Purchased from a select shop in Shibuya in either 1998 or 1999. I'm selling these as I haven't had a chance to wear them in a while. They are vintage, so there are some scuffs and cracks in the leather (see photos 11-14), although they are not a major issue. The soles have been repaired at the heels only. Please refrain from bidding if you are looking for a perfect item or are overly concerned about condition. RED WING Red Wing Size: US 7 1/2E (equivalent to 26.0cm) I usually wear 26.5cm in New Balance and 27.0cm in Converse, but these fit if I wear thin socks. However, the fit is snug in the toes. No box, just the boots themselves. Brown core: Made of black chrome leather, the brown core appears when the leather wears down. This is a characteristic of 90s Red Wings and differs from modern leather. • Dog tag: The "square dog tag" (around 1997-1999) is a symbol of the late 90s, a transition period from the Wing tag. It's a popular collector's item due to the Red Wing boom in Japan. Rarity: The combination of brown core leather and the square dog tag is particularly rare. The 1998 model is also known as the "phantom brown core," and those in good condition are considered "exquisite."