English Shoe Durability in Practice

SkinnyGoomba · Jan 27, 2010

Originally Posted by archetypal_yuppie

I'm not really seeking hard-wearingness, just appraisals. Also, I'm not a fan of cordovan, and isn't it the case that you resole when the first layer of sole wears out on a double sole? Does that add anything at all, in that case? (In terms of wear, not insulation etc).

I like the idea of toe taps, but no one has replied regarding whether they violate C&J's or EG's terms about only resoling virgin shoes.

Well if its any consolation to you, I've been wearing my C&J for RL darlton cordovan tassel loafers 1-2 times weekly for 8mo and they're holding up very well. I have toe taps installed and they look nearly brand new still.

Yes you have to resole after the 1st sole wears through, they're more comfortable to walk on uneven sidewalks with.

archetypal_yuppie · Jan 27, 2010

Where did you get the toe taps? Just plastic?

Loafers are the only place I'd experiment with cordovan.

SkinnyGoomba · Jan 27, 2010

Originally Posted by archetypal_yuppie

Where did you get the toe taps? Just plastic?

Loafers are the only place I'd experiment with cordovan.

Plastic, just had a local guy install them. I wore them a bit first, but would have been better off to just install them when new.

I'm considering these for my next cordovan purchase:

brandall10 · Jan 27, 2010

What, no durability advantage to double soles? I was considering a double-sole cordovan blucher of some sort for that very reason.

benderschweiz · Jan 28, 2010

Originally Posted by Macallan

Church's will do 3 resoles, need to find out their Royal Collection. From what I have read about Edward Green, it seems like 5.

There are quality cobblers out there, that could resole the shoes after the shoe-makers refuse to do any more work. For example James Taylor, who specialise bespoke orthopaedic shoes, do external repair work and although they do not have the last, they do a good quality job; they are more expensive than Church's and C&J for resoles (Â£90).

Does each resoling affect the structural integrity of the shoe? Why would there be a limit on the number of times a goodyear welted shoe could be resoled?

upnorth · Jan 28, 2010

As I was told, each re-soling (where the welts are not rebuilt) as opposed to a proper recrafting would require part of the original welt to be cut down slightly so that they are the same size as the new soles. Some companies cut a wider welt while others prefer a closer one which may look a little more elegant or sleek.

This wearing down of the original welt would make it closer to the upper until such time when the welts are no longer structurally sound enough or do not have the requisite area to support the soles or the upper. 3-4 sounds about right, although an incompetent cobbler could spell premature disaster.

NAMOR · Jan 14, 2011

From Oxford brogues to Derby loafers, English shoemakers still lead the way in bespoke footwear http://online.wsj.com/article_email/...DExNDQyWj.html

bhall41 · Jan 14, 2011

Originally Posted by SkinnyGoomba

I'm considering these for my next cordovan purchase:

Those are fantastic.

Details? I presume they are Aldens.

NORE · Jan 14, 2011

Originally Posted by bhall41

Those are fantastic.

Details? I presume they are Aldens.

bhall41 · Jan 14, 2011

Originally Posted by NORE

What?

laufer · Jan 14, 2011

Originally Posted by bhall41

What?

Those are well known Ralph Lauren Darltons. It is assumed that every member of SF knows/wants/has a pair of these

upnorth · Jan 14, 2011

Well, you've spent two years on SF in vain.

Ich_Dien · Jan 14, 2011

Originally Posted by bhall41

Those are fantastic.

Details? I presume they are Aldens.

Made by C&J.

inimitable · Jan 14, 2011

Originally Posted by Ich_Dien

Made by C&J.

Does C&J (or another manufacturer) make their own equivalent. Not too keen on paying Â£620 from polo.com even if they are cordovan...

Edit: The ones on polo.com arent even cordovan

bhall41 · Jan 14, 2011

Originally Posted by laufer

Those are well known Ralph Lauren Darltons. It is assumed that every member of SF knows/wants/has a pair of these
Nice to see we are all individuals here.

As a matter of fact, Ralph Lauren doesn't have a big presence in Australia and not many of their shoes are stocked.

English Shoe Durability in Practice

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