Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Nealjpage]

Hi Guys:

Re: Duckie Brown:

I think the relationship between Duckie Brown, a New York designer group and Florsheim began when Florsheim was already on the downward slope. The shoes are a "modern" take on traditional styles created by using quite bright colors/colours of leather. They were made in India and in my opinion are excellent shoes although the colors/colours are not to my taste. The shell versions and leather quality are excellent though. I think the collaboration did not last a long time as the style somehow didn't work..

I've seen the size discrepancy as described by the seller before, "they fit like a size bigger than marked". It often happens with Florsheim Limited, also made in India. I don't think they fit like a size larger, I just think they are a very generous last. I have two pairs of Florsheim Limited suede LWBs and they fit just fine albeit a little generous. I hesitate to recommend them too highly in case there's a run on them and prices skyrocket. I hope this helps.

kilowatts

Thanks, Mr. Watts!

 

[Hotel Cali]

Hi Guys:

Re: Duckie Brown:

I think the relationship between Duckie Brown, a New York designer group and Florsheim began when Florsheim was already on the downward slope. The shoes are a "modern" take on traditional styles created by using quite bright colors/colours of leather. They were made in India and in my opinion are excellent shoes although the colors/colours are not to my taste. The shell versions and leather quality are excellent though. I think the collaboration did not last a long time as the style somehow didn't work..

I've seen the size discrepancy as described by the seller before, "they fit like a size bigger than marked". It often happens with Florsheim Limited, also made in India. I don't think they fit like a size larger, I just think they are a very generous last. I have two pairs of Florsheim Limited suede LWBs and they fit just fine albeit a little generous. I hesitate to recommend them too highly in case there's a run on them and prices skyrocket. I hope this helps.

kilowatts

Great feedback.

 

[Thomas Crown]

PSA: With recent discussion of the modern Florsheim Limited, here is a good condition nicely priced Saffron 'Golden Harverst wannabe' in size 8. I would do it if it was my size.

Florsheim by Duckie Brown Saffron Leather Wingtips | eBay

These are special edition one of a kind shoes. The box lists these as a 7D but they are a size 8.

www.ebay.com

I think this is made from Horween 'Essex' leather.
View attachment 1365321

I found a pair of those in a royal blue color,pebbled LWB Duckie Brown Florsheim-the construction and materials were impressive,unfortunately for whatever reason like the recent Bostonian USA versions it’s to hard to make special domestically produced shoes at a moderate price point. That’s why I bought the new Bostonians when they marked them down from $450 to $160.

Edit-Duckie Browns are indeed made in India but the collaboration with Florsheim intended to be of a high quality standard. The recent (and discontinued)Florsheim Heritage line used USA sourced Horween Essex leather,also priced too high for current Florsheim customers.

 

[Nealjpage]

I started in on those FootJoy short wings last night. My God, they were filthy. Layers and layers of grime and polish.

So I set after them with some Bick 1 and glycerin saddle soap.

Phase II will come tonight.

 

[Thomas Crown]

One final vintage violation in the name of “Where are they now?” status of USA heritage brand attempts at restoring their tarnished image. As I had noted last week,I was successfully “weaseled”(as they say on the AE thread) by @suitforcourt into buying a pair of new Bostonians made in USA plain toe bluchers. I’m quite impressed at the fit and quality. I’m including a series of pics of the various details. The leather is very nice and they are extremely comfortable with good arch support,They compare favorably with a modern AE Leeds.

 

[Hotel Cali]

One final vintage violation in the name of “Where are they now?” status of USA heritage brand attempts at restoring their tarnished image. As I had noted last week,I was successfully “weaseled”(as they say on the AE thread) by @suitforcourt into buying a pair of new Bostonians made in USA plain toe bluchers. I’m quite impressed at the fit and quality. I’m including a series of pics of the various details. The leather is very nice and they are extremely comfortable with good arch support,They compare favorably with a modern AE Leeds. View attachment 1365439 View attachment 1365440 View attachment 1365441 View attachment 1365442 View attachment 1365443 View attachment 1365444 View attachment 1365445 View attachment 1365446

They look great. Sizing availability is limited though.

 

[KotaB]

I was curious as to what insoles you all have had good experiences with. I have looked around online but wanted some input from real world people. Plus those new Bostonian Suede Somerville Hi's look pretty sweet.

