Show us your new shoes
Discussion
OGR4M said:
Perhaps this is the place to come for some advice... although perhaps this is the best place to come for some ridicule...
I've recently bought my first 'proper' shoes, Barker Mcclean, see image (not mine) and I was wondering what kind of trousers to wear with them.
I have a couple of dark pairs of straight fit jeans to sort-of match the blue suede, but wondered if they warranted something a bit more formal, or a different colour?
They're for going out, making a subtle statement type purposes only, not for work or weddings etc.
I wear mine with tan chinos (lighter than the shoes) and a navy suit. If I had the right navy jeans then they would work well too.I've recently bought my first 'proper' shoes, Barker Mcclean, see image (not mine) and I was wondering what kind of trousers to wear with them.
I have a couple of dark pairs of straight fit jeans to sort-of match the blue suede, but wondered if they warranted something a bit more formal, or a different colour?
They're for going out, making a subtle statement type purposes only, not for work or weddings etc.
I've even tried them with burgundy chinos. Not sure about that combo though.
FreeLitres said:
Blown2CV said:
popular, but F'ing uncomfortable. I don't tend to wear them with jeans as they look a bit OTT, to me.
Was it you that had the issue with them crushing the top of your toes? I have that issue with my Barker Johnny which I believe are on the same last. Shame as the rest of the fit is pretty good. Feels fine as long as I don't have to walk anywhere.
yes ok then, rectangular:
typical foot shape.
note, it's not pointy.
You couldn't get it into one of those funny pointy shoes without serious deformation.
nb shoes gave me morton's neuroma.
typical foot shape.
note, it's not pointy.
You couldn't get it into one of those funny pointy shoes without serious deformation.
nb shoes gave me morton's neuroma.
Edited by glasgow mega snake on Tuesday 13th June 16:48
Edited by glasgow mega snake on Tuesday 13th June 16:48
glasgow mega snake said:
yes ok then, rectangular:
note, it's not pointy.
You couldn't get it into one of those funny pointy shoes without serious deformation.]
It looks like you've got a bunion on that big toe.note, it's not pointy.
You couldn't get it into one of those funny pointy shoes without serious deformation.]
Anyway, +1, my feet are wide, one in particular (1cm wider, which is a pain) so most lace-ups don't fit me.
FreeLitres said:
Good spot on the Made in India stamp in those Barkers.
I know Loake do, but I didn't think any Barkers were made in India. I know to look for a Made in England stamp now.
Some "TK Maxx" Barker Oxfords arrived today, can't see a Made in India stamp. Why the hell don't they lace them properly?I know Loake do, but I didn't think any Barkers were made in India. I know to look for a Made in England stamp now.
toastyhamster said:
FreeLitres said:
Good spot on the Made in India stamp in those Barkers.
I know Loake do, but I didn't think any Barkers were made in India. I know to look for a Made in England stamp now.
Some "TK Maxx" Barker Oxfords arrived today, can't see a Made in India stamp. Why the hell don't they lace them properly?I know Loake do, but I didn't think any Barkers were made in India. I know to look for a Made in England stamp now.
Any 'Made in England' labelling?
Pics required, obvs!
These are my first "decent" shoes, so I suppose I've spent a similar amount on Clarks Brogues (work) and a decent pair bought for my wedding 10 years ago (Ikon), both though are glued and these Barkers (even if they are a budget range) are a step up in materials and construction.
Some comments though.... There are some tooling marks on the brown leather on the curves above the sole, all rubbed off with my thumb. No "Made in " label at all, in fact nothing apart from what's in the pic and a plain "Barkers" on the under sole (apart from a 5 digit code on the tongue). Price on box is £165/£89.99 rather than the original £250 on the web page.
Much much stiffer leather than I'm used to, a bit apprehensive to lumping these for a full day at work without some break in first, quite difficult to get into but I went 8.5 rather than my normal 8 so plenty of room once laced up.
Very happy with the service, ordered on Sunday, got a tracking number first thing Monday AM and delivered Tuesday AM (although Hermes couldn't be bothered to ring the doorbell and just left it by the door).
Some comments though.... There are some tooling marks on the brown leather on the curves above the sole, all rubbed off with my thumb. No "Made in " label at all, in fact nothing apart from what's in the pic and a plain "Barkers" on the under sole (apart from a 5 digit code on the tongue). Price on box is £165/£89.99 rather than the original £250 on the web page.
Much much stiffer leather than I'm used to, a bit apprehensive to lumping these for a full day at work without some break in first, quite difficult to get into but I went 8.5 rather than my normal 8 so plenty of room once laced up.
Very happy with the service, ordered on Sunday, got a tracking number first thing Monday AM and delivered Tuesday AM (although Hermes couldn't be bothered to ring the doorbell and just left it by the door).
Enjoy your new shoes. Welcome to the slippery slope of the Goodyear welt!
The highshine leather you have there is hardwearing and waterproof but is quite stiff and may take a long time to break in.
Also, don't bother wasting time trying to polish or condition them. The shine is created by the application of a thin, permanent layer of acrylic (plastic) applied over the leather surface before the shoe factory gets it. It's almost like a patent leather if you are familiar with that. The top layer prevents any products from getting through to the leather. I have one old pair of Barkers in a high shine leather which still gets some wears on very wet days.
For future reference, most people prefer shoes made from calf leather which can be polished up and is a bit more flexible, if a little more fragile.
The highshine leather you have there is hardwearing and waterproof but is quite stiff and may take a long time to break in.
Also, don't bother wasting time trying to polish or condition them. The shine is created by the application of a thin, permanent layer of acrylic (plastic) applied over the leather surface before the shoe factory gets it. It's almost like a patent leather if you are familiar with that. The top layer prevents any products from getting through to the leather. I have one old pair of Barkers in a high shine leather which still gets some wears on very wet days.
For future reference, most people prefer shoes made from calf leather which can be polished up and is a bit more flexible, if a little more fragile.
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