Footwear to go with our jackets

[Tom71]

Wesco fit question for folks here.

I just got a pair of Wesco Morrison boots (purchased second hand) in size 10.5D, and they fit really well for foot length but feel slightly too large in the instep when using the stock insole. I was able to get them to feel like the "firm handshake" that is mentioned around the internet, using the Saddle Sole inserts (from Rose Anvil), but they feel slightly too tight in the toebox with these insoles, is that okay, as the leather will start to form to my foot, or should I be sticking to the stock insole and trying to "shrink" them with wear/sweat/or even getting them wet?

I've never worn a pair of boots without laces, so it's a whole new experience for me, and don't want to force them to work and never wear them or damage them, etc.

Thanks!

The Morrison is a great boot, but not that easy to fit due to the relatively narrow toe box.
I would try to wear them with the standard insole. The leather sole is super stiff, but will break in pretty fast. This will help flexing the sole with the natural motion of the foot. The boot will not actually “shrink”, of course, but the break-in of the sole will make the boot fit much better.

Personally, I couldn’t live with a toe box that feels too tight. The leather of the Morrison is very substantial, so I can’t see it “forming“ to your foot (nor should it).

 

[AeroFan_07]

I have never tried the Wesco Morrison, however on both the Mr. Lou's and Wesco 7500 Engineer's I generally have to size up at least 1/2 size just due to toebox constraints. If you have not worn them off carpet yet, I would return these (if able) and ask for 1/2 to 1.0 size up, or one step wider.

 

[GreX]

The Morrison is a great boot, but not that easy to fit due to the relatively narrow toe box.
I would try to wear them with the standard insole. The leather sole is super stiff, but will break in pretty fast. This will help flexing the sole with the natural motion of the foot. The boot will not actually “shrink”, of course, but the break-in of the sole will make the boot fit much better.

Personally, I couldn’t live with a toe box that feels too tight. The leather of the Morrison is very substantial, so I can’t see it “forming“ to your foot (nor should it).

Good information. I have a very narrow foot, my Brnnock size is a 12A left and 11.5B right. These do fit well width and length wise, but feel too loose in the instep with a 10.5D. With the Saddle Sole in there, the right feels amazing, no pain, just feels like it "fits", where as the left has some pressure on the big toe, but otherwise feels "right". With the stock insoles, I can easily kick the right boot off with one or two swift kicks, and the left is a bit harder, but could be done in 3 or 4 kicks. I feel like this thing needs a strap across the instep, similar to the Mr Lou, but I took a chance and bought these second hand, so no returning for a different size.

I know I have hard to size feet, which is why I've had to do full customs with JK, and just ordered a pair of Nicks to achieve what is hopefully the right fit, but I'll have to see in ~28 weeks.

I really like the way these boots look and feel, aside from the strange instep issue I'm dealing with. I feel I'd be searching the internet for years trying to find the "right" one, which is why I was playing around with different insoles to try and get these to fit... maybe I'll just have to resell them

 

[AeroFan_07]

Good information. I have a very narrow foot, my Brnnock size is a 12A left and 11.5B right. These do fit well width and length wise, but feel too loose in the instep with a 10.5D. With the Saddle Sole in there, the right feels amazing, no pain, just feels like it "fits", where as the left has some pressure on the big toe, but otherwise feels "right". With the stock insoles, I can easily kick the right boot off with one or two swift kicks, and the left is a bit harder, but could be done in 3 or 4 kicks. I feel like this thing needs a strap across the instep, similar to the Mr Lou, but I took a chance and bought these second hand, so no returning for a different size.

I know I have hard to size feet, which is why I've had to do full customs with JK, and just ordered a pair of Nicks to achieve what is hopefully the right fit, but I'll have to see in ~28 weeks.

I really like the way these boots look and feel, aside from the strange instep issue I'm dealing with. I feel I'd be searching the internet for years trying to find the "right" one, which is why I was playing around with different insoles to try and get these to fit... maybe I'll just have to resell them

My feel also lean to the narrow side. I can do a "D" width on many types, but a "B" or even a "C" is much more ideal.