 

[suitforcourt]

One final vintage violation in the name of “Where are they now?” status of USA heritage brand attempts at restoring their tarnished image. As I had noted last week,I was successfully “weaseled”(as they say on the AE thread) by @suitforcourt into buying a pair of new Bostonians made in USA plain toe bluchers. I’m quite impressed at the fit and quality. I’m including a series of pics of the various details. The leather is very nice and they are extremely comfortable with good arch support,They compare favorably with a modern AE Leeds. View attachment 1365439 View attachment 1365440 View attachment 1365441 View attachment 1365442 View attachment 1365443 View attachment 1365444 View attachment 1365445 View attachment 1365446

BAM.

I actually haven't bought a pair. But the price is enticing. And your pair looks great.

I am glad I can weasle people. Never been one of my strong suits.

 

[suitforcourt]

One final vintage violation in the name of “Where are they now?” status of USA heritage brand attempts at restoring their tarnished image. As I had noted last week,I was successfully “weaseled”(as they say on the AE thread) by @suitforcourt into buying a pair of new Bostonians made in USA plain toe bluchers. I’m quite impressed at the fit and quality. I’m including a series of pics of the various details. The leather is very nice and they are extremely comfortable with good arch support,They compare favorably with a modern AE Leeds. View attachment 1365439 View attachment 1365440 View attachment 1365441 View attachment 1365442 View attachment 1365443 View attachment 1365444 View attachment 1365445 View attachment 1365446

Maybe if this series is successful, they'll consider extending their offerings? Previously, there were some boots in this grouping, but they weren't available for the sale.

 

[Thomas Crown]

Maybe if this series is successful, they'll consider extending their offerings? Previously, there were some boots in this grouping, but they weren't available for the sale.

I get the feeling that maybe the boots were selling since they’re totally gone-I don’t think the shoes did well as the extreme markdown from $425-450 down to 210-230 would indicate(+30% off of that). They were priced like new AE’s for a Clark’s/Bostonian market that is not accustomed to quality or paying for it. And the AE/Alden crowd never look at Bostonian or Florsheim anymore since they went downhill so it’s a tough slog for these brands to restore their reputations. In the meantime I was so impressed with this new pair that I just ordered the burgundy longwings for $160(50%+30%off)-why not? Quality made in USA dress shoes for that price? It just feels good to know it still happens sometimes.Now enough of this madness-back to thrifting and EBay!

 

[FeloniusMonk]

My find from "Footjoy Appreciation Day" last week came in. Loads of polish caked on (I was getting black streaks on my hands just handling them), so I cleaned them up with Renomat, then acetone when the Renomat proved insufficient, hit them with some conditioner, and topped it off with a light coat of black cream polish. Came out looking pretty sharp, if I do say so my self. Sadly, they're just a bit smaller than I was expecting, though still wearable.

 

[JohnMRobie]

Finally had a reason to venture into public during the shutdown so a pair of 93606’s

 

[Centaurus3200]

These have been my house shoes lately. I jacked my shoulder dragging a monitor home from work... So I'm Hopped up on muscle relaxers and prednisone. I'm not going outside.

But hey they're actually made in Australia!

I think having house shoes is important! Wearing shoes indoors gives us the opportunity to wear more pairs. I have a couple pairs of Dack's loafers dedicated to the house only, including this simple dollar pair of beater calf with hand sewn vamps that I am wearing this afternoon. They don't make me feel one bit old!

View attachment 1363148

 

[smfdoc]

One final vintage violation in the name of “Where are they now?” status of USA heritage brand attempts at restoring their tarnished image. As I had noted last week,I was successfully “weaseled”(as they say on the AE thread) by @suitforcourt into buying a pair of new Bostonians made in USA plain toe bluchers. I’m quite impressed at the fit and quality. I’m including a series of pics of the various details. The leather is very nice and they are extremely comfortable with good arch support,They compare favorably with a modern AE Leeds. View attachment 1365439 View attachment 1365440 View attachment 1365441 View attachment 1365442 View attachment 1365443 View attachment 1365444 View attachment 1365445 View attachment 1365446

Interesting. What is their price point?

 

[suitforcourt]

Interesting. What is their price point?

Bostonian Made in USA Shoes - Clarks® Shoes Official Site

The Made in the USA shoe collection showcases American artisanship at its finest. Shop Bostonian shoes made by shoe experts.

www.clarksusa.com

51% off ticket price. Additional 30% off right now. Free shipping. About 160 depending on model.

I don't like their LWB pattern. And I have more than enough PTBs.

But @Thomas Crown is making me re-think. So is the weak Canadian dollar. Plus my US mailing address is shut down.