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

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Good morning. What do you Gentleman think of these? http://www.rancourtandcompany.com/me...rter-boot.html

I don't have any experience with the maker, but it's a nice looking boot.

[Wesley Crusher]

$650 for cordovan boots is quite reasonable. They look nice.

[TheBluePrince]

You guys are buggers. In the nicest possible way. I got nice shoes out of my system when i was still young. I was lucky, I dated a girl who's Mum supplied most of them with their hides and it was quid pro quo.

I was also an idiot who wore those JL's, EG's, JW's, Churchs' and all the rest out on the piss every weekend. Nice restaurant. Nice bar x3, nice-ish club in the VIP, not so nice club in Vauxhall or Kings X at 5am that kicked the pants out of all of them....and I got my shoes kicked just as much.

I remember being asked by a girl at the after-after party, i always remember this cause she was in UK Vogue that month....i love your shoes but what happened to them? I still don't know but i remember looking down to see a very nice pair of JW loafers with the Goodyeared soles hanging off and the toes scuffed to a rough mess.

It was about then I started wearing nice, and comfy shoes for business only.

[TheBluePrince]

But....Northampton is my home town and always close to my heart...

These from a cpl weeks ago -





Interestingly the ladies at JL confirmed they are now fully owned by Hermes but that Hermes are very protective. No photo's signs all around the factory and shop. They have banned/barred all the Ebay sellers they know of. They now only invite to sales personal customers. They will refuse to sell to anyone if they believe they are a trader. They had their Aston Martin sneaker/loafers for about £120. A guy came in and bought everything they had and put it on Ebay for TRIPLE that. He is now known and persona non grata. Want to go to a shop and talk with the guys who design the shoes? They are in the JL factory and are lovely. I went in with a mate who was wearing new Trickers boots. Not a problem but a discussion point. It's a bit imtimidating....go to the big steel gate. Press the buzzer. Be ignored. Then press the right buzzer. Explain yourself. Then enjoy as you are let into the lovely understated little shop.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

But....Northampton is my home town and always close to my heart...

These from a cpl weeks ago -



Interestingly the ladies at JL confirmed they are now fully owned by Hermes but that Hermes are very protective. No photo's signs all around the factory and shop. They have banned/barred all the Ebay sellers they know of. They now only invite to sales personal customers. They will refuse to sell to anyone if they believe they are a trader. They had their Aston Martin sneaker/loafers for about £120. A guy came in and bought everything they had and put it on Ebay for TRIPLE that. He is now known and persona non grata. Want to go to a shop and talk with the guys who design the shoes? They are in the JL factory and are lovely. I went in with a mate who was wearing new Trickers boots. Not a problem but a discussion point. It's a bit imtimidating....go to the big steel gate. Press the buzzer. Be ignored. Then press the right buzzer. Explain yourself. Then enjoy as you are let into the lovely understated little shop.

I'm trying to talk my wife into a shoe holiday to Northampton. She's fine with buying JL and G&G, but hasn't signed off on travelling to see a shoemaker.

JL has a boutique in Dubai, so I have access to their whole range. It's not like being at the mother ship though.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

You guys are buggers. In the nicest possible way. I got nice shoes out of my system when i was still young. I was lucky, I dated a girl who's Mum supplied most of them with their hides and it was quid pro quo.

I was also an idiot who wore those JL's, EG's, JW's, Churchs' and all the rest out on the piss every weekend. Nice restaurant. Nice bar x3, nice-ish club in the VIP, not so nice club in Vauxhall or Kings X at 5am that kicked the pants out of all of them....and I got my shoes kicked just as much.

I remember being asked by a girl at the after-after party, i always remember this cause she was in UK Vogue that month....i love your shoes but what happened to them? I still don't know but i remember looking down to see a very nice pair of JW loafers with the Goodyeared soles hanging off and the toes scuffed to a rough mess.

It was about then I started wearing nice, and comfy shoes for business only.

