Engineer boots
-
CLINCH BRASS, of Japan (just received them in the mail)Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
-
Going to pick up my first pair of big boy boots and I would appreciate any input you guys can provide as I have very limited knowledge of boots. I'm going with Engineers and I've narrowed it down to Viberg and Wesco. I'm looking for something I can dress up or down and that's versatile. Here's what I've narrowed it down to
Viberg Engineer Brown Chromexcel
Viberg Engineer Black Chromexcel
Wesco Engineer Boss 7400
I'm really leaning towards the Vibergs over the Wesco basic Boss's. Any input you guys can provide on these boots would greatly appreciated (leather quality, overall quality, likes/dislikes, etc..) or if you know of any other brands that make a great Engineer boot I'm open to suggestions as well. I know Lofgren is a good name in the game but not sure I want to spend that much yet.
-
In terms of the practical side of things the Wesco's have a higher heel and shaft than the Vibergs. The heel means a lot for the boot's profile and for your posture/stance. Some people don't go for a higher heel, I love them (not leat because I'm 6' tall but have a 31" inseam).
I'd say the Vibergs are dressier, the Chromexcel is a leather that shines up very well, but also picks up scratches and marks easily. The Wesco domain leather is probably harder wearing. They're both great boots although I'm more of a Wesco man because I like the practical, heavy duty aesthetic better. Even the more refined designs like the ones you post are built like tanks.
-
didn't even notice this thread. Thanks @rocket -
In terms of the practical side of things the Wesco's have a higher heel and shaft than the Vibergs. The heel means a lot for the boot's profile and for your posture/stance. Some people don't go for a higher heel, I love them (not leat because I'm 6' tall but have a 31" inseam).
I'd say the Vibergs are dressier, the Chromexcel is a leather that shines up very well, but also picks up scratches and marks easily. The Wesco domain leather is probably harder wearing. They're both great boots although I'm more of a Wesco man because I like the practical, heavy duty aesthetic better. Even the more refined designs like the ones you post are built like tanks.
@neph93 thank you very much for the info. I actually noticed that about the heels too and that's partly why I'm drawn to the Vibergs as I actually like the look of a shorter heel. Which color would be more versatile in your opinion? The black or brown?
-
Some things to think about @manufc10
1. Do You prefer the dyed midsoles or natural color?
2. Do you like the full length sole or the 705 (I only like the 705 on engineers)
3. Do you prefer the long straps? The straps on the viberg are very short, and once the ends start to curl, the shorter strap may annoy you with pants getting caught on it.
4. @neph93 is right - the CXL leather marks like a MOFO - you either have to accept that your boots will always looks rough and tumble, or you will have to religiously clean them. If the latter is the case, black is the way to go with the vibergs as the color won't change as much with constant polish/treatment.
5. At this end of the range, have you considered the IHWE-BUILD-5? It is essentially a hybrid of the two, with basically no drawbacks - I consider it to be the ideal engineer boot. My opinion though, other's may disagree. Shorter shaft, the best leather option, long straps, double midsoles, 705 sole, gently dyed welt and midsoles, sleek last, ultra durable heel.
-
Support everything @Appfaff said. His first point bears repeating and expanding on, natural midsoles are lovely when new but if you don’t embrace things changing character quickly and getting dirtied up in the process then they may not be for you.
I share his opinion that the IHWE-5 is a truly glorious boot. The only reason I don’t have a pair is the #705 sole, which I love, but is of limited use where I live. I have one pair with it already, two would be a waste.
-
Some things to think about @manufc10
1. Do You prefer the dyed midsoles or natural color?
2. Do you like the full length sole or the 705 (I only like the 705 on engineers)
3. Do you prefer the long straps? The straps on the viberg are very short, and once the ends start to curl, the shorter strap may annoy you with pants getting caught on it.
4. @neph93 is right - the CXL leather marks like a MOFO - you either have to accept that your boots will always looks rough and tumble, or you will have to religiously clean them. If the latter is the case, black is the way to go with the vibergs as the color won't change as much with constant polish/treatment.
