Footwear to go with our jackets

[Coriu]

Like HarrisHTM said, and with proper care, every shoe/boot can last a life time and still looking new. And this is also how I do it too.
My shoe/boot journey began with mostly Italian and French brands with Blake stitching or thinner welts. I loved them except they worn down very fast and either a lot of maintenance were needed or I’d be needing new soles. Either way it was more expensive than I liked. Then I started trying the English brands. I stopped searching maybe 5 years ago and stopped at Trickers. Brogue shoes/boots were actually country work boots hundred years ago but it is perceived as dress shoes today. Funny how that evolved right! Town or country, Trickers are the highest quality/price shoes I encounter so far, meaning almost zero maintenance needed and still looking new.
But all the leather aside, I’m a Vans guy. Grew up wearing them, and am still wearing them. I would wear them with anything, Leather jackets, Tuxedos whatever. The only thing is that they only last about a year or two before the tape falls apart.
Go Vans!
View attachment 346871 View attachment 346872 View attachment 346873

Sir, one of the shoes on the rack is slightly askew. Please do not let this happen again. We have standards around here, y'know.

 

[Jin431]

@Coriu i don't particularly care about the Patina look but i do have 3 vintage (2 Cal and 1 Vanek) jackets but only 1 has the "real worn look". I would not hesitate to get a vintage cross zip if something I like becomes available. All my vintage jackets came from regular members here in the lounge and will only consider getting another one if they come from members here as well.

The fit with vintage jackets could be hit or miss as well and i don't like moving on jackets as soon as I get it. When the fit is okay there's still always something off with it so I always end up having it altered to fit me better so the price gets more expensive. I also prefer a simple 1 piece back design and most older jackets have half belts so that's a no go for me. Plus I don't personally want to ever deal with rotted leather/needing a new lining/needing hardware replacement/tears/broken seams. I especially don't want to deal with mold/smell with the hard work that comes along cleaning/washing/drying/conditioning the jacket and it is very time consuming.

There's also that notion of making the jacket your own and having it mold to the wearer. Although maybe the biggest factor is I quite like the made to order process (whether boots/jacket) because I can pick and choose what I really want and in that way I can get close to my ideal fit in how I want to feel/look when I wear the garment.

 

[Coriu]

@Coriu i don't particularly care about the Patina look but i do have 3 vintage (2 Cal and 1 Vanek) jackets but only 1 has the "real worn look". I would not hesitate to get a vintage cross zip if something I like becomes available. All my vintage jackets came from regular members here in the lounge and will only consider getting another one if they come from members here as well.

The fit with vintage jackets could be hit or miss as well and i don't like moving on jackets as soon as I get it. When the fit is okay there's still always something off with it so I always end up having it altered to fit me better so the price gets more expensive. I also prefer a simple 1 piece back design and most older jackets have half belts so that's a no go for me. Plus I don't personally want to ever deal with rotted leather/needing a new lining/needing hardware replacement/tears/broken seams. I especially don't want to deal with mold/smell with the hard work that comes along cleaning/washing/drying/conditioning the jacket and it is very time consuming.

There's also that notion of making the jacket your own and having it mold to the wearer. Although maybe the biggest factor is I quite like the made to order process (whether boots/jacket) because I can pick and choose what I really want and in that way I can get close to my ideal fit in how I want to feel/look when I wear the garment.

Thank you for the response. I enjoy learning how others approach the hobby. In a way, there's a parallel with homes. Some folks like designing and building new homes, others enjoy buying existing homes and remodeling. Both approaches can be rewarding. And both can end up costing one more than they initially budgeted to spend.

 

[Goel]

Waiting to hear back about some options for that MK boot. Also here's the horsebutt Dehner Tankers I had made.

I realize I should have sized them for my thickest pair of socks, but I had them stretched and they're pretty good now. Definitely glad I go these over the Eastman ones, just look at how thick the straps are.

 

[Jin431]

Waiting to hear back about some options for that MK boot. Also here's the horsebutt Dehner Tanker's I had made.

I realize I should have sized them for my thickest pair of socks, but I had them stretched and they're pretty good now. Definitely glad I go these over the Eastman ones, just look at how thick the straps are.