I am careful with all of my things. Although, all it takes is one drunken night to ruin a pair of shoes... Ask me how I know.

[TheBluePrince]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

I'm trying to talk my wife into a shoe holiday to Northampton. She's fine with buying JL and G&G, but hasn't signed off on travelling to see a shoemaker.

JL has a boutique in Dubai, so I have access to their whole range. It's not like being at the mother ship though.

A lot of the old shoe factory's in N'pton are now apartments. I used to live in the PH of the first ever one that got converted, Sears. From my windows I could see C&J, JL and the old EG. EG have now moved to nice new premises very near JW. Guy West is often still out and about and always a top guy

The old house of the owner of Sears is now a pretty run down hotel, used to be surrounded by farmland, now a rough suberb of N'pton.



There's still a huge old factory in NN1 i forget the name of, Royal warrants still above the closed doors. It takes up a whole block. It made something like 50% of all boots worn by allied forces in WW1. Northampton as a whole made more than 90%.

Edit - GT Hawkins is the huge old factory - http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main...ct-2011-a.html

I grew up in a small village near N'pton that had 6 shoe factory's in. Now one left. One of them became quite famous. It had a film and a west end/Broadway show made after it. It's now apartments, here's one for sale, they call it the WJ Brooks factory but it's best known as the Kinky Boots factory :)

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...-44067405.html

If you can convince the wife to come to middle England then give me a shout, i will be happy to give you a shoe tour. 20 min away is also Bletchley Park will I recks you'd also enjoy -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bletchley_Park

I was there earlier today for the 11/11 remembrance and never tire of meeting and talking to the heroes that worked there. They now have a rebuilt "Bombe", the first ever programmable computer. What's most amazing is that they kept it all secret until the 1970's.

[TheBluePrince]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I am careful with all of my things. Although, all it takes is one drunken night to ruin a pair of shoes... Ask me how I know.

Yep, i know too well. A mate did some modelling for JW. As part payment I took him out some JW shoes to Vegas when he was on a rtw trip. In one night they were ruined. I brought them back. I've done the same, i've gotten on buses and a guy has said, "alright mate, nice shoes, i made them". The nicer they are the easier they hurt.

[swils8610]

Anyone have experience with Rancourt boots? They are making a run of espresso shell boots and was thinking of ordering a pair.


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[dddrees]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Good morning. What do you Gentleman think of these? http://www.rancourtandcompany.com/me...rter-boot.html

I have more than a few shoes from Rancourt. They a very good shoemaker with a great reputation and I am extremely happy with the shoes I've purchased from them.

Having said that if your contemplating this particular boot then the others I would also consider is the Alden Cordovan Jump Boot at JCrew, a Jump boot cordovan from Carmina, Enzo Bonafe, or Crocket and Jones. For something even closer to this particular boot the limited edition Wolverines 1K cordovan boots were the first thing I thought of, but both of those models have long ago sold out. A Viberg Service boot in Cordovan would probably be another great boot but these are pretty hard to come by and cost about twice as much as the one you are currently looking at.

The bottom line is that if you decide to go with Rancourt I can assure you that you will be a happy you did.

One of the following is from Quoddy and one from Oak Street Bootmakers but all the rest are from Rancourt. The Cordovan shoes in the first row are all from Rancourt

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I have more than a few shoes from Rancourt. They a very good shoemaker with a great reputation and I am extremely happy with the shoes I've purchased from them.

Having said that if your contemplating this particular boot then the others I would also consider is the Alden Cordovan Jump Boot at JCrew, a Jump boot cordovan from Carmina, Enzo Bonafe, or Crocket and Jones. For something even closer to this particular boot the limited edition Wolverines 1K cordovan boots were the first thing I thought of, but both of those models have long ago sold out. A Viberg Service boot in Cordovan would probably be another great boot but these are pretty hard to come by and cost about twice as much as the one you are currently looking at.

