Ive worn engineer boots since I was a teenager (I'm 54 now). I have worn or currently own Redwing, Chippewa, Whites (hand lasted) custom Wesco boss, vintage Sears Roebuck and Carolinas. I really thing you a re missing out on the Carolinas. Union made here in the US. They are not expensive, (especially on Ebay). Resole-able and comfortable. If some one is looking for the style you see in old biker photos Carolinas are great Or if someone wants to try the "look" without getting in too deep. Try Carolinas don't be a boot snob Sub 200 prices can be had regularly. I work in a bike shop and I'm not subjecting my 700+ Whites to all the grease and oil that gets on my boots everyday
Carolina and Chippewa were making a good engineer boots but the problem is a certain community sees them as “run of the mill”. They were machine lasted/welted. Also, leather skins came from nearby meat factories and also tanned nearby. Not the specialty leathers from Japan or Italy. White’s and Wesco engineer boots are still top quality made with thick leather. They can take more wear than Japanese brands with the fancy leathers and lasts but that’s the problem. Some guys want the fancy leathers and last over toughness.
It’s a damn shame that despite engineer boots being historically popular with working class folks from 50-80 years ago, this style of boots have effectively become a staple of people from upper middle to upper class people who dress down in workwear. I’m guilty of this myself to some extent, which is why I wish there were affordable options.
I love your videos Jake but I have to disagree on this one. There are Indonesian makers out there that can make you an Engineer for about $450ish and on a Maryam HB at that. They're not going to be perfect as the clinch or Japanese makers but I do think they are more than "Decent". Saying that there are none that are decent out there seemed a little snobbish. No disrespect...just my opinion. Sending love. ♥
I totally got the snobby vibe when he was saying he didn't wan't to be perceived as a cowboy for wearing engineers in his other engineer video for "reasons". Seemed like was painting people who wear cowboy boots as racist. It was very strange
It's either a few years on a waiting list or I found that I'd missed out because they're basically sold out of my size on every website and the restock is in about minimum 1 year or so. Ended up getting a lightly used pair on Moto's on Ebay. Definitely one of the more difficult variety of boots I've tried to acquire.
@@almostvintagestyle Yeah no kidding man. Even all the more obscure little Japanese sites seem to be completely out of my size or totally out of stock. Unfortunately one of my character flaws is that the harder something is to find the more I end up wanting it. Think I was lucky even to find something worthwhile on Ebay.
I have Cody james brand engineer boots from boot barn, I've been using them when riding my harley, they are very strong and durable and I think I paid about $120
Yeah there's a lot of hassle going that route, especially if you're newer to boots. Plus the design issues. In terms of quality though it's a good option
I am stilll waffling on whether to buy a pair of engineers or pass on them...i like the look but am pretty sure I won't wear them too often. I lean more toward lace up casual.
They look ok, but they're definitely missing some features that I prefer. For example, I dislike that they use full soles. They seem like an OK option though
The Red Wing 2268 used to be a fantastic deal. I bought a pair from the bay for under $150, but I think they still retail for about $300, but in some shops are now over $400, so no longer a deal. Chippewa used to make them, in my opinion, the best looking shape in the history of engineer boots, but used such cheap materials, that it lets them down a bit. I bought a pair about 20 years ago for $80, but added $300 in upgrades lol. Really the only affordable pair (ahem, shameless plug) from Japan is Keystone Shoe Co, not because they're cheaper, but the US exchange rate makes them about $375. It's a very accurate last / buckle interpretation of a 50s Chippewa, but you still have to wait a year to get a pair. Jake, you might be turned off by the whole sole.😁
@@almostvintagestyle t don’t own them but they are on their site. I haven’t seen a review on them anywhere either. I read they might be re-branded Chippewa
@@almostvintagestyle not really. They’re actually less labor intensive, and have less metal hardwear than a comparable lace up. Think 10” logger vs 10” pull on/Engineer.
The hardware doesn't cost more than the leather. Look at how much Lofgren donkey punchers cost vs his engineers. The engineers are more expensive. It may depend on the maker and what leather they use though
So now you delete comments in your videos. Very respectable... A quick search online shows you Red Wing engineer boots for £299 and other cheap engineer boots on Amazon. This video is factually incorrect and you should admit it objectively.
