Gibson/Derby shoes

[nattevagten]

The weather's getting warmer, which also means lighter footwear.

My current favourite is Solovair, but before getting another pair, I thought I should perhaps consider the alternatives this time.

Interested in something a bit more casual, perhaps in the Gaucho Crazy Horse leather, like these ones:

https://eu.nps-solovair.com/products/s3-995-ch-g?variant=35830361653416

Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[Schambach]

Alden plain toe bluchers are wonderful shoes, just about perfect in my opinion. Viberg makes a very nice derby shoe as well, heavy and boot like. Both are expensive at retail prices, but with a little patience you can generally find them for much less.

I have a pair of solovairs, but for some reason they don't quite do it for me. I'd really hoped to replicate the 3 hole gibson dr martens I had as a teenager in the 80s, and loved dearly, my first "real shoe" as opposed to sneakers.

 

[Harris HTM]

It depends how much you want to spend. The Alden plain toe blucher, as mentioned above, is a great option. Check the Trickers Robert model as well. Or the C&J Lanark.
I own all three mentioned brands and are recommended, though a bit pricey.
I love Solovair's. Keep us updated!

 

[dannyk]

I’m going to plug my buddy Andy over at Parkhurst. I will say up front though I’ve never owned, worn, handled, seen in the wild this shoe. So I can’t tell you it’s good or built well. I won’t even pretend ha. I just know Andy and he’s a real good guy and I’ve owned several pairs of his other boots. He’s also great at making something right. So some QC issue he always refunds, discounts, exchanges, rebuilds. He even put two sets of stars on two of my jackets for me. He works with leather everyday so I trusted him, asked, and he actually said yes; did them both for 10 bucks. These are also American designed and built if that matters to you. Actually just a few miles from my house. So his workers get good wages and all that good stuff. He used Maryam, Horween, CF Stead-all the usual players. Different sole options but most are Dainite. Veg tan midsoles and veg tan welts. And his most expensive boots are his customs that are 360, has options under 300. Not easy to find American made with those materials at that price. If you do get these, give us a review. I’d love to know how his new line is going. He made a change to start the new year. He told me he wants most of his leathers to be veg tan, all veg tan mid soles and veg tan welts. He also said he wants them to all be at least 6oz or more. The past line up was 4.5-5.6oz.

 

[Schambach]

I'm really curious about those parkhurts as well. Have heard great things about his boots and customer service, plus I love that he's in NY state.

 

[Goel]

I have a pair of Lof & Tung derby shoes that feel a bit dressy and are not the most comfortable for every day wear due to the stiffeners. I've been considering getting a desert shoe for something that will certainly be soft and light.

https://crownnorthampton.com/collec...on/products/grove-desert-shoe-sand-kudu-suede

 

[nattevagten]

I have a pair of Lof & Tung derby shoes that feels a bit dressy and not the most comfortable for every day wear due to the stiffeners. I've been considering getting a desert shoe for something that will certainly be soft and light.

https://crownnorthampton.com/collec...on/products/grove-desert-shoe-sand-kudu-suede

I must say the same shoes in CXL look pretty amazing. The price isn't that bad either if the quality is there: https://crownnorthampton.com/collec...ucts/grove-desert-shoe-horween-no8-chromexcel

 

[GHT]

The fellow who makes my shoes lists Gibsons as an early 1950's style and looks like this:

 

[dannyk]

The fellow who makes my shoes lists Gibsons as an early 1950's style and looks like this:
View attachment 315209

Who makes your shoes? I’m digging that style.

 

[Schambach]

I must say the same shoes in CXL look pretty amazing. The price isn't that bad either if the quality is there: https://crownnorthampton.com/collec...ucts/grove-desert-shoe-horween-no8-chromexcel

I thought the same thing. Not familiar with Crown Northhampton though, does anyone have experience with them?

 

[GHT]

Who makes your shoes? I’m digging that style.

https://www.johnsoncustomshoes.com/collections/gibson?page=2

 

[dannyk]

https://www.johnsoncustomshoes.com/collections/gibson?page=2

yup. Loving these.

 

[GHT]

I've known Colin for many years, he's the artisan with shoes, his wife Sarah, is the business brains. They always treat their customers well, if you need to return anything you will get a replacement or a refund, your choice, an honest couple they definitely are.