Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[mormonopoly]

This week I'm wearing these c.1960 Thom McAn Bootmasters. I thrifted two pairs of these in deadstock condition, sold one and kept this one. There was also a third pair at the thrift store that was heavily worn. It looked like the guy must have stocked up when they were available, but they were so durable he never ended up needing the extra pairs.

 

[stook1]

The vintage shoe gods have smiled upon me the last couple weeks. I've managed to snag a nos pair of 93605s and just now a worn 1x pair of hanover 2351s. Post cleanup pics to come hopefully somewhat soon...recovering from arm surgery which makes doing most anything with shoes impossible for now.

 

[eTrojan]

Went to the driving range for a bucket of balls before church. Opted for the vintage FootJoy shoes. Best looking shoes on the line by a mile.

 

[Nealjpage]

Status update on the Danbury stripping project. I managed to get most of the PU removed with just a few spots in vamp creases and near the welts. Good enough. They got LOTS of Bick 4, and the resulting leather was smooth as a baby's behind (if you ignore the scrapes on the toe, that is. Please ignore the scrapes on the toe).

Color is proving to be trickier than I expected. London tan was too light, so I followed with sandlewood. Little change. Red mahogany started to make an improvement, so I finished the right shoe with two applications. On the left shoe I jumped straight to the red mahogany. No dice. Apparently I needed to get a base of a color down, so I used sandlewood followed by two applications of the red mahogany. The leather soaked the cream right up, with none of the remaining tackiness I am used to.

Streaking is a problem, though. I wonder if a few more applications of the red mahogany will even them out or merely amplify them.

 

[stook1]

You might consider sanding the toes. Also try scrubbing the creases with a toothbrush and acetone to really clean them out. The streakyness seems minor to me...keep building up the color.

Status update on the Danbury stripping project. I managed to get most of the PU removed with just a few spots in vamp creases and near the welts. Good enough. They got LOTS of Bick 4, and the resulting leather was smooth as a baby's behind (if you ignore the scrapes on the toe, that is. Please ignore the scrapes on the toe).

Color is proving to be trickier than I expected. London tan was too light, so I followed with sandlewood. Little change. Red mahogany started to make an improvement, so I finished the right shoe with two applications. On the left shoe I jumped straight to the red mahogany. No dice. Apparently I needed to get a base of a color down, so I used sandlewood followed by two applications of the red mahogany. The leather soaked the cream right up, with none of the remaining tackiness I am used to.

Streaking is a problem, though. I wonder if a few more applications of the red mahogany will even them out or merely amplify them.

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[CWOyaji]

Not vintage but discontinued, these are the Alden 7119S suede bluchers I thifted this week. They cleaned up really well with trees, suede shampoo and brushing.

The Aldens aren't my size but these Yankos are. Goodyear welted but slim like a Blake, with Volcom skate pants.

Spoiler: Aldens as found

 

[Nealjpage]

You might consider sanding the toes. Also try scrubbing the creases with a toothbrush and acetone to really clean them out. The streakyness seems minor to me...keep building up the color.

I did sand them with a refinishing pad and a 1000 grit sanding sponge. Should I sand more?

 

[stook1]

I did sand them with a refinishing pad and a 1000 grit sanding sponge. Should I sand more?

Hard to tell how deep the scuffs are but id consider it unlese you plan to burnish the toes or go much darker.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

I have been hunting for a pair of Weathered Moss or Turf LWB. They are very hard to find. But, I just found a pair by Hanover — LB Shepherd (on eBay). They look a little grungy. But, hopefully they will clean up okay.

Thanks to Jim Pietryka for posting a pair.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

Tried out two estate sales today. No luck. But, it’s cool enough to require jeans so I had the opportunity to wear some real shoes.

Allen Edmonds Randolph in Black Shell.

 

[happypebble]

Thanks. Any idea how old?

No guess. Here's the Hanovers I have. Does your pair say Comfort Arch on the inside?

 

[happypebble]

Question about my Charles Chester oxfords (which are awesome): I tried to condition them, and the product just beaded on the uppers, wouldn't soak in. Am I right to think the shoes are either some Corfam like material, or CG leather?

 

[John Doe]

happy pebble, the only thing visible on my pair are a few faint numbers.

 

[Nealjpage]

Did any of you fine gentlemen steal these?

 

[suitforcourt]

Did any of you fine gentlemen steal these?

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I was eyeballing that pair. I decided I can't justify anymore shoes. Need boots though.