Engineers have been a bit of a journey for me due to this aspect.

Double-socking does help for me, as least if they are not close to too short.

 

[Tom71]

Good information. I have a very narrow foot, my Brnnock size is a 12A left and 11.5B right. These do fit well width and length wise, but feel too loose in the instep with a 10.5D. With the Saddle Sole in there, the right feels amazing, no pain, just feels like it "fits", where as the left has some pressure on the big toe, but otherwise feels "right". With the stock insoles, I can easily kick the right boot off with one or two swift kicks, and the left is a bit harder, but could be done in 3 or 4 kicks. I feel like this thing needs a strap across the instep, similar to the Mr Lou, but I took a chance and bought these second hand, so no returning for a different size.

I know I have hard to size feet, which is why I've had to do full customs with JK, and just ordered a pair of Nicks to achieve what is hopefully the right fit, but I'll have to see in ~28 weeks.

I really like the way these boots look and feel, aside from the strange instep issue I'm dealing with. I feel I'd be searching the internet for years trying to find the "right" one, which is why I was playing around with different insoles to try and get these to fit... maybe I'll just have to resell them

That’s good to know. I do need a larger instep. I do like the Morrison/MrLou for the relatively snug fit while having a generous instep.

You can have a look at Bright Shoemakers or John Lofgren. Both make beautiful boots, but not for me as the instep is too narrow for my feet.

 

[GreX]

That’s good to know. I do need a larger instep. I do like the Morrison/MrLou for the relatively snug fit while having a generous instep.

You can have a look at Bright Shoemakers or John Lofgren. Both make beautiful boots, but not for me as the instep is too narrow for my feet.

I've heard of John Lofgren, but had never heard of Bright Shoemakers, are they known for having pretty narrow boots? I see some for sale at some of different online retailers, but don't see anything directly from them and I don't see anything on those retailer sites about how they fit/what to do with the sizing for their boots. They do look pretty nice, thought I also don't know anything about boots/shoes made in Spain.

Thanks!

 

[Bfd70]

Wesco fit question for folks here.

I just got a pair of Wesco Morrison boots (purchased second hand) in size 10.5D, and they fit really well for foot length but feel slightly too large in the instep when using the stock insole. I was able to get them to feel like the "firm handshake" that is mentioned around the internet, using the Saddle Sole inserts (from Rose Anvil), but they feel slightly too tight in the toebox with these insoles, is that okay, as the leather will start to form to my foot, or should I be sticking to the stock insole and trying to "shrink" them with wear/sweat/or even getting them wet?

I've never worn a pair of boots without laces, so it's a whole new experience for me, and don't want to force them to work and never wear them or damage them, etc.

Thanks!

You’ve encountered the drawback of slip on boots. With laced boots length and width are the only variables you need to worry about. With slip on boots you need to consider volume as well since you cannot adjust instep fit with the laces. In my experience if you want to make them work you can use 1/2 insoles from pedag or buy the medium thickness leather insoles from RA and have a cobbler skive them down gradually from mid foot to toe. Third option is to not wear laceless boots which is something i should have figured out 10 pair and thousands of dollars ago.

 

[GreX]

You’ve encountered the drawback of slip on boots. With laced boots length and width are the only variables you need to worry about. With slip on boots you need to consider volume as well since you cannot adjust instep fit with the laces. In my experience if you want to make them work you can use 1/2 insoles from pedag or buy the medium thickness leather insoles from RA and have a cobbler skive them down gradually from mid foot to toe. Third option is to not wear laceless boots which is something i should have figured out 10 pair and thousands of dollars ago.

Yeah, its an odd feeling boot, I hear folks say that these types of boots become like slippers, which is why I really wanted to try them out. You mentioned the half soles, but those look to only go in the toe box, but I think I need something in the heel? I have some Dale's Leatherworks insoles, which I'm trying today, the toe box feels a little less cramped than with the Saddle Soles, I feel I could hit them on a belt sander and remove a bit from the toe area and they may just be what make these boots work for me (also considered removing the foam portion from the Saddle Sole, as that could also be exactly what is needed to get the to fit), but I worry as things wear in, they'll stretch more, and I'll constantly be fighting a sizing battle.. Your last suggestion, may become my white flag moment, given my foot shape.

