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READER MAIL

July 7, 2016, 3:54 pm
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"Wearing 11'' engineer boots in summer?"

Hi, Mr. John

I hope this email finds you well. Got a question for you: Is it OK to wear 'em buco engineer boots (or the like) in summer around 86F/30C?

The climate of where I currently live is similar to that of New Orleans. Yet my obsession over greaser way of life hit a high this summer. So I'm humbly asking for your advice.

Regards,
CJ

www.vintageengineerboots.com
I'm wearing the Role Club Engineer Boots I studded in the NOLA summer heat with a heat index of 105°F/41°C this past weekend.

Hi CJ, 

I've worn 11" Engineer Boots all year long for over 25 years now regardless of weather. Perhaps I've never been taught to wear them in certain weather, but I find it odd when I hear guys say they have to put their boots up for the summer or that it's getting too hot for boots. We all pay good, hard-earned money for these boots; wear 'em like they owe you money.

Cheers!
John
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POST-1955 CHIPPEWA ENGINEER BOOTS

July 9, 2016, 8:09 am
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Brand: Chippewa
Model: 5175
Circa: 1955 - Early 1960's based on the label, but these are cleary come frm the earlier part of this window
Color: Black
Size: 8 1/2C
Measurements:
Length: 10 3/4"
Width: 3 1/2"+
Soles: Composition half sole
Leather: Oil-Tanned Cowhide (Chippewa never used Horsehide for their boots)
Hardware: Nickel
Sold for: $400 Buy It Now

My buddy and regular contributor to the VEB Blog, Warren, never fails to inform me of noteworthy auctions I've missed. This one is particularly sweet because of the relatively low Buy It Now price. I'm not sure what the original start price was, but I can only imagine this final price represented an offline offer.

While these aren't super rare -- they're actually quite common, especially when you search Japanese sites -- they're always a treat to see since they represent iconic midcentury Americana. In this exact condition (never mind the detached heel), these would easily fetch $900 - $1,300 at auction in the US and would be offered for much more in the overseas market. In my opinion, a $400 - $800 price range is pretty accurate in today's age of homage boots, the likes of Mister Freedom, John Lofgren and customized Role Clubs ... but of course there are those die-hard collectors out there that NEED to have their vintage. I've had my share of vintage and super Vintage Engineer Boots over the last two decades and have come to learn that I'd much rather have a pair of new homage boots and create my own history.

In the early 2000's, there were at least five amazing pairs I owned that were quite rare (unfortunately, I never thought to take pictures of them) -- to a pair of these exact Chippewas -- and then, of course, there were the extinct Glow-in-the-Dark boots. Common to all of these is the fact I've gotten rid of each and every pair. While it's a great feeling to possess some of the coolest vintage boots, I've never felt too comfortable wearing them for concern of causing too much damage. This is why I'm a advocate for today's homage boots -- choose your favorite pair, wear them without too much concern, develop the character specific to your movements and create your own history.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

That profile! Stacked Woodman heels

Bowing of the leather welt from heavy wear and exposure to the elements


Iconic square flat toe that started off round

Good on the seller to point out this flaw; however, it's a $5.00 repair that should not have been considered when pricing, especially as collectible as these are

Post-1955 Label (1955 to early 1960's)

Learn more about the "Post-1955" Chippewa label through my Vintage Engineer Boots Lexicon Part XX

8 1/2C 
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MOTO MONDAY

July 11, 2016, 7:28 am
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ORIGINAL LEVI'S "EINSTEIN" COSSACK

July 15, 2016, 6:18 pm
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Congrats to Levi Strauss & Co. for placing the winning bid of$146,744 for a Levi’s brown leather “Cossack” jacket that Albert Einstein wore in the 1930s. The jacket was estimated to sell in the range of $53,120 to $79,680.

Einstein bought the jacket when he became a U.S. citizen, according to Levi Strauss, and was photographed wearing it on various occasions, including in a number of 1938 portraits.

Einstein may have purchased the jacket in 1935 after making his formal application for permanent U.S. residency.

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MOTO MONDAY

July 18, 2016, 7:14 pm
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SWAP YOUR ROLLER BUCKLES RIGHT IN YOUR OWN HOME

July 19, 2016, 5:01 pm
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*Originally posted July 2013*

I've swapped buckles on a couple of my Engineer Boots in the past and the most recent was done using my custom roller buckles on the Wesco MP toes given to me, for gratis. Following this swap, I received and influx of e-mails requesting a step-by-step tutorial.

In this post, I'll try my best to walk those who are interested through my process.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

Tools:  
  • Seam Ripper
  • Scissors
  • Midlde to heavyweight thread*
  • Two needles - Leather needles are prescribed, but heavier grade fabric needles you may have laying around will work just as well for this small project, especially since the holes already exist.  Be sure not to accidentally poke new holes.
  • Small flashlight
  • Lots of patience

*Nylon, linen and polyester threads are all acceptable choices.  Waxing the thread with beesewax or parrafin isn't necessary, but it is supposed to help with long-term durability and allows the needle to ease through the holes.  I was once a waxer, but realized that it gives my projects a messy look.  I now use an exclusive heavy-duty wound thread from Japan on all my projects.


