Show us your new shoes (Vol 2)
Discussion
Goaty Bill 2 said:
Louis Balfour said:
Goaty Bill 2 said:
Crockett & Jones 'Alex 2' Patent Black Wholecut Oxfords
I've long wanted a pair of wholecut dress shoes.
Yes, I will be purchasing a better set of shoe trees for these.
Do you attend many black tie events?I've long wanted a pair of wholecut dress shoes.
Yes, I will be purchasing a better set of shoe trees for these.
I would love an excuse to have a dinner suit made, but my last black tie do was nearly 30 years ago!
A full bespoke dinner suit really is a thing of beauty IMO, but I've never got as far as having one made. I was always reasonably happy with my off the peg suit. The jacket is lovely, but like I said; new trousers... I have a couple of new things in the pipeline but, after that, who knows?
As patent leather wholecuts are quite rare in my experience, I thought I best grab them. Last pair in stock at the factory.
I prefer loafers to laced shoes (not to say I don't have many of them ...) as I have to take of my shoes regularly during the day.
With the colder and wet weather, loafers are less of an option and I went on the hunt for some form of chelsea boot, ideally in dark brown scotch grain leather, since I already have to much shoes and boots suede leather.
Initially I wanted a C&J Chelsea 11, but they do have an silhouette (N° 5 and 8 are both much nicer, but neither is available in scotch grain). Then I stumbled across these, which I bought.
Terrible photo, this is what they look like in the catalogue:
They are Doucal's, but they seem to be from an old collection, since I think quality (and price) have increased over the years.
As with most Italian shoes, they are a simple construction with a cemented sole. No fancy craftsmanship here!
But they are incredible light and comfortable out of the box! Quality is ok and the "genuine rubber" sole is great in the wet.
Leather needed a good polish, but I suspect they have been laying in the box for a couple of years. Not bad for € 120.- delivered.
With the colder and wet weather, loafers are less of an option and I went on the hunt for some form of chelsea boot, ideally in dark brown scotch grain leather, since I already have to much shoes and boots suede leather.
Initially I wanted a C&J Chelsea 11, but they do have an silhouette (N° 5 and 8 are both much nicer, but neither is available in scotch grain). Then I stumbled across these, which I bought.
Terrible photo, this is what they look like in the catalogue:
They are Doucal's, but they seem to be from an old collection, since I think quality (and price) have increased over the years.
As with most Italian shoes, they are a simple construction with a cemented sole. No fancy craftsmanship here!
But they are incredible light and comfortable out of the box! Quality is ok and the "genuine rubber" sole is great in the wet.
Leather needed a good polish, but I suspect they have been laying in the box for a couple of years. Not bad for € 120.- delivered.
Filibuster said:
I prefer loafers to laced shoes (not to say I don't have many of them ...) as I have to take of my shoes regularly during the day.
With the colder and wet weather, loafers are less of an option and I went on the hunt for some form of chelsea boot, ideally in dark brown scotch grain leather, since I already have to much shoes and boots suede leather.
Initially I wanted a C&J Chelsea 11, but they do have an silhouette (N° 5 and 8 are both much nicer, but neither is available in scotch grain). Then I stumbled across these, which I bought.
Terrible photo, this is what they look like in the catalogue:
They are Doucal's, but they seem to be from an old collection, since I think quality (and price) have increased over the years.
As with most Italian shoes, they are a simple construction with a cemented sole. No fancy craftsmanship here!
But they are incredible light and comfortable out of the box! Quality is ok and the "genuine rubber" sole is great in the wet.
Leather needed a good polish, but I suspect they have been laying in the box for a couple of years. Not bad for € 120.- delivered.
Can't go wrong with a Chelsea.With the colder and wet weather, loafers are less of an option and I went on the hunt for some form of chelsea boot, ideally in dark brown scotch grain leather, since I already have to much shoes and boots suede leather.
Initially I wanted a C&J Chelsea 11, but they do have an silhouette (N° 5 and 8 are both much nicer, but neither is available in scotch grain). Then I stumbled across these, which I bought.
Terrible photo, this is what they look like in the catalogue:
They are Doucal's, but they seem to be from an old collection, since I think quality (and price) have increased over the years.
As with most Italian shoes, they are a simple construction with a cemented sole. No fancy craftsmanship here!
But they are incredible light and comfortable out of the box! Quality is ok and the "genuine rubber" sole is great in the wet.
Leather needed a good polish, but I suspect they have been laying in the box for a couple of years. Not bad for € 120.- delivered.
Oh, also while shopping online, I bought a pair of these:
Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
Filibuster said:
Oh, also while shopping online, I bought a pair of these:
Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
I've formed an opinion about your colleagues that wear them with formal wear.Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
Filibuster said:
Oh, also while shopping online, I bought a pair of these:
Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
If comfort is a priority I think you've nailed it. I'll say no more. Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
It's a full house...
Travelled up to Crocket & Jones factory shop to collect my resoled (original pair) New & Linwood Correspondents.
