Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[suitforcourt]

I’ve heard that @suitforcourt keeps CG pairs to wear when swimming.

But I don't wear speedos.

 

[ccpl14]

But I don't wear speedos.

Once you try the "see thru butt" you'll never go back.

 

[nikolau]

Folks- what do you think of the Leeds? I’m considering getting a pair in black shell.

 

[kilowatts]

Once you try the "see thru butt" you'll never go back.

Hi Guys:

I'm a bit late for the split toe day but these are one of my pairs. AE sharks.

Also, I actually did try the "speedo & LWB" look in Maui last year. It' not really a good look for me! I caught a lot of people looking at me but not in a good way!

kilowatts

 

[suitforcourt]

Folks- what do you think of the Leeds? I’m considering getting a pair in black shell.

I am a fan of PTBs, only behind LWBs in preference.

And black shell can be amazing. I have a pair of Florsheim PTBs in black shell. Very sharp. In fact, I will wear them later and take pics for you.

 

[kilowatts]

I don't know why it posted twice, sorry!

 

[kilowatts]

Folks- what do you think of the Leeds? I’m considering getting a pair in black shell.

Great shoes. Hard to beat.

 

[woofmang]

Folks- what do you think of the Leeds? I’m considering getting a pair in black shell.

I think it's a great PTB, especially in shell.

 

[CWOyaji]

Great shoes. Hard to beat.

I have a pair of Leeds in black shell and like them.

 

[stook1]

Hi Guys:
View attachment 1392597

I'm a bit late for the split toe day but these are one of my pairs. AE sharks.

Also, I actually did try the "speedo & LWB" look in Maui last year. It' not really a good look for me! I caught a lot of people looking at me but not in a good way!

kilowatts


View attachment 1392597

Someone say something about split toe day? Pardon the vintage violation. I don't have any vintage split toes.

Spoiler: vintage violation

 

[kilowatts]

Someone say something about split toe day? Pardon the vintage violation. I don't have any vintage split toes.

Spoiler: vintage violation

View attachment 1392623

I like those suedes.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

There is light at the end of the “work from home” tunnel. I may be returning soon! That means getting to wear real shoes to the office!

To prepare I decided to try on my new to me 96624. I was unfamiliar with this style but have learned there is no discernible difference (to me at least) between it and the 92604.

I was struggling with choosing between two pair of 92604 when I found these from one of my favorite eBay sellers. The cost MUCH less than half of what it would have cost to restore a pair of 92604 even at the more reasonable McFarland price. So, it was a no brainer purchase.

On another note, I am confident I am as much of a Johnston Murphy critic as anyone — in terms of their current styles.

I am also a proponent of J&M’s quality MiUSA offerings even as late as the 90’s. Some of their styles when they were made in USA are on par, or better, with styles from AE. My frustration with J&M is similar to the frustration we all share regarding Florsheim. They both squandered a reputation for high quality shoes and surrendered to inferior materials in the hopes of profits based on volume rather than workmanship.

But, I will give them credit for trying to improve some styles.

Spoiler: Vintage violation - avert your eyes if this offends

I received an email advertising a steep discount on their new “Collection” styles. This is their current attempt to sell a premium line by declaring it as “Made in Italy”. Some of the stuff isn’t bad looking. But, I’m suspicious of the quality. Yet, this pair was 50% off and had 30% off additional markdown. They had a pair in my size. For the price, I decided to pull the trigger.

I was actually quite surprised. The box is sturdy and quality. The box even included nice storage bags. I was impressed even before seeing the shoes. My expectations were fairly low.

But, for the price and knowing that cheap suede is better than cheap leather, I am very happy with my new Tassel loafers.

 

[Jiqea]

Most here know the brand as John McHale. These are the predecessor Scott and McHale, which was one of the labels used prior to their purchase by Florsheim.

Based in London Ontario, the McHale company made shoes known for durability and quality. Just look at the stitching details. I bought these from @Jiqea , and I believe the shoes date from the 30s or 40s.

The leather is stiff and needs some break in. Otherwise, nice to have a pair of u-wings in the rotation. View attachment 1392125 View attachment 1392126 View attachment 1392127 View attachment 1392128 View attachment 1392129

I believe those shoes are from the early to mid 50's Ken. Most U-wings date to the 50's, with a few from the late 40's and a handful still manufactured right through the 60's, 70's and 80's (Such as the Dack's Zebu grain Cambridge model).

 

[Nobleprofessor]

Anyone have a good resource for cedar shoe trees? I found decent versions for $88 for 6 pair. That’s a little less than $15 a pair. I don’t think I can find them any cheaper than that. I try to buy them whenever I see them at Estate sales or thrift stores. But, that is rare!

 

[woofmang]

Anyone have a good resource for cedar shoe trees? I found decent versions for $88 for 6 pair. That’s a little less than $15 a pair. I don’t think I can find them any cheaper than that. I try to buy them whenever I see them at Estate sales or thrift stores. But, that is rare!

If, by "good resource", you mean "less than $15/pair," then, no, I don't. But I highly recommend these Rochester trees (https://www.onecedarlane.com/product/woodard-shoe-tree/); Rochester makes the trees for Alden, Brooks Brothers, Grant Stone, and lots of other shoe companies. These are my favorites.

They're a bit over $20/pair (they list for $24.95, but if you wait a second or two, a box will pop up with a 10% discount code - not sure this works on a phone, but it's always there when I go on my laptop) , and are worth every penny.