Looks great! Nothing beats thick horse butt boots in my opinion lol

 

[Jin431]

Sagara Cordmaster in olive badalassi with black overdye

Motor Boots brown hand painted cowhide tall boys from @JCSD

Benzein Chelsea in Cigar Horse butt

 

[Jin431]

Benzein Badalassi Chelsea

 

[Jules Myers]

Caymans

 

[Turnip]

Some Buffalo skin

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Time to actually post my newest White Klouds here. I won't be doing a full review because I will save that for my blog/website. White Kloud makes without question the best boots in the world, with the possible exception of some dress shoe makers who offer boots. He does actually offer full bespoke in case anyone is interested. This pair was made with a modified last on the left boot. I wanted a little more room on the outer left part of my left foot.

This is my second pair of White Klouds and my brother has a pair as well. Each pair has been as near perfect as I've ever seen an item of clothing be. Show Goto, the owner and sole maker does a lot by hand. My boots are hand welted and the upper outsole stitch is also done entirely by hand. He also makes the thread for both of those stitches entirely by hand. When I say that, I mean that he actually weaves the materials into thread by hand and adds the waxes and oils to it.

He thinks of absolutely everything for his boots. The foot bed feels different than any other pair of boots I've had. He uses Badalassi leather for the insoles (at least on mine) and they conform better than any other insoles I've had. They also are shaped a little different to most. He used to be a foot masseuse and studied reflexology and he said this does affect how he makes his boots. Comfort is subjective, but for me, these are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn.

This is also his first ever customer pair made of shell cordovan. It's Ogawa burgundy shell and it looks incredible. It's Shinki shell that is dyed and finished by Ogawa and it changes color dramatically depending on the lighting. All his materials are top notch, but I'm really thrilled with this leather in particular.

Finishing is flawless and I have yet to see anyone do high shine edges and heels as perfectly as he does. Stitchwork is also flawless even when compared to other boots people claim are flawless. He really knows what he's doing and takes the time to make everything perfect. These have definitely surpassed my first pair already and are by far my favorite boots that I own.

Now please enjoy way too many pictures of them:

 

[dudewuttheheck]

 

[Jin431]

That leather is so beautiful, the depth of color is crazy and construction is definitely world class. Thanks for sharing this here and can't wait to read the full review. That pair just screams @dudewuttheheck. Fantastic

 

[Canuck Panda]

@dudewuttheheck Your pic with the jacket was great, but TBH all I saw were those boots. Ogawa Shells are the very best you can get, now I see why. The finish on those boots doesn’t get any better.

 

[Bfd70]

Those dip into the realm of too nice. I’d probably put them on display and never wear them.

 

[Caber]

I don't know if I should ask this question on here or make a whole new thread, but if I wanted a boot with the color that aero uses with their cordovan leather and I want to use the boots with dress or caesural wear, what would I be looking for and who makes it?

 

[dwilson]

Out of curiosity @dudewuttheheck what did those cost?

 

[Harris HTM]

I don't know if I should ask this question on here or make a whole new thread, but if I wanted a boot with the color that aero uses with their cordovan leather and I want to use the boots with dress or caesural wear, what would I be looking for and who makes it?

It depends how much you want to spend. In general look for "burgundy" colour or "no.8" steer when looking at Horween hides (such hide is used by Aero). For more expensive budgets you can check shell cordovan shoes in no.8. If you let us know a budget indication, and maybe a snapshot of a boot style you like, then maybe we can help!

 

[Monitor]

My favorite pair of tall boots. Sears horsehide harness', Made in USA. These were a gift by this awesome dude, @ksozay. I've seen a lot of Sears boots on eBay but never a pair even remotely as cool as this one. Patina, wear, creases that I won't ever be able to duplicate. Wearing these just makes me feel cool.

 

[Caber]

It depends how much you want to spend. In general look for "burgundy" colour or "no.8" steer when looking at Horween hides (such hide is used by Aero). For more expensive budgets you can check shell cordovan shoes in no.8. If you let us know a budget indication, and maybe a snapshot of a boot style you like, then maybe we can help!

budget is 200-700
I’m not sure a style I like. I don’t want pointed toe like cowboy boots. I’m really looking for something that can go with dress pants and jeans or Khakis

 

[Jules Myers]

My favorite pair of tall boots. Sears horsehide harness', Made in USA. These were a gift by this awesome dude, @ksozay. I've seen a lot of Sears boots on eBay but never a pair even remotely as cool as this one. Patina, wear, creases that I won't ever be able to duplicate. Wearing these just makes me feel cool.

Damn, those are gorgeous