The bottom line is that if you decide to go with Rancourt I can assure you that you will be a happy you did.

One of the following is from Quoddy and one from Oak Street Bootmakers but all the rest are from Rancourt. The Cordovan shoes in the first row are all from Rancourt

As always, thanks Dan. Great loafer selection!
I have a handful of RL Polo loafers and boat shoes made by Rancourt and a couple made by C&J. I agree both are well made and wear great. I think one of my pairs of Polo boots are made by Rancourt but I am not certain. I do like them.
Alden, C&J, and Rancourt are on the short list for the next boot.
I love the espresso color on the Shell boots in the link, but a lighter color may fit better in my current line up...
I will say for the loafers, the Alden is more substantial and wears "heavier" than my other loafers. Hard to describe with my limited knowledge of shoes. Maybe it's the welt. I have far less experience with boots, but would like something with a similar feel.
Next time I'm in the city I will find a shop that has some of these brands to try on and check the feel.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by droptopman

As always, thanks Dan. Great loafer selection!
I have a handful of RL Polo loafers and boat shoes made by Rancourt and a couple made by C&J. I agree both are well made and wear great. I think one of my pairs of Polo boots are made by Rancourt but I am not certain. I do like them.
Alden, C&J, and Rancourt are on the short list for the next boot.
I love the espresso color on the Shell boots in the link, but a lighter color may fit better in my current line up...
I will say for the loafers, the Alden is more substantial and wears "heavier" than my other loafers. Hard to describe with my limited knowledge of shoes. Maybe it's the welt. I have far less experience with boots, but would like something with a similar feel.
Next time I'm in the city I will find a shop that has some of these brands to try on and check the feel.

For the more work wear feel and look I would highly recommend Viberg and Truman with Viberg taking it by a hair for me. Even if it's only CXL and not Cordovan for just a bit more the Viberg Service Boot on the 2030 is by far my favorite in this genre anyway.

Unfortunately it's a bit harder trying to find them but not impossible. I would strongly recommend looking at their website just to have a look anyway.

Agreed, Alden's loafers are more smarter looking. Unfortunately loafers are more problematic for me as one of my feet are a half size smaller than the other.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

You guys are buggers. In the nicest possible way. I got nice shoes out of my system when i was still young. I was lucky, I dated a girl who's Mum supplied most of them with their hides and it was quid pro quo.

I was also an idiot who wore those JL's, EG's, JW's, Churchs' and all the rest out on the piss every weekend. Nice restaurant. Nice bar x3, nice-ish club in the VIP, not so nice club in Vauxhall or Kings X at 5am that kicked the pants out of all of them....and I got my shoes kicked just as much.

I remember being asked by a girl at the after-after party, i always remember this cause she was in UK Vogue that month....i love your shoes but what happened to them? I still don't know but i remember looking down to see a very nice pair of JW loafers with the Goodyeared soles hanging off and the toes scuffed to a rough mess.

It was about then I started wearing nice, and comfy shoes for business only.

For me it's just another component of a nice outfit. If you want or like wearing nice clothes you certainly can't skimp on the slacks so how can one possibly skimp on your shoes.

I doubt that most will actually notice what watch or shoes someone is wearing. However when you put it all together there's something that just looks right when you do and if they don't so be it as well. I know I feel better anyway.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

But....Northampton is my home town and always close to my heart...

These from a cpl weeks ago -





Interestingly the ladies at JL confirmed they are now fully owned by Hermes but that Hermes are very protective. No photo's signs all around the factory and shop. They have banned/barred all the Ebay sellers they know of. They now only invite to sales personal customers. They will refuse to sell to anyone if they believe they are a trader. They had their Aston Martin sneaker/loafers for about £120. A guy came in and bought everything they had and put it on Ebay for TRIPLE that. He is now known and persona non grata. Want to go to a shop and talk with the guys who design the shoes? They are in the JL factory and are lovely. I went in with a mate who was wearing new Trickers boots. Not a problem but a discussion point. It's a bit imtimidating....go to the big steel gate. Press the buzzer. Be ignored. Then press the right buzzer. Explain yourself. Then enjoy as you are let into the lovely understated little shop.

