period quicken up. For me I just need the instep to loosen up and it’s always done the trick without any issues. Enjoy the boots man they look great
He recommended the same, stating that their steel shank keeps the boots where they need to be, despite the warm water, and may other influencers (and I use that term loosely) saying that it's a bad idea.
I've never done a warm soak before - I just stubbornly grind it out until the boot breaks in. So my question: what's your process for a warm soak? Just hot water, drain, and wear to dry? Or shove my foot in the warm water? I know; dumb questions, but asking so others don't have to...
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@Bobcat-Sig I fill them up with warm water about 3/4 to the top, I let them sit for about 30 minutes, then I wear them the entire day. At the end of the day I let them air dry until the following morning. I’ve done it with leather and rough out both resulting in better fits. It just helps them mold a little bit more to your foot. It’s one of those things that feels wrong to do, but I’ve done it time and time again without any issues
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@hgering27 Do you empty them out before putting them on?

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@Mister_Brue hahaha yes, yes I do
