Clinch Engineer Boots CN Last Black Latigo

Clinch has become world-renowned for the artisanal quality with which founder Minoru Matsuura designs and crafts each style in the company's lineup. 

The engineer boots specifically have an almost cult following, and it's easy to see why. Built around unique wooden lasts carved by hand, Clinch aims to recreate the build and style of 40's engineer boots from the ground up. All components are carefully sourced to create a boot that stands apart.

The CN (Classic Narrow) last which these boots are built around have a beautifully sculpted shape, arguably the most distinctive and desired detail of the Clinch Engineer. The fit is snug, contouring to the foot, with the intent of the leather moulding to the shape of your foot over time. The all-important toe box is structured, but reasonably flat keeping its shape without flattening out too much, and the vamp fits closely to the instep. Though described as a 'narrow' last, we find that the CN last can easily accommodate a USD with fitting and most foot-shapes. 

The Latigo cow-hide that is used for the upper is sourced in Pennsylvania from Wickett & Craig, a tannery that has specialised in process of natural tanning since 1867. 'Latigo' derived from the Spanish word for 'whip' is a combination of tanned bovine leather which is 'hot-dipped' in a solution of oils, waxes and allows to give it strength, durability and suppleness similar to Chromexel. The tanned hide is then hand over-dyed, which with wear will gain a natural shine and reveal the leather's distinctive natural underlying colour; just like original examples of the 1940s. 

The Half-Sole construction is designed to reduce bulk while wearing the boot and enable the footbed to bend with ease. Both the half-sole and heel are reproductions re-moulded from original O'Sullivan examples; O'Sullivan's was one of the earliest companies producing rubber soles in the united states dating back to 1896. 

Another distinctive part of the Clinch Engineer is the sculpted 'Woodmans' heel, similar to that of a western boot, the shape undercuts the heel adding to the elegant overall silhouette of distinctive design. 

These boots are a practised and developed work of craftsmanship verging on art (just look at them). We are very happy to be able to offer these to you, believing they are the best iteration of this iconic design available on the market. 

Due to the limited production run and leather availability, re-stocking these will not be quick, so once they are gone they are gone. 

• Hand Lasted
• Latigo Leather - Wickett & Craig
• Flat, Non-Steel toe box
• 11" Height
• O'Sullivans Half Sole Construction 
• Elegant Shaped Heel Unit
• Gusseted top with Buckle Fastener
• Strap Buckled Fastener
• Internal Pull On Straps
• Goodyear Welted
• Hand Stitch in Japan

Clinch sizing is unique to the brand and figuratively a 'size' bigger than U.S sizing. We have listed the U.S size for ease of comparison, but please refer to the Clinch size chart below for a full breakdown. 

We find these boots run true to their size. For any inquiries or to order please email info@clutch-cafe.com