About
The 11" Engineer Boot is a discontinued safety-toe work boot that was manufactured by Chippewa. The boot features Goodyear welt construction with steel safety toe protection and Vibram Nitrile rubber outsoles designed for industrial work environments. Chippewa produced two main models of this boot: the 27863 and 27867, both of which have been discontinued by the manufacturer.
About
The 11" Engineer Boot is a discontinued safety-toe work boot that was manufactured by Chippewa. The boot features Goodyear welt construction with steel safety toe protection and Vibram Nitrile rubber outsoles designed for industrial work environments. Chippewa produced two main models of this boot: the 27863 and 27867, both of which have been discontinued by the manufacturer.
History and development
Chippewa Shoe Manufacturing Company originated the engineer boot in the late 1930s, basing the design on the English riding boot. Engineer boots gained popularity during the run-up to World War II due to safety advantages in industrial settings, particularly for welders making ships who needed boots they could kick off quickly should sparks get down inside them.
Marlon Brando wore Chippewa engineer boots in the 1953 film "The Wild One," which helped revitalize engineer boot sales through motorcycle culture. The company filed a patent in 1961 for the "Kush-N Collar," a feature still used in many boot styles today.
Construction and specifications
The 11" engineer boots feature full-grain leather uppers with leather vamp lining that adds cushioning around feet and ankles. The boots use Goodyear welt construction, which enables resoling and improves water resistance. Steel shanks provide arch support throughout the boot, while Texon footbeds manage internal moisture. The boots include metal hooks and eyelets for secure fastening.
The Vibram Nitrile yellow plug rubber outsoles provide oil and slip resistance with smooth minimal tread patterns designed for industrial work environments. Standard models have no insulation or waterproofing beyond the construction method's natural water resistance.
Models and availability
Chippewa produced two main models of the 11" engineer boot, both now discontinued. Model 27863 features a steel safety toe rated ASTM F2413-05 M I/75 C/75 and uses full-grain leather uppers with leather vamp lining. The model was available in D widths (sizes 7.5-14), E widths (sizes 7.5-13), EE widths (sizes 7.5-13), and B widths (sizes 7.5-14).
Model 27867 is ASTM 75 certified for safety toe workplace protection with similar specifications including full-grain leather uppers, leather vamping for cushioning, Texon footbed for moisture management, steel shank for arch support, and Vibram lug soles with oil and slip resistance. Both models were manufactured in the United States as part of Chippewa's domestic work boot production line.
References
"Chippewa 27863 11" Engineer Steel Toe Work Boots". Working Person. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
"Engineers Get the Boot". ASME. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
"Our Story". Chippewa Boots. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
"Chippewa 27867 11 Inch Engineer USA Made Safety Toe Work Boot". Working Person. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
