John Lofgren El Capitan

I was looking for a black boot with unstructured toe, hoping for some good creases, rolls, and collapse. I also knew fit and comfort would make or break whether I’d wear it enough to get to that point. Standard & Strange Berkeley had the Lofgren El Capitan in stock. Pricey, but I had determined to get it if it fit. I was hoping to try on a few others to check lasts but the other boots didn’t interest me.

Luckily S&S had the range in sizes in stock. I start with 8 (Brannock size, clearly too large just looking at them), then 7.5, then 7. I spent some time with them in store debating between 7 and 7.5. The 7.5 footbed felt most natural, but turned out was just a hair too roomy everywhere else The 7 felt more snug all around. Toebox shape worked well with no pressure spots. Most importantly the vamp volume was spot on- snug with socks, comfortable. Brannock width is a C/D.

In person, full size range at Standard & Strange