Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[actionjbone]

I love my vintage AE St. Michels, but recently the cross straps ripped. I didn't realize how thin they were, that the straps were only supposed to be ornamental. Whoops. (In my defense, they did have multiple holes punched in them, so I thought they were adjustable.)

As you'll see in the photos, the stitching on the new straps isn't exactly the best. I'm not thrilled with the quality, but at least they're durable now. So I decided to punch more holes where I wanted them and add brass eyelets.

Was low pressure, since I'm not thrilled with the straps' workmanship, anyway. But I'm pretty happy with how these came out. And I realize we are the only ones who'll see the flaws!

(And now these actually are adjustable.)

 

[Drzdave58]

My OCD got the best of me so I decided to remove the old polish that had been applied. I wanted the original colour on these to show. I gently rubbed them with acetone to remove the old polish. After that I hit them with bick 4 and venetian shoe cream to finish then and a good buffing. I'm very satisfied with the results!

 

[actionjbone]

My OCD got the best of me so I decided to remove the old polish that had been applied. I wanted the original colour on these to show. I gently rubbed them with acetone to remove the old polish. After that I hit them with bick 4 and venetian shoe cream to finish then and a good buffing. I'm very satisfied with the results!
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Ultimately, if you're happy, that's what matters!

 

[sam67]

My OCD got the best of me so I decided to remove the old polish that had been applied. I wanted the original colour on these to show. I gently rubbed them with acetone to remove the old polish. After that I hit them with bick 4 and venetian shoe cream to finish then and a good buffing. I'm very satisfied with the results!
View attachment 2240977 View attachment 2240979 View attachment 2240981

Looks great. I thought the acetone was going to strip them.

 

[Drzdave58]

Looks great. I thought the acetone was going to strip them.

more vigorous rubbing with the acetone would be required to completely strip them. I didn’t have go at them to hard to remove the old polish.

 

[Bopper]

I love my vintage AE St. Michels, but recently the cross straps ripped. I didn't realize how thin they were, that the straps were only supposed to be ornamental. Whoops. (In my defense, they did have multiple holes punched in them, so I thought they were adjustable.)

As you'll see in the photos, the stitching on the new straps isn't exactly the best. I'm not thrilled with the quality, but at least they're durable now. So I decided to punch more holes where I wanted them and add brass eyelets.

View attachment 2240947 View attachment 2240945

Was low pressure, since I'm not thrilled with the straps' workmanship, anyway. But I'm pretty happy with how these came out. And I realize we are the only ones who'll see the flaws!

(And now these actually are adjustable.)

Well, there you go!

 

[Bopper]

My OCD got the best of me so I decided to remove the old polish that had been applied. I wanted the original colour on these to show. I gently rubbed them with acetone to remove the old polish. After that I hit them with bick 4 and venetian shoe cream to finish then and a good buffing. I'm very satisfied with the results!
View attachment 2240977 View attachment 2240979 View attachment 2240981

Nice.

 

[Bopper]

Gary Coakley rebuilt these 2 pairs for me. Maiden voyage of the 97626s. Believe it or not, these are my only pair in 8.5eee. All of my other shell LWBs are sized 9e, 9ee, and 9.5D. A few of them will have to be sold.

K package applied - JR soles, grommets, toe taps, and rubber heels.

Shell Alden boots also got new life.

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Livin’ the Dream!

 

[friendlygoz]

AR Bartlett today…

 

[William Kazak]

I paste those custom enamel pins on my dress and bags. So cool!

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Wrong forum. This one is about shoes.

 

[actionjbone]

Wrong forum. This one is about shoes.

That was spam, lol.

I recommend you edit their link out of your reply, so that they don't get the keep the recognition.

 

[StanleyWingtip]

Picked up some nice shoes lately and could use some help determining makers and decade if possible.

#1



#2 (C&J?)


#3 grenson?


#4 - the Johnston and Murphy shop- canvas lined made in Italy .c1960’s?

#5 church’s custom grade I just need help reading lol

 

[Humpty_Dumpty_Rises]

Picked up some nice shoes lately and could use some help determining makers and decade if possible.

#1

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#2 (C&J?)
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#3 grenson?
View attachment 2245227 View attachment 2245229 View attachment 2245231

#4 - the Johnston and Murphy shop- canvas lined made in Italy .c1960’s? View attachment 2245221 View attachment 2245223 View attachment 2245225

#5 church’s custom grade I just need help reading lol
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Very interesting pieces. They will look the part when refurbished

 

[suitforcourt]

I just scored these John McHale vintage shoes from a thrift store for $28. They have very little wear. These are built like tanks..thick soles and several layers in the heels. These are in amazing condition! View attachment 2240811 View attachment 2240813 View attachment 2240815 View attachment 2240817

I hope they're not 8.5eee

 

[StanleyWingtip]

Very interesting pieces. They will look the part when refurbished

Indeed. I might need to invest in one of those dremel tabletop buffing wheels and a gallon of Renomat