I just got my LL Bean Fall (fall?) catalog and saw a pair of boots that have
been briefly discussed here before. It's their Engineer Boots that I'm
looking at. They definatly have that early 20th century look.
These boots recieved good remarks earlier, I'm wondering how they hold
up and how they distress over the long haul. Any thoughts or pics of some
well used boots would be much appreciated. At half the cost of Aldens
these are looking pretty desirable, they also appear to have many of the
features of the Aldens but in a slightly different style. Any comments on
how these boots size would be helpful too. I usually pick up a 10D in most
other shoes and they fit fine after the break in period (leather shoes/boots). Has anyone had to return them for size, how'd that go with
Bean? Thanks for your input.
I have these same boots, though they were named differently at the time. They have held up for about a year now particularly during the seasons I work more around the ole back forty, but I’ll have to admit, they did get some getting used to as far as breaking in. I’m sure they’re no 405’s when it comes to comfort. You will need a heavy boot sock I’ve found, and the backs are just a little too tall for me and used to cause some discomfort. But like any work boot they will break in nicely after a lil’ pain and gain and they are also resolable and have waxed shoe strings to prevent slippage.
I also wear 10 D, and that’s what I got, and they fit well IF you wear a heavy boot sock as I mentioned, which you would probably do anyway. If you just intend to wear them around the house or to the mall, I’d look for something else not as tough and rugged. These are meant to work in IMHO. Just take care of the leather as normal, or maybe my normal, and you shouldn’t have any problem keeping the outside leather in good shape as well.
I own the Chippewa Engineer Boots, which are identical to the 'Bean boots. If fact, I think they ARE the 'Bean boots with the LLBean name on it.
These are great boots; I love mine. They are hard to break in (it took me about a week) but they are extremely comfortable once they conform to your feet. They look like early 20th century worker boots, like what a miner or machinist would wear. They look great with khakis, jeans or whatever. They have waxed shoestrings that feel funny but really hold a knot. The sole is a cork/rubber compound that is very comfortable and does not slip at all.
My son "took" them away from me and wears them constantly. He is real tough on shoes and these are holding up very well. He seems to love them and they look good with his loose khakis, kind of an alternative to Dr. Marten boots.
FWIW, I bought mine from Indiana-Texas Girl after she bought them from an internet site that sells overstock and blemished articles. Mine were brand new and the only thing I found wrong with them was a very small nick/cut on the heel. Otherwise they are in perfect condition. The place is Bargain Outfitters and they have the Chippewa Engineer Boot in your size for $59.97. Here is the link:
If you choose to deal with 'Bean, they have an excellent return policy. I have bought many, many items from them and had to return a few. They were very good to work with.
Thanks for the info. Wow, those Bargain Outlet boots are the same ones
from what I can see and half the price! I think I'll have to order a pair
just to have have around for camping etc. Their ad even says that they
are the same boots that "a major cataloger" sells.
They are the same. I got a pair for $12 dollars from Bargain Outfitters a few months back. I still cant find the supposed factory flaw in them. They take a little longer to break in than Aldens but, not a bad boot at all.
Because so many of you had positive things to say about these boots, I ordered a pair last week from Bargain Outfitters (I just followed the link above). Ordering was simple and quick, and the boots arrived a couple days ago.
Even though I've only been wearing them for two days, I am VERY happy with the quality and look of these boots (and the price, too!). My old beat-around work boots were worn out, and these are going to be a great replacement. In fact, I like them so much that I have gone back to Bargain Outfitters for 4 more pair (like most men, I never shop, but I do _replace_, and I hate to part with my hard-earned brass more than anyone I know, but since these boots are everything I've ever been looking for in a boot, and since I tend to get about 10 years from a pair of boots, and since I'm in my mid-40s now, ...well, you do the math)... And the frugal fellow in me gets a chuckle at the idea that in 20 or 30 years I'll unearth one of those boxes (or my son will) and there will be a fresh pair of great-looking already-paid-for boots just waiting to be worn! At this price, it's better than money in the bank.
Here are a few thoughts, comments, and suggestions regarding these boots:
1. I ordered the same size of these boots as the Aldens I wear (actually, I have two pair of Aldens that I've alternated wearing to my job every day for over 12 years now... remember, leather boots really need a day to breathe and dry out after you wear them.) As noted by others, these Engineer's boots tend to fit large. I have some foot problems, not the least of which is that my feet are about a full size in difference, but a pair of Dr. Scholl's solved the fit problem perfectly for me. I'm used to wearing boots _all the time_ (all I own is boots... haven't worn tennis shoes since I was a kid) and honestly, break-in simply hasn't been an issue for me with these new boots... maybe after all these years my feet and ankles have toughened up more than most peoples'.
2. The boots that arrived look slightly different than the ones on the L.L. Bean webpage. The sole is more of a solid brown, not the salt-and-pepper look of the Bean boots (I'm happy about that). Also, there's a Chippewa logo on the ankle of each boot (I'm not so keen on that, as I'm pretty much opposed to wearing any kind of logo on my clothing), but the logo is very discreet and really never shows since it's hidden by my pant's cuffs.
3. The look is spot-on vintage "Early 1900s." In fact, I dug out an old photograph of my Grandfather standing next to his Model T, with one foot on the running board, and _THEY ARE THE SAME BOOTS_! Same cap toe, same hexagonal antiqued eyelets, same cut and curve to the stitching... so obviously, these boots will fit right in with the rest of your Indy-gear.
IndianaJons wrote:
3. The look is spot-on vintage "Early 1900s." In fact, I dug out an old photograph of my Grandfather standing next to his Model T, with one foot on the running board, and _THEY ARE THE SAME BOOTS_! Same cap toe, same hexagonal antiqued eyelets, same cut and curve to the stitching... so obviously, these boots will fit right in with the rest of your Indy-gear.
IndianaJons
Hey, can you post that photo? That would be really neat to view. Thanks.
I really like these boots! I remember my grandfather wearing boots like these all the time...I don't believe I ever saw him wear any other kind. I do like the looks of them, so I will probably get a pair for beating around the ranch, hiking and what not.
I bought the Engineer boots first, but returned them in favor of the Aldens, the Llbean return policy is very good. Has anyone found any other modern boots that look "period".
