Surprised we’re posting about boots? So are we. A week ago, we didn’t really know that “Engineer Boots” are a thing, but now we do, so lets take it one step at a time (see what I did there?) and rank the 8 Best Engineer Boots for Men that we can find!
History
The engineer boot was invented during times when steam engines were at the leading edge of technology. They were designed to keep the men that fed the coal to the engines safe, and more specifically, to stop their feet from getting injured on the job. The style consisted of a rather tall boot, that needed to be pulled on, similar to a horse-riding boot. The sole and arch featured a supportive arch that allowed the wearer to shift gears on their motorcycle after a long day of shoveling coal.
This style was made famous by Marlon Brando back in the day, and because of that it is mainly associated now with the biking industry. There are other similar types of boots that pull on, like Chelsea Boots, but the signature buckled ankle strap is was distinguishes the engineer boot. These boots are great if you are looking for boots to go with your bike, go with your new retro outfit or even if you just want some fire-protective boots!
Take a look at our list of the best engineer boots for men:
Red Wing Engineer Boots
Red Wing deserve to be included in all boot lists ever, and believe me we could have included a couple of models from Red Wing on this list. But in the interest of fairness, we have decided to feature the brand’s flagship “Engineer Boot“.
It has a Goodyear welt construction that feels oh so premium, and an insole filled with cork to ensure they stay comfortable for those hours long bike rides. All this at an affordable price, what are you waiting for?
Frye Engineer 12R Boots
Made in the USA, another affordable option comes in from those at Frye. Their engineer boots are created from smooth grain leather, with nickel hardware tying it together and a noisy leather heel. The rubber soles are oil resistant, to keep you safe if your bike is having some difficulties, and they once again feature the Goodyear-welt construction. These boots will last for years to come, you will go out of fashion before these.
White’s Nomad Boots
This one is a tank. White’s entry onto this list is the rugged and tough Nomad Boots. As the name suggests, these boots were made for walking!
The upper is water resistant for them rainy days, it has a fully leather shank and midsole, hardy stitchdown construction and a mini Vibram sole. We didn’t know what this was either, so please click the link to learn what a Vibram sole is.
Viberg Engineer Boots
Like to keep it natural? Then this option from Viberg is for you. Viberg’s engineer boots are unique in the way that they are made out of totally natural Chromexcel leather. This specific type of leather is known to age quite quickly and becomes comfortable faster. (If anyone out there has owned a pair of Dr. Martens boots, you know the pain of breaking new boots in!)
They feature brass hardware which complements the boots and is guaranteed by Viberg’s impressive reputation for quality construction.
The Flat Head Goodyear Welted Engineer Boots
Are you a boot collector? (Is that a thing?) If you are, or if you like to be exclusive, then take a look at these engineer boots from The Flat Head (cool name btw).
These are made in really small batches, and consist of natural Chromexcel leather on the pull-up upper, custom brass hardware, steel shanks and storm welt construction. Get ready to be the talk of the town if you pick these bad boys up!
John Lofgren Engineer Boots
If engineer boots had an expert, it would be John Lofgren. A list of the best engineer boots for men would not be complete without one of his designs. They are highly coveted, due to John’s reputation, and the 1950s style they feature is sure to be timeless.
These brilliant boots are custom made, possess a very sleek profile and no expense is spared when it comes to each component. The hardware is custom from Japan, it has Vibram heels and soles, Horween chromexcel leather for the upper and is put together with Japanese craftmanship and Gooduear storm welt construction.
Visvim T.W.O. Folk Boot
If attention to detail is your thing (it should be you are an engineer!), then these engineer boots from Hiroshi Nakamura’s Visim are a great choice. This brand has about as dedicated a fanbase as you will see, and its evident why.
The T.W.O. Boot is inspired by “The Wild One”, and is the only boot on this list to feature a non-leather upper. The upper is made with a supple and soft suede, a cork footbed, patinated brass hardware, double leather midsoles, a non-slip Dainite sole and hand-welted Goodyear construction.
Role Club Engineer Boots
Last but not least, we have the engineer boots that are built by just one man. Role Club’s engineer boots are known for their premium and unmatched quality. As everyone knows, everything is better when it is handmade, and these are no exception!
Every pair is custom made for the customer that orders them, and is made out of premium top-tier leather, including Horween chromexcel horsehide. They are made with Goodyear welted construction partnered with brass hardware, custom rubber outsoles, leather midsoles and a woodsman heel straight out of the 1940s.
So, our first fashion-forward post (maybe/probably our last). Let us know if you would like more functional/stylish clothes to be feature on our site!
Thank you very much for being here – we appreciate you taking the time to read our content. What are the best engineer boots for men in your opinion? Do you have any suggestions for entries on this list? Help out other stylish engineers and feel free to leave a comment down below – we would love to hear from you! And sign up to our newsletter for more of the same!
You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you can stay up to date. If you would like to learn more about mechanical engineering you can find more articles on our blog.