This photo shows the factory stitching and the bulky, unattractive harness buckles.


Not all buckle retainers have leather that tucks under itself, so carefully unpick the stitching while being mindful not to remove more stitching than necessary.  Absolutely do not touch any vamp or heel counter stitching.  It's important to take it slow during this process, especially because it is simple to accidentally scratch/cut the leather.  

Once the necessary stitching is undone and the area cleaned/cleared of the old thread, replace the buckle and lay the leather back to its original position.  It's not necessary to perfectly line up the existing holes at this point as some shifting may occur throughout the process - after each re-stitch - constant realignment will be required.  Remember, take it slow and put your patience on.  

Thread your needles as shown here.  Ensure the top buckle is undone in order to allow for maximum sewing room.  Begin your saddle stitching by starting at the existing hole at the corner of the buckle retainer nearest the upper most portion of the heel counter and work your way clockwise.


What's with the flashlight?  As you can see, the shaft on these boots are tall and when peering down towards the sewing area, its difficult to see where you're poking through the leather.  I dropped the flashlight backwards down the boots to illuminate that area.  



The completed instep buckle




You'll be super happy when getting to this point where you don't have to reach too far.  The upper buckle retainer is glued together and in place, but I never re-glue it when swapping the buckles.


Unpick from the inside so as not to inadvertently scratch/cut the outer leather.  

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MOTO MONDAY

July 25, 2016, 9:15 am
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RC2307 & RC1940

July 29, 2016, 3:35 pm
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I've had several people hit me up for comparison shots of the Role Club RC2307 and RC1940 profile to assist them in choosing the right last. 

 
The RC2307 (left) has a low-profile toe box, which will flatten with wear. The leather is slightly tighter in this area due to the low profile.

 
The RC1940 last is reminiscent of 1940's / 1950's unstructured bulbous toe box that will ultimately lead to a flat, squarish toe overhanging the welt (especially when the leather welt shrinks and molds when exposed to water)

 

I threw in a shot of the Woodsman heel as well. Both boots bear the same amount of stacks, but my studded RC1940 only looks taller because of the double leather sole. I asked for this profile to match an original midcentury Chippewa.

 
Leather becomes extra stiff when dried after being exposed to inclement weather. Depending on the type and amount of chemicals used during the tanning process, leather can develop a stiffness reminiscent of decades-old Horsehide. Chemicals used in Chippewas Cowhide during their "special tanning" process just sixty years ago leaves their hand-selected leather stiff with desired creases and wrinkles leaving collectors to believe they are seeing and feeling Horsehide -- Chippewa never used horse leather on their boots. 

I added this information because it's relevant to the amazing Horween Chromexcel Horsehide Brian used these particular boots. This type of leather is tanned with the more-than-normal amount of oils and greases, so it's important to wear them hard and often ... but don't force it. Even with my limited wear, these boots are looking pretty amazing.

 
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MISTER FREEDOM 30% OFF SALE!

July 31, 2016, 6:02 pm
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I'm sure Mister Freedom® fans all know about the incredible anniversary sale by now, but I just wanted to put in a plug for one of my grail pieces - the Bronco Champ from the SpeedSafecollection.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

This is such and amazing jacket and  is one of the select pieces that qualify for the 30% discount. Those that take a size 38 have the option to choose the "Star Model" or the plain version.



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MOTO MONDAY

August 1, 2016, 9:03 am
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ATTRACTIONS CO. LOT.444

August 2, 2016, 10:01 am
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The highly hopeful Horse Butt in brown. When the Attractions Co. Lot.268 Engineer Boots came out, fans quickly asked for a brown version. The cool cats at Attractions listened to their fans and ... Introducing the Lot.444 priced at ¥79,800 or $788.00 (almost 1:1).

Hit up Wataru-San at info@attractions2006.com to reserve yours today for an expected delivery at the end of the year.

*All photos from the Attractions blog.

 

 
 
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MOTO MONDAY

August 8, 2016, 4:50 pm
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PRE-1955 TALL CHIPPEWA ENGINEER BOOTS

August 15, 2016, 6:14 pm
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Brand: Chippewa
Circa: Post-WWII Rationing
Color: Black
Size: 8 1/2D
Soles/Heels: Leather/Cat's Paw
Leather: Oil-Tanned Cowhide
Hardware: Nickel
Sold for: Best offer from $999

Some real nice patina going on here with these Engineers. It's pretty clear that tall boots gain the attention of only a small niche market of collectors, but keep in mind that this was the standard height pre-WWII - War rationing caused the shortening of this type of footwear. This particular pair; however, appears to have been offered post-War Rationing (1946) based on the chunky buckles. Armed with this detail and knowledge of the Pre-1955 labels, I date these around the late 1940's.

