Interesting. I find that the engineers fit too loose at the same size as the lace ups. But would be too tight on the forefoot if I sized down. And according to the JL team all their boots should be the same size

@@orlog3343 The engineers were killing my toes (width wise), couldn't wait to take them off at the end of the day. I feel the toebox on the combats is wider than the engineers, if they were the same I might still be able to do the engineers at that size. But not every last will work for everyone.

Thanks for this Luis!!!! Pinning this comment!!!

When you say youre 8 or 8.5, is that UK sizing? It’s hard to tell bc viberg sizes in UK, lofgren is in USA

​@adinghosh917 im a 9 brannock. 8 in viberg (2030, 2040, 2045) and 8.5 in lofgren combats. 8.5 in redwing 8.5 grant stone. Hope this helps

Absolutely!! More comprehensive one coming up!!

Thanks my friend!!!

Agreed Teik!!!! Yes we really need exact measurements like the denim people do it!!!

@Clinton McCool I get that, but I mean basic size rather than fit. When I say “fit” as an example, in all my 8D boots, I fit in them, but in some, they’re narrow at the ball, others, the facings nearly meet etc while others don’t. But by “size” I mean I get into them properly with room at the toes, no sloppy fit etc. The example I have of what I mean is this - I’m 8.5D on Brannock, and mostly 8D in boots. Makes sense as most bootmakers say to go half size down. But Oak Street says to order TTS and my 8.5D Trench Boots are perfect. When I align the OSB with the GS Diesel….same length! Differences are shape of toe box etc, all down to different lasts. Why don’t all the bootmakers who say go half down just rename their sizes to half up and say go TTS?! Very unhelpful for new boot buyers more used to fitting sneakers. Don’t get me started on sneaker sizes LOL!

@@cincyreds62 I have spent a lot of effort and time on Boot foot considerations so the following for me are my experiences. Brannock I find is a good base point but does not cover all size considerations and I am not saying the Vibergs all fit the same, the Wholecut and the 310 have the most room. I am just saying they fit well enough for me. I gave up with trying to get that exact fit on every boot. Some boots fit better than others but they are acceptable and good and most important comfortable! I recently purchase a pair of the Sagara boots in the crust Horsebutt from Standard and Strange and they recommended a 9.5 with an average volume foot for a 10D Brannock, I think that a 9 may have fit and probably should of ordered both sizes returning one, I have not worn these much yet and I will to see how they break in. Also maybe my foot may a little smaller than average volume. I purchased a pair of Whites Smoke Jumpers where I told Bakers that I am a 9.5 D in Wesco they recommend a 9 C in the Whites, they fit snug but very comfortable, the lace gap is larger that other boots but I like the fit. At the end of the day as Jason at Divison Road said there is only about 1/8" or so difference in length between 8.5 and 9 but try and get as snug a fit as possible and the boot will mold to your foot but the key is the what is too snug??. The Viberg 2030 I purchased in a 9 fits ok, it just looks bigger and there is obviously more room but it is does not seem too big where I have heel slip etc. at least at this point. I have not worn them much so the jury is still out on this. The Viberg 2030 & especially the 2040 fit tight but have molded well to my feet. I am lucky that my son is the same Brannock size as me. My second toe is longer than my big toe and his big toe is bigger than mine. But he fits the 8.5 Viberg 2030 & 310 fine. What I get out of everyone who talks about fit is get as snug as you can and that seems to work only it is a little unnerving when you are going through the "fit" process wondering if they will. Case in point when I purchase the JL's in the 8.5 and I use the finger test between my heel and the heel of the boot it seemed that it was the same as my Viberg's, but the JL did not give enough in the toe area where the Vibergs seemed to give more but that is my experience. Good luck on you fittings- Best regards Bill

I'm fortunate that Franklin and Poe is within driving distance and I was able to try on the JL Combat boots. Full size down worked for me. Dark Olive CXL. I know you love green boots Dale.

Man this is such helpful information thank you so much!!! I’ll be sure to reference it in the formal review!!!

That’s amazing!! Wear them in good health James!!

I agree. I was waiting for him to try them on and describe how they actually fit instead of guessing how they fit.

Not really a review of the boot is it … just on and on about how the sizing looks ?!

@@ynysvon I'm thinking... Maybe Dale did not try on the boots because they were not his boots. I am an amateur boot nerd and would love some clarity on JL sizing. I passed on guessing my size earlier this year on the JL Montagna, when they were in stock. Now the prices have increased, and I still think I'll need to order two sizes and return one for refund.

thanks so much for the insight that's very helpful!

They have roughout shinki and another one as well.

if you're in the EU, you should check out the Garen boots at Skomaker Dagestad.

Looks like Alden shoe trees.

yes alden shoe trees!!!

Aha! My eyes tricked me. Didn't see the forest the "tree" lol

No way to choose between them all hahahaha that’s a personal choice!

Happens on every boot

Yes it is! Jcrew indigo dyed tee, I’m sure they’ll bring it back soon

I agree with that guidance, standard half down, same as RW

Impossible to pick one between the 2!

@@DalesLeatherworks yeah that’s what I was thinking by watching this video I think I will stick with tried and tested vibergs when they offer it in natural shell thank you for the reply and thank you for all these videos of beautiful boots

Hahaha restraint is something I’m desperately clinging to!!! Yes Vibergs are amazing!

On these the toe caps are real extra layers

@@DalesLeatherworks That’s what I thought but some naysayer was saying it was a fake toe cap. Thanks for the clarification. Also, I despise false toe caps unless it’s disclosed to the customer

Yes all JL boots have partially gusseted tongues that stop right before the speedhooks so up to the 4th eyelet on this one

@@orlog3343 That's good to know. Thank you!

redwing 1907? I would probably recommend the sizing the same as RW but the sizing guides say to go down a half! jury's out!

@@DalesLeatherworks I bought my RW 's at a local store, I measure a 8. All my shoes and boots are 8.5. The sales person sent me home with an 8. Returned them for the 8.5.

Not my boots and not my size

He is bootreaper on Instagram and we are friends we don’t calculate shipping costs haha

Made in Japan.

No they were never mine to begin with! Just reviewed them

You beat me to the punch. Just looking at the thumbnail, I assumed it was an Iron Ranger review

But twice the price! Sure they are probably built better but $800 plus ? No thanks

What did he do?

@@tommysmith7031 He posted on Instagram criticizing and calling Chinese and Indonesian bootmakers as unethical, if so, why not the rest of the makers around the world from Colombia, Mexico, etc, etc.? There was a firestorm in social media in the community, which he then deleted the post. This was about 2 yrs ago. That was it..no apologies.

@@georgecarlin2879 Thanks for letting me know :) I'm not social media so wouldn't have saw it.

I believe in redemption, perhaps they made poor judgement with 1 post a while back, but none of us are perfect and are all prone to making mistakes. "Let he who has never sinned cast the first stone"

@@DalesLeatherworks Well said!