Jake’s taste in boots is on the higher-end… so he’s going to be speaking to certain price points and makers. we all know there are boots out there that are Super Duper cheap that are engineers, but I think the balance for Jake would be what’s a relatively well-made/designed boot for a cheaper price. There is not a whole lot out there anymore.
That's his taste in boots. To say they are not in the market is false. Not everyone either can afford 1000$ boots or are willing to spend such amounts in quality boots even if they can afford it. That does not mean that there are no options in the market for affordable engineers that aesthetically look like Engineers. As he likes to use adjectives such as "objectively" as arguments, in this case I am calling out the factually incorrect information that he is sharing in an 10+ minute long video. Also, Redwing engineers, are engineers that can be purchased for £299 in the UK and still manufactured by a company considered a good boot maker.
Exactly, thank you! I think people who are interested in vintage style engineers deserve a better entry level option and in my opinion, that doesn't exist right now
@@amBullseye really not looking to have some crazy argument about this, but if you watch any of Jake’s videos, he likes a refined “correctly” designed engineer boot, same with denim and with jackets. I know he welcomes all watchers and loves the engagement to a point, but there are probably better people suited to find you the cheapest boots that aesthetically look like an engineer, I don’t think it’s him.
Cheap engineer boots look awful i.e. Frye, Red Wing, and many other brands commonly found in Macy's, etc. The next tier-up would be Wesco's Mister Lou, which are decent boots but, the low/rounded vamps and clunky fit leave more to be desired. That is where it ends as far as fairly affordable engineer boots. The next tier-up is Briselblack (which are great) and I say that just because they're just under $1,000, but now you're entering the waiting 3-6 months wait/custom area. Beyond that are Clinch, John Lofgrane, Zerrow boots, Mister Freedom, etc. but now you're entering price points at $1,800 - $2,200. If you're going to spend this much you should consider getting a pair of Role Clubs, which are the must-have engineer boots. Role Club's vamps are aesthetically the best (high, wide, square) - Brian created the best-looking engineer boot (IMO). However, at this point, you're going to have to wait 3-4 years for a pair of RC's unless you're ok with dishing out more cash to expedite. The bottom line is there is no way around investing in engineer boots - they're expensive and that's not going to change unless you want to look ridiculous in a pair of $300 Red Wing engineers. I live in NYC and know a few reputable cobblers here and when I talk to them they bring up how the cost of leather is rapidly increasing. RC's have increased in price and wait time and the same with Briselblack.
Yeah thats a huge issue. They just don't look right when they're cheaper. I've seen cheaper lace up boots that look pretty good but I haven't seen that with engineers
A bigger problem than the cost of engineer boots is that you have to wait almost 24 months to receive a pair from just about any company.
Absolutely. Almost none are available quickly now except some Japanese made brands
I was just looking through a 1964 Sears catalogue, you could pick up engineer boots for under $15.
It's a shame. I wish it was still like that haha
Ive worn engineer boots since I was a teenager (I'm 54 now). I have worn or currently own Redwing, Chippewa, Whites (hand lasted) custom Wesco boss, vintage Sears Roebuck and Carolinas. I really thing you a re missing out on the Carolinas. Union made here in the US. They are not expensive, (especially on Ebay). Resole-able and comfortable. If some one is looking for the style you see in old biker photos Carolinas are great Or if someone wants to try the "look" without getting in too deep. Try Carolinas don't be a boot snob
Sub 200 prices can be had regularly. I work in a bike shop and I'm not subjecting my 700+ Whites to all the grease and oil that gets on my boots everyday
Carolina and Chippewa were making a good engineer boots but the problem is a certain community sees them as “run of the mill”. They were machine lasted/welted. Also, leather skins came from nearby meat factories and also tanned nearby. Not the specialty leathers from Japan or Italy. White’s and Wesco engineer boots are still top quality made with thick leather. They can take more wear than Japanese brands with the fancy leathers and lasts but that’s the problem. Some guys want the fancy leathers and last over toughness.
That's really good to know. I didn't realize you could get the Carolinas for that cheap. I'll have to look into them thanks!
It’s a damn shame that despite engineer boots being historically popular with working class folks from 50-80 years ago, this style of boots have effectively become a staple of people from upper middle to upper class people who dress down in workwear. I’m guilty of this myself to some extent, which is why I wish there were affordable options.
Yes I agree. I wish someone would design a decent affordable option, but leather being so expensive now means it's difficult to make these affordable
I love your videos Jake but I have to disagree on this one.
