Customer Reviews Chippewa 11" Black Odessa Engineer Boot

Great Boot - I spent a long time trying to find a replacement for my old engineer boots. I bought the pair I wanted to replace in 1990 from the Sears catalog. I never did find something that matched the old pair exactly, but these were the best replacement i have found yet. I tried Chippewa, Georgia, Frye, and Carolina boots (the Carolina's were also very good). While all had their merits, for me this was the sturdiest, light-weight engineer boot of the bunch. I would definitely recommend this boot to someone who wanted a good US made, everyday, walking around engineer boot. I liked it because it fit a little snugger, like a western boot than most. The only change I would recommend, is I like the over foot strap to ride a little lower than this one does...but that's a small cavite. Just as a note, many engineer boots -- even the pair I was replacing fit larger than marked, the Chippewas on the other hand seem true to size.

Testosterone in a box - These boots are the most manly, comfortable, styling, confidence-inducing boots ever. Put them on and you know in an instant what makes a man feel like a man. The looks, the feel, the boost. I called it testosterone in a shoe box...

Good looks and good fit - I wanted a boot that didn't have too much of a western appearance, and I didn't want too much of a biker look either. This was a good compromise, and I have been very pleased with the fit and looks. I've received compliments on the looks from one person who is quite fashion conscious and from another person who never notices fashion at all.

Great boot and service - I love the look - great with jeans, casual pants, even some skirts (very funky). The quality and construction are wonderful, but the real winner for me is width-I can fit a good pair of innersoles in the boots, even with my small but wide, high volume foot, thus giving the boots excellent arch support (I live in NYC and walk everywhere). I wish more manufacturers made footwear in widths and available in smaller sizes-some women have wide feet too! Zappos service has been terrific!

This is a great boot, the leather is taught but manageable, looks good and feels good. I particularly like the fact that this boot does not have excess cushioning as do the ones from other manufacturers. This boot's fit is excellent with regard to length, width, and instep snugness: which is adjustable with its fully functionable, and good looking belt and buckle detail.

g.g. from tampa - I just recieved, my engineers,. It feels like I just ordered them yesterday. Fast service. But, Chippewa diserves all the credit, unbeleivable boots! In this day and age , where every thing , even imitation bike ,boots are made in china. You can still get a pair of the real thing , made in U.S.A .Just like they they were made back in the 50s . The look, the feel and leather. I hope they never change . Keep up the good work chippewa ! And also thanks Zappos!

Excellent product - Thank you for carrying such a great boot, my husband says its the best fitting boot he has had yet and loves it. I also want to thank Zappos for the quick service and special promotions and the added customer satisfaction.

This classic needs no update... One of America's last great bootmakers, Chippewa, has the good sense not to mess with a good thing! This engineer boot is straight out of a 1960s Roger Corman B-movie biker flick! Its classic lines echo the quality and craftsmanship that go into making this great boot. No frills - no funky neo-fabric add-ons, no velcro, no wicking action, no lining, no spaceage finish - just the essentials: excellent quality leather, welt stitching, tough sole, 5-star workmanship. These boots are bad, bold always in fashion - good foot gold. Recommended without reservation!

Stylish boot but couldn't get the right fit after trying 2 sizes. 10s were too slack. 9.5 too tight. Great leather feel, great style but just didn't fit me.

Disappointed with heel - Chippewa has made a change in the construction of the heel on their engineer boots. Changed from multiple layers of leather to a solid rubber heel. Cheap look. Not happy with the change.

Opening for foot is narrow, hard to get on and off. Right foot, top is very tight and causes pain and redness. Insole was not cushioned, insert was needed to walk with comfort.

Review of Chippewa 11," Odessa Engineer - I bought these boots for my husband. He really liked them and they are comfortable. I had to have zippers put in them as they were a little hard to get on and off.

11" Chippewa’s Black Engineer Boot - The boots are fine but in cold weather they are a little chilly in the wind. Other than that they are perfect.

Everything good comes with a price. Ever since I knew Tom Waits wore engineer boots, I always wanted a pair. I got these boots with extreme enthusiasm, but... they don't fit! I can get 'em on my foot, but no matter what, the heels keep slipping! It was extremely unfortunate; however, I’ll continue to shop around in search for the perfect engineer boot.

Light weight yet durable, rugged, and sturdy. I wanted a light-weight yet durable engineer boot and Chippewa delivered. The most outstanding characteristic of these boots is the facts that they’re tough and rugged yet don't weigh the wearer down. Too many boots are so heavy they make the wearer tired just lugging them around all day. That's not a problem with these. The quality is obvious from the moment one opens the box. I can't stress enough how relieving it's been to find a great boot that doesn't wear out my knees because of their weight. But don't mistake light-weight for cheap, shoddy, or flimsy. The fact that they're of such high quality yet avoid being unnecessarily heavy like so many competitors’ boots is a testament to their fine design and craftsmanship. They run a little tight and look a little narrow compared to other boots I've owned (and I have a narrow foot) and they're not much for comfort without an insole (I use an over-the-counter gel version) but they're definitely a great buy. I've had 'em for a month and think it'll take at least another couple of months of nearly daily wear to break them in fully but I don't see myself having to buy another pair of boots for years. I'm very pleased.

