Shoes that look better with age...

[CrashTestBrummie]

Also some bespoke beauties from G&G. if you ever are looking for some high end mto shoes, i highly recommend G&G. They are a tad more elegant than Edward Green, and they are a very small operation. Prices are the same. Also Dean Girling is a great guy and extremely helpful with explaining the whole manufacturing process. mto takes about 4-5 months. And if you are a baller, you can go full bespoke.

since I'm not a baller, I put my mto order in.

Looking forward to seeing those - I really like some of their designs but not sure that they're really my 'style'. Have you gone for a shoe or a boot, mate?

And SLAB - looking forward to seeing your Lennons, too!

[PeterParker]

Any recommendations on how to improve the lustre of a dull leather? Any specific oil or wax that can be applied to bring out the colour and a bit of shine? Obenauf's and the horsehair brush just don't do it...

Somewhat having remorse in my choice of leather on my White's when looking at some of these. I suppose most leather options are available when ordering directly through White's, because Baker's has more limited options for Bounty Hunters than for the Semi-Dress.

[CrashTestBrummie]

Before and after - Edward Green for Hackett of London.

Shoes were in a proper state, with mould in places:

With leather of this quality, it's often possible to bring them back to life pretty nicely and with not too much hard work. Think I'm going to spend some time darkening the toes to bring some colour back to them:

[coleslawyum]

Looking forward to seeing those - I really like some of their designs but not sure that they're really my 'style'. Have you gone for a shoe or a boot, mate?

At first I thought G&G was an Italian shoe company since the designs felt a bit like that. But they do have more traditional English shoes, but still made with a small heel and a sharply bevelled waist.

Some more conservative shoes I found around the intranets:

Even if it isn't your thing, I definitely think you can rock some of them, especially the boots.

I went for a loafer this time around. Prices are around £500~£700.

Bonus pic from Men's Ex:

The reason why they can get a sharp bevelled waist is because they use a molded wooden shank:

[bl@ster]

yup, that classic brown from White's looks really nice; id like to see some other pictures in daylight since the owner of those boots mentioned they actually look darker than on the pictures

put in my order for the William Lennon 78 minus the hobs nails

They're just a touch darker and less saturated in real life. I can post some daylight pics.

[SLAB]

pls do bl@ster

[rayw44]

Pics of the White's Nomad in Natural CXL as promised. The leather is very streaky overall, which is very interesting in real life. In the pics it looks a bit exaggerated, and some of that is from moving the leather.

I now have engineer boots from Viberg in Merlot CXL and the RRL's in black CXL. I am starting to think the RRL's are not CXL at all. The leather does not share any of the characteristics that the Merlot or Natural CXL has, including the pull up and waxiness. It also feels very dry compared to CXL.

The RRL black leather is nice, but I doubt it is CXL.

Overall, the Nomad is a great modern engineer boot, which I think is more similar to Viberg than Wesco (I have all three). Very substantial, moreso than my Wescos and Vibergs, but it lacks some of the features I look for in engineer boots.

I would prefer either no logo or a smaller logo stamped on the inner portion of the shaft, much like many vintage boots have, and I don't love the roller buckles. They are substantial, but I prefer the square or rectangular styles that you can get from Hukurokuju or found on vintage boots. I also would prefer to have no celastic in the toe, but the single celastic has not been a problem so far.

The construction is top notch. The stitching is flawless (to my eyes at least), and they are built to last. They have triple stitching throughout, the finishing on the sole is perfect, and I know some people don't like the riveted top straps, but I really like that feature.

I recommend these to anyone looking for a (relatively) inexpensive pair of modern engineer boots. These cost significantly less than a custom pair of Wescos or Vibergs. Either of those will cost upwards of $600, and you can have these for almost $200 less.

For reference, I went Natural CXL all around, Vibram half sole, natural edge, single midsole, and ranch packer heel plus 1 heel lift for a true "Logger heel" look.

[coleslawyum]

Nice build and a whole lot of boot for the price. CXL is a pretty oily leather, so I agree that RRL doesn't use it. Its very dry in comparison.

[Salt Lake City Slim]

I believe that Black CXL (or at least some versions) is colored only on the surface, rather than dyed through. I know this is true of my Navy CXL Quoddy boots. With this type of finish, the oily finish and pull-up do not occur. Could be wrong. . .

