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Plain-toed, brown, leather-soled Oxford?

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I'll Lock Up
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5,927
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Sydney Australia
Dinerman said:
What Price Glory has similar shoes for $95
http://www.whatpriceglory.com/usboot.htm

Russet_Officer_Shoes.jpg


Please tell me they are not corrected grain leather?
 

AlanC

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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3,175
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Heart of America
Corrected grain leather is a sub quality leather that is run through rollers to 'correct' the grain appearance. It will often have a particularly shiny and smooth look to it. There are even different grades of corrected grain, but at its worst it's pretty plasticky.
 

Tomasso

Incurably Addicted
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13,719
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USA
cookie said:
Please tell me they are not corrected grain leather?
I was going to mention the same but I didn't want to rain on the parade. [huh]

IMO, the best value at the $100-150 price-point is AE at discount, either through their outlets or eBay.
 

Mossyrock

One of the Regulars
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107
Location
Pacific NorthWest
"What Price Glory" US Officer Russet Dress Shoes

OK, the shoes came in today's mail. Given that I ordered them on the 17th that is pretty quick delivery! When I opened the shipping box, I was a little alarmed that the box was marked "9EEE". Opening the box confirmed that the shoes themselves are, indeed, size 9EEE. :eek: Going back to the website, I looked to see what widths were offered, because I didn't remember even marking a width. I was right; no width option is listed, just size. Given that my feet tend to run about a 9C, this had the potential to be a problem. Anyway, I put them on and they were a bit wide, but there is no way these are actually EEE in width. I called What Price Glory, and Jerry answered the phone. He said that this was the only width he offered. If they didn't fit, he would take them back and refund my money. After I got off the phone with him, I took a good look at how they fit. Length is just fine, but they ARE a bit wide. In many of my shoes I wear an orthopedic insole. Out of curiosity, I pulled an insole out of one of my other shoes and tried it in the WPG oxfords. Problem solved! The insole helped the fit considerably! When I ordered the shoes, I also ordered several pairs of flat shoes laces he had for WWII service shoes. I like them better than the thin, round laces that were actually a bit too short anyway.

Leather quality, while decent, looks a little "plasticky". Face it, these are NOT Aldens. I will hit them with some Kiwi and see how they look. All in all, I think I will be happy with them. They need some breaking in, and the soles need to be roughed up a bit. These soles are SLICK!!:eek:

Corrected grain leather? Dunno. Could be. Maybe.

Update: OK, I've been wearing these things for a couple of hours, and they are pretty comfortable shoes! I think they will fit the bill, especially for the modest price. Here are a couple of happy snaps of them on my feet.

WPG1.jpg

WPG2.jpg
 

AlanC

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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3,175
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Heart of America
If you like them and they fit your needs then don't worry about it.

I'd say they probably are corrected grain, but I have a pair of corrected grain AEs that I really like. It's not the end of the world.
 
Tomasso said:
If by "Oxford" you mean "Balmoral"

Is it wrong that the very same thought went through my head? tee hee

Mossyrock said:
Which ones? The WPGs or the Aldens Matt linked to? Those Aldens are VERY nice. But, if I was going to spend that much, I would spring for the Buzz Ricksens....

Probably a bad idea since Aldens are probably the best shoe available on that side of the Atlantic. (my opinion only, of course, but Buzz Rickson is hardly a specialist).

bk
 

Mossyrock

One of the Regulars
Messages
107
Location
Pacific NorthWest
Baron Kurtz said:
Probably a bad idea since Aldens are probably the best shoe available on that side of the Atlantic. (my opinion only, of course, but Buzz Rickson is hardly a specialist).

bk

Trust me, I'm all about the Aldens. There is a pair of Alden 405s on my feet right now; I wear them every day. I'll see how these WPGs hold up. If I get a year out of them, great. After I wear them out, I'll probably order a pair of Aldens.
 

Dixon Cannon

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3,157
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Sonoran Desert Hideaway
Can't remember where I found this, but check these out!
These are a Handmade replica of the USAAF Officers' Service Shoes.
Made to your measurements after ordering.

motorcowboyusaaf.jpg


http://www.motorcowboy.com/c=IQkbMPH6nd437UeXO5xHzkLhC/product/USAA2/USAAF_Officers_Shoes_Handmade_New_all_sizes.html

-dixon cannon


Made of top quality leather, fully lined with soft calf's leather and cushioned insole.
Leather sole, stacked leather heel with rubber heel cap. Three weeks turn around time
including express shipping at $29.00 after receiving measurements and payment.
 

jph712

New in Town
Messages
21
Location
Huntsville, Alabama
Mossyrock said:
Leather quality, while decent, looks a little "plasticky". Face it, these are NOT Aldens. I will hit them with some Kiwi and see how they look. All in all, I think I will be happy with them. They need some breaking in, and the soles need to be roughed up a bit. These soles are SLICK!!:eek:

Corrected grain leather? Dunno. Could be. Maybe.

As for the REALLY slick/plasticky look, you could try a little rubbing alcohol & soft cloth to cut through that 'painted on' looking finish and then hit them with leather conditioner. I've seen this technique recommended to cut thru similar factory finishes on Bass Weejuns.
 

Dr Doran

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3,854
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Los Angeles
jph712 said:
As for the REALLY slick/plasticky look, you could try a little rubbing alcohol & soft cloth to cut through that 'painted on' looking finish and then hit them with leather conditioner. I've seen this technique recommended to cut thru similar factory finishes on Bass Weejuns.

Excellent.
 

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