John Lofgren (Speedway)

[Dmart]

If they feel good I wouldn’t see a reason the return them. It’s not denim that stretches an inch or so. Nothing worse to me than uncomfortable boots.

[Memphisakers]

@Mizmazzle Yeah man those are the causeways! Mine didn’t have much slip to begin with but the more I wear them the better they seem to fit. Great comparison photos by the way!!

[Mizmazzle]

Alright then!! The people have spoken and advice has been heard. I’m keeping these beauties and going to break the seal into the outside world!!! Let the evo machine roll on!!

[Memphisakers]

@Mizmazzle Have you seen the review by almostvintagestyle? His pair look awesome! This is what you have to look forward to!!

[Mizmazzle]

@Memphisakers I’ve read every article/ review I could find as well as any YouTube videos and forum threads haha. I thought it was interesting in the article you shared how he doesn’t like CXL leather, especially the natural. Guess we all have our preferences and tastes. It was my first CXL so I’ve been way stoked on it.

[Memphisakers]

@Mizmazzle That surprised me too!! I may like the natural cxl even more than the shinki on the causeways. I think it is a really comfortable leather for engineers too! And patina monsters… those pictures in his review don’t even look like the same leather. I had to go back and double check before I posted those pictures 

[Mizmazzle]

Yeah it looks like a straight brown cxl at that point In his evo. @Memphisakers do you have the Lofgren engineers in Natural CXL too? We’re so many posts in at this point I can’t keep it all straight anymore. Haha. I’ve got one year to get some nice patina on these babies before next summers wedding. Just no super rough stuff. Color but no scratches says the future misses. Well, hell then!!!

[Memphisakers]

Yep I have the cxl ones also! LOVE them!!

[Mizmazzle]

@mclaincausey you been able to get the engineers out lately in this Denver July heat? Few evening walks to the park for me….i should really move to Montana haha

[Mizmazzle]

What are anyones thoughts on using boot trees?

[mikebarhoot]

Yes. Always. In boots and dress shoes.

[Mizmazzle]

Thanks @mikebarhoot….do you go shoe trees or boot trees in the engineers?

[Dmart]

I only have shoe trees.

[Mizmazzle]

Thanks @Dmart

I’m wondering since shoe/ boot trees are meant to help a boot keep its shape, do they prohibit the leather from getting those cool rolls (horse butt leather) or the patina that we are all working for with the rich multi tones in the leather that come with creasing and folding etc. ?

[Giles]

Depends what you want.  If you want them to look old and worn as soon as poss, don't bother.  If you want to let them properly dry and stay looking newer for longer, then use tree's….

[mclaincausey]

I use cedar show trees in mine @Mizmazzle

I have not been wearing boots at all in this heat. Been wearing sandals mostly, which is not hugely typical for me; I don't generally regard boots as seasonal.

[Mizmazzle]

Alright then! Seems so far everyone uses trees. I guess I lean towards what Giles said about wanting them to break in faster and not using trees. I live in a fairly arid climate so my boots always dry out fast. As for keeping the shape, that’s where I lack the expertise.

[Giles]

Putting trees in allows them to dry "to shape"…

[Dmart]

Every pair of shoes I own has shoe trees, with the exception of the Birkenstocks and Crocs.
We could debate on the use in sneakers but in leather shoes/boots, I would always use trees. It certainly adds to the longevity of the shoe because they properly dry and stay in shape. This doesn’t mean that you don’t get creases and wrinkles (if that’s what you are after) but it protects the leather from cracking which can be the death of a shoe.
So far I went well with it and will continue using them.

[goosehd]

I am about 50/50 on shoe tree use.  If I consider them a work boot (Wescos with heavy lugged treads) then I tend not to use trees, and for a dressier boot (Vibergs, Trickers, and Cowboy Boots) then I do.