How many of you are into shoes... (Dress Shoes)?

[Speed]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I know, just thinking the trunk show might be an easier or quicker fix. Besides even a trip overseas doesn’t mean the main store will stock the size you’ll need as they often stock only the common sizes based on my understanding from what I have read.

Indeed.

According to their web site, it looks like I just missed the G&G trunk show near me (Sept). Imagine spring will be my next chance.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Speed

Indeed.

According to their web site, it looks like I just missed the G&G trunk show near me (Sept). Imagine spring will be my next chance.

Your probably right. Good luck, and hopefully you’ll find something that not only fits but also appeals to your sense of style.

[Lord Woodford MBE]

Hi all

Well I've been very keen on the styles from Hugo Boss over the year's after trying many other mid and high end offerings, Ok not the cheapest on the market but as we have a number of business links with the German brand we do get a lot of discount's.

But after looking for something a little different than the norm I can also recommend

Coogan of London

Which at present only offer online sales with free UK delivery but hopefully this will change as high Street marketing is looking promising for next year. In the meantime there worth Googling.

Sorry I can't place a link as a new member of this wonderful forum.

Lord Woodford MBE

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Nice shoes. The gap wouldn't bother me too much, but if it bothers you then I think returning them is the right thing to do.

Originally Posted by dddrees

No problem, I could wrong and no harm may never come but hey I think it’s a big enough flaw that it’s worth returning for. Just remember anything good is worth waiting for. Besides i’ve Waited up to about a year for more than a few of my shoes and boots. One pair had to be made three times before I got them.


Good luck.

Originally Posted by texasmade

I’d return the shoes. If the piece doesn’t sit flush with the rest of the heel, it’s more susceptible to damage.

Update—thanks for your feedback.

I️ returned the “defective” black ones and the replacement new ones as well as their fraternal twins (burgundy shell) were waiting for me this afternoon.



Here’s a family pic of my Aldens, with 3 of the pairs (the far left, the far fight, and the sole (pun intended) ones at the top) will be going back to Alden for Restoration.

[Wesley Crusher]

Somebody likes their Aldens!

Just make sure to get trees for those shoes once their back from restoration (as well as those chukkas). You want to preserve your shoes and trees are the best and cheapest way of doing so.

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Somebody likes their Aldens!

Just make sure to get trees for those shoes once their back from restoration (as well as those chukkas). You want to preserve your shoes and trees are the best and cheapest way of doing so.

Yup, I️ need a few more pairs of cedar trees, and Alden provides them as part of the restoration.

Do chukkas use the same trees or are there different ones for boots, etc.?

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Yup, I️ need a few more pairs of cedar trees, and Alden provides them as part of the restoration.

Do chukkas use the same trees or are there different ones for boots, etc.?

Yea, regular trees will work fine with chukkas and other boots.

There are trees made specifically for boots where the wood extends up the shaft, but those aren't necessary and are harder to come by.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Yup, I️ need a few more pairs of cedar trees, and Alden provides them as part of the restoration.

Do chukkas use the same trees or are there different ones for boots, etc.?

You don't need cedar. Any unfinished wood is good. The wood absorbs moisture from the leather in addition to holding the shape. Avoid plastic, carbon fiber, lacquered wood, and the like.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

You don't need cedar. Any unfinished wood is good. The wood absorbs moisture from the leather in addition to holding the shape. Avoid plastic, carbon fiber, lacquered wood, and the like.

But cedar is nice and fragrant and doesn't it have bug repelling properties? I believe that is the main reason it's used as cigar box.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

But cedar is nice and fragrant and doesn't it have bug repelling properties? I believe that is the main reason it's used as cigar box.

You want bug repelling for your deck or your outdoor furniture. For your shoes, you need to be concerned about where you live if you have insect infestations in your shoes.

Cedar was traditionally used because it's a common and inexpensive wood that is easily machined.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

But cedar is nice and fragrant and doesn't it have bug repelling properties? I believe that is the main reason it's used as cigar box.

