Gaziano & Girling Appreciation & Shoe Appreciation Thread (including reviews, purchases, pictures)

[Geran Brown]



71

And concur with stitchy on 71's.

Awesome! That's the one I was leaning towards to begin with

Thanks for the help!

 

[Frank the sheep]



If you had to rank all of G&G lasts based on timeless, what would that be? I'm trying to decided which would be last to get between the MH71 or TG73.

MH71 without a doubt.


Arran on MH71

 

[Gianni Cerutti]

MH71 without a doubt.


Arran on MH71

I really like the leather used .... what skin is it?

 

[daizawaguy]

Any ideas on why one would Topy and not go for the Wensum option on a MTO?

 

[Frank the sheep]



I really like the leather used .... what skin is it?

Thanks. It´s brown highland grain.

Any ideas on why one would Topy and not go for the Wensum option on a MTO?

Maybe so he can avoid resoling and just put on a new topy?

 

[daizawaguy]

The Wensum`s are actually the indestructible rubber sole that looks as thin as the leather from the side. It would never need a resole, and hence my question - Topy`s do need replacement, and presumably are put on to get more wear out of the sole, but the ultimate is the Wensum sole, available from G&G. Perhaps not much is known about this sole? It is similar to a RM Williams composite sole, and rarely wears out, literally, whereas the Topy does wear out and cab alter the balance of the shoe, if only marginally.

 

[JubeiSpiegel]

I think topy simply serves the purpose of increasing the leather sole longevity a bit, while still giving you that GG fiddled waist.

I have been told that rubber soles are more ideal for foul weather environments. Would be the only reason for me to get a rubber sole. Otherwise, how could I miss out on that leather sole goodness

 

[RogerP]

I think topy simply serves the purpose of increasing the leather sole longevity a bit, while still giving you that GG fiddled waist.

I have been told that rubber soles are more ideal for foul weather environments. Would be the only reason for me to get a rubber sole. Otherwise, how could I miss out on that leather sole goodness

That's the reason I have Topys on some shoes. Icy sidewalks and wet slippery marble floors and stairs at two train stations define my commute for what seems like half the year. Synthetics give noticeably better grip than wet leather in these conditions. And while I have no issue wearing leather soles in the rain, wet leather does wear faster. And wet leather walking across miles of sidewalk strewn with rock salt (again, an almost daily reality for me in winter) wears very quickly indeed.

Topys do need periodic replacement, but they last a surprisingly long time for such a thin piece of material.

I have Wensum soles on my Wigmores and think they are a terrific all-weather solution. The trim sole line is nice, but if wishes were being granted I'd actually like them to be slightly thicker. Not double - I mean about 25% to 30% more. That would elevate the leather upper just that tiny bit more out of the slushy muck and give a firmer feel underfoot.

For the record, I have never ever experienced any of the supposed downsides of full or partial synthetic soles.

 

[RogerP]

Any ideas on why one would Topy and not go for the Wensum option on a MTO?

If one likes the feel of a leather sole underfoot, a thin Topy is less of a departure than a full synthetic sole.

 

[ianGP]

When I talked to Dean he said the 3pc boot trees are only for bespoke customers so.... do you think they'll make an exception with a group MTO?

I've been looking for similar 3pc boot trees to no avail! The closest 'boot tree' I've come across is La Cordonnerie's from thehangerproject

 

[in stitches]



I think topy simply serves the purpose of increasing the leather sole longevity a bit, while still giving you that GG fiddled waist.
I have been told that rubber soles are more ideal for foul weather environments. Would be the only reason for me to get a rubber sole. Otherwise, how could I miss out on that leather sole goodness

yep. i topied some of my other shoes and they prolong the wear on the ball of your foot where you walk. ideal if you wear a shoe a lot and walk a lot in it. and better grip on sidewalks. and the rubber is not adversely affected by water and snow like leather is.

---

frank those are amazing.

 

[JubeiSpiegel]



When I talked to Dean he said the 3pc boot trees are only for bespoke customers so.... do you think they'll make an exception with a group MTO?

I've been looking for similar 3pc boot trees to no avail! The closest 'boot tree' I've come across is La Cordonnerie's from thehangerproject

I would be surprised if they make an exception. They are fantastic though, for boots that is...

 

[Frank the sheep]



When I talked to Dean he said the 3pc boot trees are only for bespoke customers so.... do you think they'll make an exception with a group MTO?

I've been looking for similar 3pc boot trees to no avail! The closest 'boot tree' I've come across is La Cordonnerie's from thehangerproject

I don´t think he will. Bespoke England sold boot trees under the store name but had to stop with this because of the reason Dean told you...only for bespoke.

I have two pair of boot trees that i luckily got before B-E stopped selling them.

 

[othertravel]



That's the reason I have Topys on some shoes.  Icy sidewalks and wet slippery marble floors and stairs at two train stations define my commute for what seems like half the year.  Synthetics give noticeably better grip than wet leather in these conditions.  And while I have no issue wearing leather soles in the rain, wet leather does wear faster.  And wet leather walking across miles of sidewalk strewn with rock salt (again, an almost daily reality for me in winter) wears very quickly indeed.

Topys do need periodic replacement, but they last a surprisingly long time for such a thin piece of material.

I have Wensum soles on my Wigmores and think they are a terrific all-weather solution.  The trim sole line is nice, but if wishes were being granted I'd actually like them to be slightly thicker. Not double - I mean about 25% to 30% more.  That would elevate the leather upper just that tiny bit more out of the slushy muck and give a firmer feel underfoot.

For the record, I have never ever experienced any of the supposed downsides of full or partial synthetic soles.

We share the same commute! Have you considered adding toe caps on top of the Topys? Also, have you found a good cobbler in the city?

And speaking of commutes, witnessed a shoving match at Union station today.

 

[in stitches]



I have two pair of boot trees that i luckily got before B-E stopped selling them.

i am teh jelly.