Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[suitforcourt]

I've finally come to terms with the fact that my pair of Alden shell LWB (976) is beyond salvation. The shell is splitting at several stress points on the shoes. They're on the Barrie last, so don't fit particularly well, but would think I could throw some thick socks on and wear them until they disintegrate. After a few wears, they might actually look like a brand new pair of Prada/Church's "distressed" LWBs.

???

I had a pair of 93605 that started to split in the vamp area. The crack kept growing. So I decided the world would be best served by sending them to @smfdoc .

He has repurposed them into a wallet and coin holder. I believe.

Something to consider. Doc has also made watch straps.

 

[suitforcourt]

The old switcheroo. Two identical shopping bags of shoe boxes.

Spoken like a man who has done this before.

 

[Joe Wohkittel]

400 grit?

I've used all the way up to 1500 to try and smooth it out.

 

[kilowatts]

Hey Guys:

I'm starting to worry about the kind of company I'm keeping around here! I didn't really expect a smuggling 101 master class. Better still, I'll just forward future purchases to your address and you can make them appear at mine. No questions asked.

This actually reminds me of a cold war joke:

At check point Charlie in Berlin a guy passes each day with a wheelbarrow full of dirt. He's stopped both ways on a regular basis and searched by both sides. Nothing, just a wheelbarrow full of dirt! After the wall comes down he meets one of the guards in a bar who asks him what he was smuggling as he knew he was smuggling something. The guys responds, "Wheelbarrows!"

kilowatts

 

[Joe Wohkittel]

Great shoes. Can’t be 40s however. Most likely mid-late 50s. Alden is credited with developing the original tassel slip on for actor Paul Lukas circa 1950.

I should have done my homework! Model number is 3S 3975.

 

[mormonopoly]

I should have done my homework! Model number is 3S 3975.

They sure looked earlier than 50s to me as well.

 

[CWOyaji]

Catch and release on Nettleton LWBs and AE Bradleys; the Alden suede and Japanese selvedge are coming home with me.

 

[Joe Wohkittel]

Attn size 11: pretty sure they are shell. Price isn't great, but here they are.

RARE Vtg Campton's Taylor Made Imperials Wing Tip Cleat Heel Dress Shoes size 11 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for RARE Vtg Campton's Taylor Made Imperials Wing Tip Cleat Heel Dress Shoes size 11 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Nealjpage]

These aren't my bag, baby, but maybe they're yours. Not my listing.

Hartt 18" Black Leather Patrol Motorcycle Riding Boots men's 9 made in Canada | eBay

Hartt 18" Black Leather Patrol Motorcycle Riding Boots men's 9 made in Canada. Condition is "Pre-owned". Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.

www.ebay.com

 

[CWOyaji]

The Strands are ready. Colors here are Havana, Light, Medium and Dark Brown.

Now I need to figure out the best color combination. People do some fine work on these.

 

[smfdoc]

Happy wingtip Wednesday. It's been too long since I wore the cornerstone of my modest vintage collection. Florsheim shell; get a pair if you have the opportunity.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

I couldn’t decide between two pair for wingtip Wednesday.

Florsheim 93602 with some custom patina

Or Alden 975 Shell Cordovan

I am grateful that I have both pair and have the dilemma of choosing between the two.

The 93602 were part of a previous shoe challenge. I was lucky enough to end up with them!

It’s pretty hard to beat Alden Shell

 

[suitforcourt]

Florsheim CG with Vibram Eton soles for wingtip Wednesday.

 

[Jiqea]

I am on my way to visit my mom in London, Ontario, the home of John McHale. Along the way I just stopped at the Belleville value village and found these John McHale Bombers for $12 Canadian. 8D. Nailed leather heels. They should clean up wonderfully. Paid for the gas and hotel!

 

[Joe Wohkittel]

I am on my way to visit my mom in London, Ontario, the home of John McHale. Along the way I just stopped at the Belleville value village and found these John McHale Bombers for $12 Canadian. 8D. Nailed leather heels. They should clean up wonderfully. Paid for the gas and hotel! View attachment 1481512

You have a buyer should you choose to part with them!