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Stingray footwear

post #1 of 21
10/30/11 at 11:23am
Thread Starter 
Calling all stingray footwear owners.


I really love the look of stingray and planned to have a pair of boots or shoes made sometime in the future, but last week Spoo's posting of a G&G stingray wholecut got under my skin and now I want a pair ASAP.

I did a little research and it appears unanimous that stingray is one of the most robust and long lived skins despite its delicate appearance and absolute awesomeness.

My question: Any reason why I shouldn't use this type of leather for a foul weather (snow, slush, rain) boot? Can anyone who owns stingray footwear comment on its durability and ease of maintenance please.

This is a boot that I will wear all winter and it will be exposed to all the typical harsh elements like road salts, gravel, sand and other de- icing compounds. I actually plan to make the pattern, cut and close the upper myself and send it off to be finished by someone experienced in such (hand carved holdfast , hand welted, etc.).
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post #2 of 21
10/30/11 at 3:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xenon View Post

Calling all stingray footwear owners.
I really love the look of stingray and planned to have a pair of boots or shoes made sometime in the future, but last week Spoo's posting of a G&G stingray wholecut got under my skin and now I want a pair ASAP.
I did a little research and it appears unanimous that stingray is one of the most robust and long lived skins despite its delicate appearance and absolute awesomeness.
My question: Any reason why I shouldn't use this type of leather for a foul weather (snow, slush, rain) boot? Can anyone who owns stingray footwear comment on its durability and ease of maintenance please.
This is a boot that I will wear all winter and it will be exposed to all the typical harsh elements like road salts, gravel, sand and other de- icing compounds. I actually plan to make the pattern, cut and close the upper myself and send it off to be finished by someone experienced in such (hand carved holdfast , hand welted, etc.).

All the stingray I've seen (and the last time I had any was 10 years ago) was pretty porous. The ivory beads seem to be mounted on a very fibrous mesh. It is not dense like regular leather.

the upshot is that I would be very worried about water and road salts, etc., just migrating like crazy into the lining and interior of the shoe.
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post #3 of 21
10/30/11 at 3:37pm
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post #4 of 21
10/30/11 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpooPoker View Post

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Gah, you are a devil indeed, Spoo...but c'mon those have to run up to $3k or so, yea?
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post #5 of 21
10/30/11 at 3:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by unbelragazzo View Post

Gah, you are a devil indeed, Spoo...but c'mon those have to run up to $3k or so, yea?

info@thearmoury.com

you will be free of all your sins...
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post #6 of 21
10/30/11 at 4:01pm
Maybe if I can lay off other purchases for a few months I will reward myself...maybe stingray is rare enough that there is no definitive answer to this question but - is it considered casual or formal? It seems like other exotics are often made into loafers and I consider them very casual - like I expect to see them on some dude lazing around in Florida. But that stingray in black on the very elegant last...this seems to me like a stunning formal evening shoe. Is that crazy? In what settings would the wearing of these shoes be indicated and counter-indicated?
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post #7 of 21
10/30/11 at 4:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by unbelragazzo View Post

Maybe if I can lay off other purchases for a few months I will reward myself...maybe stingray is rare enough that there is no definitive answer to this question but - is it considered casual or formal? It seems like other exotics are often made into loafers and I consider them very casual - like I expect to see them on some dude lazing around in Florida. But that stingray in black on the very elegant last...this seems to me like a stunning formal evening shoe. Is that crazy? In what settings would the wearing of these shoes be indicated and counter-indicated?

I tend to agree with you. I can only imagine wearing stingray (shagreen) shoes at night. Unless of course there is a way to soften the sheen effectively. I'm thinking cocktail parties that are just short of 'semi formal' would be great, as would gallery openings, symphony and opera performances (if you dont' do the tux), and then of course, uber upscale nightclubs and sex establishments on the other side of the spectrum.

I'll just say this much to one and all..... PLEASE order them without the 'pearl' prominently highlighted and displayed on the toe. There are too many cheapish stingray products coming out of Southeast Asia with the contrasting pearl on them. I really think it cheapens the effect of the hide.
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post #8 of 21
10/30/11 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DWFII View Post

All the stingray I've seen (and the last time I had any was 10 years ago) was pretty porous. The ivory beads seem to be mounted on a very fibrous mesh. It is not dense like regular leather.
the upshot is that I would be very worried about water and road salts, etc., just migrating like crazy into the lining and interior of the shoe.

Damn! I'm really disappointed to hear that. Stingray boots would have looked awesome with a cashmere overcoat.
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post #9 of 21
10/30/11 at 4:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdot View Post

I tend to agree with you. I can only imagine wearing stingray (shagreen) shoes at night. Unless of course there is a way to soften the sheen effectively. I'm thinking cocktail parties that are just short of 'semi formal' would be great, as would gallery openings, symphony and opera performances (if you dont' do the tux), and then of course, uber upscale nightclubs and sex establishments on the other side of the spectrum.
I'll just say this much to one and all..... PLEASE order them without the 'pearl' prominently highlighted and displayed on the toe. There are too many cheapish stingray products coming out of Southeast Asia with the contrasting pearl on them. I really think it cheapens the effect of the hide.

Is this what people mean by the pearl? If so, yes, looks horrid IMHO

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post #10 of 21
10/30/11 at 4:18pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpooPoker View Post

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The first picture, is that dark blue? A stunning color for a stunning shoe.

I can see those working with so many outfits.
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post #11 of 21
10/30/11 at 4:19pm
Yes - that is 'the pearl'. And an especially large one at that.

They have their place - but if used too boldly they simply look like a 'label' to me. Sort of like 'Look at me! I'm made of stingray!' Not my cup of tea.
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post #12 of 21
10/30/11 at 4:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpooPoker View Post

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These are amazing.
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post #13 of 21
10/30/11 at 5:16pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdot View Post


. There are too many cheapish stingray products coming out of Southeast Asia with the contrasting pearl on them. I really think it cheapens the effect of the hide.

I totally agree.

I ordered some skins that have no pearl at all and othesr that are large enough so that the pearl can be located in waste material.
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post #14 of 21
10/30/11 at 8:18pm
So, what is this pearl, exactly. On the animal, that is.
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post #15 of 21
10/30/11 at 9:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xenon View Post

I totally agree.
I ordered some skins that have no pearl at all and othesr that are large enough so that the pearl can be located in waste material.

There was a bespoke pair posted in one of the shoe threads that had the pearls on the top of the tongue. Still there, but in a more discrete location that doesn't scream "hey, this is expensive motha!". It looked classy, and while I'm unlikely to ever buy a pair of stingray shoes, that's the way I would be inclined to go.
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