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

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by dddrees

For one not using oil is a preference of mine. However if you use oil your boots won’t self destruct, let’s put it this way. I use conditioner and cream to hide scuffs if buffing with a brush doesn’t work. But, by no means do I use conditioner after every wear. Heck, brushing them off typically is all that is required. I only apply product as needed.

Wasn't implying to oil them after every wear lol
I give them a quick brush after every 2-3 wears, the leather is still supple and far from dry so it will take a few months before it might need an oiling session.

[SearChart]

This is the stuff I bought with my boots: This is a solid paste version of our Red Wing Boot Oil and contains Mink Oil, Pine Pitch Oil and the additional Beeswax for extra weather resistance.

[Laszlo]

I’ve been going through this thread for some time now and you guys have some absolutely amazing shoes and knowledge in this area. I also love shoes and although mine may be more commercial in nature, nonetheless a finely crafted shoe or sneaker is as exciting to me as a finely crafted anything lol. I’m now inspired to share my collection.

I’ll start with these Prada commandos I purchased awhile back. They are beasts and my favorite winter shoe to wear with my Belstaff Trailmaster jacket on rainy days. The workmanship on these shoes is impressive. They are made in England which is unique for Prada. The specs are hand written with a silver paint marker. I love these shoes and they are super comfortable even though they’re on the chunky side.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

This is the stuff I bought with my boots: This is a solid paste version of our Red Wing Boot Oil and contains Mink Oil, Pine Pitch Oil and the additional Beeswax for extra weather resistance.

I use the conditioner product Bick4 on everything from Redwings to Edward Green and everything in between. It probably cost less than all those things that your currently using and it does all those things as well. It isn’t enough to allow you to wade in the river type of protection but it’s been plenty of protection for any of my shoes or boots.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I use the conditioner product Bick4 on everything from Redwings to Edward Green and everything in between. It probably cost less than all those things that your currently using and it does all those things as well. It isn’t enough to allow you to wade in the river type of protection but it’s been plenty of protection for any of my shoes or boots.

I haven't used the Red Wing product yet, in fact I haven't used any product on my boots yet, only brushed it clean.

I could order bick4 from Amazon. Would it be possible to create the look I posted with Bick 4? And maybe a clear saphir polish wax for the toe? Or just one product?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I haven't used the Red Wing product yet, in fact I haven't used any product on my boots yet, only brushed it clean.

I could order bick4 from Amazon. Would it be possible to create the look I posted with Bick 4? And maybe a clear saphir polish wax for the toe? Or just one product?

No, in fact the good thing about Bick4 is that it generally doesn’t change the color of the leather.

A clear wax is used to preserve the existing color but add shine. You can darken your leather color by oiling them and those effects will vary in color and time based on the type and amount of oil one uses and use of the leather or conditions they are used in.

Another way to change color to a degree can be thru the use of polish or stripping and refinishing which can be rather tricky.

If your that intent on changing the color you can always experiment a bit with darker creams or wax and see what kind of results you get. Wax being less risky as the results won’t last as long as a cream which actually will soak into the leather.

[SearChart]

Thanks Dan, your posts are always very informative

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Thanks Dan, your posts are always very informative

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I’ve been going through this thread for some time now and you guys have some absolutely amazing shoes and knowledge in this area. I also love shoes and although mine may be more commercial in nature, nonetheless a finely crafted shoe or sneaker is as exciting to me as a finely crafted anything lol. I’m now inspired to share my collection.

I’ll start with these Prada commandos I purchased awhile back. They are beasts and my favorite winter shoe to wear with my Belstaff Trailmaster jacket on rainy days. The workmanship on these shoes is impressive. They are made in England which is unique for Prada. The specs are hand written with a silver paint marker. I love these shoes and they are super comfortable even though they’re on the chunky side.

Those shoes look like their built to take a beating. I’m sure those soles come in handy in the city. I’d hate to be walking up/down some of those SF hills on a wet day without having some shoes with heavy duty soles.

Prada owns Church’s shoes so my guess is that these were made at the Church’s factory in England.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Those shoes look like their built to take a beating. I’m sure those soles come in handy in the city. I’d hate to be walking up/down some of those SF hills on a wet day without having some shoes with heavy duty soles.

Prada owns Church’s shoes so my guess is that these were made at the Church’s factory in England.

Thank you, Wes. I didn't know Prada owned Church's! I have a few pair of Church's and the quality is excellent, so this makes sense. That's so awesome. These shoes are excellent in wet weather and a perfect San Francisco trekker. I feel like a tank when I wear them.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Thank you, Wes. I didn't know Prada owned Church's! I have a few pair of Church's and the quality is excellent, so this makes sense. That's so awesome. These shoes are excellent in wet weather and a perfect San Francisco trekker. I feel like a tank when I wear them.

