Show us your SHOES !!!

[cookie]

The selling price astounds me. I just don't get it.

Probably the croc factor and the buyer thinks it is repairable or got carried away with eBaydesiritis...

Nah. If you've got a large enough shoe rotation, they'll look great forever.

Braggart....

 

[Isshinryu101]

Braggart....

Running out of room!

 

[jamespowers]

Running out of room!

Well there are other options:
[video=youtube_share;sna8-KBo_p8]http://youtu.be/sna8-KBo_p8[/video]

 

[esteban68]

Here's a couple of pairs I got Thursday, first up a Classics? guessing these were made in Northampton by Samuel Windsor when their shoes were still made in England, not sure of date but they fit well enough and are generally in good condition but needing re heeling;

 

[esteban68]

Next are a pair of St Michael again guessing these were made in Northampton but not sure of date, again these need re-heeling, there are also a couple of condition issues in these mainly the rear heel on the left shoe which indication being put on without a shoe horn resulting in some damage though this is invisible when wearing them...bizarely being a 9 1/2-43 1/2 they fit me well;

Strangely both pair are slightly 'square' toed which I don't normally like however ther look is obviously growing on me!
These pair are also interesting as the 'brogue' cap etc is all stitched on detail.

 

[Two Types]

Next are a pair of St Michael again guessing these were made in Northampton but not sure of date,

If my memory serves me right, St Michael shoes were made in a factory in Rothwell (not sure of how long they were made there - but I can recall a factory, that has since closed and been converted into falts, making St Michael shoes during the 1990s).

You mentioned the other pair being 'Samuel Windsor'. In recent years they have reportedly been made by Loakes, I don't know how long that association has been going. I was told (by a rival company, so this is hearsay) that Loakes made the Samuel Windsor shoes in India.

 

[esteban68]

Thats what I suspected TT, I have a pair of Loakes two tone Woodstock and the underside of the tongue states 'handmade in India' though I have to admit they are very well made.
Looking on the Samuel Windsor site and looking at the prices makes me think they must be made in India, I wonder what their longevity is like?
The St Michael pair I suspect may be just post war?

 

[Two Types]

Thats what I suspected TT, I have a pair of Loakes two tone Woodstock and the underside of the tongue states 'handmade in India' though I have to admit they are very well made.
Looking on the Samuel Windsor site and looking at the prices makes me think they must be made in India, I wonder what their longevity is like?
The St Michael pair I suspect may be just post war?

I had a look on the Samuel Windsor website and they do actually say they are made in Asia. If I remember correctly, they used to claim to be made in the UK. I have no experience of their shoes, however an acquaintance in the trade is highly critical. He referred to the 'shank' being plastic, as is some of the stitching, and the cheapest of leather being used. But as I say, I don't have personal experience. If you check some of the online reviews they are hardly encouraging.

Also I am surprised that that the tongue on your Loakes says they are made in India. I thought they still produced everything from Kettering.

 

[Isshinryu101]

I had a look on the Samuel Windsor website and they do actually say they are made in Asia. If I remember correctly, they used to claim to be made in the UK. I have no experience of their shoes, however an acquaintance in the trade is highly critical. He referred to the 'shank' being plastic, as is some of the stitching, and the cheapest of leather being used. But as I say, I don't have personal experience. If you check some of the online reviews they are hardly encouraging.

Also I am surprised that that the tongue on your Loakes says they are made in India. I thought they still produced everything from Kettering.

The TERRIBLE OUTSOURCE MONSTER is everywhere, it seems. Almost everyone seems to be using Chinese & Indian factories to save money in labor costs. I have heard that Berluti is now outsourcing to China... then charging $1400+ for their shoes, so I am not surprised to hear Loake is doing it.

 

[flyfishark]

I know nothing about military footwear. Are bespoke naval officers' shoes collectible?

 

[cookie]

I know nothing about military footwear. Are bespoke naval officers' shoes collectible?

If they are the 1940s low quarters style that was made bespoke for the officers.

See this thread: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?1422-WWII-Army-Officers-Dress-Shoes&

 

[flyfishark]

Cookie, you've helped so much...could I just have a standing "Thank You!" to you before I wear out those keys on my keyboard?

 

[cookie]

Cookie, you've helped so much...could I just have a standing "Thank You!" to you before I wear out those keys on my keyboard?

Just send money...AUD not USD natch...

 

[AlanC]

I just picked up these vintage Carroll & Company suede brogues. I had expected English made when I bought them (on ebay), but I'm pretty sure these are US made. They have full leather suicide heels, and are partially lined in canvas. I'm quite pleased with them.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the maker?

 

[Isshinryu101]

Carroll & Company was a retailer rather than a maker/ manufacturer. I would guess they were Bostonians. Very well-made and heavy dutily (no such word) constructed. Great find.

I just picked up these vintage Carroll & Company suede brogues. I had expected English made when I bought them (on ebay), but I'm pretty sure these are US made. They have full leather suicide heels, and are partially lined in canvas. I'm quite pleased with them.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the maker?

 

[AlanC]

^Hmmm. Bostonian hadn't occurred to me. I know they were rebadged with the Carroll & Co. store logo (I think Carroll & Co. still exists). I had thought maybe Johnston & Murphy as I've seen them with the overall width listed first (B/AA) rather than last as with, say, Alden (AA/B). They're great shoes. Any idea in dating them?

 

[thunderw21]

Great suedes.

 

[Isshinryu101]

^Hmmm. Bostonian hadn't occurred to me. I know they were rebadged with the Carroll & Co. store logo (I think Carroll & Co. still exists). I had thought maybe Johnston & Murphy as I've seen them with the overall width listed first (B/AA) rather than last as with, say, Alden (AA/B). They're great shoes. Any idea in dating them?

50's.

 

[Isshinryu101]

Great suedes.

Funny thing that many people assume that suede is a "fragile" leather compared to smooth calf. Aside from staining (which is my NEMESIS), suede is a very tough and long-lasting leather. I don't even remember how many suede & smooth calf spectators I've seen where the smooth calf is dry as a bone (and not recoverable), but the suede is still soft & supple.

Florsheim "Pre-Longwong" Gunboats. Note the welt stitch.

 

[AlanC]

^Very handsome. Thanks for the dating.