Why I love Engineer Boots and Why You Might Not Want to Buy Them 

I’ve been wearing cowboy boots since I started wearing shoes. I got into engineer boots in the 60’s, used them working as a metal fabricator. My current pair are from the early 70’s Chippewa, I’ve used them for riding the last 50 years. Im looking at getting a nice new upper end pair.

I think this was a wonderful video because you took seriously the maybe-not-for-you with clarity and candor. And your obvious passion for engineers---and the ways to style them---is stellar. Of course, I share your tastes here though I do love a long, slow lace boot 'cause it reminds me to remember that wearing my boots might be the best part of my day.

Dude. I'm 3:16 minutes into your video and I must say: As far as I'm concerned, you have no reason to apologizes for your curiosity about the cowboy esthetic, especially cowboy boots. No matter what silly-ass opinions others have of you when you wear those items, they're not you. Rock. Them. BOLDLY. I say. And for the record, cowboy boots have been a staple of my wardrobe, off and on--and most definitely on during the past four years--for most of my life. And at this point in my life, they're not going anywhere for the rest of my life. I got you. And I'm sure many others do, as well.

Well put and researched. Thanks Jake!

I also live in Southern California and when I rode motorcycles (mostly Triumphs & Nortons) in the early 2000s, engineer boots were the only boots I wore on my bikes. Then the kids came and the bikes went away, but I still have several pairs of engineer boots.

Got my Moto engineers upon your recommendation and they're in my top 3 now. Fit is awesome which I didn't think was going to work for my feet, and I had to get very lucky with a restock at their store.

Beautiful floor lamp too.

that jacket you're wearing looks fantastic

Great video as always Jake. Thank you for the info. I recently ordered a pair of black tea-core engineers from quan the shoemaker. My first pair of engineers. We’ll see how it goes lol. You made me a little nervous with all the heel slip and fit information you gave this video. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼

Good video thanks for the insight into engineer boots fit 😊

Well done , Jake. Thx for sharing your thoughts and comments.

I just found a pair of Chippewas in original box( was a return ) from the '80s U.S made for under $60 bucks. And before that I got a pair of brown Harleys US made from the '80s or '90s new in box for around $70. I work at a really old surplus store here in CA

Great video. I love the engineer style, but haven’t got any myself

Thanks Jake! Vaguely considering a pull on boot but you mentioning the heel slip definitely gives me pause. I value the fit and planted feel of my Moorbys, so maybe best for me to stick to lace up.

Great video! I tried engineer boots at self-edge I honestly didn’t think I could pull it off. I didn’t like the way I looked. Maybe should try a different pair of pants. 😂 you make them look so good!

I love WYATT boots, jodhpur boots, chelsea boots, chukka boots, combat boots and the timberland 40 and world hiker. Those are my favorite style of boot. Im latino so i understand what your saying about being hispanic and wearing cowboy boots. Like you i prefer no laces. Im also into the raw denim and biker jacket i also like the military shearling jackets and bomber jackets. This year i plan to get 3 pairs of engineer boots.

I have recently gotten my first engineers from Willie's. the fit is perfect and im really enjoying the experience and will definitely get more. Have you seen Willie's version? what's your opinion on them? By the way, I really appreciate your videos. Keep up the good work.

I bought my first pair of used engineer boots to get a feel for them. Turns out I absolutely love them but the pair I bought blew out on the toe crease on me and I'm looking for a new pair. Thanks for the video!

im also a huge Rio Bravo fan! probably the best western.. one of Tarantino's favorite films too.. and it influenced John Carpenter to make his first 'big' commercial film.., Assault on Pres. 13.. love your videos btw.. i watch most of em.. and all the boot ones.. bought my first engineers the other week.. Wesco Mr. Lou in black Horween horsehide.. really liking them.. my only trouble is how much shaft width there is.. i have thin feet, ankles, legs.. so its tough to get my tighter jeans over them. and i got a full size down too.. just to avoid any heel slip. think i'll get another pair of engineers at some point too,, maybe Lofgrens.. thanks !

Wow, this content is great. I was thinking about getting a pair of engineer boots but didn't really appreciate the negatives. I am going to have to rethink this, thanks for the great feedback.

Just found your channel, great video. Engineers kind of look like a long shaft molder boot with straps instead of elastic.

I grew up in a railroad town coal town in the 50, 60 and 70s wearing Engineer boots. I own a pair now. Most all the workers wore them. The lore was they were made for men working in dangerous places that could get their foot caught. Buckled they could be worked in but slipped off quickly in emergency if need be

Love the video! When I was 16 (8 years ago, huh), I got my first pair of western boots from Sancho, which I do still own but unfortunately, don't quite fit anymore. Last year, I participated in the Patina Thunderdome with a pair of Engineers since I wanted to revive the experience of wearing tall laceless boots and got some Sendra Engineers from a swedish shop which fit my price range. You will hate them since it is a full rubber sole:p I missed that feeling but you are right with the fit and especially the heel slip, I have to compensate the fit with thick socks. They come with a removable insole, maybe I should hone in on the fit with other insoles. You mentioned chambray trousers, where do you find them? I have a N&F pair which do not quite fit with Engineers nor my waist😆 Best regards

LOL "It's Evil" totally got what you feel.

