John Lofgren M-43 Boots – Black Shinki Horsebutt

by John Lofgren

John Lofgren M-43 Boots – Black Shinki Horsebutt

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*The grain varies from pair to pair so please do get in touch about the grain on your size if you are concerned.

The John Lofgren M-43 service boots are John Lofgrens take on the original service boot issued to the armed forces in (you guessed it) 1943. As true to the original as possible whilst still receiving Johns own twist they are built for comfort and longevity. Couple this everyday do and wear with everything boot with the stunning striking Black Shinki Horsebutt and you’ve got a real stand out classic pair of everyday boots that will look superb with some rolls and wear. The mix of the grained Black leather with the contrasting natural and brown mix sole is a real winning combination.

The Shinki Horesbutt is a beautiful leather. Really is. It is thick and stiff on first try but in no time becomes very comfortable and pliable. The grain is mixed from heavier grain through to fairly smooth with the signature Horsebutt small creases. Each pair (left and right) will be very similar to each other though and if you would like detail on your size then please just ask. It is a tea-core Black leather meaning that with time the black will give way to the underlying Brown tones in areas of wear. This leather will age beautifully and it is very tough stuff t’boot.

The munson shaped last is very shapely, has a nice slim waist with a sleek munson shaped toe, it is snug throughout the foot (as they should be when sized correctly) with good width at the ball and toe. There is no toe reinforced toe box so the toe will flatten some and shape to the wearer.

These are extremely comfortable boots from the moment you slide your foot in. They have that immediate glove like feel. The leather feels thick but very supple and the heel is well balanced giving you a sure footed work boot like feel underfoot. They feel great on.

Construction & finish: The best materials and construction methods have been used in these boots, just see the DETAILS tab. The stitching is very neat and uniform and as with all John Lofgren boots the sole trim is even and nicely finished.

If you want a boot that is comfortable and solid, are beautiful, will outlast you and that you can pair with almost anything, this is your pair.

  • Black tea-core Shinki Horsebutt (Japan)
  • Munson last
  • Goodyear storm welted
  • Oak Bark tanned heavy midsole
  • Vibram 700 soles and heels
  • Triple stitched upper & heel
  • US sized (please see sizing guide)
  • Made in Japan

The John Lofgren M-43 Boots fit very similar/ a touch smaller than UK sizes. They are fairly standard feeling in the heel, have a trim waist with good volume in the mid-foot. A standard width at the ball and good toe room/ width. The Shinki leather will not give and stretch as much as the CXL on their other boots so it might be worth going the half size up if you are in between sizes.

An 8 US in the M-43 Boots fit similar to:

JL Engineers: 8

JL Combat Boots: 8

JL Donkey Puncher: 7.5

JL  Chukka: 8.5 (8 is more comparable in length but these fit very close/ tighter)

Rolling Dub Trio Coupen/ Stan Last: 7.5 US

Red Wing Iron Ranger: 8 – 8.5 US (7 – 7.5 UK)

Viberg: 7.5 – 8 (2030 and 2040 last)

White’s Boots: 7.5-8 D width

Attractions engineers: 8- 8.5 US

Truman Boots (updated last): 8 – 8.5

Trickers (and majority of British brands): 7.5-8 G/F

Please get in touch with any sizing questions you may have. We will do our best to assist you in as much depth as we can to get your sizing right. We have experience with a number of UK, European, Japanese and USA made branded shoes/ boots to help with comparisons and can take any measurements you may need.