Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[suitforcourt]

So the Hanovers I originally bought to commemorate my dad - too tight in the vamp area. I am likely 9 EEE for Hanover. Sigh.

Then I came across these Dacks in 8.5G, which SHOULD fit me. Like I needed another pair of black toe caps. I promise I will be doing that review for you gentlemen (I'm now up to 7 pairs of black toe cap. Yikes).

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Dacks-Black-Cap-Toe-Balmoral-Imported-Calf-Size-8-5G-8-5-EEE-8-5-3E-LIKE-NEW/162856234915?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

They look to be in pretty good shape. The topy will be good as I will use for my rain days.

The addiction is getting out of hand.

 

[smfdoc]

So the Hanovers I originally bought to commemorate my dad - too tight in the vamp area. I am likely 9 EEE for Hanover. Sigh.

Then I came across these Dacks in 8.5G, which SHOULD fit me. Like I needed another pair of black toe caps. I promise I will be doing that review for you gentlemen (I'm now up to 7 pairs of black toe cap. Yikes).

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Dacks-Black-Cap-Toe-Balmoral-Imported-Calf-Size-8-5G-8-5-EEE-8-5-3E-LIKE-NEW/162856234915?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

They look to be in pretty good shape. The topy will be good as I will use for my rain days.

The addiction is getting out of hand.

I found Hanovers just a touch tight in the vamp as well. Going up 1/2 in length helps asI, too, am already at eee.

 

[M.Photog]

I'm back in the office after a day of "sick"/"work from home" in my 1971 Florsheim PTBs. It will never not amaze me to be wearing a pair of shoes that are older than me by more than half my age.

View attachment 910530

To accomplish that i'm going to need to go pre 1902, I started 6th grade in 1971. It is nice see a young person who appreciates things that last.

 

[M.Photog]

According to vcleat.com: Crosby Square – Premium brand of Mid-States Shoe Co.

Don't know Mid-States Shoe Co. either. But from what I've seen on ebay, and without benefit of having handled or worn a pair, I'd guess they are at level of Dexter or Oakwood. Still better than most modern day stuff made abroad. I think NOS pair would be worth having.

Let us know if you buy them! We need reviews of the lesser known vintage brands.

I agree, along with the very best brands that are often discussed here I believe there are many others that are still far better than most of what is available today.

 

[M.Photog]

Here is my rant for the day. Not far from where I live is the world headquarters for Shoe Carnival, ten acres of disposable footwear all under one roof. Their loading dock can accommodate over 50 semi trailers at the same time. What i can only assume is their "flagship store" nearby has a guy with a microphone who screams at everyone who leaves without buying anything.

I went there recently to buy shoe laces. After my search failed I finally asked for help and was directed to a small end cap that contained their entire selection of laces and a very small assortment shoe care products including polish. If I had bought everything it would have fit in a small shoe box. Apparently they don't expect anyone to polish their shoes or for the shoes to last long enough to need new laces.

Despite living near a metro area that draws from an area of approximately 300,000 people i still need to drive over 100 miles to buy a decent pair of shoes. Civilization has made less progress in the last 40 years than you might think.

I feel better now

 

[Thrift Couture]

I have a silly question. Is there a such thing as a Florsheim Imperial Kenmoor LWB in black shell cordovan? If it is, that is on my Grail List.

 

[M.Photog]

I have a silly question. Is there a such thing as a Florsheim Imperial Kenmoor LWB in black shell cordovan? If it is, that is on my Grail List.

Not sure of the number but i believe so, someone will be along shortly to give more details.

 

[Thrift Couture]

Not sure of the number but i believe so, someone will be along shortly to give more details.

Thank you. For some reason I thought I saw someone post a photo wearing a pair. They were stunning...

 

[M.Photog]

Thank you. For some reason I thought I saw someone post a photo wearing a pair. They were stunning...

I believe they are far less common. I wonder if the tanners have trouble finding the right shells to make that color.

 

[suitforcourt]

Here is my rant for the day. Not far from where I live is the world headquarters for Shoe Carnival, ten acres of disposable footwear all under one roof. Their loading dock can accommodate over 50 semi trailers at the same time. What i can only assume is their "flagship store" nearby has a guy with a microphone who screams at everyone who leaves without buying anything.

I went there recently to buy shoe laces. After my search failed I finally asked for help and was directed to a small end cap that contained their entire selection of laces and a very small assortment shoe care products including polish. If I had bought everything it would have fit in a small shoe box. Apparently they don't expect anyone to polish their shoes or for the shoes to last long enough to need new laces.

Despite living near a metro are that draws from an area of approximately 300,000 people i still need to drive over 100 miles to buy a decent pair of shoes. Civilization has made less progress in the last 40 years than you might think.

I feel better now

In Canada, I find that most men who wear nice clothes, will wear crappy footwear. The disposable Rockport and Ecco's.

One day I was at an Ecco store with my family. The sales lady was working hard to convince to try a few pairs. I politely declined.

One customer made the comment that Ecco is the most comfortable shoe ever, and he wouldn't wear anything else.

He asked me if I agreed. I respectfully disagreed. He pointed to my shoes - vintage Florsheims made in Canada. He asked how could those heavy luggers be more comfortable. I decided to walk away instead of engaging a moron.

So to your point - majority of people wear disposable footwear which ends up in landfills and thrift stores. We are a minority who appreciate the finer things and want to look good and feel good.

 

[Lmrjfud]

double post

 

[Lmrjfud]

I have a silly question. Is there a such thing as a Florsheim Imperial Kenmoor LWB in black shell cordovan? If it is, that is on my Grail List.

Yes. 92612. See here.

https://vcleat.com/florsheim-shell-cordovan-models/

 

[Thrift Couture]

double post

Thank you!

 

[Thrift Couture]

Yes. 92612. See here.

https://vcleat.com/florsheim-shell-cordovan-models/

Thanks again!

 

[smfdoc]

I have a silly question. Is there a such thing as a Florsheim Imperial Kenmoor LWB in black shell cordovan? If it is, that is on my Grail List.

Not silly at all. The 92612, Produced from 1962 to 1980, Here was my pair, until I sold them to @anchorman12. Check out other Florsheim shell models here.