Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Oshare]

Regarding this topic about UV sanitizing shoes --- I totally get this from an "ick" perspective but have any of you guys ever gotten an infection of any kind from a vintage or pre-owned shoe? It's never happened to me and I can't say, honestly, that I am THAT fastidious about disinfecting. I am curious about these devices as well since the "ick" consideration does cross my mind from time to time especially for anything particularly gnarly looking (which I tend to just get rid of).

So anyway, with that said, anyone ever contract a skin infection? Genuinely curious.

Not I. But I'm pretty sure DFWII says that he got something nasty from a pair of shoes that someone abandoned.

Sometimes I get a bit lax if the shoe *looks* okay... but it's rolling the dice for sure. I think a UV lamp is in order... and soon to be on order.

 

[Oshare]

Having been on vacation for 2 weeks, and then straight into quarantine for another 2 weeks after returning to Japan, it has been 1 month since I’ve worn real shoes.

93602s got the call.

 

[smfdoc]

Regarding this topic about UV sanitizing shoes --- I totally get this from an "ick" perspective but have any of you guys ever gotten an infection of any kind from a vintage or pre-owned shoe? It's never happened to me and I can't say, honestly, that I am THAT fastidious about disinfecting. I am curious about these devices as well since the "ick" consideration does cross my mind from time to time especially for anything particularly gnarly looking (which I tend to just get rid of).

So anyway, with that said, anyone ever contract a skin infection? Genuinely curious.

I am electing to throw a flag on the play. While this is a reasonable and well intentioned question, I will kindly request that any answers are directed back to Stook1 through direct message. This subject has been raised several times over the years and it rapidly devolves into acrimony between the two positions. ie, pro pre-owned shoes and anti pre-owned shoes. The result degrades from the pleasant nature of this particular thread that we all enjoy. I get enough strident opinions on pro and anti vax these days on TV. I kindly ask we "not go there" again on this thread. Thank you.

 

[stook1]

I am electing to throw a flag on the play. While this is a reasonable and well intentioned question, I will kindly request that any answers are directed back to Stook1 through direct message. This subject has been raised several times over the years and it rapidly devolves into acrimony between the two positions. ie, pro pre-owned shoes and anti pre-owned shoes. The result degrades from the pleasant nature of this particular thread that we all enjoy. I get enough strident opinions on pro and anti vax these days on TV. I kindly ask we "not go there" again on this thread. Thank you.

Fair enough -- in my old age I am likely forgetting these more acrimonious discussions. In case it wasn't clear, I have owned many preowned shoes and this isn't a huge concern but I do understand why others might be averse to such things.

At any rate, we can cease this discussion. It certainly wasn't my intention to stir the pot.

 

[suitforcourt]

I've been wearing boots exclusively since the snow started.

I feel I am neglecting my vintage collection.

But some exciting updates to my collection coming soon. I own a mind boggling amount of LWBs. So a few pairs are currently being rebuilt for indoor wear purposes - wedges for comfort, and some splashes of sharp colours to liven things up.

Pics will be posted once cobblers mail them back.

 

[CWOyaji]

The Florsheim Yuma is truly a shoe that looks good from every angle.

 

[smfdoc]

Well, @kilowatts found some Crane horsehide boots and, sadly for him, they did not fit in a way that made him want to keep them. I stepped up as I am always looking for something old/new and they arrived today. The original laces were a bit off for me, so I switched them out for some Guarded Goods laces. These are horsehide boots and GYW on a neocork sole used by Alden in some styles. The front half of the sole is double stitched to the welt, so it is not likely that they are going anywhere for a while. I see no sign of wear, so they appear to be NOS. I have no knowledge of the Crane company and any information would be welcome. Interweb searches has not turned up anything useful. "Is there an archeologist in the house?"

