Yuketen Boat Shoes: Worth it, and taking care of them

[rellison]

I bought these recently from Opening Ceremony:

http://www.openingceremony.us/produc...roductid=18269

1) Are they really better quality than Top Siders? Am I being ridiculous here by paying $300 for them?
2) How do I take care of them if they are suede, i.e., I will be wearing them near the beach and they need to be a little water resistant. The crepe sole won't be a problem near sand, will it?

 

[jessis]

No idea - but those soles are off the hook...look like they are designed for the soft sand...

 

[baba booey]

Not sure I could bring myself to pay $300 for them, but the quality should be superior to Top-Siders. Just get yourself some Kiwi Super Protector, suede brush and eraser and you are set.

 

[Epaulet]

Originally Posted by rellison

I bought these recently from Opening Ceremony: http://www.openingceremony.us/produc...roductid=18269 1) Are they really better quality than Top Siders? Am I being ridiculous here by paying $300 for them? 2) How do I take care of them if they are suede, i.e., I will be wearing them near the beach and they need to be a little water resistant. The crepe sole won't be a problem near sand, will it?
They're absolutely worth it. Yuki's shoes are out of this world - and they're in an entirely different league from Sperry. Congrats on getting an awesome pair! Overall, they're pretty low-maintenance. Clean the suede with a suede brush if it gets dirty. If your leather gets really wet, then use something like Pecard's or Mink Oil to restore it after it dries out. Just a little bit will work wonders. And, this is hardcore for a casual style like this, but I'd recommend a pair of cedar shoe trees that are one size too small. They'll absorb moisture, extend the life of the leather liner, and cut down on creasing. By getting a size too small, you won't stretch the shoe.

 

[MIKE_JE]

Enjoy them!

I've never owned a pair but have been salivating over the Blucher Kiltie's in Khaki for a while now. I saw them at Colette and would have shelled out the 240 euros if they had my size. Anybody have any idea of where I can get these?

 

[Psioga1jxg]

I own a pair of Yuketen shoes and they are in a different league than Sperry. (I own Sperry as well.) I liked the soft cushon of the crepe sole but...they absorb lots of dirt and oil. I took mine to a local shoe repair store and had a 3/16' hard sole installed on the bottom of the crepe. Now I wear them everyday and they don't stain at all. The new sole is a matching color to the crepe.I may have given up a small portion of the softness of the crepe sole but they are now my favorite casual shoes.
John

 

[Listi]

Originally Posted by jessis

No idea - but those soles are off the hook...look like they are designed for the soft sand...

Hence why crepe soles are also used on desert boots