I second the Briselblack engineers. I love mine (in Kapak 2 last), but fit is still a little iffy. They're in a 41, a touch tight but my side zips in 41.5 are just too big. I really like the last, but the fit is tough.

Much of the cowboy culture originally came to the United States from Mexico. The Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City Oklahoma mentions this in their displays.

I bought a brown and black pair of engineer boots (Moto and Lofgren) and all of my other boots are collecting dust. I really like the fit. Maybe I got lucky though. I did also buy 2 new pairs of jeans and some khaki trousers to fit over them. Love the look!

You may have mentioned in other videos, but what are those large black spots on the heels of some of your boots?

I think Carl had problems with the Enzo deerskin, I have them and they are really weird to get on ...like pulling on a really really thick wool sock.

Sir, you are the very model of a modern Major General! (is there story behind the general stars on your jacket or looks cool?) Great run down. What's your opinion of Red Wing Nailseats? They look like an engineer without straps. Or a western boot without stitching. Or maybe an engineer and western got together one night... Anyways, seems like an affordable option for someone going for a similar look as an engineer.

Long shot but does anyone have recommendations for engineer boots for people with a low instep?

Used to buy Herman Engineering boots but now all the brands are very expensive....

Now that I've finished watching your video, I must say: good work. You spent the time you needed to explain why you love Engineer Boots and why some of us won't like them. After having boots with a similar buckle around the ankle/vamp, I wound up not liking them. So I don't see myself buying Engineer Boots. But for those who do like them, I hope they Rock. Them. BOLDLY. When it comes to heel slip, that reminds me that good fitting cowboy boots have the same thing. However, like engineer boots, too much heel slip is annoying, and irritating, in the long run. And lest I forget, I, too, prefer not to wear lace-up shoes/boots these days. Lemme just slip them on and keep gettin' up, thankyouverymuch. Unless I'm hiking...or going out into three feet of snow... Oh. Thank you for giving me another topic to. study. I may not ever wear engineer boots, but I want to learn as much about them as I can.

1980 Friedkin/Al Pacino movie Crusing had a lot of ppl in engineers. Grail boot is a brown horsebutt roley &or clinch is there a new engineer grail out there?

Rolling Dub Trio does an awesome 'plain Jane' cowboy boot in black tea-core horsehide that doesn't feel too costume-y. I love engineers, they are good for everything but walking. If I'm gonna be on the move, I grab the western boots.

Come to Iowa and visit John Wayne's boyhood home in Brooklyn and the John Wayne museum in Winterset.

Important to note that Karl's pair of shinki horse hide from John lofgren are the devil causeways and they are lined, I have the same pair and this is the main reason why it's very hard to pull them on. It's not due to the shinki leather itself, but to do the lining on this specific model.

I’m a fistful of dollars kind of guy 😎🤠. Also I do think heel slip in general is something that all bootmakers have yet to “fix” when it comes to engineer boots. I’ve had Chelsea boots and cowboy boots where I’ve hade little (meaning not even noticeable) to no heel slip, but my engineers I can always feel my heel slipping in the beginning of every wear.

With cowboy boots a little heal slip is actually expected. I dont know about engineers but being so close in style id think heel slip is ok as well. Not that i have tried them but There are some lower priced engineers. I believe AD-TEC has or had engineers that were under $300. Anyways enjoyed the video thanks again Cheers, beers and whiskey 🤠 🥃

I have tried to ride my bike with engineer Boots but I find everything that doesn't have a flat sole without heel uncomfortable to apply the rear brake or change gears.

You have heel sleep with your engineers? That's surprising. I have the Attractions Lot 444 and with boot socks they dont heel sleep at all. They did at the start but nothing now

Which engineer boot is that short one?

OMOSSY CHANNEL has a video where he introduces his boots... his short Engineer Boots look dope

I am Mexican American like you and I totally agree with you on the whole western thing. When I started wearing boots n stuff my girlfriend told me to please not start wearing cowboy boots and hats 😂 I have a pair of Pecos boots but they have a crepe sole so I am able to pull them off. But yeah I’m not trying to look like Vicente Fernandez… 🤠

I want a pair of engineers bad. But I am not sure if I will actually love them. I think I would only wear them with a specific outfit. That would mean if I bought a pair I would have to buy a whole new outfit.

2:17 What exactly were you trying to say here? And what does you being Mexican have to do with anything?

True grit

Engineer boots, leather jackets and tight blue jeans…

Se ven cómodos por la forma de la punta

growing some noticeable stubble, friend! they suit you imo, does your wife like it too? haha

Mexico is where “cowboy” boots came from

In Florida, it's perfectly acceptable to wear jorts with engineer boots, cowboy boots, and any type of boots really... 😁

Why isn't your belt centered? Why are all your shoes in the living room? No offense, when you try too hard it appears contrived and loses any and all appeal.