Shoes that look better with age...

[cash]

How do you know when a boot is too far gone? For example, browsing ebay, one comes across a pair of vintage leather boots/shoes that are tempting. You would only have the picture in auction to go by. Are there any signs/things to watch out for? Do we know how far the magic of Obenauf's can go in bringing a boot back to life?

Any hints, tips advice...

Check that there are no cracks in the vamp. Make sure the vamp has not separated from the welt. No holes in the leather. Soles will be the cheapest thing to replace. If you plan on wearing them as is, no fixes, make sure the heel is in good condition. You want a boot or shoe to stand flat. If one side is excessively worn, the boot will be uncomfortable. Actually soles aren't the cheapest thing to replace, heels are. As for dry leather, there are plenty of treatments that will bring a boot "back to life."

[Rivet Head]

I gotta agree with Cash on boots that are replaceable, it's probably not worth having the new soles put on. But if you score a killer pair of older vintage boots it's gotta be done sometimes!

[cash]

^ Co-sign RivetHead. Sometimes, for the right boot, it is well worth the expense. In fact, it might be your obligation to resurrect the boot.

[Zazamoot]

These are my semi-dress, five months old, tops. I can't tell if the leather is simply pulling away from the welt or if it has actually torn. However, I've had to stop wearing them, as the hole has gotten worse. On Monday I'll call Whites to see what they can do for me.

They finally broke in to be the most comfortable pieces of footwear I own, so I hope this is a matter of a simple, free repair.

[edmond]

i suggest that they should replace the boot thats a bye bye boot

[almostnice]

Ed,what outfit are you going to wear with your saddleshoes?

a fitpic would be nice..

[edmond]

hmm hold on buddy ill try to snap a pic now

[edmond]

here ya go

[Happy Hooligan]

here ya go

I like those saddles.... Glad you found a pair you like

[edmond]

thanks HH... yeah they surprisingly look nice

[kiya]

Those Clipper/RJB saddles are of amazing quality, i'm getting a pair in red/black this fall when they release the new line.

[edmond]

yeah looks like they use calf hide in these pretty light and thin leather

[Happy Hooligan]

I have the one pair, but I"m really on the hunt for a navy blue with off white in around an 11ish size.

I wear mine with jeans (cuffed of course like yours) and either an oxford or polo type shirt. Plus if I wear one of my Nat Nast's they look great also!

I think they'll be coming back strong once people remember how great they look...

[edmond]

yeah they really look great clean or busted up! i mean any.. thyere like good ol chuck's..

[?uestionmark]

for sale in ?marketplace

[the_ming]

Those Clipper/RJB saddles are of amazing quality, i'm getting a pair in red/black this fall when they release the new line.

where can one get such things? i would kill for red/black saddle shoes.

[LandoCal126]

Some flicks of my Whites... They need some serious breaking in!

[almostnice]

those are very nice,indeed!

[Happy Hooligan]

semi dress will be my next boot... nice

Are those stock? except for the rubber sole?

you're don't seem as "duck billed" as others I've seen...

[Leonard Leroy]

Where can I buy insoles? Like instore? Superfeet is a good choice right?

[edmond]

nah superfeet is not a goood choice i suggest spenco regular ones or the ones with arc support

[edmond]

duck bille cause theyre nor single leather sole nd theyre not wonr that hard yet...

[coleslawyum]

nah superfeet is not a goood choice i suggest spenco regular ones or the ones with arc support

I totally agree, SPENCO makes really good ones. I have them in most of my boots. Also, FYI, Wesco makes some really good one for your engineers boots. You can order them directly from the web site. The cheaper insoles just get destroyed after a month of wear.

[edmond]

whooa wait? what wesco insole? the slim ones ? perforrated?

[Leonard Leroy]

I totally agree, SPENCO makes really good ones. I have them in most of my boots. Also, FYI, Wesco makes some really good one for your engineers boots. You can order them directly from the web site. The cheaper insoles just get destroyed after a month of wear.

i'll keep that in mind. I have a high arch, I think I'm going to get my boots vertically stretched at BNelson's.

I havent' got a quote from him, yet, but what should I be thinking is a good deal for stretching boots vertically, at the highest point of the arch of my foot?

[the Repeater]

Where can I buy insoles? Like instore? Superfeet is a good choice right?

The best ones are Soles. They're heat moldable, and though sorta costly, guaranteed for a year.

Best money I've ever spent on shoes, though it's an invisible internal component.

High to low volume models, depending on your needs.

[LandoCal126]

duck bille cause theyre nor single leather sole nd theyre not wonr that hard yet...

Would you mind posting some photos of what you mean by Duck Billed? I would like to see what I can expect from them after much more wear. And yes they are stock.

[Medine]

My brother's LL Bean Chippewa boots, which I believe are still made in the USA

I'm stealing these for the night..

[MiniW]

I like the Tacco Deluxe insoles, the leather upper makes it comfortable to wear with or without socks. Reasonably priced at about $15 per pair.

[madb101]

hello everyone, I think its not the best place to post my question but I couldn't find any Red Wing official thread so forgive me, im unsure about sizing on Red Wing Chukkas, this specific model: http://www.cultizm.com/product_info.php?info=p367_RED-WING-BOOTS---3140-CLASSIC-WORK-CHUKKA---Oro-iginal.html

I wear uk 10.5 (us 11.5) in nikes and vans, it seems that everyone is telling to size down (full size/half) with red wings, should I be okay with uk 10 us 11 size in this model, anyone have experience with this boot? Thanks in advance...!

cheers