I'd have been happy to reel these in for a best offer of about $350-$400

www.vintageengineerboots.com
Pre-1955 Label



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FOR SALE: HORSEHIDE WHITES SEMI-DRESS / JOHN LOFGREN X MUSHMANS ORTENSIA ENGINEER

August 17, 2016, 8:13 pm
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I picked up these amazing Horsehide White's Semi-Dress boots from my buddy, Michael, over a year ago and they're just a hair too big for me. My loss is someone else's gain.

They've been cleaned and conditioned with only the best (at least what I consider the best) leather product on the market -- Pecard Antique Leather Dressing. These boots are rugged and built to last. Here are the particulars:

Brand: White's
Model: Semi-dress
Leather: Black Horsehide with leather lining
Heel: Standard
Hardware: Antique
Condition: Excellent Used with MANY years left
Size: Marked 7 1/2D (go off measurements below to be sure)
Measurements (approximate):
Length (heel against wall to furthest point forward): 11 3/4"
Width (Widest part of sole at the ball): 4 11/16"
Price: $375 shipped, including tracking/insurance (I challenge you to find a better deal for this caliber of boots)

US buyers ONLY via PayPal and no returns, so please know your size and look closely at the photos as they are important to the description. Contact me at villanuevado@gmail.com if interested. Serious inquiries only, please.

www.vintageengineerboots.com

Size 7 1/2D


Brand: John Lofgren & Co. x Mushmans
Model: Engineer Boots
Leather: Ortensia/Navy Italian Badalassi
Hardware: Brass
Condition: Excellent Used with some discrepancies caused by the original owner (see description below each photo)
Size: Marked 7 1/2 (go off measurements below to be sure)
Measurements (approximate):
Length (heel against wall to furthest point forward): 11 3/4"
Width (Widest part of sole at the ball): 4 9/16"
Price: $395 shipped, including tracking/insurance (New, these are $1,023)

US buyers ONLY via PayPal and no returns, so please know your size and look closely at the photos as they are important to the description. Contact me at villanuevado@gmail.com if interested. Serious inquiries only, please.

This is a VERY rare pair of Lofgren Engineer Boots that are no longer available and in a great size! I purchased these used from the second owner overseas for way more than I am asking and have only worn them a handful of times. Because of that, I feel it's time to let them go at an incredible price to someone who would do them justice by wearing them more than I can.

Extra holes were added to the instep straps


If you're familiar with my blog, then you know how I feel about John Lofgren's boots. They are some of the best in today's market with a vintage profile unique to any other currently available. 

The roller was removed from the left boot buckle

Right boot buckle is still present

The buckle retainer strap appears to have been removed and stitched back

Left boot - Instep strap removed and replaced?

Right boot - Instep strap removed and replaced?

The only thing I can come up with is the original owner removed the straps and when sold, the second owner replaced them. They are structurally sound and aside from these, the boots are in great used condition. If you can look past these discrepancies (I did; I just don't wear them enough), then this is a great opportunity to land some rare boots at an unbeatable price. 

7 1/2

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MOTO MONDAY

August 22, 2016, 5:40 pm
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MOTO MONDAY

August 29, 2016, 12:01 am
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HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

September 2, 2016, 10:16 am
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FIFTEEN YEARS

September 11, 2016, 6:07 pm
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MOTO MONDAY

September 12, 2016, 7:28 pm
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READER MAIL

September 12, 2016, 7:28 pm
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Hey there!

Since you seem to be the authority on this topic, i wanted to ask ya something.

I got lucky and stumbled onto a pair or black road champs in my size, at the Mister Freedom store of all places! Got them about a month ago and have worn them every day.

I've noticed that some black road champs out there, are more black than others. Mine are definitely a really dark brownish color when they are in daylight. I've heard that Christophe polishes his personal pair of black RC's with a black tinted polish to keep them black in color. If I wanted to enhance a black hue from them, what would you suggest? Is polishing them with black polish a good idea? I know some people like the different hues and textures, and I'm sure eventually, I'll let them wear how they may. But for now, id love to figure out how to get them to be jet black, if possible!

Any ideas? Ive noticed your road champs look pretty black as well

Thanks
J

www.vintageengineerboots.com

Hi J!

First off, congratulation on picking up a pair of highly coveted boots! I've recommended that folks visit the shop every so often as some rarities can be found at the brick and mortar not always advertised online.

Now back to your great question. Because the black (and brown) Road Champ Boots undergo an exclusive leather treatment and coloring process, each pair of boots possess their own unique color characteristics. My black pair are definitely on the blacker side of the black Road Champ spectrum.

Polishing them with a black polish of your choice is most certainly the best option to enhance the black hue. I personally use black Parade Gloss applied with a either a cotton cloth wrapped tight around my finger or Horsehair Polish Applicator and buffed with a Horsehair Shine Brush -- all made by Kiwi -- whenever I'm in the mood to freshen up my black leather footwear. Polish won't penetrate the leather all the way through giving the boots a chance to develop a nice brown patina later down the road with the option to reapply polish if desired -- leather dye is more of a permanent solution and may prove harder to develop a patina, if at all, depending on how deep the dye penetrates the vegetable tanned leather.

The above steps are simple and inexpensive and I think you'll be happy with the results.

Thanks for the e-mail!

Cheers!
John
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