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Spectator shoes.

post #1 of 112
6/11/07 at 9:37pm
Thread Starter 
I hardly see anyone wear them and yet almost every high-end manufacturer inevitably has a spectator model in their seasonal catalogs.

Is there some sort of historical prestige which accords the spectator a permanent place in shoemakers' catalogs? I can't imagine they sell that well.
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post #2 of 112
6/11/07 at 9:43pm
Maybe they keep only one pair of each size in their warehouses just in case.
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post #3 of 112
6/11/07 at 10:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LabelKing View Post
I hardly see anyone wear them and yet almost every high-end manufacturer inevitably has a spectator model in their seasonal catalogs.

Is there some sort of historical prestige which accords the spectator a permanent place in shoemakers' catalogs? I can't imagine they sell that well.

I often wear spectators as seen in the two examples below,



C&J for Peals. Love these shoes.

And a Borgioli take on the spectator.

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post #4 of 112
6/11/07 at 10:18pm
I own a few and never enjoy wearing them. They sort of sit in my closet as curiosities.
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post #5 of 112
6/11/07 at 10:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harrydog View Post
I often wear spectators as seen in the two examples below,



C&J for Peals. Love these shoes

They do indeed look nice.
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post #6 of 112
6/11/07 at 11:38pm
Thread Starter 
I'm sure we're in the minority here though. I used to have a pair of Spanish white calfskin and blue suede spectators and I just bought a pair of Moreschi cognac and caramel spectator wingtips; and yet our own purchases don't represent mass demographics.
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post #7 of 112
6/12/07 at 12:31am
I love specs and wear my wo pairs semi-frequently in warm weather.
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post #8 of 112
6/12/07 at 1:58am
I bought this pair of Church's almost a year ago, and been wearing it regulary (save for rainy days) in casual situations. I even wear them with dark denim trousers. I guess it is just a matter of opinion, but I've been liking spectators since way back when and buying this pair was a treat for me.
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post #9 of 112
6/12/07 at 3:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harrydog View Post
I often wear spectators as seen in the two examples below,



C&J for Peals. Love these shoes.

Those look really similar to my N&Ls:



Are the numbers inside yours anything like "8321 10E 297 / K18451"? I'm still not sure who made these, but they are excellent with channeled soles and very good finishing all around.

I wore these when I was in Hawaii in January. I keep meaning to wear them with jeans as well, but really just forget. I got compliments the one time I did wear them.

Edit: upon further review, it appears 297 is a C&J last, and the finishing is consistent with C&J handgrades. So I guess that does it.
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post #10 of 112
6/12/07 at 3:28am
I have several pair and wear them during the summer season. Usually with linen trousers.
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post #11 of 112
6/12/07 at 5:38am
I get a loot of looks in the street and everywhere when I wear my spectators... If you are looking to turn heads they are the ones...
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post #12 of 112
6/12/07 at 9:23am
OK, I'm confused.... (doesn't take a lot)


What denotes that a shoe is a spectator? I thought that they would be a brogue shoe of two differing shades of colours.


But, iammatt posted a picture of these beauties, and I have seen similar, which were referred to as 'spectators'. These (this style) I wouldn't hesitate to wear, but, the two tone brogues is a big no no in my book and should only be worn with a zoot suit. (IMO).







Anyone for quick history lesson on 'spectator' shoes?



TSC
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post #13 of 112
6/12/07 at 10:51am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectator_shoes


TSC
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post #14 of 112
6/12/07 at 12:39pm
I get plenty of use from my 4 pair.
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post #15 of 112
6/12/07 at 7:48pm
I have a pair of brogues that I wear with linen suits and my next order will be a pair of casual specs.
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