If Cedar is the best then it’s awful funny that the shoe trees that go with the most expensive shoes I own are all were not made from cedar.

That would include the likes of John Lobb, St Crispins, Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, and Vass.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

You want bug repelling for your deck or your outdoor furniture. For your shoes, you need to be concerned about where you live if you have insect infestations in your shoes.

Cedar was traditionally used because it's a common and inexpensive wood that is easily machined.

My shoes are bug-free, all good

Originally Posted by dddrees

If Cedar is the best then it’s awful funny that the shoe trees that go with the most expensive shoes I own are all were not made from cedar.

That would include the likes of John Lobb, St Crispins, Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, and Vass.

Hey hey, I didn't say it was the best, it just smells nice and keeps certain bugs away.

[Syed117]

So I applied bick 4 conditioner several times over the last few days since I first wore the boots.

No more squeaking. They feel much softer as well.

On a side note, Allen edmonds leather conditioner seems suspiciously similar to Bick 4. Same color and consistency. I wouldn't be surprised if AE is buying in bulk and filling their own bottles with it.

[offrdmania]

Ferragamo Drivers

[Speed]

Well, thought I’d take a flyer on these George Cleverley RTW loafers on Mr. Porter. Ordered one size up since they only carry a standard width.... and the bloody shoes were still too narrow for my wide feet!

Makes me feel better about my Bespoke order!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Speed

Well, thought I’d take a flyer on these George Cleverley RTW loafers on Mr. Porter. Ordered one size up since they only carry a standard width.... and the bloody shoes were still too narrow for my wide feet!

Makes me feel better about my Bespoke order!

Very nice, sorry they didn’t work out for you. Frankly however sizing up generally is a bad idea anyway, especially with loafers.

[swils8610]

Has a one here had Topy’s put on shoes or boots? I’ve got a pair of Alden boots due in soon that are leather soled. I plan on wearing them in wet conditions and hate wet feet. Any advice?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by swils8610

Has a one here had Topy’s put on shoes or boots? I’ve got a pair of Alden boots due in soon that are leather soled. I plan on wearing them in wet conditions and hate wet feet. Any advice?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I’ve never done it as I usually purchase those kinds of things with some type of rubber sole to begin with. In fact a good majority of my shoes and boots have a Dainite sole with the exception of my dressiest shoes.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Speed

Well, thought I’d take a flyer on these George Cleverley RTW loafers on Mr. Porter. Ordered one size up since they only carry a standard width.... and the bloody shoes were still too narrow for my wide feet!

Makes me feel better about my Bespoke order!

Try their wide version in your size.

For me, John Lobb Lopez loafers are a half size smaller than my JL oxfords, but in a wide. That keeps the Lopez heel from slipping and gives me a comfortable fit.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by swils8610

Has a one here had Topy’s put on shoes or boots? I’ve got a pair of Alden boots due in soon that are leather soled. I plan on wearing them in wet conditions and hate wet feet. Any advice?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yes, I put a topy sole on my color 8 LWBs. The topy is super durable and may be good for very light drizzle, but if you want true rain boots, go with dainite, or better yet, ridgeway or commando soles.

I probably wouldn’t add a topy again though as it adds a bit of bulk to the sole and I now have boots dedicated for foul weather.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Yes, I put a topy sole on my color 8 LWBs. The topy is super durable and may be good for very light drizzle, but if you want true rain boots, go with dainite, or better yet, ridgeway or commando soles.

I probably wouldn’t add a topy again though as it adds a bit of bulk to the sole and I now have boots dedicated for foul weather.

I would add a storm welt in Shannon's neck of the woods.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Ferragamo Drivers

Very nice!

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Try their wide version in your size.



For me, John Lobb Lopez loafers are a half size smaller than my JL oxfords, but in a wide. That keeps the Lopez heel from slipping and gives me a comfortable fit.

