Footwear to go with our jackets

[Pandemic]

This is kinda what I was thinking, though maybe without the double midsole:

 

[El Marro]

View attachment 283926 This is kinda what I was thinking, though maybe without the double midsole:

I like everything about them but the height. Why so short?

 

[Pandemic]

I like everything about them but the height. Why so short?

My other pair is 11” and, while they look beautiful off, I’m not sure what the height advantage is when they are worn under jeans. Especially in summer.

 

[El Marro]

My other pair is 11” and, while they look beautiful off, I’m not sure what the height advantage is when they are worn under jeans. Especially in summer.

Gotcha. They look a little odd to me but I suppose you are right that when you’re wearing them with a pair of jeans, which is how I always wear them, nobody would ever know the difference.

 

[Blackadder]

Gotcha. They look a little odd to me but I suppose you are right that when you’re wearing them with a pair of jeans, which is how I always wear them, nobody would ever know the difference.

One advantage is you don't have to wear those long boot socks.

 

[Edward]

Gotcha. They look a little odd to me but I suppose you are right that when you’re wearing them with a pair of jeans, which is how I always wear them, nobody would ever know the difference.

I have a pair of 7" Chippewas. Back in the day, of course, EBs were widely available in anything from 7" to 19" or so; I've ever seen some designed to work a bit like chaps that came up almost to the crotch. Looked like a leather ****** version of fishing waders, or the Pretty Woman boots redesigned by Tom of Finland. My shorter ones are nice when I want to wear a pair of engineers in warmer weather - the extra few inches less means a surprising drop in the amount of heat retained round the lower leg. That bit less protection if you wear them as a bike boot, of course (though with modern riding jeans...). Visually under jeans they make no difference, though oddly I'll happily wear these with Dickies and a blazer and tie in a way I wouldn't "normal" 10-11" boots. They also somehow look better to my eye with a kilt than taller engineers, but that's very much a niche mix!

If I found a short pair with no buckle at the top and the perfect slip-in fit without having to undo the ankle-buckle, I'd buy 'em for Winter travel. In warmer weather, I always opt for penny loafers when flying, as they're so much more convenient at airport security, easily kicked off on the plane (and slipped back on after the flight), but they have their limitations on cold and wet travel days. A pair of boots as conveniently slipped on and off would be perfect.

 

[handymike]

That boot builder link is dangerous!

I went with British Tan in a 9”

 

[Pandemic]

^
Those look very nice!
They don’t list it any more, but you can still opt for the narrow shaft (+$75) which helps fit them under narrower jeans - something worth considering if you have a long/wide foot (and resultant big shaft).

On my last build, I went for the Boss toe at Kyle Baker’s suggestion that it is better for wide feet. Next time I think I’ll take a gamble on the MP toe, which has a nicer profile IMO.

 

[handymike]

On a shorter boot, the narrower shaft sounds like a winner.
I like the look of this profile without the combat lug sole:

These are pretty sweet too!

 

[Monitor]

That boot builder link is dangerous!
View attachment 284026
I went with British Tan in a 9”

It is. This'd be what I'd get.

 

[Jin431]

View attachment 283926 This is kinda what I was thinking, though maybe without the double midsole:

I was actually looking for a shorter engineer boot, thats a great link. Thanks for sharing

 

[Carlos840]

I like everything about them but the height. Why so short?

Agreed, for me this kind of ankle length is very feminin.

 

[Pandemic]

Agreed, for me this kind of ankle length is very feminin.

I guess it’s kinda like wearing silk underwear then - comfortable and cool ... and no one will know unless you drop trousers.

 

[El Marro]

On my last build, I went for the Boss toe at Kyle Baker’s suggestion that it is better for wide feet. Next time I think I’ll take a gamble on the MP toe, which has a nicer profile IMO.

Here is something we can agree on! My first two pairs also have the Boss toe but I far prefer the look of the MP toe and that is what I went with for the next five pairs. I’m sure you can get a boot that fits with the MP toe, I simply went one size wider than normal and that worked fine for me.

 

[Edward]

Agreed, for me this kind of ankle length is very feminin.

It seems to be considered such nowadays, though in the 70s and earlier everything from 7" upwards was fairly common and quite normal. I wonder if the shorter length started to be aimed at women more because a longer boot with the looser fit an engineer has (as compared to a snugger, zip-up or lace up boot) looks a bit odd with a skirt?

 

[Pandemic]

I wear a lot of 5” Chelsea boots and 6” service boots.

I agree that standing alone, the shorter boot looks out of balance and not as attractive as the tall boot. If I were buying boots to take pictures for Instagram, I’d definitely go tall. But for wearing under jeans I’m thinking a short pair will be a good addition to my little collection.

That said, I may still go 10” just because I’m a cheap ******* and paying an extra $50 to have 2” less leather might be hard for me.

 

[ABCD]

Agreed, for me this kind of ankle length is very feminin.

Then I guess these are for little girls

 

[Jin431]

The standard 11" boot looks cool but not everyone can pull it off. Having a shorter shaft might also make the look better proportioned especially for short guys like me

 

[Mich486]

One thing to consider with shorter boots like that is that they might get caught up in your trousers every time you sit or bend your legs.

That clearly is not an issue with Chelseas or side zip boots because they are much tighter around the ankle. I really like the first peco boots you posted. Those with a black suede/roughout shaft imho are going to look amazing.

 

[El Marro]

Then I guess these are for little girls
View attachment 284064

Nope, those are definitely for big girls!