New black engineer boots

[KenJWan]

This is my fourth leather project and fourth pair of boots. Each time has incorporated new techniques and tweaks. So far, I’m the most pleased with these.

[Bant]

I don't know squat about making boots, but damn those are nice.  If I may, what last do you use?

 

[KenJWan]

It's a hand-modified last from a mexican manufacturer that my bootmaker friend hooked me up with.

[ryano]

On 7/28/2020 at 7:29 PM, KenJWan said:

It's a hand-modified last from a mexican manufacturer that my bootmaker friend hooked me up with.

Great looking quality boots! Can you elaborate on your lasts?  Were they wood, plastic, 2 piece, modified cowboy lasts, shoe lasts, munson lasts? What type of sewing machine for the uppers and soles? 

Thanks!

Edited December 30, 2020 by ryano

[aru]

these turned out beautiful 

[KenJWan]

On 12/29/2020 at 7:29 PM, ryano said:

Great looking quality boots! Can you elaborate on your lasts?  Were they wood, plastic, 2 piece, modified cowboy lasts, shoe lasts, munson lasts? What type of sewing machine for the uppers and soles? 

Thanks!

Hey, just saw your post.

It’s a synthetic last with a hinge. Originally started as a longer, narrower lace-up last. I sanded down the toe to make it the rounder shape I wanted, as well as flattened it a bit. I’ve since refined it a bit more and will send it back to the manufacturer to get it properly made.

As for the machine, it’s an Adler post-bed I have access to at the shop.

I’ve further refined the style and when I get the new last, plan to make up some new ones.

 

 

[ryano]

On 3/14/2021 at 4:28 AM, KenJWan said:

Hey, just saw your post.

It’s a synthetic last with a hinge. Originally started as a longer, narrower lace-up last. I sanded down the toe to make it the rounder shape I wanted, as well as flattened it a bit. I’ve since refined it a bit more and will send it back to the manufacturer to get it properly made.

As for the machine, it’s an Adler post-bed I have access to at the shop.

I’ve further refined the style and when I get the new last, plan to make up some new ones.

 

 

I am getting ready to build a couple pairs of boots, but still need to decide on a couple of things. I have gotten one set of lasts in, but the toe length is very short by almost an inch. I have been in contact with a British last maker, but they do not seem to be in a hurry to get things done by taking forever to send and reply emails. 

I am curious on how you made your footbed and what tools you used. Lisa Sorrell makes a very convincing argument on how she makes her footbeds by using a cheap stitch groover, a seaming awl and a leather knife; she does not use a welt knife, a feathering knife nor even a welt channel plough as she does construct a typical holdfast.

I see you went with Dr Sole half soles. I really like their soles and the colors they offer, but I run into issues with them not having the size and color of sole that I want and if they have the soles, they do not have the heels in that size, I am mainly refering to the red/brown color options and the green options, shipping is also pretty high coming from Vietnam.

I would be interested in reading more on the particulars of the construction of your boots.

Thank you!  

 

[FDC]

Oh my! Those are gorgeous, what a great job you did!