Show us your SHOES !!!

[LuvMyMan]

Here's a recent addition to my collection: 1940s Dobson Perforated Spectators. They're unfortunately not in great condition, but they're wearable and I'm delighted to find a pair in this style that's actually large enough for me to wear.

Real nice. If those have suede (the white) you can refurb if you use light applications of conditioner on the inside of the shoe, just turn it upside down and rub some conditioner on the back side of the uppers all the way down to the toe box....a few days of doing that will make a big difference and of course, any brown can be done inside as well as outside of the shoe. Most leather if not actually "rotted" can be refurbed fairly nice. The suede can then be "bunny bagged" to spruce up the white...(that is if the white part of those is suede)....also if suede has been polished by mistake of past owners, it can be cleaned up with a product made by fiebing leather cleaner/prep (normally used before you dye leather). Apply it on the suede gently with a clean clothe and rub the surface, you will feel and see old polish come right off. Use a suede brush and avoid using the suede "eraser" as it will just make the surface have a hole in the suede...cleaning suede I have done this a few times, it is not very hard just time consuming. Actually most steps you will take for shoe care can be time consuming but will pay off to keep the shoe wearable.

If you look at the shoes listed for sale by VintageShoe Addict, you will see well conditioned shoes that are super wearable. Taking good care of leather has to be the most single important thing a shoe owner can do...that and of course using a shoe horn to put shoes on, and keeping shoe trees in the shoe.

I have considered doing shoes (getting them up to par) as a favor for loungers if they do not feel like they can do it themselves...it is really not all that hard. Just take your time. Older shoes took time to get dry or dirty...do not expect to rush cleaning them or conditioning them all up in a day or so...

 

[LuvMyMan]

picked these up today for just a few dollars, hadn't heard of the maker before, bit of google searching has only really brought up some old ads. quality seems pretty good. anyone have any information the maker etc ? (apologies for the bad iphone pictures)









**addendum - was an offshoot from the car company?

You have a nice winning pair of vintage there!

 

[LuvMyMan]

So what's your issue?
You mean Vass shoes like these?

I think what was meant about goodyear welts, some shoe makers will use a sewing machine to install the welt, but, Vass and other makers of made to order shoes will make everything by hand lasting with no use of a machine...the workmanship overall from a master craftman gives the shoe a bit more quality. Vass as you know can provide excellent shoes all hand made for a lesser price tag then many of the other high end shoes being made. Not knocking any shoes at all here, just saying that if you are going to spend more than $800.00 on a pair of shoes, and are going with modern made shoes, Vass is in many ways the best bang for the buck. There are some shoes with uncalled for price tags that fall short on quality and are machine made. I use the term "modern made shoes" as to place them different than a true vintage shoe. We have a few nice modern made pairs of shoes, but seriously attempt to stick with vintage as to the issue of quality and even pricing. I rarely see any vintage shoe selling for more than $500.00 and most of the time I have been able to snag a nice pair for less than $200.00 (even some NOS shoes).

I do see you have some great looking nice shoes. Nothing wrong at all with Edward Green shoes in general, it would be nice if they would hand last everything for what they are charging for the shoes.

 

[dddrees]

I think what was meant about goodyear welts, some shoe makers will use a sewing machine to install the welt, but, Vass and other makers of made to order shoes will make everything by hand lasting with no use of a machine...the workmanship overall from a master craftman gives the shoe a bit more quality. Vass as you know can provide excellent shoes all hand made for a lesser price tag then many of the other high end shoes being made. Not knocking any shoes at all here, just saying that if you are going to spend more than $800.00 on a pair of shoes, and are going with modern made shoes, Vass is in many ways the best bang for the buck. There are some shoes with uncalled for price tags that fall short on quality and are machine made. I use the term "modern made shoes" as to place them different than a true vintage shoe. We have a few nice modern made pairs of shoes, but seriously attempt to stick with vintage as to the issue of quality and even pricing. I rarely see any vintage shoe selling for more than $500.00 and most of the time I have been able to snag a nice pair for less than $200.00 (even some NOS shoes).

