Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[Raimar]

I found these NOS Sears "Wonderlite" on EBay for $15, so I decided to give them a try.
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From the listing photos, they appeared to be GYW with double leather soles; however, they are actually cemented with PU soles painted to look like leather.
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What looks like an outsole stitch at first glance actually seems to be a pattern built into the soles.
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They are still made in the USA, but probably at the time when better-made shoes were starting to phase out.

Here is one of the Wonderlite shoes next to the earlier Sears "Easy Flex" shoes. The Easy Flex have a supple leather upper, a full leather lining, and real GYW leather sole. The wonderlite have a pretty stiff upper, a quarter leather lining (fabric up front), and a cemented PU sole.
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So, they are a bit different from what I was expecting, but that's not to say they are a bad pair of shoes. As advertised, the shoes are light and comfortable. They have a nice underfoot feel without the soft/squishy feeling that a lot of modern comfort-oriented shoes have. I think they'll make a solid workhorse shoe for being on my feet all day in the classroom next school year.

Sears gave a warranty that the soles will last at least a year of use, or they'll provide a new pair. I have a feeling there will not be any replacement pair if these ones fail me, though 😁

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One of my favorite shoes is a Sears by Hanover. But even these Korean made ones are better than most stuff produced today

 

[MathMan314]

One of my favorite shoes is a Sears by Hanover. But even these Korean made ones are better than most stuff produced today

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I have seen a handful of Korean made pairs in my size on eBay over the years and was curious about their quality. Good to know they are still a solid shoe! They are usually a bargain too.

 

[suitforcourt]

I have seen a handful of Korean made pairs in my size on eBay over the years and was curious about their quality. Good to know they are still a solid shoe! They are usually a bargain too.

How about this. We both buy a pair, and we do reviews for the group.

 

[eTrojan]

I am still pondering sitting out on famous pro golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez NOS Footjoy from estate sale. Particular these NOS unwrapped Lizards.

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I have a pair of these in 13A, and they're spectacular. I only break them out with golf crews who push the sartorial envelope. I can't be the only one in plaid pants and lizard shoes.

 

[Hotel Cali]

Saddled up for summer.

 

[MathMan314]

How about this. We both buy a pair, and we do reviews for the group.

Perhaps. I might end up with a pair, as I am potentially looking for some inexpensive longwings to experiment with making my own version of Golden Harvest. (The reason being that I walked into a craft store the other day and saw this Angelus "mustard" acrylic leather paint. It's not exactly GH color but I think it'll make for a fun project nevertheless.)

 

[suitforcourt]

Some rebuilds by Dan Frappier.

1. 92604s that got stacked leather wedge soles. Unconventional but I find them very comfortable as my WFH shoes, and also they're different;

2. Florsheim NSTs that got the full monty. JR midsoles, outsoles, Florsheim stamping inside and out, cat paw heels, toe taps, new welts, and new french binding;

3. Boulet boots that got speed hooks and a Vibram outsole for the winter;

4. Chippewa Ellisons that got new outsoles;

5. House flip flops that got new outsoles. They definitely grip much better now.

 

[MathMan314]

Some rebuilds by Dan Frappier.

1. 92604s that got stacked leather wedge soles. Unconventional but I find them very comfortable as my WFH shoes, and also they're different;

2. Florsheim NSTs that got the full monty. JR midsoles, outsoles, Florsheim stamping inside and out, cat paw heels, toe taps, new welts, and new french binding;

3. Boulet boots that got speed hooks and a Vibram outsole for the winter;

4. Chippewa Ellisons that got new outsoles;

5. House flip flops that got new outsoles. They definitely grip much better now.

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As always, I love the recrafts. I especially like the look of those Chippewa boots!

 

[Raimar]

Wow. Nice work. I was hoping you’d be terribly disappointed in how they came out and want to pass them to a brother (😉😉). Ok. I need to stop harassing you. Seriously, you did a great job on those.

No worries. In president Carter's words (paraphrased) I have also lusted in my heart Of course if ever asked point blank about it, I would have to use Chief Justice John Roberts words from his confirmation hearing: "I don't recall"

 

[suitforcourt]

Maiden voyage of the Florsheim NSTs that got a complete overhaul. Day off from work. Dry cleaners, groceries, dim sum, Top Gun 2, and hit up a thrift store.

 

[sam67]

Some rebuilds by Dan Frappier.

1. 92604s that got stacked leather wedge soles. Unconventional but I find them very comfortable as my WFH shoes, and also they're different;

2. Florsheim NSTs that got the full monty. JR midsoles, outsoles, Florsheim stamping inside and out, cat paw heels, toe taps, new welts, and new french binding;

3. Boulet boots that got speed hooks and a Vibram outsole for the winter;

4. Chippewa Ellisons that got new outsoles;

5. House flip flops that got new outsoles. They definitely grip much better now.

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So, is the Florsheim toe tap 'supposed' to be flush with the sole or is that personal preference ? I haven't had any done.

 

[suitforcourt]

So, is the Florsheim toe tap 'supposed' to be flush with the sole or is that personal preference ? I haven't had any done.

I don't know about 'supposed to be.'

Flush toe taps keep the sole balanced. I've seen the plastic ones that are just added on top of the sole. I've had those before and I definitely felt I walked differently.

Steve Doudaklian from Bedos explains flushed toe taps as being superior and also is the mark of a skilled cobbler. Take what you want from his view.

I personally like walking on a flat sole.

 

[Oshare]

Only 5 years ago I owned 2 pairs of business shoes… both black. I had no idea I would someday own and love shoes as glorious as these Golden Harvests.

May your day be golden and bright.

 

[Oshare]

May your day be golden and bright.

Completely unexpected twist!
Breakfast was just served and my omelet is topped with gold leaf! 😅

 

[ojaw]

Completely unexpected twist!
Breakfast was just served and my omelet is topped with gold leaf! 😅

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You’re sure that’s not just teflon breakdown?