Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[suitforcourt]

Gents, I know some of you are also members of the vintage shoe group on Facebook. There was discussion there about a group shirt. One of the members designed one and is selling for $20 USD plus shipping. Made in USA.

Pics attached for reference. Otherwise contact the seller himself.

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I provided misleading info. Shirt made in Honduras. Designed in USA and engraving done in USA. So assembled in USA, just like 90s Florsheim.

 

[Shrewboy]

I wanted to follow up on my previous post about my Florsheim Imperial NSTs with the rotted heels. Based on a referral here, I sent them to Wyatt and Son for repair.

Many companies would do well to use Wyatt’s as a model for customer service. They called as soon as they received my shoes to discuss options. With concerns around the dryness of the soles being similar to the self-destructing heels, they wanted to do full soles and heels. They went through various options while talking, sending me pictures by text to show me options. I wanted original style black welt and stitching, and really didn’t care about the sole colors since I’m going to wear them. So he marked the sole color as “cobbler’s choice”.

The cobbler, Tobias, stamped his name into the soles and had fun with the coloring and stitching. What he did made me almost said to put them on for church this morning…almost! Admittedly, for what I paid for the full rebuild, I could have bought a new pair of Allen’s Edmonds. But I think these are so much cooler than anything AE has on offer right now!

 

[suitforcourt]

I wanted to follow up on my previous post about my Florsheim Imperial NSTs with the rotted heels. Based on a referral here, I sent them to Wyatt and Son for repair.

Many companies would do well to use Wyatt’s as a model for customer service. They called as soon as they received my shoes to discuss options. With concerns around the dryness of the soles being similar to the self-destructing heels, they wanted to do full soles and heels. They went through various options while talking, sending me pictures by text to show me options. I wanted original style black welt and stitching, and really didn’t care about the sole colors since I’m going to wear them. So he marked the sole color as “cobbler’s choice”.

The cobbler, Tobias, stamped his name into the soles and had fun with the coloring and stitching. What he did made me almost said to put them on for church this morning…almost! Admittedly, for what I paid for the full rebuild, I could have bought a new pair of Allen’s Edmonds. But I think these are so much cooler than anything AE has on offer right now!
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Their shop does phenomenal work. For the price, you did well.

 

[Shrewboy]

Their shop does phenomenal work. For the price, you did well.

Thank you!! I forgot to add - in addition to great communication before starting work, they sent me pictures of the work before shipping, shipping information so that I could track the package, and beat their own estimated timeline. I’m impressed!

 

[friendlygoz]

AE sharkskin Wartons are up for the task on a very stormy California day.

 

[Oshare]

Golden Harvests on a clear and crisp autumn day.

 

[BlueSteel]

I wanted to follow up on my previous post about my Florsheim Imperial NSTs with the rotted heels. Based on a referral here, I sent them to Wyatt and Son for repair.

Many companies would do well to use Wyatt’s as a model for customer service. They called as soon as they received my shoes to discuss options. With concerns around the dryness of the soles being similar to the self-destructing heels, they wanted to do full soles and heels. They went through various options while talking, sending me pictures by text to show me options. I wanted original style black welt and stitching, and really didn’t care about the sole colors since I’m going to wear them. So he marked the sole color as “cobbler’s choice”.

The cobbler, Tobias, stamped his name into the soles and had fun with the coloring and stitching. What he did made me almost said to put them on for church this morning…almost! Admittedly, for what I paid for the full rebuild, I could have bought a new pair of Allen’s Edmonds. But I think these are so much cooler than anything AE has on offer right now!
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Really, really nice work!!!

 

[JFWR]

Question: Wikipedia says liquid shoe polish can cause shoes to dry out and crack. Has that happened to anyone here? If so, can someone recommend a cream polish instead?

Saphir.

The answer to any shoe care need is saphir.

I use the beaut de cuir creams primarily, as I find the medalle d'or lines too greasy.

You should never use instant polish on shoes.

Also, get saphir wax.

 

[friendlygoz]

AE teju Clayton today.

 

[corpseposeur]

I picked these Nettleton 206 longwings in NOS condition with original box and shoe bags early this year on eBay. I've taken them out for fall and the rainy weather. I think they'll pair nicely with sheatland sweaters and cords. The quality is excellent with thick grained calf leather and a double-stacked sole. They have been quite difficult to break in but I think they're at a good point now. I had also added Vibram sole protectors. I just ordered some nicer laces to pair with these. I am particularly appreciative of the beautiful and prominent welt fudging. With maybe the exception of Alden, it's rare to see any US shoe maker that makes shoes to this level.

 

[mormonopoly]

Here's a pair of 1940s Stetson wingtips I was wearing recently.

 

[suitforcourt]

Here's a pair of 1940s Stetson wingtips I was wearing recently. View attachment 1692056 View attachment 1692057 View attachment 1692058 View attachment 1692059

In the winter, do you use rubber overshoes? Or just separate boots? I imagine those are slippery in the snow.

 

[mormonopoly]

In the winter, do you use rubber overshoes? Or just separate boots? I imagine those are slippery in the snow.

I always use rubber overshoes, no snow contact for my dress shoes.

 

[JFWR]

I wish I had better office space in order to store a pair of shoes or two for the winter months. It's depressing when I have to switch to strictly rubber-soled boots for winter wear.

 

[AlexanderTG]

Hey gang,

First time posting over here. I’m usually on the SW&D side of things. But I’m looking for a little help Id’ing these double monks. The wearer is Page McConnell, keyboardist for the band, Phish. I run a fashion-appreciation thread, and these shoes have been a major point of interest. I figured if anybody would know . . .

Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to provide.
-Alex