This is just a guess, but if your shoes are goodyear welted, then it would make even more sense that they were made at the Church's factory. In my experience, most Italian shoes, even very high end ones such as Berluti, are blake welted (a construction method that falls somewhere between cemented shoes and goodyear welted shoes). I am guessing that most/all Pradas made in Italy are blake welted (unless Prada offers some very high end models that may be hand stitched) and their factory does not support goodyear welt production.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

This is just a guess, but if your shoes are goodyear welted, then it would make even more sense that they were made at the Church's factory. In my experience, most Italian shoes, even very high end ones such as Berluti, are blake welted (a construction method that falls somewhere between cemented shoes and goodyear welted shoes). I am guessing that most/all Pradas made in Italy are blake welted (unless Prada offers some very high end models that may be hand stitched) and their factory does not support goodyear welt production.

Fascinating!!

I did a quick search on Google and found this shoe and in fact it was made by Church’s. :)



Genius.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Fascinating!!

I did a quick search on Google and found this shoe and in fact it was made by Church’s. :)



Genius.

[Wesley Crusher]

Tomorrow is supposed to RAIN!! That can only mean one thing.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Tomorrow is supposed to RAIN!! That can only mean one thing.

Zug?

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Zug?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I’ve been going through this thread for some time now and you guys have some absolutely amazing shoes and knowledge in this area. I also love shoes and although mine may be more commercial in nature, nonetheless a finely crafted shoe or sneaker is as exciting to me as a finely crafted anything lol. I’m now inspired to share my collection.

I’ll start with these Prada commandos I purchased awhile back. They are beasts and my favorite winter shoe to wear with my Belstaff Trailmaster jacket on rainy days. The workmanship on these shoes is impressive. They are made in England which is unique for Prada. The specs are hand written with a silver paint marker. I love these shoes and they are super comfortable even though they’re on the chunky side.

I’ve got a few pairs of similar style shoes when I want to wear something that has a more hearty sole but I still wish to wear a shoe.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Tomorrow is supposed to RAIN!! That can only mean one thing.

Rain in CA is probably as unlikely as a sunny sky over here

[locutus49]

As an owner of Prada and Gucci shoes, I highly recommend Bick 4. I first learned about Bick 4 when I was collecting antique leatherbound books. A seller said Bick 4 was what they used to keep the old leather supple. Now I use it for all my shoes. If I want a high shine, I use shoe polish over it.

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I’ve been going through this thread for some time now and you guys have some absolutely amazing shoes and knowledge in this area. I also love shoes and although mine may be more commercial in nature, nonetheless a finely crafted shoe or sneaker is as exciting to me as a finely crafted anything lol. I’m now inspired to share my collection.

I’ll start with these Prada commandos I purchased awhile back. They are beasts and my favorite winter shoe to wear with my Belstaff Trailmaster jacket on rainy days. The workmanship on these shoes is impressive. They are made in England which is unique for Prada. The specs are hand written with a silver paint marker. I love these shoes and they are super comfortable even though they’re on the chunky side.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by locutus49

As an owner of Prada and Gucci shoes, I highly recommend Bick 4. I first learned about Bick 4 when I was collecting antique leatherbound books. A seller said Bick 4 was what they used to keep the old leather supple. Now I use it for all my shoes. If I want a high shine, I use shoe polish over it.

Bick4 is probably the most cost effective thing you can buy for your shoes. Its cheap and works wonders.

[droptopman]

Also a Bick4 Guy. Great stuff. Rarely use any of my fancy polishes just B4 conditioner.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Also a Bick4 Guy. Great stuff. Rarely use any of my fancy polishes just B4 conditioner.

My practice is to only use polish when pigment is needed either for scuffs, color, or higher shine is desired. So generally I use Bick4 more often.

[Syed117]

Planning on stopping by Leffot tomorrow to try on some EG Galways.

Need to see if this 82 last works for me.

They don't have this color, so I would have to order from EG if I decide to get them. These also seem fairly brown in color, so not sure why they call it burgundy. Unless the color isn't being portrayed accurately on the site.

http://www.edwardgreen.com/shop/shoe...y-82-last.html

Anyone have experience ordering directly from EG? They say they ship using DHL and I'm sure it's fine, but thought I should ask.

Edit : Just checked the EG site and they are out of stock in 10 and 10.5. Not sure how often they restock. Guess I will still go see if the last works.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by dddrees

My practice is to only use polish when pigment is needed either for scuffs, color, or higher shine is desired. So generally I use Bick4 more often.

