William Lennon Boots
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Yeah, WLs are seriously heavy. I like the lug sole on those; I went with a smooth leather sole on mine, but I think the lug sole is more versatile and suits the overall look better.
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I rode from London to Cumbria today, and figured that a detour via Stoney Middleton and the William Lennon factory would be a good idea. Besides, it meant taking a trip across the Peak District, which is far more fun than more motorway miles.
The factory itself is pretty small, probably the size of a couple of large family homes knocked together. I didn't get to take a look around, but the Loomstate article shows it to be populated by machinery that you'd expect to find at Beamish.
My main goal was to get an idea of sizing. I've heard conflicting stories about the boots, and after trying a couple of pairs of the 178 style on. I normally take a 13, and after a discussion with Libs in the office, I'd reckon I'd need a 12 1/2.
The boots have a lot of volume, and in size 13 (on the 178 last) they were loose around the heel and ankle and forestep. The 12s had a closer fit.
The 178 are around £150, and made from a Horween leather.
I'm really after a pair of their World War I B5 replica boots. These have a distinct square toe, are made from a seriously thick waxed leather (tanned up the road in Chesterfield). The fit is narrower than the 178, particularly in the heel, and probably a touch longer. Oh, and they're willing to build up the toe of the size 12 last to make a pair that fits. Beat that for customer service!
In terms of quality, I'd say that William Lennon are at least as good as Redwing, if not better. They're cheaper too, and can be customised. See the thread at the Fedora Lounge for more.
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More images is what's needed here….Mega, Regular_zip, let's see 'em please.( And of course Graeme, when you've got them).
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I'll wear mine tomorrow and get some pics up.
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Triple terror is selling a custom pair at the moment, made from black chromexcel, in the buying and selling section for £100. Anyone who can fit a UK 9 needs to buy these immediately, they are stunning.
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I ordered what I think might be a similar pair before Christmas - 178 leather soled boot in brown (burgundy) zug grain leather with rubber forepart. Not sure if that's what's in the picture above, but it's more or less what I was aiming for. Should be ready in a couple of weeks, all being well!
The only extra charge was the leather forepart, which is £5. Interestingly, they said they'd send me a PayPal request for the extra £5 when the boots are done. It looks like their e-commerce site isn't set up to add extras on. The good news is, I get advance warning of when they're ready.
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Yeah, they're really hob-nailed. Seriously old school. I found the sizing to be a tad large; I'm consistently a size 11US, a 10 in Viberg (UK sizing) and have a pair of Tricker's in size 9.5. My William Lennons in size 10 required a fairly thick insole to work for me. A 9.5 might have worked, but WL doesn't do half sizes.
Can't make a comparison to White's, as I don't have any, but I'd call them well built and sturdy, though a touch unrefined- some untrimmed threads, rough edges here and there, slightly sloppy glue work, seams that aren't always perfectly aligned, that sort of thing. Nothing that affects the comfort or durability, or even is noticeable without close inspection, but there if you're looking for it. Comfortable, once they break in, which takes a while.
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Very cool, when the weather improves I will be spending more time in mine.
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Dunno about zug grain v smooth, but in retrospect, I would have gotten the commando sole instead of the leather sole.
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Chris's analysis on the build quality is spot on, if you're only used to wearing Vibergs or Whites then you might find them a little sloppy by comparison. What they are is functional, built like a tank in the oldest of old school ways, and something a little different to what we usually see.
At the price, you will not find many better boots, they are not £100 worse than Whites or £200 worse than Vibergs, which is where they do bear comparison.
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Chris's analysis on the build quality is spot on, if you're only used to wearing Vibergs or Whites then you might find them a little sloppy by comparison. What they are is functional, built like a tank in the oldest of old school ways, and something a little different to what we usually see.
At the price, you will not find many better boots, they are not £100 worse than Whites or £200 worse than Vibergs, which is where they do bear comparison.
Repeated with emphasis, as they are, I think, the most relevant statements about William Lennon that can be made.