They did a beautiful job as it happens. Closed channel stitching to the new sole and new leather lining, insole & laces.
Of course one is always tempted to look at the shoe racks, and so I ended up with my third pair of Alex wholecut.
So that's the dark brown calf, the patent black (as above) and the black calf (today).
I so rarely wear black shoes that it was a bit of a vanity purchase, but they should go well with the new suit when it's ready, and frankly, I hate most of my current 'ordinary' black shoes (all derbys aside one pair of double monk patent black previously worn for formal (dinner suit) events).
Not prepped or polished as yet, so a stock photo:
Travelled up to Crocket & Jones factory shop to collect my resoled (original pair) New & Linwood Correspondents.
They did a beautiful job as it happens. Closed channel stitching to the new sole and new leather lining, insole & laces.
Of course one is always tempted to look at the shoe racks, and so I ended up with my third pair of Alex wholecut.
So that's the dark brown calf, the patent black (as above) and the black calf (today).
I so rarely wear black shoes that it was a bit of a vanity purchase, but they should go well with the new suit when it's ready, and frankly, I hate most of my current 'ordinary' black shoes (all derbys aside one pair of double monk patent black previously worn for formal (dinner suit) events).
Not prepped or polished as yet, so a stock photo:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Filibuster said:
Oh, also while shopping online, I bought a pair of these:
Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
I've formed an opinion about your colleagues that wear them with formal wear.Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
Thankyou4calling said:
Can you summarise your prepping schedule GB?
Pretty straight forward really.A light brushing off of any dust/dirt with a horse hair brush followed by one or two thorough applications of Saphir Renovateur; you never know how long your particular pair of shoes has been on a shelf somewhere, so the leather should be moisturised before any application of waxes. A widely held opinion I believe.
Leaving that to dry/soak in for a few hours, I then buff off any residue.
For me, the next step will be the mirror finish (as best as I am able to manage) on the toe and heal areas with Saphir Amiral Gloss, followed by two to three applications of Saphir Pate de Luxe over the entire shoe, each application being polished off before the next is applied. I often go over the sole with a light application of gunstock oil to keep the sole leather supple and protect it from water.
There may be a good argument for using the Pate de Luxe over the entire shoe prior to the mirror shine as it penetrates and treats the leather in ways I doubt the Amiral Gloss would.
Saphir Medaille D'or Mirror Gloss was previously a favourite for the mirror shine/glacage but that doesn't seem to be so readily available now (in my experience). In any case, I have better results faster with the Amiral Gloss.
Nothing as spectacular as Kelv_w managed to achieve I'm afraid (last posts, in the shoe thread here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Beautiful work.
Contrary to some peoples' opinion, the mirror shine isn't simply 'showing off', the hard wax finish will often protect those areas from light scuffs that can be corrected with further waxing that would otherwise scuff the leather, the heal and toe areas being the most common areas to get scuffed.
Filibuster said:
Oh, also while shopping online, I bought a pair of these:
Sperry Top siders in all black
... even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
<snip>
What are your opinions??
With respect, and in full appreciation that we all have budgets that we must live within (hence my own regular visits to factory shops and sales), though they are not to my tastes, I wouldn't consider wearing them beyond jeans / chinos or similar. Certainly not with a business suit. though it may be possible to get away with them wearing sports jacket and trousers separates.Sperry Top siders in all black
... even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
<snip>
What are your opinions??
Just my two penneth worth.
There are many good shoe makers that will have loafers similar to the Gucci loafers for considerably less money, and likely far better quality.
I have manged to collect three pairs of high quality tassel loafers; dark brown, tan and cream from C&J, Cheaney and Trickers respectively for a total cost similar to one pair of those Gucci.
I still wouldn't wear them with business attire, but that is more a personal style choice and matter of tradition. To each their own.
Goaty Bill 2 said:
Pretty straight forward really.
A light brushing off of any dust/dirt with a horse hair brush followed by one or two thorough applications of Saphir Renovateur; you never know how long your particular pair of shoes has been on a shelf somewhere, so the leather should be moisturised before any application of waxes. A widely held opinion I believe.
Leaving that to dry/soak in for a few hours, I then buff off any residue.
For me, the next step will be the mirror finish (as best as I am able to manage) on the toe and heal areas with Saphir Amiral Gloss, followed by two to three applications of Saphir Pate de Luxe over the entire shoe, each application being polished off before the next is applied. I often go over the sole with a light application of gunstock oil to keep the sole leather supple and protect it from water.
There may be a good argument for using the Pate de Luxe over the entire shoe prior to the mirror shine as it penetrates and treats the leather in ways I doubt the Amiral Gloss would.
Saphir Medaille D'or Mirror Gloss was previously a favourite for the mirror shine/glacage but that doesn't seem to be so readily available now (in my experience). In any case, I have better results faster with the Amiral Gloss.
Nothing as spectacular as Kelv_w managed to achieve I'm afraid (last posts, in the shoe thread here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Beautiful work.