[hollowsleather]

Pretty sure all chromexcel is dyed on the grain side only, I've never seen a finished backside. I would guess that Horween offers it as an option, I'm a fan of the unfinished flesh side so I've never asked.

Good looking boots, Rayw44. I agree that the buckles are an unfortunate choice. I like those exact buckles for other purposes, but they seem pretty bulky for this application.

Was 'no celastic' not an option for the nomad? I'm still pleased with my no celastic BH:

Shows no signs of "cave in" as some people seem concerned about.

[rayw44]

I thought the same thing about CXL, because even though it isn't dyed through it should still be far waxier and oily based on the overall treatment with their blend of oils and such.

I spoke to Kyle at Baker's about getting no celastic, and he said White's simply won't do it on the Nomad (I even tried to sneak it through by requesting it in the notes to no avail). I wanted the exact look you have there, but I may just have it removed a few years from now when I need a resole.

You're right about the buckles, I could see they would be great for some things, but they stick out too much for my liking (as in about 1/4" off the boot). Oh well, just another thing to modify if I ever feel like it.

[garden gnomes in space]

nice. my natural cxl Oak Street's have darkened considerably. I suspect when yours do, that streaking will settle down a bit.

can I ask you all about heel slippage in engineer boots? seems that due to the design, its inevitable, but im not sure as I have not had a true engineer before. does it exist and go away as the midsole loosens up, or does it just not exist?

Edited October 22, 2012 by garden gnomes in space

[rayw44]

If you have ever worn a loafer or other slip-on style shoe, then you have already experienced the worst heel slippage you ever will with engineer boots.

However, unlike loafers, your foot isn't going to slip out (or step out) of the boot because of the shaft. It may be a bit annoying at first, but you get used to it very quickly. The instep strap can also help alleviate the amount of slippage, and if you buy your correct size the problem will not be very bad at all.

You may not like it personally, but I know that I have never had a problem dealing with it, and I find engineer boots to be immensely comfortable.

For comparison, the first week with my White's SD's was pure pain, but three days with the Nomads has been incredibly comfortable from the moment I put them on.

[akka225]

hollows: that's exactly the look i'm going for.. more details?

[demonator]

SOFUUU TOOWUUUU

[BillWho?]

Pics of the White's Nomad in Natural CXL as promised. The leather is very streaky overall, which is very interesting in real life. In the pics it looks a bit exaggerated, and some of that is from moving the leather.

I now have engineer boots from Viberg in Merlot CXL and the RRL's in black CXL. I am starting to think the RRL's are not CXL at all. The leather does not share any of the characteristics that the Merlot or Natural CXL has, including the pull up and waxiness. It also feels very dry compared to CXL.

The RRL black leather is nice, but I doubt it is CXL.

Overall, the Nomad is a great modern engineer boot, which I think is more similar to Viberg than Wesco (I have all three). Very substantial, moreso than my Wescos and Vibergs, but it lacks some of the features I look for in engineer boots.

I would prefer either no logo or a smaller logo stamped on the inner portion of the shaft, much like many vintage boots have, and I don't love the roller buckles. They are substantial, but I prefer the square or rectangular styles that you can get from Hukurokuju or found on vintage boots. I also would prefer to have no celastic in the toe, but the single celastic has not been a problem so far.

The construction is top notch. The stitching is flawless (to my eyes at least), and they are built to last. They have triple stitching throughout, the finishing on the sole is perfect, and I know some people don't like the riveted top straps, but I really like that feature.

I recommend these to anyone looking for a (relatively) inexpensive pair of modern engineer boots. These cost significantly less than a custom pair of Wescos or Vibergs. Either of those will cost upwards of $600, and you can have these for almost $200 less.

For reference, I went Natural CXL all around, Vibram half sole, natural edge, single midsole, and ranch packer heel plus 1 heel lift for a true "Logger heel" look.

Is it the angle of the photo, or is the heel stack on the right boot crooked? Looking at the last pic, from behind, left boot looks normal, right boot heel skews out to the right? Anyone else seeing that?

Otherwise these are absolutely amazing. Spec'd out perfectly too IMO. Well played sir.

Arch-ease in these comparable to a Semi-Dress or a Smoke Jumper? I love my wesco's, but having true arch-ease in an engineer is too good to be true.....

Edited October 23, 2012 by BillWho?

