Gap between Facings - Bluchers (Once More with Feeling)

[Roger]

A few months ago, there were several (well, OK, at least two) threads on the proper gap between the facings (edges where the eyelets are) of balmorals. There were a number of opinions expressed, ranging from support for no space, for a thin, but parallel gap, and for a V-shaped gap reaching 1/4" at the top. (The latter, I think, had been suggested at one time by Tony Gaziano.)

Well, let's tackle bluchers. Here, we wouldn't expect any departure from parallelism of the facings, but how wide should the gap be? Are there any accepted standards about this? Just to start things off, I'll say that, in general, I like about 3/8" to 1/2", but no more.

And no comments about OCD please. What are these forums for if not to obsess and compulse?

 

[silent]

I think 1/2" is great but more tends to look off on dressier shoes. Facings should be parallel IMHO.
Smaller than 3/8" and in my opinion the shoe looks too big for the wearer.

that said, I have an extremely high instep and most shoes do not fit well. As a result, I have usually a 3/4" gap, today I'm wearing AE dickson's and have a ~1" gap, bit less if I tie them very tightly but I don't care and think they still look great on me.
Dont get me started how badly bals fit me, I will not buy bals online without having them tried on first.