I do see you have some great looking nice shoes. Nothing wrong at all with Edward Green shoes in general, it would be nice if they would hand last everything for what they are charging for the shoes.

I see that you refer to a bit more quality when talking about hand lasting vs GYW. So can I ask you exactly how do you feel that your getting better quality shoes when you purchase a pair of hand lasted vs GYW shoes? I'm not saying you can't but often I hear this comment, but then that same person cannot state any substantial advantages of a hand lasted shoe over a GYW shoe. In no way am I knocking the craftsmanship of a hand lasted shoe. In fact I appreciate the craftsmanship and I wish more had the ability to do so. But unfortunately the kind of production one can yield from this method makes this kind of method a bit limiting for most businesses. Anyway part of the reason I purchase shoes are for aesthetic reasons as well and frankly I find Edward Green to be some of the more pleasing to look at shoes and this is over and above the great fit I get on their Lasts.

In the meantime here's another pair of hand lasted shoes.

 

[Isshinryu101]

Now THAT is what I'm talking about! There's just something about a truly handwelted shoe that I love. Vass are special.

Your screen name feels familiar. Maybe from another forum or my website.

So what's your issue?
You mean Vass shoes like these?

 

[Isshinryu101]

I see that you refer to a bit more quality when talking about hand lasting vs GYW. So can I ask you exactly how do you feel that your getting better quality shoes when you purchase a pair of hand lasted vs GYW shoes? I'm not saying you can't but often I hear this comment, but then that same person cannot state any substantial advantages of a hand lasted shoe over a GYW shoe. In no way am I knocking the craftsmanship of a hand lasted shoe. In fact I appreciate the craftsmanship and I wish more had the ability to do so. But unfortunately the kind of production one can yield from this method makes this kind of method a bit limiting for most businesses. Anyway part of the reason I purchase shoes are for aesthetic reasons as well and frankly I find Edward Green to be some of the more pleasing to look at shoes and this is over and above the great fit I get on their Lasts.

In the meantime here's another pair of hand lasted shoes.

I do appreciate the EG shoe. Vass seems to use a sturdier leather stock, though. Over time, a LOT of EG shoes tend to crack... something I still have not seen in a Vass.

 

[dddrees]

I do appreciate the EG shoe. Vass seems to use a sturdier leather stock, though. Over time, a LOT of EG shoes tend to crack... something I still have not seen in a Vass.

I've yet to experience that, and hopefully I never will.

 

[dddrees]

Now THAT is what I'm talking about! There's just something about a truly handwelted shoe that I love. Vass are special.

Your screen name feels familiar. Maybe from another forum or my website.

There's a good chance you've seen it somewhere else.

 

[dddrees]

These are one of the few pair of black shoes that I own.

 

[MET]

Lotus veldts. in zug grain leather.

 

[MET]

Custom White's semi dress.

 

[MET]

WL custom derby boots.

 

[dddrees]

Lotus veldts. in zug grain leather.[/QUOTE]


Nice, not nearly as old I imagine but also made from Zug is a pair of Galways.

 

[MET]

Nice, not nearly as old I imagine but also made from Zug is a pair of Galways.

Thanks. They are from 1980s. I also have a pair of lotus boots from 1940s. I shall upload some photos.

Galways are quite nice too.

 

[dddrees]

Thanks. They are from 1980s. I also have a pair of lotus boots from 1940s. I shall upload some photos.

Galways are quite nice too.

The knowledge I have with regards to Lotus is very minimal, but it's not the first I've seen of them. In fact they were the inspiration for the Galways in Zug that I own. It was a fairly special run as EG no longer or at least for now produce anything using Zug. Thanks and I look forward to seeing pictures of your lotus boots.

 

[cookie]

Lotus were one of the best UK shoes for many years. isshi sold a pair recently on eBay I noticed English made spade shoes for a US company.

 

[dddrees]

Here's my latest pair I just received yesterday.

 

[Dreamofgilgamesh]

Oh they're lovely, is that a Thistle pattern picked out on the front.

 

[dddrees]

Oh they're lovely, is that a Thistle pattern picked out on the front.

Thank you sir, and yes I believe it is.

 

[MET]

Cheaney veldts. in tan calf leather.