Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[eTrojan]

Oh man. Those are amazing. And my size. Hum.

Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it.

 

[friendlygoz]

This is the comment that really gives me pause. I feel for you on this one because little things like that drive me crazy even though objectively they are not noticeable at all. If this was a shoe that you liked but wasn't one of your favorites, I'd be all for tinkering. However, once you get into this they are probably going to end up looking different and there's no turning back. So taking into consideration objectively how bad the issue seems to be (not very), with just how much you like them, and the risk of the job... I'm with the other guys - leave em.

Thanks guys. I could have AE do it for $50. I’m not sure it’s worth it though. As you are pointing out, sometimes the best intervention is no intervention.

 

[actionjbone]

Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it.

I would have already, except I just ordered my first pair of Grant Stones.

Also, I finally put a bunch of stuff up on eBay, and for some reason it doesn't seem to be moving. Otherwise I'd use that outgoing to justify incoming. :-/

 

[friendlygoz]

Cool video about AE by my favorite style vloger. Check it out.

 

[stook1]

Thanks guys. I could have AE do it for $50. I’m not sure it’s worth it though. As you are pointing out, sometimes the best intervention is no intervention.

I would not make the assumption that they'll turn out to your expectations using AE to refinish them either. In fact, I'd most likely trust myself more and I've only stripped 2 pairs so far. Just to be clear, I am not in the anti-AE camp. Quite the contrary. It's just a bit of a leap of faith in terms of who will do the work, how much they will care relative to you, and the extent to which you can influence the outcome by communicating what you want.

I'm assuming you have tried less extreme methods of working on them?

 

[stook1]

Nettleton. Happy Monday, Fellas.

 

[happypebble]

Nettleton. Happy Monday, Fellas.

View attachment 1229912

classy and elegant.

 

[friendlygoz]

I would not make the assumption that they'll turn out to your expectations using AE to refinish them either. In fact, I'd most likely trust myself more and I've only stripped 2 pairs so far. Just to be clear, I am not in the anti-AE camp. Quite the contrary. It's just a bit of a leap of faith in terms of who will do the work, how much they will care relative to you, and the extent to which you can influence the outcome by communicating what you want.

I'm assuming you have tried less extreme methods of working on them?

Indeed. I’ve just put some walnut shoe cream. That’s it. I’m obsessive about my shoes. I’m sure none of you would understand (read sarcasm). I think I’ll do like Elsa and let it go. Thanks.

 

[stook1]

Indeed. I’ve just put some walnut shoe cream. That’s it. I’m obsessive about my shoes. I’m sure none of you would understand (read sarcasm). I think I’ll do like Elsa and let it go. Thanks.

If you have a good collection of cream colors, I bet you could blend them better. I'd start there since it's low risk and reversible generally. I'd also use a little bit of wax polish on the toes to even out the sheen. I really think they can be further improved and blended without resorting to an actual refinish. Good luck!

 

[Shoonoob]

Entertaining but unless someone gifts me about 10 grand in tools I will leave the bottom of the shoes to the professionals from now on.
I don't think the heels will fall off.

 

[Hotel Cali]

A vintage Florsheim shoe question today:

It seems like Florsheim long wingtip bluchers are the predominant available style today. I see much less PTB and oxford, or strap styles.

Vintage PTB still commands high demand and resale price. But oxford and strap styles seem low in availability and in resale prices.

e.g.

Any thoughts on why that is?

 

[instigateur]

Entertaining but unless someone gifts me about 10 grand in tools I will leave the bottom of the shoes to the professionals from now on.
I don't think the heels will fall off.
View attachment 1229961

Nicely done. I still cannot find a suitable pair. I would have lent you my cobbler stand.

 

[Numbernine]

Nicely done. I still cannot find a suitable pair. I would have lent you my cobbler stand. View attachment 1230008

I've been considering one of those but I can't seem to find any way to reference the size of the foot piece . No way to tell in those ebay photos

 

[instigateur]

I've been considering one of those but I can't seem to find any way to reference the size of the foot piece . No way to tell in those ebay photos

I fell into mine. Got it at a Long Grove IL junk/antique store for $20. I saw another in Crystal Lake for $60 but it included a base made from a 6x6

 

[Shoonoob]

So another tidbit from my deconstruction to nail the heels. Beneath the liner is some fabric glued over what was most likely a thin foam pad. This pad was completely dried out and crumbling. I replaced it with a piece of soft leather insole from some donor shoes.

I should really save all this for the full write up.../shrug