John Lofgren (Speedway)
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New boots! Dark olive CXL Combat boots
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OK, I’m going to do the thing that annoys me the most when someone gets a new pair of footwear, but because I’ve had so many great pairs from Lofgren right out of the box, I’m giving this a little grace.
It’s not the end of the world, and I’m not sending them back. I’m just going to wear them. That said, the black spot on the left boot vamp, along with the small scrapes and scratches on the shaft and heel counter, are a bit annoying. I would much rather be the one to put that wear on them myself by actually wearing them.
The other issue you really cannot see well in these photos is the clicking on the left boot, which is not great. It is not loose grain, but it is that visible grain pattern you usually do not see on natural CXL when it is done well.
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After wearing them last night, the grain break on the left boot did not worsen, so at least that is good. Everything else I can brush out, although the black spot did not come out when using crepe, so I am not sure what it is.
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I'd be pissed about the scratches and the black mark on the left vamp. Looks like someone tried them on, but no real wear. And the grain break is coming - it sure did on mine. I have that exact pair and have worn about them 25-30X and the break and scratches are all over the place. I gave up trying to keep the natural CXL clean and I'm just beating them to hell. I'd attach pics, but I don't have them with me today. They get so much darker and develop a rich, caramel color. I love the patina on these. The natural CXL roughout version is taking a bit longer to darken up.
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I get the trying-on part since they only have so many pairs. I’m honestly more annoyed with the stockist who didn’t give them a quick once-over before shipping. Other than the black spot, they could have given them a little TLC before sending them out.
I’ve probably been spoiled by other natural CXL that has been flawless, so I guess it’s bound to happen eventually. Both pairs of Wesco I’ve had had zero grain break, and on top of that all the John Lofgren boots I’ve owned have been close to perfect as well.
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Was always a bit concerned the badass gringos and the nattys would end up basically the same, color wise. I think they are definitely similar, but also have their own character too…see how another six months treats the Grigios…
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In the boot world, these are completely different, but to most people, they look the same.
To me both are soooo good
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@northsouthdenimguy you, sir, are a wise man!
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Anyone who has the M43 boots - how's the fit? I have the engineers and combat boots already, both in the same size (half down from Brannock) and the engineers are a little snug in the toe box, the combats are nigh on perfect.
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@NickD had the engineers and also the M43, both same size 9.5d. While the engineers were very snugg around the toes, I had plenty of space in the M43, very comfortable boots and the munsoon last is perfect if you want toe space but a secure fitting mid to heel section.
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@NickD i have three pairs. half size down from brannock. super comfortable, but the unstructured toebox needs some time to get used to. you will feel the leather forming around your toes, big toe especially. that's not a sign of them being too small, it's just the nature of the beast.
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Hmm, I’m not a fan of being able to feel the shoes touching the top of my big toe, probably why I find the combat boots so comfortable.
