Having decided on the make, it was then time to deliciously debate the colour. Both the brown and natural appealed and it was a 50/50 toss up between the two.
The Brown
In the end, I decided to pull the proverbial trigger on the Natural boot. The Brown is likely to be a regular run but I suspect that Mr. Lofgren is testing the water with this new colour option. Natural leather is becoming more popular in recent times, largely due to its fantastic evolution (the patina created after regular wear is the stuff of legend).
Once the boots arrived, I remembered the reason why I've never purchased an authentic pair of engineer boots before. Whilst my left foot squeezed into the boot with the minimum amount of resistance, my right would obstinately become stuck towards the bottom of the shaft! This has always been a tad embarrassing in a shoe store but, at home, at least I had the freedom to roll about the floor, looking like Tarzan trying to wrestle a difficult alligator, desperately trying to push my foot through the last few inches of leather. In the end, the right foot found a home but I was a soggy mess, dripping with sweat and wondering how this would pan out when I had to put them on again.
As yesterday was "dress down Friday", I tried the legendary plastic bag technique (essentially, wearing the thin bag as another sock and then tearing it off when the foot's in place - a sharp pull does the job) and I'm pleased to advise that my right foot gratefully slid into place after a bit of tugging.
Sizing is spot on. My default shoe size is a UK 10 (although I find Clark's 9.5 perfect for some reason). These size 10s fit perfectly, with the required space in the toe area and firm support elsewhere. There's a little heel slap but it's minimal and not an annoyance. Once I've broken the boots in, I think they'll feel bespoke. The "comfy slipper" feeling is already present, a very welcome sign.
Evolution pics to follow but, even after one relatively action-free day, there are welcome signs of unique character already appearing.
Having now read numerous forums from both male and female boot fanatics, I'm relieved to know that the, ahem, tight shaft issue is common and that my right foot isn't somehow mutated / supernaturally cursed.
In terms of price, Lofgren boots certainly aren't cheap but they are, I believe, an investment piece. Without a doubt, they are the most expensive boots I've ever owned and I've had to save for a long time. However, they should serve me well over future years providing I spend a little time maintaining them. Already, I've ordered a bottle of Neatsfoot Oil, the recommended treatment for Horween's Chromexcel leather.
Updates to follow on an irregular basis, in between my other ramblings.
