What does the STAR * asterisk on the heel / sole of some shoes indicate?

ShoeMeister · Mar 18, 2013

I have not been able to get a reliable answer regarding a star that is stamped on various shoes (mostly Italian), usually in pairs on either side of the heel or the bottom soles. Can anyone help me out with this? I appreciate it. The shoes shown are a pair of Bruno Magli Platinum Vento and a Sutor cap toe.

lefty · Mar 18, 2013

It means you will be spared in the coming apocalypse.

Never take those shoes off.

lefty

ShoeMeister · Mar 18, 2013

Ahh.. of course. I should have known. I'll wear the other pair on my head, just to be safe.

ShoeMeister · Mar 18, 2013

Seriously..any idea from the shoe experts?

HughJ · Mar 18, 2013

If only there was a shoemeister around.....

ShoeMeister · Mar 18, 2013

With all the brilliant comedians on this site, there's little need to watch Letterman/Leno... just read this forum, sit back and prepare for hilarity.

bengal-stripe · Mar 18, 2013

It's just a bit of decoration.

ShoeMeister · Mar 18, 2013

Decoration, huh. Geez Louise... doesn't anyone know what these stars mean? I have heard they are the shoe maker's stamp or a certain factory stamp...

bourbonbasted · Mar 18, 2013

I have no idea what they are, but I'd listen to bengal-stripe. He's forgotten more than you or I will ever know.

ShoeMeister · Mar 18, 2013

I'm overwhelmed by the collective shoe expertise in this forum... clearly I misjudged you gents.

bourbonbasted · Mar 18, 2013

If there's one thing that's for certain, it's that everything must have reasoning and functional application. God knows clothes and shoes are no place for aesthetics, decoration or random intricacy. Especially when talking about Italian makers...

ShoeMeister · Mar 18, 2013

I know, I know... you folks brow-beat any talk about Italian shoes.. LOL. Nevertheless, shoes need not always be cinder blocks like EG or similar which you can hear coming a mile away and leave 1" impressions in granite floors. Sometimes, elegance and fashion found in some Italian shoes can add a little variation

bourbonbasted · Mar 18, 2013

I have nothing against Italian shoes and have owned many pairs. In fact, as a loafer addict, I often prefer Italian shoes given their (generally) light weight construction and casually elegant lasts. That said, it seems an Italian shoe would be the perfect candidate to have a bit of extra detail added with no real reasoning behind it.

As I said, I have no basis for this conclusion other than bengal's input, but I also know he is an avid shoe collector and really, really knows his stuff.

DWFII · Mar 18, 2013

The stars are decorations. Once upon a time before cements were used so extensively an outsole had to be tacked down prior to stitching the outsole to the welt. Stars and other devices were used, after the fact, to disguise the tack holes. Many if not most decorations on shoes have roots in function. The "welt "pricking" (between stitches), for instance, originally was implemented to tighten as well as separate stitches.

Many of the functions have been lost but the ornamentation remains. And, to be sure, some ornaments are just oh so "clever" fillips meant to attract the eye or individualize a maker's work.

Kwaker · Mar 18, 2013

My Platinum Volt has the same mark ... it's my only pair of Magli's and so I can't comment if all models have them or just the Platinum line.

What does the STAR * asterisk on the heel / sole of some shoes indicate?

Well-Known Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Senior Member

Well-Known Member

Distinguished Member

Well-Known Member

Cyber Eliitist

Well-Known Member

Cyber Eliitist

Well-Known Member

Cyber Eliitist

Bespoke Boot and Shoemaker

Senior Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: