Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[madhat]

The lack of a vcleat is not an issue for me. I have pairs with and without it. Just a great shoe even with the BIN price. Compare it to anything at AE or Alden and the value is amazing. Go ahead, you know you need them.

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Your update is more like it!

 

[smfdoc]

Man, I got nothin. Maybe DavidVC, smfdoc, or suitforcourt have some info.

I have never heard of the brand, but according to shellcordovanmodels.com, they did make a shell tassel loafer, style number unknown. They clearly also made a shell lwb, but that is all I know.

 

[instigateur]

I went thrifting today and I found a OLD pair of black shell LWBs. They are worn and I can't tell who made them. The lettering inside is all gone, but I can see that they are a D width and there is a 90 inside near that, so maybe that meant 9.0. Who knows? The outsole measures 12 1/4 inches. But even though they have had replacement heels and the soles are getting thin, the upper leather is not in bad shape. That is the beauty of shell. It can last incredibly long. They are dirty and there is lots of bloom so they have been sitting.

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I walked away from them 3 times, but I finally felt I had a reason to get them. I knew SOMEBODY on the thread has been wishing they had some old shell shoes for a project, to see how they could clean up. A practice pair if you will. I think you would be impressed how they could clean up. If they fit, they would be a great beater pair. If they cleaned up and fit, you may even want to spend some money on some sole work when they get a hole.

So, on the third time I laid out the princely sum of $6 and took them home. PM me if you wish to have them for the same $6. I guarantee only that they are black shell LWBs in D width. The rest is speculation. You would either have to pay postage or send me a mailing type label I can print and tape to the box if you are having your work pay the mailing. So, who wants to play with some shell?

12D here. Would they fit me?

 

[Medicfourlife]

12D here. Would they fit me?

I measured my 11D AE Neumoks outsole and that came in at just over 13” and some size 10D Cole Haans I have laying around which we’re just over 12” so I’m guessing size 10 is probably about right.

 

[suitforcourt]

I have never heard of the brand, but according to shellcordovanmodels.com, they did make a shell tassel loafer, style number unknown. They clearly also made a shell lwb, but that is all I know.

I have also never heard of this brand. But would love to learn about it!

Shell shoes are always a winning thrift.

 

[wasmisterfu]

I went thrifting today and I found a OLD pair of black shell LWBs. They are worn and I can't tell who made them. The lettering inside is all gone, but I can see that they are a D width and there is a 90 inside near that, so maybe that meant 9.0. Who knows? The outsole measures 12 1/4 inches. But even though they have had replacement heels and the soles are getting thin, the upper leather is not in bad shape. That is the beauty of shell. It can last incredibly long. They are dirty and there is lots of bloom so they have been sitting.

View attachment 994663 View attachment 994664 View attachment 994665 View attachment 994666

I walked away from them 3 times, but I finally felt I had a reason to get them. I knew SOMEBODY on the thread has been wishing they had some old shell shoes for a project, to see how they could clean up. A practice pair if you will. I think you would be impressed how they could clean up. If they fit, they would be a great beater pair. If they cleaned up and fit, you may even want to spend some money on some sole work when they get a hole.

So, on the third time I laid out the princely sum of $6 and took them home. PM me if you wish to have them for the same $6. I guarantee only that they are black shell LWBs in D width. The rest is speculation. You would either have to pay postage or send me a mailing type label I can print and tape to the box if you are having your work pay the mailing. So, who wants to play with some shell?

Not likely my size, and I have 3 pairs of shoes in the mail, include 42 year old MacGregor’s in need of restoration.

But I’d love to know what the are. IMHO, they’re not Alden, AE or Hanover. I also feel like they’re not a Florsheim because of the last. Maybe Nettleton or Bostonian?

 

[LLEE]

Hanover’s are wonderful.

 

[suitforcourt]

Hanover’s are wonderful.

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I love the darker colour on the brogueing. I should do that with a few of my pairs.

 

[wasmisterfu]

Hanover’s are wonderful.

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Those are nice. I like the color.

Was there a time period when Hanover’s were more likely to have a 5 eyelet vamp versus 6?

 

[Vinilo1969]

Leaving behind the good for something better. I saw these at Value Village yesterday. They fit. They had good soft leather. They were made in Italy. In excellent condition. Price was affordable at $15.

I would not buy them. They lacked a certain aesthetic that failed to please me.

I am practicing the choice of leaving behind the good, in search for something great.

 

[wasmisterfu]

Leaving behind the good for something better. I saw these at Value Village yesterday. They fit. They had good soft leather. They were made in Italy. In excellent condition. Price was affordable at $15.

I would not buy them. They lacked a certain aesthetic that failed to please me.

I am practicing the choice of leaving behind the good, in search for something great.

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So you probably made the right call. While the Italians make some very fine shoes, they also make carefully disguised garbage like this:

https://www.styleforum.net/posts/9375909/

If I couldn’t verify the vintage and pedigree of said shoes, I’d have just walked away from them also.

 

[Vinilo1969]

So you probably made the right call. While the Italians make some very fine shoes, they also make carefully disguised garbage like this:

https://www.styleforum.net/posts/9375909/

If I couldn’t verify the vintage and pedigree of said shoes, I’d have just walked away from them also.

Yikes, that was a behind the scenes look at a horrorshow. Now we know how the sausages get made.

 

[Vinilo1969]

Thanks to suitforcourt I now have my first pair of Stuart McGuire shoes, in a dark oxblood almost black cherry longwings.

Roughed up the leather by stomping on the tops, Two coats of Bick 4, some Saphir Renovateur and brown wax polish.

Original thin laces, with the generous instep I chose the “understart” lace method (my terminology).

 

[suitforcourt]

Thanks to suitforcourt I now have my first pair of Stuart McGuire shoes, in a dark oxblood almost black cherry longwings.

Roughed up the leather by stomping on the tops, Two coats of Bick 4, some Saphir Renovateur and brown wax polish.

Original thin laces, with the generous instep I chose the “understart” lace method (my terminology).

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Wear them with enjoyment! Let us know how they feel after a day of walking.

I maintain most vintage shoes made in USA are superior to majority of modern day footwear.

I hope you help me to maintain this position.

 

[smfdoc]

I measured my 11D AE Neumoks outsole and that came in at just over 13” and some size 10D Cole Haans I have laying around which we’re just over 12” so I’m guessing size 10 is probably about right.

You’re correct, it would not even be close.