 

[friendlygoz]

First, they are definitely shell and appear to be in really good condition. I think they were likely a custom order and Florsheim would insert the customer's name. I think the marker was used to cover the name of the person for some unknown reason. My only caution would be that such custom orders were likely because the width or size was atypical, such as EEEE. You may wish to check on exterior sole size for a clue. Finally, if these were a custom order the customer may have not wished to have the V cleat and asked for the rubber heel.

Thanks for that insight and the tip. They provided the outsole measurement and I can check that against my other pairs. One thing I like about this particular pair is the cream stitching on the upper. Some 93605s have black and some have cream stitching. I think the cream is a nice accent.

 

[Nobleprofessor]

I just got these and while they might not be a GRAIL for everyone, I have been looking for a NOS pair for a long time. This style was not nearly as popular as others, it did sell well. Because the style can worn with so many things most of them that I have found were well worn or worn out. Finding a new old stock pair of 93606 has been a challenge.

Every time I find a new pair of these I’m amazed how great they are. These are from 1976 or 1986. I’m leaning toward 86 because of the nail pattern on the heel. It’s amazing to see 35-45 year old Shell Cordovan in spectacular condition

Also wearing some fun socks from AE clearance sale.

 

[friendlygoz]

Teju (lizard) AE Clayton for tassel Tuesday. I only have two pairs of tassel loafers so this might be the last tassel Tuesday for a few weeks.

 

[friendlygoz]

I just got these and while they might not be a GRAIL for everyone, I have been looking for a NOS pair for a long time. This style was not nearly as popular as others, it did sell well. Because the style can worn with so many things most of them that I have found were well worn or worn out. Finding a new old stock pair of 93606 has been a challenge.

Every time I find a new pair of these I’m amazed how great they are. These are from 1976 or 1986. I’m leaning toward 86 because of the nail pattern on the heel. It’s amazing to see 35-45 year old Shell Cordovan in spectacular condition

Also wearing some fun socks from AE clearance sale.

View attachment 1739360 View attachment 1739361 View attachment 1739362

Those are amazing. Congrats on grabbing them.

 

[MathMan314]

I've been wearing boots exclusively since the snow started.

I feel I am neglecting my vintage collection.

But some exciting updates to my collection coming soon. I own a mind boggling amount of LWBs. So a few pairs are currently being rebuilt for indoor wear purposes - wedges for comfort, and some splashes of sharp colours to liven things up.

Pics will be posted once cobblers mail them back.

Speaking of boots, have you had any experience with vintage made-in-Canada "Gorilla" boots? I saw these deadstock boots on eBay and I think they look very well made.

Looking forward to seeing your recrafted wedge sole shoes!

 

[Nobleprofessor]

I guess it is a two pair day! Here’s a pair you don’t see everyday. Or more accurately, almost never see. MTO Florsheim NST. What makes these very rare is they have a black sole and Handsewn facing. @vestbash said he has never seen another pair of Imperials with the black sole. If he has never seen it, they must truly be rare.

 

[happypebble]

The Florsheim Yuma is truly a shoe that looks good from every angle. View attachment 1739198 View attachment 1739199
View attachment 1739197
View attachment 1739200

The Florsheim Yuma is truly a shoe that makes me red-eyed jealous of its owner.

 

[stook1]

Well, @kilowatts found some Crane horsehide boots and, sadly for him, they did not fit in a way that made him want to keep them. I stepped up as I am always looking for something old/new and they arrived today. The original laces were a bit off for me, so I switched them out for some Guarded Goods laces. These are horsehide boots and GYW on a neocork sole used by Alden in some styles. The front half of the sole is double stitched to the welt, so it is not likely that they are going anywhere for a while. I see no sign of wear, so they appear to be NOS. I have no knowledge of the Crane company and any information would be welcome. Interweb searches has not turned up anything useful. "Is there an archeologist in the house?"

View attachment 1739222
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View attachment 1739225

Between the stitching (both the sole and triple quarter stitch), rivets, and horsehide - those are pretty darn cool boots. It's basically a boondocker of sorts, although it looks like the toe is structured.