I just registered on this forum lastnight for two reasons, mainly. One, to thank all the contributors here for the wealth of information on Wescos. And two, share my experience finding the perfect fit this week.
My intention was to order a custom boot with a custom size form, but was dreading the long wait and kicking myself for not figuring this out during the summer. I was initially thinking a custom Warren or a Jobmaster either 8” or 10” in height.
Beyond this forum, the Wesco Japan blog was a crucial resource in understanding the different custom options. Along the way, I learned that Baker’s in Eugene had a Romeo with MP toe that might be my size. I also had been considering making the drive to Eugene to help get sizing info that would allow me to pick a chart size and save the custom fitting fee.
This little trip (socially distanced, of course) turned out to be the right move, but not because the Romeos. The 10.5E MP toe Romeos were much heavier than I expected, and I had too much heel slip walking around the store. Ben, the gracious Baker’s employee assisting me, explained that as the sides around the instep stretch the leather at the toe gets pulled back which helps eliminate heel slip once broken in.
I asked if they had a jobmaster or any other Wescos that I could try to get a better feel for sizing and last differences. He brought out two different engineer boots — a brown Mister Lou and a black roughout boss. To my surprise, the upper was so narrow on both that I couldn’t get my heel seated completely. At this point, I really wanted to try on a lace-up Wesco, but Baker’s didn’t have any. That is until Ben checked in the back a third time — and I’m honestly still in shock about what he found.
He brought out a 10E Warren in black horsehide that a customer had custom ordered back in June through Baker’s in Eugene, but then refused them upon delivery. Kyle explained that it put them in a bind since they couldn’t return it to Wesco. Plus, after looking at my tracings and measurements he said they are my exact size.
I’m thrilled to have found these after making the trip to Baker’s. They’re almost exactly like a limited edition Warren the Japanese Wesco store has for sale on their website. However, the stamped logo on these is different and Ben at Baker’s said it is the vintage Wesco logo that is no longer used. I’ve included a few photos of the Japanese store limited model it resembles.