There are Indonesian makers out there that can make you an Engineer for about $450ish and on a Maryam HB at that.
They're not going to be perfect as the clinch or Japanese makers but I do think they are more than "Decent".
Saying that there are none that are decent out there seemed a little snobbish.
No disrespect...just my opinion. Sending love. ♥
I totally got the snobby vibe when he was saying he didn't wan't to be perceived as a cowboy for wearing engineers in his other engineer video for "reasons". Seemed like was painting people who wear cowboy boots as racist. It was very strange
I haven't seen that. All the brands I've talked to are saying at least $700 or more for leather like that. That would be a solid deal
@@almostvintagestyle Fair enough, Prof Barnets from ID can make one about $450-$500.
Carl just got cordobes engineer boots for $400. He seems to like them for the money
Yeah the value is decent but the design is still lacking unfortunately
It's either a few years on a waiting list or I found that I'd missed out because they're basically sold out of my size on every website and the restock is in about minimum 1 year or so. Ended up getting a lightly used pair on Moto's on Ebay. Definitely one of the more difficult variety of boots I've tried to acquire.
Yeah they're unfortunately not easy to get. They're popular snd they don't make a lot of them
@@almostvintagestyle Yeah no kidding man. Even all the more obscure little Japanese sites seem to be completely out of my size or totally out of stock. Unfortunately one of my character flaws is that the harder something is to find the more I end up wanting it. Think I was lucky even to find something worthwhile on Ebay.
Yeah thats the bad part. They are worth the wait if you can get them
I have Cody james brand engineer boots from boot barn, I've been using them when riding my harley, they are very strong and durable and I think I paid about $120
In fact, boot barn has them on their website right now on sale under $100, they are strong quality boots
Yes! Cody James and Work America are still out there for a little over a hundred but not for “fancy boys”.
Nice! Glad they work well
I have those as well. They’re great for riding. I put heel plates on mine. I wouldn’t ride with 600$ boots.
Anyone wanting to try out engineers should just start on cheaper cowboys-ropers and then invest in a decent pair of engineers if it works out.
That's really good advice!
Honestly…cuz their niche and most men aren’t comfortable enough for that type of heel.
Yup that's a fair point! I agree that's a major aspect
The dingo Rob . Carolina used to make one
Yeah I've had people suggest those
The cheapest barrier to entry for engineers is probably Indonesian but you have to know what you're looking for on last
Yeah there's a lot of hassle going that route, especially if you're newer to boots. Plus the design issues. In terms of quality though it's a good option
@almostvintagestyle oh ya you better be a veteran in this boot world and know exactly what you want
Jake, have you ever reviewed your Lofgrens? I looked through your videos and didn't see one.
I will be reviewing them very soon!
You should collaborate with a company and design your own type of engineers or something
I've tried to, but it hasn't worked out yet unfortunately
Try checking out Gasolina boots at about 400.
Will do thanks!
I am stilll waffling on whether to buy a pair of engineers or pass on them...i like the look but am pretty sure I won't wear them too often. I lean more toward lace up casual.
That's always a true dilemma with engineers. I will say they're not the most practical. I just love how they look.
Schott NYC $300 engineers
They're cheap, but they don't have the features that I would want
What about the Cordobes engineers? They seem decent while not being so expensive
Carl Murlawski reviewed them a couple of weeks ago. Doesn’t look like a tough guy boot. Wearing them might actually get you picked on by bullies.
@@HorseBawlz yeah whatever you say
They look ok, but they're definitely missing some features that I prefer. For example, I dislike that they use full soles. They seem like an OK option though
There are, y'all just aren't looking in the right place.
Walmart has cheap boots Y'all
Sounds good
What would you recommend in 2024 for someone going to Japan soon, best bang for buck Moto? Or the usual suspects? Looking to get one or two pairs
Best bang for buck is definitely Motor in my opinion. That's what I'd look for. Maybe see Clinch too
@@almostvintagestyle amazing, thanks so much! Greetings from Mexico!
Have a great trip!
Any thoughts on Fortis engineer boots?
I'm supposed to be getting a pair to review hopefully soon
What kind of jacket are you wearing.
It's a 1940s Windward horsehide jacket.
