From Victorian era curiosities to early 20th century equestrian and motorcycle wear to rare WW2 era items - Black Sign garments are beautifully constructed, with a shared identity and aesthetic cohesion running through the collection to a degree we rarely see in brands focusing on reproductions & recreations.

Inspired by a vintage sample of aviator's engineer boots, these are based on footwear from the 1930s, having originally developed from pull-on roper boots issued to soldiers during the first World War. These were among the first wave of what that would go on to be known as Engineer Boots, born from a need for sturdy and secure boots that could be put on or removed quickly and easily, without requiring tedious lacing. The original sample boots from the 30s that inspired this style are included in our photographs, for reference.

The Black Sign Aviator Boots are hands down some of the most handsome Engineers we've ever carried. Standing at a remarkable 14.5" height, these are less "biker" and more "pilot" or "equestrian" with a lowered block heel (as opposed to the usual logger heel), extended shaft, and sleek 270 degree flat welt. Unlike other more modern boots, these lack a traditional heel counter, being finished with an internal seam where the vamp meets the rear half of the boot - imbuing a sleeker and more antique aesthetic throughout, but increasing the time and effort it takes to produce each pair.

They're made from a black, tea-core horsebutt leather, with a semi-gloss finish and a thickness of between 2.3mm and 2.5mm - dense, but not overly stiff, these will break in to the shape of your foot with wear. This vegetable tanned leather is sturdy, with natural scars and blemishes across its surface, and the subtle grain texture of a high quality horsebutt. Over time, the black dye will scuff and wear down, revealing the natural brown core beneath, developing a classic and highly sought-out vintage patina.

Given their impressive height (that stands about 3.5" higher than your average engineer boot), these look fantastic when styled with breeches or other similarly vintage-type pants. If that's not your thing though, the shaft does fit comfortably under your favorite pair of straight leg trousers for a more contemporary look.

The hardware is as impressive as the design and material selection, with solid cast iron (not die-cut) buckles, and a classic Biltrite half outsole and heel combo - an excellent combination both in terms of historical accuracy, but also in regards to traction, durability, and comfort. The outsole leather is sourced from England, having been slow tanned in oak bark, resulting in a leather that both is more supple and durable than other chrome-tanned alternatives.

These are a standard heritage boot fit, meaning they run large when compared to sneakers. For the best fit, we suggest taking 1 size smaller than your brannock device measurement.

• 2.3mm - 2.5mm Japanese horsehide leather
• Vegetable tanned
• Glossy finish
• Tea core leather
• 14.5" shaft height
• Oak-tanned outsole leather
• Goodyear flat welt
• Partially structured flat toe
• Gusseted shaft opening
• No heel counter
• Vintage construction details
• BILTRITE half sole and heel
• Custom iron hardware
• Custom last
• Size down 1 from Brannock
• Resoleable and recraftable
• Made in Japan

If you're unsure about sizing - please contact us before ordering these boots. We're friendly, we promise.

Built on a custom last, with a tall shaft and roomy heel cup. We find the fit to be fairly standard for an engineer boot, with sizing that aligns with many other heritage lasts. These are designed for easy wearing and removal, and those bothered by the particularly "swimmy" feel of engineer boots like these can mitigate heel slippage with the Protalus T-75 insole.

• Narrow and low volume feet:
• 1 size smaller than Brannock for a comfortable fit
• Thick socks or an insole recommended

• D-Width and average volume feet:
• 1 size smaller than Brannock for a comfortable fit
• Thick socks or an insole may enhance the fit

• E & EE-Width and high volume feet:
• 1 size smaller than Brannock for a snug fit