They didn’t offer a wide - at least not on Mr. Porter. I quizzed the customer service rep via chat - bad advice!
I will be asking the folks at Cleverly directly about their RTW line. After all, the Chairman measured me for my Bespoke order and I am sure more revenue would be appreciated.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Update—thanks for your feedback.

I️ returned the “defective” black ones and the replacement new ones as well as their fraternal twins (burgundy shell) were waiting for me this afternoon.

Funny... I tried on a pair of cordovan cap toe boots in black the other day. Fit in my typical size (on barrie last) was still tight.

I also noticed the cap was sewn on a bit crooked on one shoe AND the edge of the cap was a bit jagged as if the maker was using a dull knife to cut out the leather. Poor QC for an $800 pair of boots. Save for a pair of U Tip bluchers in Color 8 i ordered from Alden of Carmel recently...I am cooling it on this brand.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Speed

Funny... I tried on a pair of cordovan cap toe boots in black the other day. Fit in my typical size (on barrie last) was still tight.

I also noticed the cap was sewn on a bit crooked on one shoe AND the edge of the cap was a bit jagged as if the maker was using a dull knife to cut out the leather. Poor QC for an $800 pair of boots. Save for a pair of U Tip bluchers in Color 8 i ordered from Alden of Carmel recently...I am cooling it on this brand.

One of the main detractors of Alden are these mistakes are more common than they should be. Nowhere near he level that you might experience with Allen Edmonds but more common than some would like.

Saying that mistakes will happen no matter the brand but it just a good thing Allen Edmonds has real good customer service.

[Wesley Crusher]

My color 8 LWBs have some coloring issues. There are some random dye blotches and splatters on the vamps and quarters. When I bought them, it wasn’t noticeable since the shoes come really dark from the factory, but as they became lighter through time, the issues become more noticeable.

It bothered me at first, but I can live with it now. Not sure if I’ll ever buy another pair of Aldens again (not because of QC issues) so it doesn’t matter much at this point.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

My color 8 LWBs have some coloring issues. There are some random dye blotches and splatters on the vamps and quarters. When I bought them, it wasn’t noticeable since the shoes come really dark from the factory, but as they became lighter through time, the issues become more noticeable.

It bothered me at first, but I can live with it now. Not sure if I’ll ever buy another pair of Aldens again (not because of QC issues) so it doesn’t matter much at this point.

I have a few pairs but it’s their styling or lack there of that was the big turn off for me. I didn’t experience any QC issues personally,

[Syed117]

Any recommendations for winter boots?

Should probably be chromexcel right? Or some kind of weather treated leather.

Trying to find something that looks decent and can be worn in the snow / slush that comes with winter in NYC.

Lots of dirty snow and salt to deal with. Waterproof would be great, but not sure if there is anything that doesn't look like an ll bean boot. I don't think they are too bad looking, but wanted to see what else is out there.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Any recommendations for winter boots?

Should probably be chromexcel right? Or some kind of weather treated leather.

Trying to find something that looks decent and can be worn in the snow / slush that comes with winter in NYC.

Lots of dirty snow and salt to deal with. Waterproof would be great, but not sure if there is anything that doesn't look like an ll bean boot. I don't think they are too bad looking, but wanted to see what else is out there.

Zug - Not impossible but can be difficult to find. Thick, waxy, water resistant leather. Watch out cheaper boots the leather doesn't look that good when compared to others I've seen.

Other leather types can be used and generally stuffing the leather or treating it with a product like Sno Seal or Obenaufs Heavy Duty LP. This of course will change the appearance or darken the leather.

Chromexcel - a very good inclement weather leather.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Zug - Not impossible but can be difficult to find. Thick, waxy, water resistant leather. Watch out cheaper boots the leather doesn't look that good when compared to others I've seen.

Other leather types can be used and generally stuffing the leather or treating it with a product like Sno Seal or Obenaufs Heavy Duty LP. This of course will change the appearance or darken the leather.

Chromexcel - a very good inclement weather leather.

Thank you!

Probably have a few weeks before we get snow, but want to get something soon.