 

[Tom71]

I've heard of John Lofgren, but had never heard of Bright Shoemakers, are they known for having pretty narrow boots? I see some for sale at some of different online retailers, but don't see anything directly from them and I don't see anything on those retailer sites about how they fit/what to do with the sizing for their boots. They do look pretty nice, thought I also don't know anything about boots/shoes made in Spain.

Thanks!

Bright are exceptionally beautifully made boots. I wouldn´t say they are narrow, but the instep is too small for me.

You can reach out to @Kenan here on TFL to sort you out on all there is too know about them...

 

[Harris HTM]

If I am not mistaken Bright boots are made by Sendra right?

 

[Tom71]

If I am not mistaken Bright boots are made by Sendra right?

@Kenan would know for sure.

I bought my Engineers following the review of @ABCD and never really queried the origin. When I visited Kenan and Martin in Copenhagen, they said that the manufacture in Spain, but we didn’t follow up on that.

A lot of the modern Dutch and Scandinavian makers have their shoes/boots done by established makers in Portugal and Spain. The factories are seldom disclosed as both sides want to protect their brand identity (e.g. Dundas of Norway are said to have had their boots done by William Lennon in the first years. They moved on to a maker in Spain, and I cannot see a change in quality. One can assume that a “Dundas made by WL” may have taken a hit on brand recognitio).

Bright are very well made, and so are the Sendras of my wife.

 

[Harris HTM]

@Kenan would know for sure.

I bought my Engineers following the review of @ABCD and never really queried the origin. When I visited Kenan and Martin in Copenhagen, they said that the manufacture in Spain, but we didn’t follow up on that.

A lot of the modern Dutch and Scandinavian makers have their shoes/boots done by established makers in Portugal and Spain. The factories are seldom disclosed as both sides want to protect their brand identity (e.g. Dundas of Norway are said to have had their boots done by William Lennon in the first years. They moved on to a maker in Spain, and I cannot see a change in quality. One can assume that a “Dundas made by WL” may have taken a hit on brand recognitio).

Bright are very well made, and so are the Sendras of my wife.

Oh I own many pairs of Sendra's and I love them. Thinking of ordering another pair at the moment. I have met people however who look down upon them because they consider them "cheap" (around 300e for Sendra, now idea hoe much Bright retails for).
Portugal and Spain have a long tradition in shoe and boot making. And having had a couple of pairs of Herring, Sons of Henrey ans Skolyx made in Spain and Portugal (the latter ones almost sure made by Carlos Santos) I wouldn't hesitate trusting them.

 

[GreX]

Thanks for all the information on the Bright Shoemaker products - I went ahead and ordered a pair from a retailer after talking to them on the phone. I'll post them here once they show up. And I do think the Wesco's, as much as I want them to work, are simply too wide for my narrow feet, so I'll have to take some time and get them listed for the next human that wants them.

 

[Pandemic]

Twinning with @marker2037:

We own the same IWC watch, jeans, boots, MF jacket and *** suits.

 

[Pandemic]

White’s Boots is teasing a collab with the James Dean estate, to be announced on 2 June. I’m guessing they will be doing a repro of his RWAC engineers:

 

[cbez]

Am i crazy for liking these

 

[gjchristy]

Ok - Here is an interesting pair - Alden Shell Cordovan on a Role Club relast. They fit perfectly. Maybe a frank-in boot but truly a beautiful one of a kind.

 

[marker2037]

White’s Boots is teasing a collab with the James Dean estate, to be announced on 2 June. I’m guessing they will be doing a repro of his RWAC engineers:

View attachment 789700 View attachment 789701

Yea, intriguing…

 

[marker2037]

Am i crazy for liking these
View attachment 789702

Nope. More details on these please. And also, you do you.

 

[marker2037]

Heavy hitter just arrived. Role Club 1945 unbuffed horsehide. Yowzers, I love them.

Outside of that, it’s just me looking like @Pandemic