I love the boots, but the dye is coming off on the inside of the boot, black. I would expect more from an expensive boot. In a perfect world. Hopefully the black will wear off.

Great boots for girls- Not only is this boot very cool looking, it is also extremely comfortable. The vibram sole has great shock absorbancy. I don't ride, but I look like I could!

These boots are made for stomping' Definitely more comfortable resting on a motorcycle or tavern foot trail than walking any distance. Still, these are the perfect boots with denim or leather jeans. A smooth lining would make them easier to slip on -- as it is, it's like rubbing your socks against Velcro. Also, be sure to wear dark socks -- the black dye transfers on to them. Once they are on, though, these boots are durable and solid, with a satisfyingly rugged look.

Well, I've had these boots 8 years. If they were going to break in, they would have by now. On my motorcycle, they feel great. Walking from my bike to the house or inside the c-store, no problem. But, I have twice now made the mistake of wearing these to Bike Week and ANY walking around of ANY distance absolutely kills my feet and gives me blisters. I had to switch to tennis shoes just for my feet to heal. They look like cool motorcycle boots, but are absolutely the most uncomfortable things I have ever put on my feet for walking around bar none. Great for sitting, horrible for walking.

Lost in translation - This boot looks like the real deal, but if you have a double E wide foot, it failed big time; it is a D at best, but marked a (Wide) EE and that’s a sad commentary for a American-made boot that once was true-to-it's "good" name. Bummer! Meanwhile, back at the ranch Zappos still rules!

These boots are great. They are the sturdiest boots I've ever owned. The quality is apparent from the minute you open the box. I'll never own another pair of boots from anyone but Chippewa, and since these boots can be re-soled, it's likely I won't need another pair period. The styling is also very versatile. You can dress them up or down. They probably wouldn't look good with shorts but other than that they pretty much go with anything. One word of caution to those who have never owned "real" boots before: don't expect them to feel like tennis shoes. They're very comfortable, but in a different way.

I would recommend these boots. I have been wearing a pair of Redwing 968s relatively regularly for the last few years. Unfortunately, they are a little too big and I finally broke down and spent the money on a pair that fit better. Chippewa's boots fit better (design wise, not size), and look nicer. I intend to lather them up with some Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP to waterproof them and protect them as soon as I get done writing this review. A bit of care by me (the owner) and the fact that they can be resoled means they should last for years.

A very well made boot, the leather is top quality. You might want to order a half size small as they run a bit big. I wear thin socks with the boot and at first it was a little difficult getting the boot on due to the leather inside grabbing my sock, after a few days wear and some boot oil - they fit like a glove. These should last for quite a few years! Highly recommend them to anyone. Chippeawa - well done. As a side note - Zappos is number one in customer service as well!

So here is what happened: It all started when I put my order in online! I didn't know of the 2 business day shipping option! So when I contacted by phone via the 1(800)# I was told by the rep that he could fix it for me (but cancel the order mid-shipment ! When I wrote in to the live help to confirm he had done it(the live rep) said that my boots had been canceled mid-order and that the same pair would soon be sent out faster! (I was told this by the (phone rep too), which is why I contacted the (live rep) to make sure that it would indeed take place-(the phone rep) said he was having trouble putting in the order)! So I talked a while with (one of the girls=live rep)who assured me that id get the same order (just faster)! I said thanks and that was that! (Somewhere a mistake was made between the warehouse and customer service)! As I did not get the boots I had ordered when getting the box! (I contacted live help again)! Was told it would be resolved,was told id need to return the box! I said thats fine (but my printer is broke so,I cant print out a printable shipment paper! (That's no prob). Very kind she said- (I'L send you one by mail she said-your a V.I.P. for all your trouble and will REFUND your money NOW)!At that point Zappos won me over! (SO) I waited and and a week went by (NO mailed shipping code)! (I contacted customer service again and was told it was never sent by ground mail! I just couldn't believe it! No way to ship back these horrible boots that went wrong at the warehouse,(still without my original order on my feet)! She was very nice as where all of the lovely girls in the chats! But hooks don't catch fish without worms (no what I mean)? So she fixed it and sent the shipment paper in the mail to me! I was given by her a coupon to purchase the original pair of boots for all the trouble! In the end what started out as a (communications nightmare)! Ended in me getting (A GREAT pair of American made boots)for way cheaper than retail value! I like the way I was handled and cant see any other way to have handled this case! (BUT) what I don't like is (If the boots had been sold before I could by them when they got back to them id have lost the chance)! They emailed me when they arrived (back in stock) and gave me the huge discount and were very sweet about it! Thank you Zappos GIRLS! I'l see you in Los-Vegas this thanksgiving got family up there for SO fly'n up! with my new boots on! Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for all you did!