Engineer Boots in Brown Overdyed Horsebutt (CN-S Last)

 The Story

The best seller from Clinch boots and certainly the boot that made Brass Tokyo famous around the World. Built using wooden lasts carved by hand, the Clinch Engineer Boots reproduce style of the 40's engineer boots which were originally designed as a "slip on" boot for railway workers and firefighters.

Specifically, what stands apart the Clinch's version of the Engineers are their wooden lasts, with a wonderful carved shape, created by Mr. Matsuura himself. The fit is close to the foot, contouring it in order for the leather to shape around it. I have specially selected the CN-S or Soft Toe last which is the original last developed by Mr. Matsuura.

The leather itself is gorgeous, the most beautifull I ever seen on a footwear. It is hand over-dyed, to achieve a dark brown color which will develop a beautiful patina. Regarding the stitching, it is done by hand - except for the external stitching that is machine made (but still using Human hands holding the boots). Finally, the outsoles are O'Sullivan's reproduction (this style was patented around the 1900's).

Owning a pair of boots made by Brass Tokyo is owning a pair of boots that are timeless and crafted by hands, while paying the utmost attention to all the elements of the product, down to the smallest details. It is a statement. It is an Art, almost.

Details

• Hand selected European brown overdyed horsebutt
• Hand painted brown overdye leather
• CN-Soft Toe Last (Standard Clinch Last, see sizing advises)
• O’sullivan’s Sole & Heel
• 11 inches tall
• Tonal Stitching
• Custom Nickel buckles adjusters
• Hand-sewn welted construction
• Handmade at the Brass Shoe Co. repair store, Tokyo, Japan

Sizing recommendations

General fit and feeling of the Clinch Engineer with CN-S Last

Despite what you can read on the Internet regarding the original CN-S last, it's very comfortable right at the very first wear. The leather is really soft, strong but at the same time supple. The vamp shapes to your forefoot and your feet are  « absorbed » by the boots and fit securely like a proper « slip on » boot should.

If you have a high volume around the top of your foot (also known as high instep), it is quite challenging to remove the boots - at least when they are new. For those, it is recommended to use a Boot Jack to ease the removal of the boots.

Sizing recommendations

According to my size US11 on the brannock scale:

• D Width / Average width and volume feet:
  • it is advisable to size down 0.5 if you have a narrow or average width foot  (US10.5, Clinch 11.5)
• E Width / Bigger than average width and higher volume feet:
  • stick with your brannock size (US11, Clinch 12) if you have wide foot or taller instep. If you stick with your brannock size, you may need an insole to secure the foot or thick socks (or both).

Washing Recommendations

Don't wash it. It's leather. Spot clean only with a slightly humidified cotton cloth.