Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Nealjpage]

Which cobbler are you going to use?

Leather or rubber sole? Heels?

To clarify: by "full renovation" I mean a solid scrub with saddle soap, deep conditioning, and a good polish.

 

[Nealjpage]

The Scotch grain LWB is classic, but I had to look hard to find a pair. Fortunately, an Alden retailer had that makeup.

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So what's the difference between Scotch grain and zug grain?

 

[suitforcourt]

To clarify: by "full renovation" I mean a solid scrub with saddle soap, deep conditioning, and a good polish.

You had me all excited. But cleaning and conditioning also important.

 

[mormonopoly]

Here's a pair of Nettleton Longwings I was wearing recently. I bought these in unworn condition a few years ago.

 

[smfdoc]

So what's the difference between Scotch grain and zug grain?

I am certainly no expert on various leathers, but to me the two look identical. Same textured grain. In looking around the Internet the only thing I could find was that the Zug grain is basically waterproof and quite sturdy. Perhaps someone with more expertise can let us know if there is an actual difference between the two and if so, what that is.

 

[Hotel Cali]

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Suited, those shoes are nice but I think that counter top has been around the block a few times. I have seen it hang out with many other pairs of nice shoes.

 

[suitforcourt]

Suited, those shoes are nice but I think that counter top has been around the block a few times. I have seen it hang out with many other pairs of nice shoes.

That's the original pics from @Jiqea . I will let him defend his own reputation

 

[kilowatts]

I am certainly no expert on various leathers, but to me the two look identical. Same textured grain. In looking around the Internet the only thing I could find was that the Zug grain is basically waterproof and quite sturdy. Perhaps someone with more expertise can let us know if there is an actual difference between the two and if so, what that is.

I’m certainly not trying to set myself up as an expert but I do have something of an answer…
Zug is a town in Switzerland where the leather originated. Think mountain shepherds locked in for six winter months! They did something with the leather which left it with a “pebbly “ and very robust finish. They made those mountain boots from it which had to be waterproof. This is before/during industrial revolution, not that the industrial revolution ever got to Zug!
Scotch grain came from, wait for it, Scotland. The Ghillies used it to make strong waterproof leather to go onto the moors where it never actually stops raining. I think nowadays the terms are interchangeable and the finishes are produced by a machine press with a chemical finish.
I Reserve the right to be completely wrong though.
kilowatts

 

[right_hook]

The tanners of the Zug area utilized a milk chocolate syrup in much the same manner as the Scots of Islay. The chocolate imparts the characteristic dark brown color and natural waterproofing of Zug leather.

 

[FatTuesday]

The tanners of the Zug area utilized a milk chocolate syrup in much the same manner as the Scots of Islay. The chocolate imparts the characteristic dark brown color and natural waterproofing of Zug leather.

That sounds delicious.

 

[sam67]

Just got these back from LaRossa shoe. Tassels and soles/heels replaced. Great job. (They're navy but that never seems to come across in photos.)

 

[happypebble]

Question: Wikipedia says liquid shoe polish can cause shoes to dry out and crack. Has that happened to anyone here? If so, can someone recommend a cream polish instead?

 

[stook1]

Question: Wikipedia says liquid shoe polish can cause shoes to dry out and crack. Has that happened to anyone here? If so, can someone recommend a cream polish instead?

Lots of options as far as cream polish. The majority of my polishes are from Saphir, which is sort of the conventional high end recommendation from most people. If I were buying now, I might try Pure Polish. There are certainly other less expensive options that are likely fine.

 

[stook1]

Too far gone? Sounds like quitter talk.

You're not a quitter, are you?

LOL! Alright, since you called me out here... I hunted down the Concord listing. Did one of you guys buy these? I'm kind of astonished that they sold. I was nodding a bit initially feeling great about it and anxious to hit the buy button. But then I saw the neck around the heels and thought of @friendlygoz... and then... ooof.... the eyelet.... But they were only $210 so there's that. This might be the 1st 10E that I've seen but my enthusiasm quickly turned to heavy sadness. I can't find the 2nd pair right now.

Vintage rare Florsheim Imperial Concord 97604, 10 E | eBay

The HB date indicates 1971, as far as I know. These shoes have the double V cleat and 5 nail sole. The numbers above the model number are 366619 19. These shoes are USA made. A bit of wear shows on the back as shown in the photo.

www.ebay.com

 

[suitforcourt]

Gents, I know some of you are also members of the vintage shoe group on Facebook. There was discussion there about a group shirt. One of the members designed one and is selling for $20 USD plus shipping. Made in USA.

Pics attached for reference. Otherwise contact the seller himself.