Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Dbc0919]

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In the vein of the previous post, these linked are available on the Bay . . . . not mine. My size . . . price seems reasonable and best offer available, just not sure black is for me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FootJoy-vintage-2-Leather-Full-Brogue-Spectator-Oxford-Black-size-9-5D/202124097983?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[eTrojan]

View attachment 913663
In the vein of the previous post, these linked are available on the Bay . . . . not mine. My size . . . price seems reasonable and best offer available, just not sure black is for me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FootJoy-vintage-2-Leather-Full-Brogue-Spectator-Oxford-Black-size-9-5D/202124097983?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Those are so freaking awesome, how do you not buy them?

 

[Thomas Crown]

As designated v-cleat director of welt cleaning R&D it is my duty to report that your local Aldi stores are carrying store brand toothbrush heads that fit the Sonicare-3pk for $10(compared with Costco Sonicare brush heads 4pk for $40!) Aldi stuff changes weekly on Wednesday but they often have leftovers. I’ve personally tested them and they have made the grade.

 

[eTrojan]

Not the gunboats, and certainly a newer model, but any thoughts on this pair of shortwing Florsheim Imperials? Size 13AA is always a challenge to find and they look barely worn.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Florsheim-...hoes-Burgundy-Leather-Size-13-2A/192433512653

1988?
1998?

 

[mreams99]

Not the gunboats, and certainly a newer model, but any thoughts on this pair of shortwing Florsheim Imperials? Size 13AA is always a challenge to find and they look barely worn.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Florsheim-...hoes-Burgundy-Leather-Size-13-2A/192433512653

1988?
1998?

Those are in nice condition.

 

[masernaut]

View attachment 913663
In the vein of the previous post, these linked are available on the Bay . . . . not mine. My size . . . price seems reasonable and best offer available, just not sure black is for me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FootJoy-vintage-2-Leather-Full-Brogue-Spectator-Oxford-Black-size-9-5D/202124097983?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Absolute beauties. I could never pull them off, though.

 

[Thomas Crown]

Not the gunboats, and certainly a newer model, but any thoughts on this pair of shortwing Florsheim Imperials? Size 13AA is always a challenge to find and they look barely worn.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Florsheim-...hoes-Burgundy-Leather-Size-13-2A/192433512653

1988?
1998?

The “H” is a “7” (A is zero) and I believe the Royal Imperial “Scepter “ logo was replaced by a boring all-caps logo by ‘97 so I’m guessing 1987.I had a pair of Royal Imperials similar to those from the early 90’s and they had a plastic-y corrected grain that yours don’t seem to have-I think yours are still in the better quality years just before things really started sliding

 

[Thomas Crown]

Edit, Moderator's note: Please do not quote spam.

Dude,this is a Vintage Shoe Thread,I don’t know if catalog is going to find much here

 

[metals37]

Dude,this is a Vintage Shoe Thread,I don’t know if AmApp catalog is going to find much here

Original post is spam. Quoting you to not give them recognition.

 

[mormonopoly]

Not the gunboats, and certainly a newer model, but any thoughts on this pair of shortwing Florsheim Imperials? Size 13AA is always a challenge to find and they look barely worn.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Florsheim-...hoes-Burgundy-Leather-Size-13-2A/192433512653

1988?
1998?

Those are corrected grain, in case that’s something you are trying to avoid.

 

[suitforcourt]

Ok fellow Church enthusiasts. Here are the results of the recraft by Church's. I know these are NOT vintage shoes per @smfdoc 's strict criterion. But good to share info!

Costs = 150 British pounds (recraft was 120, and shipping was further 30). No taxes on the way back. Shipping to England was about another $45 Canadian. So in total, $285 Canadian ($220US). Not cheap.

Original condition of shoes: I bought these used, and they were in fair condition. Not overly beat up, with normal creases and no damages to body. Soles and heel showed regular wear. Interior had no rips or tears, which tells me original owner used shoe trees. Soles were also not curled so again, shoe trees likely used.

Recraft: Church's e-mail indicated the following: "Refurbishment covers: Complete long sole and heel replacement, with shoes being pulled over original last, new heel sock and pad, new insole if necessary, re polished and returned in a new box with new shoe bags."

The shoes came back about 8 weeks later, which is in tune with their original estimate. Shoes came with new box, and shoe bags. Nice touch. As you can all see, the heels and soles were completely replaced. Stitching on the soles are clean, and inside of the groove. The sole is definitely not high quality like JR. The insoles were NOT replaced. They simply glued a new one over the existing one. The old creases in the vamp area still exist. I recognize that creases can NEVER be completely removed, but I don't feel this part has changed from the original condition. The heels are nicely nailed and the nailing is lined.

The original body was never in bad shape, as I polished and conditioned them. So the new polishing didn't add anything.

The original condition had the exterior heel area marked up and grazed by something. Those superficial knicks were fixed.

Fit remains the same. I thought it would tighten up to original. This is a 8.5G size. I'm a 8.5EEE for American shoes. So for this particular Church's shoe, I likely can go to 8G or even 8.5F.

Final analysis: Very expensive recraft. Took a long time. The final product is excellent, as original parts were used. New box and shoe bags are nice, but not absolutely necessary. I likely wouldn't send another pair of Church's to their factory for recraft. Would more likely go with a reputable cobbler in Canada or USA where costs are lower, and quicker turnaround.

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Update: I contacted Church's about the creases, and that the insock and padding were never replaced.

They have offered to redo that work, and all shipping at their expense.

This is nice, but I don't think I'll ever use their service again. Better to find a reputable cobbler.

 

[Thomas Crown]

Original post is spam. Quoting you to not give them recognition.

Acknowledged, big 10-4,my bad

 

[stevenmgrr]

How many of you use insoles to adjust the sizing of your shoes? Specifically, have you utilized an insole to get a tighter fit on a shoe that was slightly wide?

Steven M

 

[LLEE]

Advice on old canvassed/cloth spectators, or otherwise vented shoes? I know there's at least one member here with a couple nice examples. Can the dirt be washed or bleached out of the fabric effectively, or even replaced by a good cobbler or seamstress? I've been eyeing a few old pairs. Thank you .

 

[actionjbone]

How many of you use insoles to adjust the sizing of your shoes? Specifically, have you utilized an insole to get a tighter fit on a shoe that was slightly wide?

I've done it before. It's a good way to get a more secure fit when the shoe is just a little off.

Dr. Scholl's makes a half-length dress shoe gel insert that works pretty well for this, it raises up your heel just a little without substantially altering the fit of the shoe.