My New OneShoe, by Alfred Sargent

[emptym]

(I posted this in MC, but I know a bunch of people don't cross over, and I think this shoe fits both worlds well.)

They arrived a few days ago, and I love them. Perhaps too much. Like our friend Mafoo, I seek simplicity. And if I could only have one shoe, OK one pair (RJ), these would be the Ones. Why?

First, because they're versatile: They go well with anything from jeans to suits, perhaps even a tux
(certainly better than burgundy shell longwings

).

Second, because they're practical: As slip ons, they're easy on/off. Perfect for when you're late at the beginning of the day or tired at its end, which I usually am. With their Dainite soles, they're perfect for grip and stability on wet surfaces, uneven pavement, bicycle/motorcycle commutes, or mad dashes to the train (Huntsman?). The little round lugs give me just enough grip for when my nephew starts a spontaneous game of football on the grass or when I decide to walk up an unpaved hill. I'm sure they'll be my first choice for travel: gliding through security, easy off at takeoff, easy on when landing, coping w/ unpredictable weather, trekking across different types of ground w/ luggage, etc.

Third, because they're beautiful: I have and like full brogues, half-brogues, various shades of brown and burgundy, suede and shell. But there's something elegant about a plain pair of black calfskin slip ons.

So much for the design. Why this manufacturer? A few years ago, on eBay, I bought a pair of black suede slip ons made by Alfred Sargent. They were NOS from a defunct NYC shoe store. Solidly constructed and fit like a dream. So comfortable. They've been my favorite shoes for the past few years, even compared to Alden oxfords, Rider Boots, EGs for RL, C&Js, pre-Prada Churches, vintage Florsheims, Gucci loafers, and similar slip ons by Nettleton, Sanders, and Bally.

So when I heard that Alfred Sargent had a new MTO program, I decided to order my dream shoe:

Below, w/ similar pairs:

From l to r: vintage Nettletons, the Alfred Sargents, Sanders, and the older, suede Sargents.
I won't be needing the Sanders (corrected grain, blobby, pigskin lining, plastic heel), so I'll give them to my brother. The Nettletons I'll keep out of respect for their history and probably to use w/ formal wear. They have nice channeled leather soles. And I've grown to love the cracking.

Here w/ white 501s:

Now dressed up (pants by Cornell's in Manila, socks by Uniqlo):

The shoes in natural light after a day's wear:

A shot from below, showing the mini lugs of the always controversial Dainite sole:

They're on AS's 99 last, size 9 EX (UK). Just for comparison, here they are next to Nettletons (10.5 C US), Aldens on the Hampton last (10 B/D US) and Sanders (9 FX UK).

Now, lest one think I only like black, I've ordered a pair of brown balmoral boots from AS. Hopefully they'll arrive in time for Christmas!

 

[unjung]

I'm going to be honest with you, they remind me of the slippers my grandpa wears crossed with KCs.

 

[impolyt_one]

they remind me of some Ferragamo loafers i once had and never wore after I realized full slip-ons are stupid.

 

[emptym]

I agree with you both in a way. There are a lot of bad slip ons out there. But as usual and imo, it's the subtle differences that count. When I was a kid, we used to get in fights about Vans which were better: lace ups or slip ons. I sided w/ the lace ups. Now I like both. I think my main reason then for not liking slip ons was that they often flew off during kickball...

 

[Bsides]

yep. those are some black slip ons. Glad you are so happy with them though!

 

[jet]

Not a fan of those but I've always wanted a dope pair of hard heeled loafers, especially with some tassles, now that's mafuggin pimp.

 

[ppllzz]

i like the dainite sole. really dont understand the advantages of a leather sole

 

[impolyt_one]

I like Alfred Sargent shoes though, for the record

 

[robbie]

fwiw, i like them.

 

[emptym]

^It's worth a fair amount. I always enjoy your fits. Too bad we didn't get to meet when I spent a few days at MJK's last year.

 

[impolyt_one]

Michael invites people to his crib? ****. You are all invited to visit the Temple of Jawnz around Christmas and I will wear Alfrd Sargent shoes with some MJK stuff.

 

[Arethusa]

Originally Posted by ppllzz

i like the dainite sole. really dont understand the advantages of a leather sole
There aren't any. empty, out of curiosity, how much did these end up costing?

 

[emptym]

Originally Posted by jet

Not a fan of those but I've always wanted a dope pair of hard heeled loafers, especially with some tassles, now that's mafuggin pimp.
Do it. And show us.

Originally Posted by ppllzz

i like the dainite sole. really dont understand the advantages of a leather sole
I a big fan of Dainite. The sleek looks of leather but the performance of a sneaker. Resolable too. I do like leather for the most formal of occasions, and I sometimes like their slipperiness when dancing.

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

Michael invites people to his crib? ****. You are all invited to visit the Temple of Jawnz around Christmas and I will wear Alfrd Sargent shoes with some MJK stuff.
What model? Any luck finding some of that traditional raincoat fabric for your Harringtons?

Originally Posted by Arethusa

There aren't any.

empty, out of curiosity, how much did these end up costing?
I got in right before they finalized prices for their new MTO program, and I ordered Dainite soles, so it was more than their normal RTW prices but less than their new premium program that Groover and ClintonF have used. One of those two posted details of the program and pictures of their much nicer soles w/ fiddled waists, etc. Should be easy to find in a search.

 

[emptym]

Btw, I wanted to acknowledge the craftspeople at AS who did a marvelous job. Here are some pictures from the factory:

This is just a selection from several pics they sent to tide me over while I waited. Such a treat to see the many hands that worked to bring these phenomenal shoes to me. I will enjoy them for decades to come. Thank you!

 

[bluemagic]

I like them. I think they are one of those shoes that looks much better when worn then when sitting there. It's too bad so many ugly slip-ons recently have given them a negative connotation.