I know when I started purchasing better shoes you could tell when the factory sale had taken place because there was a glut of shoes for sale on eBay. It still takes place but nothing like before. The best way to take advantage of the factory sale now when unable to get there is to try and find a proxy. Stylforum is probably one of the best places to find one.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by dddrees

For me it's just another component of a nice outfit. If you want or like wearing nice clothes you certainly can't skimp on the slacks so how can one possibly skimp on your shoes.

I doubt that most will actually notice what watch or shoes someone is wearing. However when you put it all together there's something that just looks right when you do and if they don't so be it as well. I know I feel better anyway.

I never used to think people noticed your shoes, and didn't put much effort into them. But lately, people have been complimenting me on my attire. I haven't bought any new clothes, just much nicer shoes. They really do pull things together from the bottom up.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

I never used to think people noticed your shoes, and didn't put much effort into them. But lately, people have been complimenting me on my attire. I haven't bought any new clothes, just much nicer shoes. They really do pull things together from the bottom up.

Actually from time to time someone actually will notice my shoes who has no idea what they are. When it comes to a watch however that generally takes someone who knows what it is.

[droptopman]

With the shoe collections here, I would definitely compliment you if I saw you on the street. Easy to spot a quality shoe.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

I never used to think people noticed your shoes, and didn't put much effort into them. But lately, people have been complimenting me on my attire. I haven't bought any new clothes, just much nicer shoes. They really do pull things together from the bottom up.

Originally Posted by dddrees

Actually from time to time someone actually will notice my shoes who has no idea what they are. When it comes to a watch however that generally takes someone who knows what it is.

My style is pretty casual. I wear a button down and chinos to the office (Hey, that's fancy for Southern California ). After I started buying nicer shoes, I have received a number of complements. People really do notice a nice pair of shoes.

[Wesley Crusher]

Taking my mom out for a nice birthday lunch.

[Dansf]

. So comfy


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[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Taking my mom out for a nice birthday lunch.

Very nice Wes!!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Dansf

. So comfy


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Even before I saw your comment I thought those sure look comfy.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

My style is pretty casual. I wear a button down and chinos to the office (Hey, that's fancy for Southern California ). After I started buying nicer shoes, I have received a number of complements. People really do notice a nice pair of shoes.

When it comes down to it, I just feel better when I put a nice pair of shoes on.

[Dansf]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Even before I saw your comment I thought those sure look comfy.

Thanks!


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[swils8610]

Thanks for feedback on the boots. I do like the espresso shell from Rancourt. I may give them a shot.


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[Sperry]

Well, they re not dress shoes, but I do look pretty good in them

I called Red Wing and asked about Model 953. The guy said they've gone out of favor, but they keep a pair or two around for the local farmers.

So anyway, I'm making a factory order thru the dealer, direct ship. This'll be my sixth and final pair ...

[Abdullah71601]

That looks crisp Wes.

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Taking my mom out for a nice birthday lunch.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by swils8610

Thanks for feedback on the boots. I do like the espresso shell from Rancourt. I may give them a shot.


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No problem, for me part of the fun is comparing and selecting the one you think looks and works best. I think you made an excellent choice. Rancourt espresso cordovan was something I often thought about getting.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Very nice Wes!!

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

That looks crisp Wes.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by dddrees

When it comes down to it, I just feel better when I put a nice pair of shoes on.

Yup, that's exactly how I feel. It feels great to wear a nice pair of shoes.

[lapince]

I buy mostly Dior sneakers, Vuitton loafers, awesome look for both categories and IMO the best looking ones, for dress shoes I mostly have Prada, but also J.M Weston, tried to see the Berlutti and John Loeb offerings, but not really my style...