Could I get your opinion on these boots?

[MasterChai]

A friend offered to make these boots for me and I was wondering if they were good enough to get through Level 1, just so I can start trooping as a TB while I take my time hunting down those HITEC Sierra shoes. The CRL was a bit vague when it comes to specifics and these boots do seem to follow the CRL broad strokes.

Appreciate your opinions so I can decide if I'll take him up on his offer. Thanks!

[Chrisx909x]

as a boot maker. i think  those look great for level one

 

hard to tell in photos, but with the heel cuts, they may even work for lancer

[Chopper]

Aside from issues of fit with relation to the armor, those boots should be ok for basic. However they will not work for Lancer.

If you're holding out on a pair of sierra sneakers, I'd encourage you to commission a pair of boots that will work for level 2 as well. Sierra's are pretty rare, so it might be a while, and why limit yourself ? 

[MasterChai]

3 hours ago, Chopper said:

Aside from issues of fit with relation to the armor, those boots should be ok for basic. However they will not work for Lancer.

If you're holding out on a pair of sierra sneakers, I'd encourage you to commission a pair of boots that will work for level 2 as well. Sierra's are pretty rare, so it might be a while, and why limit yourself ? 

Thanks for the feedback. Aside from the cut patterns on the soles, what do I need to have him improve on to make the boots Lancer level?

[Chopper]

The biggest issue I can see is the sole of the base boot. Even with the cuts, the sole has two different colors and the sole stitching is visible. Ideally you want a base boot with a gum/wheat colored sole that's a single color. 

As per the CRL

"The boots have slots cut into the heels and toes as seen in the film.

The boot sole is a single color with no visible stitching.

Boots that are constructed too wrinkled (i.e not stretched/fitted correctly prior to gluing) or poor in appearance will be refused."

I also noticed that the cover strip around the toe of the boot tapers. It should be straight all the way across.

Finally, and this is super small stuff, but the double stitching on the dog bone extends a bit too far. 

This photo of one of the real boots should help show you what I mean. 

All that said, they do look like a well made set of boots. Just a few mods needed for level 2.

[MasterChai]

Thanks for the feedback. I see what you mean about the soles.

I found these at a local store and I think they look pretty similar to the sierras save for the sole cut pattern. I was wondering if they would make a great base shoe to have my friend build a Lancer worthy boot out of.

[Chopper]

The shape of the Palladium would make for a great base boot, if it wasn't for the sole pattern making the cut outs so tricky. I believe there's also a Palladium logo at the back of the heel, correct?

If you wanted to use those for level 2, you'd need to do the boot cuts, remove any logos, and, if the boots in the photo are the version you're working with, you'd also need to paint the sides of the soles with acrylic paint.

Most troopers use the King Show work boot for Lancer spec boots, it has the proper gum sole and is relatively inexpensive: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017THAWJU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Retrofire]

The Palladium along with the Zahal scout boot are a great base boot for the Alliance Endor Commando because of the toe cap but not so good for the Biker Scout. The issue with these boots, as chopper mentioned, are the soles. The Sierra Sneaker boot has a much thicker sole especially at the heel than these two examples have. I would recommend going with the boot Chopper discussed in his post. The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure they’re comfortable since you’ll be in them for long periods of time.