Show us your SHOES !!!

[jswindle2]

Well, I think I arrived at my own answer. They are not shell leather. They had such little wear when I got them that creases had not developed - but I wore them Saturday and below shows the result.

Still, fairly well-made (they have a better look, feel and 'depth' than corrected grain would) and worth the four bucks to have a pair of oxblood wingtips I don't mind wearing on rainy days. These probably date from the '70s or early '80s (total guess) because I doubt that Stafford brand shoes have been made in the U.S.A. in a while. Feel free to correct me or add any info.

Gene,I've got the black version of those wigtips right there and I purchased them new in the early 90's. Mine are made in the U.S.A. also. I was in Penney's today and I don't remember seeing that style available any longer.

 

[jswindle2]

Florsheim Pennys. Not terribly vintage, but less than $20. Any thoughts on how to reshape them?

You didn't happen to just sell those on Ebay did you? I just bought a pair that looks similar to those. However, yours look much worse than the picture on the auction. If that wasn't your auction I'm sorry to disrespect your loafers. I myself am fond of them.

 

[cookie]

John McHale Custom Shoes. I think these are some of the nicest put together shoes I've laid eyes on.
Massive triple soles with a huge overhang. Look at the finishing on the inside. I've polished and conditioned them since taking the pics, but the light was failing so I thought better to get some shots. Any idea on age?

Here's a killer pair of spade soles by the same company.

Probably one of the scores of the year for you on shoes. Especially as where you live has such inclement weather. I posted those McHale shoes as I would like to copy them one day.

McHale’s partner Francis Stuart Scott died 13 Feb 1943 and I cannot find any record of Mr. McHale passing. The firm itself appears to have continued in existence to 1954, after which no further mention can be found.

 

[Michaelshane]

Just bought these on the bay,1956 date inside....

 

[Dinerman]

They're certainly built to last. I can't even imagine what a pair of shoes with this kind of bulletproofness would run these days.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

EXCELLENT acquisitions, Dinerman AND Michealshane.

 

[Tomasso]

They're certainly built to last. I can't even imagine what a pair of shoes with this kind of bulletproofness would run these days.

Start around $500-600 from Alden (special order); Double/treble that from the folks in Northampton.

 

[jswindle2]

I just bought these on the 'Bay. How old do ya'll think they are?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP.dll?ViewItem&item=280567903556

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

I just bought these on the 'Bay. How old do ya'll think they are?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP.dll?ViewItem&item=280567903556

My guess is late '60s, maybe into '70s. Hard to say for sure. Curious to see other opinions.

 

[sproily]

:cool2:

 

[Dinerman]

Would you look at that stitching!

Very cool Lassi

 

[Qirrel]

Tell us the secret Sproily..... Finland seems to be the last stop for every nice ankle boot in the world!

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

44 is in the same size system as in germany? if so, my feet are one size bigger. (and we don't have to fight over shoes if I come to visit you in finland) Haha

yeah the stitching is the best. vintage shoes have so fine stitching lines. and this curves looks very art deco.

 

[cookie]

Sproily clean out you PM box mate !

 

[sproily]

Noted!

They really are a pair of those 30's oddities. Strange shapes and all that rot. And as you said, Florian, quite art deco as well.

As a side note, they fit me perfect.

 

[cookie]

Noted!

They really are a pair of those 30's oddities. Strange shapes and all that rot. And as you said, Florian, quite art deco as well.

As a side note, they fit me perfect.

Sproily make sure you give them a good bath of antique leather conditioner like Pecards or Lexol or the Finnish equivalent.

 

[sproily]

Hmm.. I should get some. I don't believe there is a Finnish equivalent, though.

 

[cookie]

Eventhough not in English you should look at Sproily's blog....very professional...an archive.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

WOW, sproily; AMAZING boots. Tough act to follow, but here's what I've got:

Recently acquired a very old pair of Allen Edmonds "Tuxedo" model.

Perfect fit for my narrow feet so I'm keeping these.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

And another (more contemporary) pair of split toes. These AEs have no model name embossed into the footbed. [huh]

Also keepers due to good fit.