Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Nobleprofessor]

I have added another pair gunboats to my flotilla of John McHale signature shoes; a pair of black cap-toe bluchers on the "Bomber" last (stealth bombers?). The each weigh in at slightly over 2lbs. Surprisingly the black version of this shoe is much more rare than the brown version. These shoes were made with wonderful leather. With a little effort I think I could get a really nice shine on these.

View attachment 1322465 View attachment 1322466 View attachment 1322467

that thick prominent welt! Gotta love a big sturdy gunboat! Could you imagine somebody making those today? I would love it!

 

[ccpl14]

d

First pair of new shoes for the new year. These are kinda rare. But need new soles. View attachment 1322439 View attachment 1322440 View attachment 1322441

deets plz

 

[Nobleprofessor]

My local store ordered two pair for me. But, I only paid for one. So, now I have to decide which one I want.

MacNeil

or McTavish

my brother said McTavish because it is less “old guy”

 

[woofmang]

My local store ordered two pair for me. But, I only paid for one. So, now I have to decide which one I want.

MacNeil

View attachment 1322491

or McTavish

View attachment 1322493

my brother said McTavish because it is less “old guy”

True, but they've discontinued the MacNeil.

 

[Raimar]

Like these Freeman but not from their prime. Not even GYW, but good beater.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

True, but they've discontinued the MacNeil.

I THINK they discontinued the McTavish too,

 

[Nealjpage]

I THINK they discontinued the McTavish too,

So, both?

 

[woofmang]

I THINK they discontinued the McTavish too,

I wasn't aware of that - we know they discoed the MacNeil because ae ashley said so in the ae 2019 thread last month, but I hadn't heard that they dumped the McT, too...

 

[kilowatts]

Hi Guys:
I had a pair of British Army George Boots. Beautiful leather good fit etc and they came very lightly used but they had been “bulled”, in other words spit shined with a mirror gloss finish on the toes. Very well done but not for me. I used some acetone and gently removed it to the original finish. They are great for British army officers on horseback but for walking around, not so much.
Those McHale cap toes are simply awesome. If any one has any 11.5’s in any colour (color), I’ll take them.
Church’s used to be one of the best RTW shoes but if you take a look at their current website you would weep at their stock list. Sadly, same with AE. They’re rapidly devaluing their shoes. I think internet trading and ignorant consumers are taking their toll.
I’ve just reread this post, sorry it’s a bit of a downer!

kilowatts

 

[kilowatts]

Hola Amigos:

Back in Mexico again. Didn’t bring the long wings this time but I still have the Speedo!

I have a nice pair of tassel suede loafers incoming and as the weather in BC is awful, a pair of rubber soled beater boots. I’ll post pics when I get back from Margaritaville.
Kilowatts

 

[Jiqea]

Hi Guys:
I had a pair of British Army George Boots. Beautiful leather good fit etc and they came very lightly used but they had been “bulled”, in other words spit shined with a mirror gloss finish on the toes. Very well done but not for me. I used some acetone and gently removed it to the original finish. They are great for British army officers on horseback but for walking around, not so much.
Those McHale cap toes are simply awesome. If any one has any 11.5’s in any colour (color), I’ll take them.
Church’s used to be one of the best RTW shoes but if you take a look at their current website you would weep at their stock list. Sadly, same with AE. They’re rapidly devaluing their shoes. I think internet trading and ignorant consumers are taking their toll.
I’ve just reread this post, sorry it’s a bit of a downer!

kilowatts

That pair of McHales are 11.5E.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

I wasn't aware of that - we know they discoed the MacNeil because ae ashley said so in the ae 2019 thread last month, but I hadn't heard that they dumped the McT, too...

that’s what they told me at the store and they have them on sale.

 

[kilowatts]

That pair of McHales are 11.5E.

Did you plan on selling them? If so, please send a pm and let’s see what can be done.

 

[suitforcourt]

d

deets plz

@davidVC Says it all:

Florsheim Imperial Black Split Toe | vcleat

vcleat.com

Rare, originally double v-cleat, and a nice diversion from LWBs and PTBs.

I will get these rebuilt with JR soles and cat paw heels. I figure they will be versatile for suits and casual.

 

[woofmang]

that’s what they told me at the store and they have them on sale.

Well, they would know better than me, that's for sure. And if that's the case, I'm with your brother; all things being equal, I like the look of the McTavish better.