Dacks and other Canadian shoe brands

[ojaw]

Don’t see “finest” stamped anywhere on mine, but at $45 CAD all in for a new pair of Canada West service shoes with defect (small void in the side of the Vibram sole) I am not complaining! 9.5 F straight outta The Maples.

 

[suitforcourt]

Don’t see “finest” stamped anywhere on mine, but at $45 CAD all in for a new pair of Canada West service shoes with defect (small void in the side of the Vibram sole) I am not complaining! 9.5 F straight outta The Maples.
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I wish I could find a pair in my size. Great pick up.

 

[ojaw]

I wish I could find a pair in my size. Great pick up.

Thanks, that’s the benefit of living where they’re made! I had no idea they even made any of their shoes in an F width, figured I’d have to move up a half size from my EE boots, but nope, sitting right there on the discount stand.

 

[suitforcourt]

Thanks, that’s the benefit of living where they’re made! I had no idea they even made any of their shoes in an F width, figured I’d have to move up a half size from my EE boots, but nope, sitting right there on the discount stand.

F is approximately EE width.

I need 8.5G or 8.5H, depending on the last. I've only seen them in D, E, and F widths.

 

[ojaw]

F is approximately EE width.

I need 8.5G or 8.5H, depending on the last. I've only seen them in D, E, and F widths.

Interesting, I just assumed that an F width would be wider than anything in the E range for a Canadian made shoe. Thanks.

 

[suitforcourt]

Interesting, I just assumed that an F width would be wider than anything in the E range for a Canadian made shoe. Thanks.

For Canadian shoes, F is certainly wider than E. It is not a direct comparison to the US sizing system. And throw in the UK sizing system, and we have ourselves a nice old international party.

 

[mackbrad]

Though not technically not a Canadian company, these shoes are from UK brand that has apparently existed since 1759 called Lotus -- which is (checks notes) 261 years ago. So, I hope you guys will forgive me for posting them here!

Has anyone ever encountered a vintage pair of Lotus in the wild before? They seem well-built (they're heavy) though I'm not sure about the leather. (Note: these are as I found them; have not yet spruced them up.)

 

[Jiqea]

Though not technically not a Canadian company, these shoes are from UK brand that has apparently existed since 1759 called Lotus -- which is (checks notes) 261 years ago. So, I hope you guys will forgive me for posting them here!

Has anyone ever encountered a vintage pair of Lotus in the wild before? They seem well-built (they're heavy) though I'm not sure about the leather. (Note: these are as I found them; have not yet spruced them up.)

They are a wonderful shoe. Lotus has been making them from at least the 50's. There is a boot version as well, and both boot and shoe were available in black and brown. I have been searching for a pair in my size for two years.Very nice find!!

 

[mackbrad]

They are a wonderful shoe. Lotus has been making them from at least the 50's. There is a boot version as well, and both boot and shoe were available in black and brown. I have been searching for a pair in my size for two years.Very nice find!!

Ah - cool! I'm glad I picked them up then! I was a little unsure of the quality, but if you vouch them I think I'm good! lol
What decade do you guess these are from?

 

[Jiqea]

Ah - cool! I'm glad I picked them up then! I was a little unsure of the quality, but if you vouch them I think I'm good! lol
What decade do you guess these are from?

They were making them far longer than I thought. Here is an advert from 1941. I would guess your pair is from the 70's or so. What do the heels look like? Google Veldtschoen, Cool construction. Designed to be waterproof. Essentially a Goodyear welted shoe inside a stitch down shoe. Very desirable.

 

[mackbrad]

Lotus has been making them from at least the 50's. There is a boot version as well, and both boot and shoe were available in black and brown. I have been searching for a pair in my size for two years.Very nice find!!

They were making them far longer than I thought. Here is an advert from 1941. I would guess your pair is from the 70's or so. What do the heels look like? Google Veldtschoen, Cool construction. Designed to be waterproof. Essentially a Goodyear welted shoe inside a stitch down shoe. Very desirable.

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Very cool. I was researching them last night as well. Apparently, the "Veldtschoen" model originated as Officer's shoes (and boots) in the First World War as a way to keep their feet dry in the trenches. Their popularity extended to regular enlisted soldiers when Lotus began marketing them to their family members, aka mothers and fathers.

I'm guessing the model name was a direct nod to the war? In Dutch veldt means field and schoen is shoe, so I'm guessing that's what they were getting at branding wise.

The heels are wood and are nailed in - apparently to the sole if what I just read is to be believed. The amount of engineering that went into creating this waterproof footwear in an era before rubber boots were a thing, is outstanding. Can't wait to slip them on the next time I have to walk the dog in the rain and see if they live up to the waterproof hype!

 

[suitforcourt]

@Jiqea - can you help date this pair of Dacks I thrifted? The last fits me well, and the leather is incredibly soft. I will have a cobbler revive with a full rebuild.

 

[Jiqea]

@Jiqea - can you help date this pair of Dacks I thrifted? The last fits me well, and the leather is incredibly soft. I will have a cobbler revive with a full rebuild.

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Can you picture the soles and sock liner please

 

[suitforcourt]

Can you picture the soles and sock liner please

Soles don't look original to me. Definitely a cemented pair. I don't see a welt.

 

[Jiqea]

Soles don't look original to me. Definitely a cemented pair. I don't see a welt.

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Early to mid 70's. The soles and heels have been replaced. I would not invest in this pair unless you really love them. A better pair will come along.