Wesco x S&S Van Cleef III

Horween Natural Essex

rmgman5 days ago

My main boots for this competition. These boots were worked to death on my little 3 acre property. They saw time on the tractor, cutting wood, tending chickens, digging holes, working under the hood, fire pit, snow plowing & shoveling, out on the town, you name it. 6th month got them a thorough clean and condition and then a re-condition. They’ve been brushed and buffed a bit for their final photo op and before they’re shut down for a while. I was worried about this ridiculously soft leather holding up to what I’d inevitably throw at it, but it was a champ, and it definitely shows every single indiscretion that came its way. They were a blank canvas awaiting the art. I’m very happy with the outcome.

Taken on April 5, 2026

Open Thunderdome 2025-2026, April submission

See specs

Maker

Wesco Boots

Model

x S&S Van Cleef III

Similar to Wesco Boss Engineer Boot

Leather

Horween Natural Essex

Last

MP1339 Last

US Men's Brannock: 13B

MP1339 Last: 12D

12D last with custom fit from Wesco

Leather is incredibly soft and supple and should require no break in period

Sole

Vibram 700 Tygum V-Bar Full Sole Brown Cork

Heel

Vibram 700

Purchased from

Standard & Strange

Order info

Cost: 775 USD

Availability: Limited Edition

Lead Time: Over 1 year

See background

Why did you choose this item?

Availability: Limited Edition

Style

Chose this pair due to the leather from Horween. I expect them to patina like crazy and be completely different in 6 months. I typically prefer to wear slip on boots so I chose this pair to ensure I get the most use out of them although I do have at least a half dozen pair of unworn Wesco boots to choose from (too many boots and not enough feet).

How did you determine your size?

MP1339 Last: 12DUS Men's Brannock: 13B

Brannock Measurements

Modified Last

Foot Tracing

I’m 13B/C on Brannock and I have several pair of 12D Wesco engineer style boots that fit well off the shelf with a leather insert. For this pair (and a few others) I submitted a custom fit form and asked Chris at Wesco to modify my custom last based on the 12D as that seems to be my ideal size for slip on boots to really lock my foot in.