[demonator]

if your effing about crookedness and uneveness on a pair of whites then this brand is not for you. most of my whites actually has different height on the heel ( +/- 1/8" inch) and im cool about it. yeah the top most leather stacked on the heel is often crooked cause theres nothing on top of it that supports it and thats fine. well yeah wesco's are a differen tbreed theyre really well made compared to whites

[Dave_SFU]

Pics of the White's Nomad in Natural CXL as promised. The leather is very streaky overall, which is very interesting in real life. In the pics it looks a bit exaggerated, and some of that is from moving the leather.

I now have engineer boots from Viberg in Merlot CXL and the RRL's in black CXL. I am starting to think the RRL's are not CXL at all. The leather does not share any of the characteristics that the Merlot or Natural CXL has, including the pull up and waxiness. It also feels very dry compared to CXL.

The RRL black leather is nice, but I doubt it is CXL.

Overall, the Nomad is a great modern engineer boot, which I think is more similar to Viberg than Wesco (I have all three). Very substantial, moreso than my Wescos and Vibergs, but it lacks some of the features I look for in engineer boots.

I would prefer either no logo or a smaller logo stamped on the inner portion of the shaft, much like many vintage boots have, and I don't love the roller buckles. They are substantial, but I prefer the square or rectangular styles that you can get from Hukurokuju or found on vintage boots. I also would prefer to have no celastic in the toe, but the single celastic has not been a problem so far.

The construction is top notch. The stitching is flawless (to my eyes at least), and they are built to last. They have triple stitching throughout, the finishing on the sole is perfect, and I know some people don't like the riveted top straps, but I really like that feature.

I recommend these to anyone looking for a (relatively) inexpensive pair of modern engineer boots. These cost significantly less than a custom pair of Wescos or Vibergs. Either of those will cost upwards of $600, and you can have these for almost $200 less.

For reference, I went Natural CXL all around, Vibram half sole, natural edge, single midsole, and ranch packer heel plus 1 heel lift for a true "Logger heel" look.

RRL has never made an Engineer boot in black CXL.

I just picked up some MOTOR engineers in natural CXL too the other day.

[Charlatan]

Saw these Red Wings on eBay and thought they looked great. Anyone know what color they might have been originally? Thanks in advance.

[denimjunky]

^They look like 8138s. Quite white sides for such worn ones...wait, they look resoled.

[heinrich BCN]

A question out to the specialists. How much heel slipage will there be on a pair of Red wing Pecos. I have some Western Pecos and I like them, but would prefer the lower heel of the normal ones.

Sounds a little stupid, but still think it's a valid question.

[indigoeagle]

A question out to the specialists. How much heel slipage will there be on a pair of Red wing Pecos. I have some Western Pecos and I like them, but would prefer the lower heel of the normal ones.

Sounds a little stupid, but still think it's a valid question.

Not much, I find. I find it actually less than Engineer Boots.

I wear the same size as Iron Rangers in the Pecos.

[demonator]

try the viberg pecos theyre down right comfy and indestructible

[BillWho?]

if your effing about crookedness and uneveness on a pair of whites then this brand is not for you. most of my whites actually has different height on the heel ( +/- 1/8" inch) and im cool about it. yeah the top most leather stacked on the heel is often crooked cause theres nothing on top of it that supports it and thats fine. well yeah wesco's are a differen tbreed theyre really well made compared to whites

Ed - After all the whites I sold you, you KNOW I love the brand. I even have some chromexcel hawthorn cowboys you haven't seen yet!

A little rough around the edges, maybe, and like I said, maybe it's just the angle of the last picture, but that right heel looks crooked to me, beyond the usual for whites

[rayw44]

I'm pretty sure it is the angle. It's not nearly that dramatic in person.

[hollowsleather]

hollows: that's exactly the look i'm going for.. more details?

It's a 6" smoke jumper on SD last, lowered 1/4" heel, no celastic toe, in natural chromexcel.

[demonator]

oh shit my main man is back!!! miss you buddy! where are you now? what are ou doing? saw on on the FH campaign. shit man! show your fits again!!!!

[BillWho?]

I'm pretty sure it is the angle. It's not nearly that dramatic in person.

They are pretty f-in great looking..... Now *rummaging through closet* , what can I sell so I can order a pair....

[fre-co]

Welcome back bill.

I've been waiting to see what these nomads look like. I'd like to see some worn pics. I don't think we've had those yet, have we?

[demonator]

show some pictures of what you wanna sell buddy!