5. At this end of the range, have you considered the IHWE-BUILD-5? It is essentially a hybrid of the two, with basically no drawbacks - I consider it to be the ideal engineer boot. My opinion though, other's may disagree. Shorter shaft, the best leather option, long straps, double midsoles, 705 sole, gently dyed welt and midsoles, sleek last, ultra durable heel.
1. I actually like the look of the natural color midsoles
2. I'm assuming the 705 is the shorter heel that's on the Viberg's? If so then yes, I prefer the 705. I like the look of a shorter heel
3. This is the kind of info I love hearing as well, some user experience regarding the short straps curling. I think that would annoy me if it gets caught on pant legs so I'll have to say I would want the longer straps.
4. hmmm….not sure if it's going to bother me much that they scuff like a mofo but again, great info here. Viberg also makes a black and brown horsebutt? version (my inner 15 year old still laughs at this). Would horsebutt be the way to go if I don't want them to scuff so much?
5. I haven't looked into the IHWE-BUILD-5 but I am DEFINITELY open to that. I will look into those. So noob question....what does "sleek last" mean?
6. You guys are awesome. I really appreciate this input @Appfaff and @neph93
-
Support everything @Appfaff said. His first point bears repeating and expanding on, natural midsoles are lovely when new but if you don’t embrace things changing character quickly and getting dirtied up in the process then they may not be for you.
I share his opinion that the IHWE-5 is a truly glorious boot. The only reason I don’t have a pair is the #705 sole, which I love, but is of limited use where I live. I have one pair with it already, two would be a waste.
Why is the 705 sole of limited use to you?
-
@manufc10 Where I live there is snow, ice and salt solution on the ground for 4-6 months of the year. The #705 is low traction and doesn't do well on ice. It also doesn't cover the whole midsole leaving part of it exposed to snow, salt solution etc which will degrade it over time. Rubber outsoles can be easily replaced. Badly damaged midsoles can't. So boots with the #705 are impractical November to April. I have the #430 sole for my winter boots.
To be clear, the Vibram #705 is the rubber outer sole on the Vibergs and IHWE-5 (amongst others). It's different to the other Vibram soles as it comes in two parts and the front part doesn't follow the entire length of the boot. This is taken from Wesco's site https://www.wescoboots.com/builder/BootOptions.aspx?list=pullon and covers the different soles they offer on their custom builds, it should help you understand the differences in function and appearance:
-
Comments in italics [emoji6]
1. I actually like the look of the natural color midsoles
Be aware, they won't stay that colour for long2. I'm assuming the 705 is the shorter heel that's on the Viberg's? If so then yes, I prefer the 705. I like the look of a shorter heel
See my last post for what the #705 is3. This is the kind of info I love hearing as well, some user experience regarding the short straps curling. I think that would annoy me if it gets caught on pant legs so I'll have to say I would want the longer straps.
A custom build might be the thing for you4. hmmm….not sure if it's going to bother me much that they scuff like a mofo but again, great info here. Viberg also makes a black and brown horsebutt? version (my inner 15 year old still laughs at this). Would horsebutt be the way to go if I don't want them to scuff so much?
Horsebutt is different in many ways, someone else can probably say more than me as I don't own boots with horsebutt5. I haven't looked into the IHWE-BUILD-5 but I am DEFINITELY open to that. I will look into those. So noob question….what does "sleek last" mean?
The standard Wesco Boss toe is not sleek. It's a big, rough, tough boot, with a wide rounded toe. The sleeker style of toe, with a lower profile and taper towards the toe end is popular with a lot of folks. The Wesco version of this is called the Motor Patrol toe and almost all IH's Wesco Boss collabs have this sleeker toe, including the IHWE-5. Those Viberg boots are also on the sleeker side of things. -
@neph93 , thank you so much! I've learned a lot already.
-
I keep leaning towards the Vibergs myself. Maybe I'll look into the horsebutt ones.
-
Check out John’s blog at VintageEngineerBoots.com
You may find some aesthetics you have not yet seen that really spark your interest.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