Contrary to some peoples' opinion, the mirror shine isn't simply 'showing off', the hard wax finish will often protect those areas from light scuffs that can be corrected with further waxing that would otherwise scuff the leather, the heal and toe areas being the most common areas to get scuffed.
This is excellent. Comprehensive and appreciated. A light brushing off of any dust/dirt with a horse hair brush followed by one or two thorough applications of Saphir Renovateur; you never know how long your particular pair of shoes has been on a shelf somewhere, so the leather should be moisturised before any application of waxes. A widely held opinion I believe.
Leaving that to dry/soak in for a few hours, I then buff off any residue.
For me, the next step will be the mirror finish (as best as I am able to manage) on the toe and heal areas with Saphir Amiral Gloss, followed by two to three applications of Saphir Pate de Luxe over the entire shoe, each application being polished off before the next is applied. I often go over the sole with a light application of gunstock oil to keep the sole leather supple and protect it from water.
There may be a good argument for using the Pate de Luxe over the entire shoe prior to the mirror shine as it penetrates and treats the leather in ways I doubt the Amiral Gloss would.
Saphir Medaille D'or Mirror Gloss was previously a favourite for the mirror shine/glacage but that doesn't seem to be so readily available now (in my experience). In any case, I have better results faster with the Amiral Gloss.
Nothing as spectacular as Kelv_w managed to achieve I'm afraid (last posts, in the shoe thread here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Beautiful work.
Contrary to some peoples' opinion, the mirror shine isn't simply 'showing off', the hard wax finish will often protect those areas from light scuffs that can be corrected with further waxing that would otherwise scuff the leather, the heal and toe areas being the most common areas to get scuffed.
Filibuster said:
Oh, also while shopping online, I bought a pair of these:
Sperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
surely satireSperry Top siders in all black
They haven't turned up yet... I bought them for NIB for just €25. I have seen them lately on two people I know who wear them with everything, even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
Not sure myself, but at that price I couldn't say no.
What are your opinions??
Thankyou4calling said:
This is excellent. Comprehensive and appreciated.
Thanks, hope it's helpful.Kirby Allison has a broad selection of shoe care / polishing videos.
Particularly for new shoes/first polish: First Shoe Polish: Dimitri Gomez Cap Toe Oxfords
And for later maintenance: Complete Shoe Shine Routine minus the toe box mirror gloss shine.
I have never used the Saphir Sole Guard, but I think I will get some immediately to try out.
A Caution; I tried the Saphir Reno Mat once on a new pair of Cheaney Imperial grade shoes and it didn't end well. Fortunately I was able to correct the issue with some Saphir leather dye, so do test it very carefully. I have also heard that is a very poor choice for shoes made with 'corrected leather'.
On a similar note, I personally have found white sprit very effective at removing wax (also on the same pair of Cheaney shoes). I also white spirit on my cream Tricker loafers and watching them turn almost black was a tense period. They returned to original colour after the white sprit had evaporated.
Again I would advise extreme caution, and remember they will require considerable time after wax removal for the white spirit to completely evaporate.
I would be interested in anyone's thoughts or experience with either of these for removing old wax.
Goaty Bill 2 said:
Filibuster said:
Oh, also while shopping online, I bought a pair of these:
Sperry Top siders in all black
... even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
<snip>
What are your opinions??
With respect, and in full appreciation that we all have budgets that we must live within (hence my own regular visits to factory shops and sales), though they are not to my tastes, I wouldn't consider wearing them beyond jeans / chinos or similar. Certainly not with a business suit. though it may be possible to get away with them wearing sports jacket and trousers separates.Sperry Top siders in all black
... even formal business wear. I guess like a bit like a Gucci 1953 who can be worn witch just about any outfit.
<snip>
What are your opinions??
Just my two penneth worth.
There are many good shoe makers that will have loafers similar to the Gucci loafers for considerably less money, and likely far better quality.
I have manged to collect three pairs of high quality tassel loafers; dark brown, tan and cream from C&J, Cheaney and Trickers respectively for a total cost similar to one pair of those Gucci.
I still wouldn't wear them with business attire, but that is more a personal style choice and matter of tradition. To each their own.
ok, I could have anticipated how this has gone down, thanks everyone
picked your post to comment, GB2. You are spot on, regarding what to wear the all black boat shoes with! Personally I will not wear them for anything else than with jeans and maybe black cord jacket.
Since I very, very rarely wear formal business attire (suit and tie) and about once a year formal wear (black tie), I have a very limited selection of black shoes. Basically just three: an inexpensive Blucher from the made in uk line of Loak; a wholecut from Carmina (really nice!) and some grained Gucci Loafers with silver horsebits, which I love
I bought them about 10 years ago, when they where a good bit cheaper (and you didn't have to queue to get into the shop
). Yes, they where stupidly expensive even back then and they get very little wear time because I don't want them to wear out (really stupid thing to say, I know), but: they are absolutely incredible! And since I wear them only on special occasions, it has become something special for me to wear them. They are the what I wear with black tie, as well as with jeans.Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff