Show us your new shoes (Vol 2)
Discussion
I was thinking of these
Barker Valiant
In Teak / Ebony
But I noticed they say 'hand painted'
The teak/ebony look like a plain calf to me, but clearly I must be wrong.
So does that mean that no amount of polishing / waxing will improve/enhance them?
A bit disappointing if so.
The alternative may be the Loake Funnel Web
Barker Valiant
In Teak / Ebony
But I noticed they say 'hand painted'
The teak/ebony look like a plain calf to me, but clearly I must be wrong.
So does that mean that no amount of polishing / waxing will improve/enhance them?
A bit disappointing if so.
The alternative may be the Loake Funnel Web
Edited by Goaty Bill 2 on Tuesday 28th November 17:10
Hand painted means the dye has been applied by hand to get a nice tonal effect. If you buy expensive shoes from somewhere like G&G, those shoes will likely be hand painted too.
You can still polish over the top as normal. Don't apply too much Renovateur or you might strip the finish.
Overall, had painted is a good thing and usually looks nice.
ETA:
I'm pretty sure hand painting and a little polish was used to get my shoes from this;
To this:
You can still polish over the top as normal. Don't apply too much Renovateur or you might strip the finish.
Overall, had painted is a good thing and usually looks nice.
ETA:
I'm pretty sure hand painting and a little polish was used to get my shoes from this;
To this:
Edited by FreeLitres on Tuesday 28th November 17:46
FreeLitres said:
Hand painted means the dye has been applied by hand to get a nice tonal effect. If you buy expensive shoes from somewhere like G&G, those shoes will likely be hand painted too.
You can still polish over the top as normal. Don't apply too much Renovateur or you might strip the finish.
Overall, had painted is a good thing and usually looks nice.
ETA:
I'm pretty sure hand painting and a little polish was used to get my shoes from this;<snipped>
Excellent. Thank you.You can still polish over the top as normal. Don't apply too much Renovateur or you might strip the finish.
Overall, had painted is a good thing and usually looks nice.
ETA:
I'm pretty sure hand painting and a little polish was used to get my shoes from this;<snipped>
That appears to leave the door open for either pair in that case.
The problem is likely to be finding a shop that actually stocks them.
I have tried a pair of Loakes from the same last, and they were quite comfortable, but I do retain a preference for Barkers.
I must pop into the Barker store in Jermyn St. next time I am there.
That was a remarkable job in refinishing those shoes of yours. The proverbial 'night and day',
I've never used Renovateur, but I have resorted to nail polish remover on several pairs of calf shoes a while back.
That said, I take far better care of my shoes these days than when I first acquired the ones that needed a good base up cleaning.
Both look good but I'd take the Barkers out of those options.
I find that Loakes either tend to be too stiff (especially the entry level L1/Design ones) or they just don't fit me for some reason. The Loake 1880 models do seem well made and if I could find one that fits, I would have some in my collection by now. I had to send so many back due to poor fit that I don't bother trying them any more.
I find that Loakes either tend to be too stiff (especially the entry level L1/Design ones) or they just don't fit me for some reason. The Loake 1880 models do seem well made and if I could find one that fits, I would have some in my collection by now. I had to send so many back due to poor fit that I don't bother trying them any more.
Edited by FreeLitres on Tuesday 28th November 19:31
FreeLitres said:
Both look good but I'd take the Barkers out of those options.
I find that Loakes either tend to be too stiff (especially the entry level L1/Design ones) or they just don't fit me for some reason. The Loake 1880 models do see well made and if I could find one that fits, I would have some in my collection by now. I had to send so many back due to poor fit that I don't bother trying them any more.
I did try a pair in a shop of a similar style, but L1/Design (not sure exactly which), from India.I find that Loakes either tend to be too stiff (especially the entry level L1/Design ones) or they just don't fit me for some reason. The Loake 1880 models do see well made and if I could find one that fits, I would have some in my collection by now. I had to send so many back due to poor fit that I don't bother trying them any more.
Purportedly 'burnished' leather for the dark brown, but nothing like burnished leather that I know.
As I walked, the vamp simply creased until it pinched my foot. They would have become very unpleasant to wear in a very short time.
I returned my feet to the old Barkers and they were very happy about it too!
Another question for you InductionRoar
Is it generally acceptable to get flush toe plates installed on bespoke shoes, or does it damage the welt/structure somehow?
If it can be done, can the maker install them, or are they fitted at a general cobbler?
The tips of my leather soles always wear fast and I want to prevent this where possible.
Is it generally acceptable to get flush toe plates installed on bespoke shoes, or does it damage the welt/structure somehow?
If it can be done, can the maker install them, or are they fitted at a general cobbler?
The tips of my leather soles always wear fast and I want to prevent this where possible.
FreeLitres said:
Another question for you InductionRoar
Is it generally acceptable to get flush toe plates installed on bespoke shoes, or does it damage the welt/structure somehow?
If it can be done, can the maker install them, or are they fitted at a general cobbler?
The tips of my leather soles always wear fast and I want to prevent this where possible.
I did and would not purchase any shoes in future without them. Toe taps shouldn't affect the welt stitching, as they are made for that sole (excuse the pun) purpose and are not particularly thick. Even if they did, however, they would still be my preferred option, as opposed to wearing through the channel and exposing the stitching to abrasion and moisture.Is it generally acceptable to get flush toe plates installed on bespoke shoes, or does it damage the welt/structure somehow?
If it can be done, can the maker install them, or are they fitted at a general cobbler?
The tips of my leather soles always wear fast and I want to prevent this where possible.
I have yet to encounter a cobbler with whom I would feel comfortable leaving my shoes and would always return to the maker.
Goaty Bill 2 said:
FreeLitres said:
Both look good but I'd take the Barkers out of those options.
I find that Loakes either tend to be too stiff (especially the entry level L1/Design ones) or they just don't fit me for some reason. The Loake 1880 models do see well made and if I could find one that fits, I would have some in my collection by now. I had to send so many back due to poor fit that I don't bother trying them any more.
I did try a pair in a shop of a similar style, but L1/Design (not sure exactly which), from India.I find that Loakes either tend to be too stiff (especially the entry level L1/Design ones) or they just don't fit me for some reason. The Loake 1880 models do see well made and if I could find one that fits, I would have some in my collection by now. I had to send so many back due to poor fit that I don't bother trying them any more.
Purportedly 'burnished' leather for the dark brown, but nothing like burnished leather that I know.
As I walked, the vamp simply creased until it pinched my foot. They would have become very unpleasant to wear in a very short time.
I returned my feet to the old Barkers and they were very happy about it too!
Difficult to comment on the two options you've posted without seeing them in the flesh though my preference would probably be for the Barker.
The Tricker's arrived last week. Seemed the real deal with proper box lining and shoe bags. The leather itself was very nice, certainly excellent quality. Few scratches on it from being in the box though. The finish not quite what I would expect, round the edges of the sole and also inside (see excess glue). Interestingly, the bottom of the sole was surprisingly plain, no branding or GW labelling as often found.
My left foot is about 1/2 size larger than right. As such right foot was a perfect fit but left slightly too tight. Might have stretched over time but tbh I'd rather keep my cash and keep my eyes open in the Jan sale.
I've seen quite a few Cheaneys on TK of late but all 6-6.5 size.
My left foot is about 1/2 size larger than right. As such right foot was a perfect fit but left slightly too tight. Might have stretched over time but tbh I'd rather keep my cash and keep my eyes open in the Jan sale.
I've seen quite a few Cheaneys on TK of late but all 6-6.5 size.
Hidden channel sole on those Tricker's - very nice! Good looking shoes IMO.
I just ordered a pair of Cheaney from TKMaxx. I have been after a brown penny loafer for a while and these just popped up:
I took a guess of half a size down from my usual size as I find loafers difficult to wear if there is too much room at the back. One thing about TKMaxx is the ease of returns in store. It minimises the risk somewhat.
In other shoe news, I've taken the plunge and sent my G&Gs off to get propper trees made up.
I just ordered a pair of Cheaney from TKMaxx. I have been after a brown penny loafer for a while and these just popped up:
I took a guess of half a size down from my usual size as I find loafers difficult to wear if there is too much room at the back. One thing about TKMaxx is the ease of returns in store. It minimises the risk somewhat.
In other shoe news, I've taken the plunge and sent my G&Gs off to get propper trees made up.
Edited by FreeLitres on Saturday 2nd December 13:12
FreeLitres said:
Hidden channel sole on those Tricker's - very nice! Good looking shoes IMO.
Yes, as a daily office formal shoe, very decent.FreeLitres said:
I just ordered a pair of Cheaney from TKMaxx. I have been after a brown penny loafer for a while and these just popped up:
Saw those. Would have bought as well but unfortunately didn't have a 8.5 or 9 in stock. 
I've seen 'Harrys of London' shoes on TK every so often. Anyone got any experience?
InductionRoar said:
Why do they need the shoes? The trees will be made from the last, which they should have stored in their archives.
I wasn't 100% sure why, but that is what was asked for. They apparently send the shoes and lasts to the tree maker. It doesn't bother me as I don't want to wear the shoes without the trees being available anyway.FreeLitres said:
I wasn't 100% sure why, but that is what was asked for. They apparently send the shoes and lasts to the tree maker. It doesn't bother me as I don't want to wear the shoes without the trees being available anyway.
Usually the shoes are still on the lasts when they are sent to the tree makers and are removed as part of their service.You may as well ask them to fit the toe taps whilst they are there.
PS. I hope they are insured.
Glosphil said:
FreeLitres said:
I got a virus warning from that link for some reason.
It was flagged as an unsafe site for me.I also recently picked these Barkers subs up from eBay at a price that I couldn't refuse;
These are from the Barker Anniversary collection, which I believe is their highest grade of shoe (outside of Barker Black) retailing around £400. They are the only grade to have a "channelled sole", although it seems to be a different kind of channel to the other manufacturers as you can see the line.
Unfortunately the volume on these is too much for me, so I will sell them on. Shame, as they are good looking and I do like a wholecut.
These are from the Barker Anniversary collection, which I believe is their highest grade of shoe (outside of Barker Black) retailing around £400. They are the only grade to have a "channelled sole", although it seems to be a different kind of channel to the other manufacturers as you can see the line.
Unfortunately the volume on these is too much for me, so I will sell them on. Shame, as they are good looking and I do like a wholecut.
FreeLitres said:
I also recently picked these Barkers subs up from eBay at a price that I couldn't refuse;
Unfortunately the volume on these is too much for me, so I will sell them on. Shame, as they are good looking and I do like a wholecut.
Yes, I like the look of wholecuts as well. I've been eyeing up several pairs recently.Unfortunately the volume on these is too much for me, so I will sell them on. Shame, as they are good looking and I do like a wholecut.
I know will regret asking, but size, width, expected price if reselling?
PM may be best.
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