Rock Your Socks- show your sock, shoe & pant combos - Page 514

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncdobson 

 

I agree about the last. These were 2nds, my 1st shells.

 

As for the laces, I was trying to liven up the otherwise institutional shoes. The freshman seminar I teach is having dinner at the college president's house, & our school colors are red & black plaid. So, w/o even seeing the plaid bowtie & cufflinks, you're right; it's over top. I prefer to think of it as Jack Donaghy's "power clash."

I hear you.  If you flick back over the last few pages, you'll see some similarly "challenging" combinations from me!

Burgundy and grey.  Tame.  But shiny. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gdot 

Mimo,
whereabouts do you live? are you wearing shell in the middle east?

I am in the Middle East, but this is not shell.  It's normal polished calf on a pair of Loakes about 12 years old.  I have to say they are a nice colour though, and although it's not clear here, on a close look they have developed rather a nice patina around the toes.  It must be the colour, and the big creases in the vamp, that have misled you!

But now you mention it, shouldn't I wear shell in the Middle East?  I've never had cordovan shoes but was thinking of it - I would welcome an education.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gdot 

Some say shell is too heavy for wear in the heat. I'm starting to question that. Thought perhaps you might have some experience with it.
I've always thought of shell as 'winter' shoes but this summer have been wearing it comfortably and I'm starting to think my former perception was just 'hooey'!
In any case, I've come to appreciate that a thick soled shoe insulates against hot pavement better than a flimsy Italian loafer with a thin sole.

Sure, on hot days even polished leather seems a bit constraining.  I might get another canvas spectator before next summer - that's been a joy to wear, without going as far as an AE "Strawfut" (although maybe a blue one...).  I guess in this environment I don't walk on hot pavement that much to notice that effect - beach for exercise with no shoes, or air-conditioned car to air-conditioned office with not much gap in between.  But I have to say that purely from the point of view of comfort and support, I think I'll stick to welted shoes even for loafers next time round - blaked shoes just don't feel "proper" enough to warrant getting any more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gdot 


Yeah - not much time spent outside walking - but in the winter when the weather cools a bit it's nice to get out and walk when possible. I even try to stay within a few blocks of my meeting locations and walk to and from if possible. I know this makes me a 'freak' but what I can say?
I'm fine with Blake welted shoes - but don't currently own very many. As I pretty much 'went English' a year or so ago after many years of wearing mostly Italian shoes.
Have you looked at Carmina shoes yet? For some reason they seem to me like they might be your cuppa. Don't know why - just a feeling. They have a few lasts that might work well for you

Yes I agree; I do try to take the opportunities to walk when it's reasonable.  The other downside here is the lack of pavements, but yeah.

I've only a couple of loafers that are blake stitched.  But that's spooky you should mention Carmina; I was just going through their stuff a moment ago and working out some prices from info they've sent me.  I have a foot that's wide across the toes, and a slightly high instep (not freaky shit, normal arch), and tend towards a G in most sleek-lasted English shoes like Cheaney and Church (F in C&J, E in American-speak). But I have a couple of regulars too in loafers and boots, that have rounder lasts.  What's your advice on Carmina lasts?  I was told the "Rain" was the way to go - any others?

My other contender is Vass.  But this month's shoe budget is probably already gone!

Carmina shell bluchers w/ laces from the Knottery