Spectator shoes.

LabelKing · Jun 11, 2007

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.

ATM · Jun 11, 2007

Maybe they keep only one pair of each size in their warehouses just in case.

Harrydog · Jun 11, 2007

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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.

zjpj83 · Jun 11, 2007

I own a few and never enjoy wearing them. They sort of sit in my closet as curiosities.

Manton · Jun 11, 2007

Originally Posted by Harrydog

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

C&J for Peals. Love these shoes

They do indeed look nice.

LabelKing · Jun 11, 2007

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.

itsstillmatt · Jun 12, 2007

I love specs and wear my wo pairs semi-frequently in warm weather.

acidboy · Jun 12, 2007

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.

j · Jun 12, 2007

Originally Posted by Harrydog

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.

mr monty · Jun 12, 2007

I have several pair and wear them during the summer season. Usually with linen trousers.

lakewolf · Jun 12, 2007

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...

The Style Council · Jun 12, 2007

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

The Style Council · Jun 12, 2007

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectator_shoes

TSC

designprofessor · Jun 12, 2007

I get plenty of use from my 4 pair.

Will · Jun 12, 2007

I have a pair of brogues that I wear with linen suits and my next order will be a pair of casual specs.

Spectator shoes.

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