Show us your SHOES !!!

[Retro Spectator]

I wear I mens size 10.

I have a question. Did any spectator shoes from back then have suede/nubuck for the white part? Because my retro style ones have nubuck for the white part.

 

[LuvMyMan]

I wear I mens size 10.

I have a question. Did any spectator shoes from back then have suede/nubuck for the white part? Because my retro style ones have nubuck for the white part.

Yes.

 

[LuvMyMan]

[URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250015__zps8904f516.jpg.html] [/URL]

Not showing very well, but here is a picture of a scuff (two small ones next to each other) caused from a shoe sole tapping the surface of the leather on these shoes.

Here is what I have done in a process to fix that scuff. First I applied a very very thick amount of Saphir Medaille Dor `1925 Polish Wax, all over the toe area of the shoe. I let that sit for about 2 hours and did not brush or polish it off.


Next, I applied a heavy wet coat of the Cadillac shoe conditioner.....
[URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250014__zpsf51f1368.jpg.html] [/URL]
[URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250016__zpsdb3db3ed.jpg.html] [/URL]

I then let the conditioner sit for about two hours, and apply a second coating on the shoe toe area. This time after application of the conditioner, I use my finger to rub the conditioner into the scuff area. Rub for about 10 minutes. Apply polish and another round of conditioner. Let it sit again for about two hours. Buff it with an old white T Shirt to start the "shine" process. Apply one more heavy coat of polish and let it sit over night.

The next day, grab a new cotton ball. Water the cotton ball with cold water until it is soaked. Pinch out all the excess water. Open up the can of Saphir and just dab lightly some polish onto the cotton ball. Gently rub the cotton ball on the surface of the shoe. Tight circles and you will start to see the polish start to "swirl". Dab more polish very light amount on the cotton ball and then rub it on the shoe the same as before, light small gentle rubbing in a small circle.

 

[LuvMyMan]

[URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250013__zps8f3abdfd.jpg.html] [/URL][URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250018__zps6196d5c9.jpg.html] [/URL]
Here is what they look like after four polish with the cotton ball applications.


And now they are finished up.
[URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250006__zps2d9770f9.jpg.html] [/URL]

So you see, it does take time for proper shoe care. These are a pair of my Vintage Women's shoes I have worn with care. 1930's-1940's shoe.
[URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250008__zpse5a5edbf.jpg.html] [/URL]
[URL=http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/LoveMyHats2/media/3885797578_photobucket_250012__zpsd1da0934.jpg.html] [/URL]

 

[dh66]

Very impressive shine. Really cool shoes, too.

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

 

[Mormonopoly]

I just got into shoe collecting at the beginning of this year, but I wanted to show off my collection in its early stages.
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0156_zpscb8a5224.jpg.html] [/URL]
My two Allen Edmonds, the Seville (c. 1990) and the Strawfut (New):
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0157_zps2da5ef80.jpg.html] [/URL]
A pair of 1960s Knapp Bros:
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0158_zpsd40bc8c5.jpg.html] [/URL]
And the best shoe in my collection, a pair of Florsheim Mesh Spectators c. 1950. I still can't believe that I found them deadstock in my size 12!:
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0159_zpse91e5790.jpg.html] [/URL]
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0160_zps23fad979.jpg.html] [/URL]

 

[Rudie]

Nice.

Let me warn you, you need to get some shoe trees before the shoenatics here are going to lynch you.

 

[Two Types]

Good first post! Especially the brown leather and canvas spectators.

P.S. Rudie's right about the shoes trees. They will really improve the shoes.

 

[Mormonopoly]

Thanks! I've been meaning to get some trees, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. But, rest assured, they will have trees in them soon!

 

[LuvMyMan]

You have some nice shoes there! Shoe trees yes, even the cheapo ones are better than none. One way to save you some money on the overall amount of shoe trees you should have, buy a pair or two of cedar woods, and the rest plastic cheapo trees. Use the cedar wood ones for a pair of shoes you just have worn recently, and rotate the shoe trees according to what shoes you have just worn, leaving the plastic ones for the shoes that have just sat and been waiting to take your feet for a ride! Invest in conditioner also. Any thin conditioner that will soak into the shoes is better than none. I do however recommend Cadillac. Get it all into those shoes, inside all over and outside. Use the conditioner as if the shoes would explode it you do not keep them soaked up with it for a few days minimum. Use your fingers to rub and smooth some of it in between applications of more of it. Those new NOS mesh shoes, you may not think it, but they are as dry as a donkey eating frog in the middle of the desert. The Cadillac is way and far good for the mesh as much as for the leather of those shoes. Drowned them in it. Later, they will love you for taking the time to do so now. After soaking them all up and letting the conditioner have a chance to be some what dry, then shove the shoe trees in the shoes. Any issues at all with the leather, or the mesh, ask about it here. You may need to "color" polish the mesh, and for sure, the leather. Those shoes are not every day finding them in your size and that darn nice. Love them. Nourish them, Condition them. Any place on the shoes, use it. Heels, soles, inside, all around inside, and everywhere on the outside. Oh yes, I do this something my Husband taught me...use some "neutral" wax polish on those fresh soles also. Turn your shoes sole side up...(can I get a praise God here), sole side up and put some heavy chunks of the clear neutral wax polish on the soles, rub it in a bit, then another thick overkill application. Let it sit over night at least. Use any old white T-shirt to rub and buff that wax off. Do it all over again. Then you have finished doing what you can to "seal and condition" your entire shoe.