Can you tell us about your jacket that you’re wearing 🙏
Its a 1940s Windward jacket. I believe it's horsehide
@@almostvintagestyleThx, I’m your big fan from Korea ;)
The Red Wing 2268 used to be a fantastic deal. I bought a pair from the bay for under $150, but I think they still retail for about $300, but in some shops are now over $400, so no longer a deal. Chippewa used to make them, in my opinion, the best looking shape in the history of engineer boots, but used such cheap materials, that it lets them down a bit. I bought a pair about 20 years ago for $80, but added $300 in upgrades lol. Really the only affordable pair (ahem, shameless plug) from Japan is Keystone Shoe Co, not because they're cheaper, but the US exchange rate makes them about $375. It's a very accurate last / buckle interpretation of a 50s Chippewa, but you still have to wait a year to get a pair. Jake, you might be turned off by the whole sole.😁
Yeah those red wings used to be an ok deal, but not so much now. Keystone probably is the best bet for a deal now
Schott has some for 300 $
Interesting. How do they look?
@@almostvintagestyle t don’t own them but they are on their site. I haven’t seen a review on them anywhere either. I read they might be
re-branded Chippewa
They certainly look like Chippewas, but I'm not certain either
Chippewa
Yeah they're OK, but not vintage style
That’s false that they’re more to produce. 😊
Well yeah I did say they cost more to make
@@almostvintagestyle not really. They’re actually less labor intensive, and have less metal hardwear than a comparable lace up. Think 10” logger vs 10” pull on/Engineer.
The hardware doesn't cost more than the leather. Look at how much Lofgren donkey punchers cost vs his engineers. The engineers are more expensive. It may depend on the maker and what leather they use though
So now you delete comments in your videos. Very respectable...
A quick search online shows you Red Wing engineer boots for £299 and other cheap engineer boots on Amazon.
This video is factually incorrect and you should admit it objectively.
Jake’s taste in boots is on the higher-end… so he’s going to be speaking to certain price points and makers. we all know there are boots out there that are Super Duper cheap that are engineers, but I think the balance for Jake would be what’s a relatively well-made/designed boot for a cheaper price. There is not a whole lot out there anymore.
That's his taste in boots. To say they are not in the market is false. Not everyone either can afford 1000$ boots or are willing to spend such amounts in quality boots even if they can afford it.
That does not mean that there are no options in the market for affordable engineers that aesthetically look like Engineers.
As he likes to use adjectives such as "objectively" as arguments, in this case I am calling out the factually incorrect information that he is sharing in an 10+ minute long video.
Also, Redwing engineers, are engineers that can be purchased for £299 in the UK and still manufactured by a company considered a good boot maker.
I'm saying there aren't good engineer boots for cheap. There are good quality lace up boots for reasonable prices, but not engineers.
Exactly, thank you! I think people who are interested in vintage style engineers deserve a better entry level option and in my opinion, that doesn't exist right now
@@amBullseye really not looking to have some crazy argument about this, but if you watch any of Jake’s videos, he likes a refined “correctly” designed engineer boot, same with denim and with jackets. I know he welcomes all watchers and loves the engagement to a point, but there are probably better people suited to find you the cheapest boots that aesthetically look like an engineer, I don’t think it’s him.
Cheap engineer boots look awful i.e. Frye, Red Wing, and many other brands commonly found in Macy's, etc. The next tier-up would be Wesco's Mister Lou, which are decent boots but, the low/rounded vamps and clunky fit leave more to be desired. That is where it ends as far as fairly affordable engineer boots.
The next tier-up is Briselblack (which are great) and I say that just because they're just under $1,000, but now you're entering the waiting 3-6 months wait/custom area. Beyond that are Clinch, John Lofgrane, Zerrow boots, Mister Freedom, etc. but now you're entering price points at $1,800 - $2,200. If you're going to spend this much you should consider getting a pair of Role Clubs, which are the must-have engineer boots. Role Club's vamps are aesthetically the best (high, wide, square) - Brian created the best-looking engineer boot (IMO). However, at this point, you're going to have to wait 3-4 years for a pair of RC's unless you're ok with dishing out more cash to expedite.
The bottom line is there is no way around investing in engineer boots - they're expensive and that's not going to change unless you want to look ridiculous in a pair of $300 Red Wing engineers. I live in NYC and know a few reputable cobblers here and when I talk to them they bring up how the cost of leather is rapidly increasing. RC's have increased in price and wait time and the same with Briselblack.
Yeah thats a huge issue. They just don't look right when they're cheaper. I've seen cheaper lace up boots that look pretty good but I haven't seen that with engineers