Dacks and other Canadian shoe brands

[Jiqea]

I was also looking into these but knew you were likely the other party, I’m sure you will be able to move them in no time

I figured that you would have looked closely at the listing. I don't think I will make much, as the boots are somewhat dated in terms of style and I cant sell a loafer to save ******, but it will be fun to have them around.

 

[gorebug]

In our next instalment of my inability to resist anything Canadian made... my first find of Boulet boots (10.5EE and 10.5EEEEE). Dirty, but they've cleaned up decently well - one pair has a brand new half-sole and heel (although looks like it was done by a butcher rather than a cobbler).

Any idea on what kind of hides these might be?

 

[suitforcourt]

Gentlemen, I would like to highly recommend a boot brand I just got introduced to: Boulet from Canada. Known for their cowboy boots, they recently ventured into casual models but doing a piss poor job of marketing them.

https://bouletboots.com/product-category/casuals/

There is only a plain toe series for now, but offer a variety of soles including a copy of Vibram Christy, Vibram 430, and Vibram heavy lug. I have the 8967 model with the Christy style sole.

Incredibly comfortable and the 8.5eee fits exactly like my 8.5eee dress shoes. I am wearing a pair of thicker wool socks and fit is perfect. The insoles and wedge sole offer excellent support, which I need as I use orthotics.

The stitching is clean, flawless, and even. Absolutely no break in, whereas I have struggled trying to break in a pair of Red Wing 8111. Of my other boots, these fit best. A close second are my Chippewa boots. Red Wing, Wolverine 1000 mile, Dr. Martens, and Blundstone aren't ideal for fit. I will be buying more pairs of Boulet. For sure.

Price point is $330 CAD or around $255 USD. For a goodyear welted boot that is made in Canada, I think that is a very competitive value. To my knowledge, Boulet only offers their goods through their own website, or stockists.

I got these from Gary Coakley in London Ontario: https://www.coakleys.ca/ I would ask all you boot enthusiasts to give this brand a try.

 

[dadjeans]

As I always say, Boulet boot coucher avec moi!!

Several months later and I now sing this in my head every damn time I see a pair of their cowboy boots (which, here in Hamilton, happens at pretty much every stop).

 

[Jiqea]

Several months later and I now sing this in my head every damn time I see a pair of their cowboy boots (which, here in Hamilton, happens at pretty much every stop).

C'est ca!

 

[suitforcourt]

Florsheim by John McHale with new JR soles, welt, grommets, cat paw heels, and toe taps.

Rebuild by Gary Coakley in London ON.

 

[Jiqea]

I had a nice pair of mid-1960's Dacks "Bespoke Quality" water bison derbys arrive today, and in my size (10.5D). As I have a birthday in 2020, I have decided to give this pair to myself. I have equipped them with a pair of period correct Dacks shoe trees made from the finest Canadian Maple and then painted black!

 

[suitforcourt]

Full circle for these Florsheim by McHale.

Made in London, and rebuilt in London by cobbler Gary Coakely.

JR soles, cat paw heels, toe taps, and new welt.

 

[dadjeans]

First time finding 'Director's Quality' Hartts. I believe these are from the 60s?

Also picked up some NOS factory reject (I assume that's what F/R stamped on the sole means) Dack's tassel loafers. I'm assuming the defect is the wonky heel alignment. At size 13, they're big enough to eat the pretty little Hartts above for breakfast!

 

[Jiqea]

Today I am feeling like I have opened up a Dack's store, circa 1984. Six NOS pairs have arrived, complete with their boxes and shoe trees. Four pairs of black balmorals (9.5C), one pair of brown loafers and a pair of zippered kangaroo boots. All had been stockpiled by a former Air Canada pilot who was moving out of his house into a care facility.

 

[suitforcourt]

One of the last original Dacks prior to bankruptcy in 2009. I bought this pair of Seneca at the Toronto Dacks store. For 25% discount, EVEN during bankruptcy sales. I later found more pairs at a bankruptcy clear out run by a different company. 75% off.

When Matthew Dacks revived in 2011, this Seneca model was brought back, but NOT in calf, or this walnut colour. So these are true vintage. This pair has a lot of sentimental value for me, as I bought them after joining the work force, and one of my first well made shoes. Rebuild done by Quick Cobbler in Vancouver. Ronald Nijdam is the only Canadian cobbler to win the SSIA Silver Cup title.

 

[Jiqea]

In coming camels; oddly from the west not the east. A bit of Bicks and some black edge dressing and these shoes will pop. The plastic Dacks trees will be my first in this style. Laugh if you will, but plastic and metal trees are great for travelling to keep the weight down.

 

[suitforcourt]

In coming camels; oddly from the west not the east. A bit of Bicks and some black edge dressing and these shoes will pop. The plastic Dacks trees will be my first in this style. Laugh if you will, but plastic and metal trees are great for travelling to keep the weight down.

View attachment 1501779 View attachment 1501780

I've never seen plastic Dacks shoe trees. In order to maintain my status as a vintage shoe enthusiast, I am duty bound to find a pair.

I too, use plastic shoe trees for travelling.

 

[suitforcourt]

Gents, I am consigning a few pairs through @mariusscott .

Feel free to make offers. Some are from my personal collection while others were grabbed as NOS.

ScotkinVintage - Etsy Canada

Shop Place for great, forgotten high end men's fashion by ScotkinVintage located in Victoria, British Columbia. Smooth dispatch! Has a history of dispatching on time with tracking.

www.etsy.com

 

[basstoyourface]

Some military feels.