History of Engineer Boots

[j]

I thought some people here might be interested in this:

http://www.classicboots.com/engineer/index.htm

 

[Arethusa]

That doesn't actually explain anything about how they came to be or why they're designed the way they are, though.

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by Arethusa

That doesn't actually explain anything about how they came to be or why they're designed the way they are, though.
This thread on SF describes the history more in depth (if you care). - http://new.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=13309 I saw that site some time ago when I wanted a new pair of boots and realized that one can't buy anything off of the site. I think everything there is his / her private collection. The only bad thing about engineer boots is, when you go flying off of your bike, there is a good chance your boots will fly off your feet since the boots are not tied on.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

My coworker's friend's kid was hit by a car and it knocked his sneakers off. The ER nurse said that it was a good thing that his shoes flew off because it helped diffuse the force of the impact. I would imagine that if your boots flew off in a bicycle accident it would not be a bad thing.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by denimdestroyedmylife

My coworker's friend's kid was hit by a car and it knocked his sneakers off. The ER nurse said that it was a good thing that his shoes flew off because it helped diffuse the force of the impact. I would imagine that if your boots flew off in a bicycle accident it would not be a bad thing.
I always assumed the strap across the instep would keep the boots on pretty snug. The taller ones even strap over the calf so they would have that keeping them on as well. If I go flying off my bike at 80mph, I want them staying on, since I like having ankle bones etc.

I am still trying to figure out what these pockets on the side of the boot are for:

I would never tuck my jeans into them, but these look pretty badass and functional to me. BTW, I saw Rebel Without A Cause again a couple weeks ago and noted that all the dudes in that movie wear engineer boots.

If you follow the links on the site there is some history about the boots.

 

[kwiteaboy]

That pocket is for a straight razor.

 

[Tck13]

I don't understand why they never make harness or engineer boots in narrow widths. Even the medium widths seem to run wide. My heel flops around too much to wear them but I think they are my favorite style boots. (As far as motorcycling boots)

If I ever get the $, I'll get a pair custom made.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Tck13

I don't understand why they never make harness or engineer boots in narrow widths. Even the medium widths seem to run wide. My heel flops around too much to wear them but I think they are my favorite style boots. (As far as motorcycling boots)

If I ever get the $, I'll get a pair custom made.
Maybe you could put heel cups in them, or some kind of insole? Most work and military boots are made wide so that they will "fit" most people, assuming the people put in their own insoles to adjust the fit.

Originally Posted by kwiteaboy

That pocket is for a straight razor.
Thanks.

 

[VMan]

Originally Posted by j

Is that a pagoda in the reflection on the engine just to the left of the heel strap? And that little pocket on the side looks like it would be used to hold a knife, or some other tool.

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by j

Maybe you could put heel cups in them, or some kind of insole? Most work and military boots are made wide so that they will "fit" most people, assuming the people put in their own insoles to adjust the fit.
I tried that too. I pretty much gave up on boots w/o laces. Although, I just noticed Wesco makes custom boots. That might work... Now, I just need to get another bike to go with the boots. http://www.westcoastshoe.com/wesco/

 

[j]

Check these out...

http://www.volls.de/shop/index.php?c...BEL-BOOT293402

 

[Tck13]

I didn't know Belstaff made boots? There are some other cool Belstaff boots on their website. I would imagine the quality is as good as their jackets.

 

[j]

So I picked up a pair of Red Wing engineer boots for riding. (My Hawkins Doc style boots are beat to death.) Are these supposed to be tight at the calf? The top buckle thing basically does nothing. All the way tight they are still quite loose up there. Even if I tuck my jeans into them (which I never would in reality) they are still loose. My calves aren't really THAT scrawny. Most boots I wear I cannot lace all the way together. So what's the deal here? Anyone else have a pair of these?

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by j

So I picked up a pair of Red Wing engineer boots for riding. (My Hawkins Doc style boots are beat to death.) Are these supposed to be tight at the calf? The top buckle thing basically does nothing. All the way tight they are still quite loose up there. Even if I tuck my jeans into them (which I never would in reality) they are still loose. My calves aren't really THAT scrawny. Most boots I wear I cannot lace all the way together. So what's the deal here? Anyone else have a pair of these?

I just picked up a pair of Red Wing boots myself (in addition to a '06 Honda VTX 1300 in Black - the fastest color).

I got loggers (669 I think).

As I posted earlier, I gave up on the type of boots you mentioned because of fit. I've had the engineer and harness boots and they were always loose. They look great but never fit all that well.

The straps on the ankle and top of the boot were always worthless to me. They never did anything but look good no matter how I adjusted them. I don't understand the idea behind the straps. (I don't have skinny legs either, there about average size.) To fill the 'pipes' in those kind of boots one would have to have calves the size of logs.

The straps would never get tight or even snug in the calf or the foot in addition to my heal flopping around. My guess is, judging by the boots I've had and seeing them on other people, the straps are more decorative than functional.

I didn't have red wings but I think I had Carolina and Georgia boots.

 

[LA Guy]

Originally Posted by Tck13

I didn't know Belstaff made boots? There are some other cool Belstaff boots on their website. I would imagine the quality is as good as their jackets.

I just picked up a dark olive zip hoodie from Belstaff - amazing piece...