Thanks for the recommendation Dan. I think it was 2 years ago when you turned me onto Bick 4. I had been using a very similar conditioner that Nordstrom's once sold and I finally ran out and they no longer make it.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Great choice, I know I like my Rancourts.

Thanks Dan,

Ended up ordering these. They ship tomorrow! I have many pairs of Rancourts for RL so I know they fit and I know they are well made. Also out of all the shoemakers, Rancourt probably has the styling the most suits my taste and lifestyle. Just like the way they do loafers .

Will probably just order my black shell from them as well. I thought about going with something nicer, but honestly like the casual styling of their loafer better.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Planning on stopping by Leffot tomorrow to try on some EG Galways.

Need to see if this 82 last works for me.

They don't have this color, so I would have to order from EG if I decide to get them. These also seem fairly brown in color, so not sure why they call it burgundy. Unless the color isn't being portrayed accurately on the site.

http://www.edwardgreen.com/shop/shoe...y-82-last.html

Anyone have experience ordering directly from EG? They say they ship using DHL and I'm sure it's fine, but thought I should ask.

Edit : Just checked the EG site and they are out of stock in 10 and 10.5. Not sure how often they restock. Guess I will still go see if the last works.

Pictures don’t always capture the true color. In fact I have a pair of Inverness in Burgundy which have a pinkish tint to them. The thing about the actual color is a bit unpredictable when it comes to EG because their finish is applied by hand. But I would imagine it would have a reddish tint of some kind.

Unfortunately I have not ordered directly from EG so I can’t help you but I think Wes did.

I ordered most of mine via Skoakbolaget because at the time they had the best prices. Unfortunately awhile ago EG changed their policies but with the current climate ordering directly probably will get you the best price.

Not sure how customs works anymore either, but it used to be that who you used as a carrier determined whether there would be a customs bill or not. Here again Skoak offered a number of shipping options and as long as you were willing to wait about a week you didn’t receive a customs bill.


I know there have been talks since that customs and how much they would charge on shoes for instance was supposed to change but since I haven’t received anything from overseas in awhile I’m not sure what the current practice is. DHL used to be notorious for sending fairly significant customs bills up to months after you received your actual shipment.

[Wesley Crusher]

I think it may be best to order directly through a retailer (even if they have to place a special order with EG). They will handle customs.

Let me know if you want a contact.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Thanks for the recommendation Dan. I think it was 2 years ago when you turned me onto Bick 4. I had been using a very similar conditioner that Nordstrom's once sold and I finally ran out and they no longer make it.

Originally Posted by droptopman

Thanks Dan,

Ended up ordering these. They ship tomorrow! I have many pairs of Rancourts for RL so I know they fit and I know they are well made. Also out of all the shoemakers, Rancourt probably has the styling the most suits my taste and lifestyle. Just like the way they do loafers .

Will probably just order my black shell from them as well. I thought about going with something nicer, but honestly like the casual styling of their loafer better.

No problem. Personally from what I read and I am no expert I just like that Bick4 is one of the 2 conditioners that doesn’t contain turpentine. Seems as though some who may be more informed than I feel that is a bad thing. Anyway it’s real reasonable cost wise and frankly it did seem to me that the Saphir Product was a bit harsh. Of course it is advertised as a cleaner and conditioner and not just a conditioner.

I agree Rancourt works for me as well. I wear them mostly with shorts but sometimes with jeans as well.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I think it may be best to order directly through a retailer (even if they have to place a special order with EG). They will handle customs.

Let me know if you want a contact.

Not sure that that matters. Whoever you buy from will have to initiate the customs paperwork. That will have to be filled out correctly. However a couple of years ago the fee you paid depended on the shipper that was used. There was a reason for this but to be honest it’s been to long and it’s a bit vague now. I’m getting older what can I say.

But then again because it has been awhile that may have change. If you check with the good folks who order all the time onStyleforumim sure they could set things straight.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Planning on stopping by Leffot tomorrow to try on some EG Galways.

Need to see if this 82 last works for me.

They don't have this color, so I would have to order from EG if I decide to get them. These also seem fairly brown in color, so not sure why they call it burgundy. Unless the color isn't being portrayed accurately on the site.

http://www.edwardgreen.com/shop/shoe...y-82-last.html

Anyone have experience ordering directly from EG? They say they ship using DHL and I'm sure it's fine, but thought I should ask.

Edit : Just checked the EG site and they are out of stock in 10 and 10.5. Not sure how often they restock. Guess I will still go see if the last works.

Just keep in mind that trying out the same Last on a shoe maybe a bit tighter than it would be on a boot.

Also I would highly recommend checking out the Utah leather in person as well as something in Burgundy. Utah leather is known to be extremely supple.