Engineer Boots 11-Inch Height

Clinch produces between 800 and 1,000 pairs of boots annually, with each pair handcrafted by a team of 10 to 11 artisans working across multiple Tokyo workshops. The Engineer Boots 11-Inch Height represents the company's commitment to traditional Japanese craftsmanship combined with heritage American workwear design principles.

The Engineer Boots 11-Inch Height features hand-sewn welted construction with a 270-degree flat welt, representing traditional bootmaking techniques typically reserved for dress shoes. Each boot is built using wooden lasts carved by hand, specifically shaped to create the distinctive silhouette that defines Clinch's interpretation of the classic engineer boot style.

The construction process follows traditional methods where the insole is soaked and molded to the bottom of the last, with the entire boot then built around this foundation. All construction work is completed by hand except for the final outsole sewing, which is performed by machine for durability and precision.

The design reproduces the aesthetic and functional elements of 1940s engineer boots, maintaining the original slip-on functionality while incorporating interior pull straps within the shaft to assist with wearing. The boots feature an unstructured toe box and maintain the classic engineer boot proportions at the full 11-inch shaft height.

Clinch sources European horsebutt leather for the Engineer Boots 11-Inch Height, with each hide hand-selected by founder Minoru Matsuura. The company maintains strict quality standards, with less than 50 percent of available horsebutt stock meeting their requirements for density and grain quality.

The natural horsebutt leather is left undyed and in its raw state, resulting in natural variations in grain, texture, and color throughout each boot. These variations, including darker and lighter panels, scars, and natural markings, are considered characteristic features rather than defects. The leather develops distinctive "rolls" rather than creases during wear, similar to shell cordovan leather.

Hardware components including brass buckles, welts, and nails are sourced from Japanese manufacturers. The insole and midsole leathers come from established international tanneries, while the outsoles are custom-manufactured specifically for Clinch. The boots feature O'Sullivan reproduction soles that maintain the aesthetic of vintage engineer boots while providing modern durability.

The Engineer Boots 11-Inch Height is available on two primary last options: the CN Wide last and the CN-S soft-toe last. The CN Wide last was specifically designed to accommodate Western foot shapes and is more suited to wider American feet compared to Clinch's standard Japanese lasts.

Sizing recommendations vary based on foot width characteristics. For individuals with average or narrow foot widths, sizing down 0.5 from their Brannock device measurement is typically recommended. Those with wider feet or higher insteps should select their true Brannock size to ensure proper fit.

The fit is designed to be close to the foot, contouring around the wearer's foot shape to allow the leather to mold and adapt over time. This snug initial fit is intentional, as the horsebutt leather is expected to stretch and conform to the individual foot shape through regular wear.

The Engineer Boots 11-Inch Height is available through authorized Clinch retailers including Standard & Strange, Clutch Cafe, and Recall Clothing. Pricing varies by retailer and specific configuration, with Standard & Strange offering the CN Wide last model at $1,950.

Direct pricing from the manufacturer typically ranges from approximately $1,400 to $1,500, though availability through the official Brass Tokyo channels may be limited depending on production schedules and regional distribution agreements.

The boots are available in multiple material options including natural horsebutt, brown overdyed horsebutt, and black overdyed horsebutt, with availability varying by retailer and production cycles due to the limited annual output and hand-crafted manufacturing process.