You have to fully understand it takes effort now, you have the shoes....you are the one to do the preventive measures to safe guard the shoes from future damages. You will also find out, doing all this now, will help make it easier to maintain those shoes. Conditioner gives polish something to "sit on" that is actually good for the shoe leather. Clean up easier, stay supple longer, and make the leather more comfortable on your tooties.

 

[Isshinryu101]

ventilated specs NEED trees more than other shoes. The thin strips of leather are highly prone to heavy creasing... then cracking.

Make SURE the trees are nice and loose on this type of shoe, though. Too tight will also tear those strips.

 

[Claudio]

I just got into shoe collecting at the beginning of this year, but I wanted to show off my collection in its early stages.
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0156_zpscb8a5224.jpg.html] [/URL]
My two Allen Edmonds, the Seville (c. 1990) and the Strawfut (New):
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0157_zps2da5ef80.jpg.html] [/URL]
A pair of 1960s Knapp Bros:
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0158_zpsd40bc8c5.jpg.html] [/URL]
And the best shoe in my collection, a pair of Florsheim Mesh Spectators c. 1950. I still can't believe that I found them deadstock in my size 12!:
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0159_zpse91e5790.jpg.html] [/URL]
[URL=http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mormonopoly/media/IMG_0160_zps23fad979.jpg.html] [/URL]

Some nice shoes there M, keep it up! What make are the whiskey brogue boots? very nice form

Thanks

C

 

[BR Gordon]

I'm not a collector, but I do like shoes. I think it's an addiction that I caught from my wife.Three of my favorites are:

1940s Stetson that I got from Vintage Shoe Addict. These were near new, may have been worn one time.





The second pair, also from Vintage Shoe Addict. 1930s Men's Club. NOS, never worn.




A modern pair of Alden's. My first ever suede shoes.

 

[Mormonopoly]

Some nice shoes there M, keep it up! What make are the whiskey brogue boots? very nice form

Thanks

C

Thanks! The boots are H by Hudson

 

[Isshinryu101]

Hello, my friend! VERY happy you love those shoes. 2 Fantastic examples of incredible Classic US made summertime shoemaking.

Wear in the best of health.

I'm not a collector, but I do like shoes. I think it's an addiction that I caught from my wife.Three of my favorites are:

1940s Stetson that I got from Vintage Shoe Addict. These were near new, may have been worn one time.





The second pair, also from Vintage Shoe Addict. 1930s Men's Club. NOS, never worn.




A modern pair of Alden's. My first ever suede shoes.

 

[cookie]

[/URL]

That bevelled waist in the instep is an unusual and nice touch for the 50s. Nowadays this is the mark of a high cost shoe.

 

[cookie]

I'm not a collector, but I do like shoes. I think it's an addiction that I caught from my wife.Three of my favorites are:

1940s Stetson that I got from Vintage Shoe Addict. These were near new, may have been worn one time.





The second pair, also from Vintage Shoe Addict. 1930s Men's Club. NOS, never worn.

Seriously nice vintage shoes...from The Man...wear them in good health and fun.

 

[BR Gordon]

Seriously nice vintage shoes...from The Man...wear them in good health and fun.

Thank you. I've had more good comments on the Stetson spectators than I've ever had on any clothing.

 

[LuvMyMan]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-bespoke...9772779?pt=UK_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item2ed1e26ceb
http://www.ebay.com/itm/33100448873...49&var=540229572357&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heinrich-Di...d=100011&prg=9833&rk=1&rkt=10&sd=331201917340

Some interesting listings on eBay. I can imagine the Materna shoes and Dinkelacker are in the same league as Vass, not sure if they are exactly as nice or as well made, but seem to be really nice shoes. The Italian ones, are a lesser price then even Ferragamo, but look as if they are made perhaps by the same shoe factory? They say hand made, which may be true? Not bad looking shoe for the price.

 

[LuvMyMan]

Thank you. I've had more good comments on the Stetson spectators than I've ever had on any clothing.

Vintage is such a work of art most of the time. It is such a shame that there are not more shoe makers doing shoes the way they were being made even 60 years ago. When I am shopping for a find online, and see what the current trend is on shoes made by Cole Haan and Florsheim, they just have such a "glued cardboard" and plastic look to them...because...that is about what they are.

One shoe still made decent by Cole Haan is the Trafton shoe. Cole Haan has those shoes made in Italy. They have made it in both a smooth calf and a heavy pebble grain that would remind you of ranch oxhide. I think ranch oxhide had a great look to it, but it does not look right if it is polished too much.