Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[suitforcourt]

Rather than a clue, I think that was an actual $50 prize that no one has claimed yet. Go for it!

It's been claimed. Don't get me wrong, I love getting free gifts, especially shoes from Gaziano and Girling. But I don't have the time to sift through hundreds of thousands of SF pages.

I'd rather save up my money to buy the item.

No judgement on those who spent their Easter weekend hunting for these SF eggs.

 

[suitforcourt]

I have a maintenence question.
When you do the deer bone treatment on your shell leather shoes how long does it usually last (# of wears) before you have to do it again? Just trying to get an idea as I would imagine those bumps and ripples do eventually reappear.
Thanks.

I have never used deer bone. But from what I've read, the ripples will eventually return. Even for two pairs that I had recrafted, they initially looked like new, with the ripples flattened out.

Within a few wears, they came back.

If others have a more positive experience, I can always be converted.

 

[suitforcourt]

View attachment 1164280 What do you call this style of shoe? The stitching around the vamp: I’m not sure if I like it.

It’s a Hartt shoe from @mariusscott ’s Etsy page. Pretty.

I used to think I wouldn't like LWBs. They now occupy over 80% of my collection.

I used to think PTBs are boring and too casual. I now have 9 pairs.

Buy them, and see how you feel later. Having different styles gives you some flexibility for any situation - whether you're going for a job interview, or first date with a super model.

 

[Shoonoob]

I have never used deer bone. But from what I've read, the ripples will eventually return. Even for two pairs that I had recrafted, they initially looked like new, with the ripples flattened out.

Within a few wears, they came back.

If others have a more positive experience, I can always be converted.

Spoon+Conditioner
Same results without having to keep a greasy deer bone bagged up with your shoe maintenance gear. If you REALLY want to try a deer bone I can send you one in October when bow season opens.

 

[kilowatts]

I would classify it as an apron toe blucher

Hi Guys:

Sorry Dave. It's an apron front Derby.

kilowatts

 

[suitforcourt]

Spoon+Conditioner
Same results without having to keep a greasy deer bone bagged up with your shoe maintenance gear. If you REALLY want to try a deer bone I can send you one in October when bow season opens.

You just opened up a new door. Now everyone will be asking you for deer bone.

 

[Oshare]

You just opened up a new door. Now everyone will be asking you for deer bone.

I was kind of tempted to ask for one, too.
But I think that would cross a line with my wife, so I had probably best stick with the spoon.

 

[suitforcourt]

Day off. A bunch of errands to run.

Here is my 3rd pair of 93605 which is the lightest in tone.

I also put in a thicker round lace to give it a different look.

Wishing the thread pals a great week.

 

[wasmisterfu]

Happy Easter, gentleman!

May I share with you Canada's work at its finest, the circa 1950s Jack McHale 85306 boss gunboat!

Tipping the scales at approximately 1.4kg, these 7.5Ds feature sumptuous full brogue short wing leather uppers, 360 deg gold storm welt, enormously wide triple soles, leather lining, and trim around the sock liner. Resplendent even to the pavement with 10 shining brass forefoot nails and a further 50 heel nails, plus the original price tag ($150) from Cheslers who have been in business in southern Ontario since the 1940s. Worn by such luminaries as our own @davidVC , @lbgradwell ,and big in Japan, these gently used examples have the earlier "John McHale" signature inside, and take place of pride on my side table this weekend. Enjoy!

View attachment 1163958 View attachment 1163963 View attachment 1163964 View attachment 1163962 View attachment 1163960 View attachment 1163961

View attachment 1163959

Those are great!

 

[Paul902]

You just opened up a new door. Now everyone will be asking you for deer bone.

I'd be happy with a couple of steaks! Deer steak and Kraft Dinner fueled me through uni.

Here is my 3rd pair of 93605 which is the lightest in tone.

I don't know your others by memory, but I really like this colour.

Those are great!

Wow...wow...
...
...
Wow

Sums my thoughts up too.

thank you, thank you!

 

[wasmisterfu]

You nailed it, it’s in the Fall 1990 catalog, it’s the 5147 in brown.
View attachment 1164192

I know many of you already know this, but for those new to the thread: anything ~74 to 2006 has a date code that is structured as follows: day of week, week of year, last digit of year. So, a pair made on December 14, 1981 would have a code of 1511, usually printed to the right of the style and sizing info, as seen in these 81 Boulevards:

This date code, in combo with the published catalogs and generally understood era specific branding and construction details, allows for accurate dating between ~73 and 2006 (they phased out the codes sometime in 2007-2008), even with only a single digit for the year.

This also allows for identifying stuff on either side of those dates, though we start relying more on construction and branding details (for example, sole shape, welt details, branding, colors).

 

[AEShoeMan]

Good morning gents! 2018 Shoe Challenge MacNeils today - grain for the rain here in Minnesota.

 

[wasmisterfu]

I trust @wasmisterfu more than AE customer service

Higher praise I’ve never received, especially coming from such an esteemed member of the community.

(Note: by esteemed member of the community I mean biggest enabler of this closet filling hobby/addiction/affliction/funness.)

 

[wasmisterfu]

Good morning gents! 2018 Shoe Challenge MacNeils today - grain for the rain here in Minnesota.

I like that these challenge shoes are still rolling. Looking very good, I might add.

Also, MacNeil’s get liked, no exceptions.

 

[wasmisterfu]

Spoon+Conditioner
Same results without having to keep a greasy deer bone bagged up with your shoe maintenance gear. If you REALLY want to try a deer bone I can send you one in October when bow season opens.

Note: the bone he sends you will have been beautifully converted to a suede finish and purple in color.