Shoes that look better with age...

[killer b]

the toe on mine looks a bit longer, but that could be just camera angle tbh.

these are definitely shoes for the british summer...

is there any way of dating them btw? the same model seems to have been in production since the 20s as far as i can tell...

[CrashTestBrummie]

the toe on mine looks a bit longer, but that could be just camera angle tbh.

these are definitely shoes for the british summer...

is there any way of dating them btw? the same model seems to have been in production since the 20s as far as i can tell...

Such a shame that a way of manufacturing a watertight boot like this has almost been lost - never known footwear to be as suited to bad weather whilst retaining a certain degree of 'style'...was working in a nature reserve today in shitty conditions, and no problems at all...

The toes on my Lotus boots is a lot more pointed, the boots have a very vintage profile to them too. These could do with some TLC again...

God knows how to tell the age of these shoes - a pair that looked a little more recent went unsold on eBay the other day, and they were with box, too!

I'm not sure that the design changed much at all since back in the day, though...

Those Tricker's veldts in a 8.5 that were inadvertently posted a few pages back ended up going for £205, by the way...and I managed to sell my RWs for more than I paid for them

[MrBeast]

since the Velts got some attention in this thread, Pebble grain has been on my wishlist.

Some nice ones found in there:

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-info.php?selectedColourID=2212&brandID=6&catID=43&shoeID=4087&selectedSizeID=0&selectedFitID=0

Also includes some samples of Cheaney Velts. This might shed some light on who builts what...

[CrashTestBrummie]

I think Paul T mentioned earlier in the thread that the Windermere is a very good-looking boot in the flesh...

[MrBeast]

The Cheaney Cairngorm on the same website though on the same last, looks much bulkier and almost square toed. Pics definitely can be misleading.

CTB, Question about the zug grain, how supple is it? Sure it looks sturdy and needs breaking in, but seems like it never really gives in...

[CrashTestBrummie]

CTB, Question about the zug grain, how supple is it? Sure it looks sturdy and needs breaking in, but seems like it never really gives in...

The zug used by Tricker's and Alfred Sargent seems to be from the same source, and loosens up pretty quickly even though it's heavy duty. Excellent 'feel' to it, too...

As for the Lotus and Tecnic, it seems to be a little 'coarser' in some ways, although that may be due to age and/or lack of care. Certainly it seems to become almost brittle if not looked after - the area over the toes on my Tecnic Vs is pretty rigid, even after conditioning, and it's taken a lot of TLC and wearing to get the leather on the Lotus boots wearable...I've seen the Lotus boots described as almost bulletproof, although I think the statement was meant to be taken with a small pinch of sodium

[Paul T]

The Cheaney Cairngorm on the same website though on the same last, looks much bulkier and almost square toed. Pics definitely can be misleading.

.

The Cheaney Pennine and the Windermere are exactly the same boot, according to Cheaney. They had this Windermere in their factory shop. Both are country grain, rather than zug - it's a little less chunky, and the texture varies with tension so you get that smooth effect round the toecap.

Yup. it's a beautiful boot, I would have bought these were they the right size.

If you look at that toe shape, I would reckon the Rannoch is on the same last. Ben?

Factory visit to Tricker's, Cheaney, C&J here: headed for northampton

[CrashTestBrummie]

I'd be inclined to agree, from that pic...

The country grain would be a lot easier to break in than zug, I reckon...

[Paul T]

When I did the Veldt roundup, I left out the shoes. Maybe I should do an update... this Hoggs Dornoch looks lovely: veldt construction, country grain and some brogue-ing. Looks to have that Cheaney shape...

[CrashTestBrummie]

And the Hoggs Dunoon, in waxy leather:

[mikedbt5]

Nice one Great shine on those, too!

Incidentally, Paul and I think we have a fair idea as to who makes the Rannoch...Seems that the earlier ones were made by AS, and the later ones by Cheaney.

The earlier ones don't have speedhooks and appear to be lighter in comparison. Word of warning though - no one seems to have the older version in stock, even though pics can be found on some sites.

The later, possibly Cheaney-made Rannochs are a deep, deep brown with very dark burgundy undertones...the toe is blunter than the Kelso, and the zug is slightly more bumpy.

There has been some conjecture about who makes the Rannoch between Paul , Ben and myself . As the only person on the forum , who to my knowledge , owns a piar - I don't know . However they are great boots , , who makes them is irrelevant . But I am not sure if any high end manufactuers produces them . I have been involved in purchasing , as my career , for a long yime and regardless of product or commodity - quality is the customers No 1 priortiy ie , if you want the best you have to pay for it . The Rannoch is very reasonably priced - the materials and functionality are first class , design is copied but a classic , finish is not great though . Too many loose threads or welt miss matches , this makes me think that Cheaney or AS are not makers . This for me , along with the (deliberate ?) ambiguity over manufactuer puts it into it's price bracket .

They have the potential to put Trickers or any other country boot too shame , if finished properly . However they are a throwback to how " real mens" English boots were / are . I offered mine for sale earlier tonite to a board member , for fit reasons , however I would replace the model I have with the leather soled shoe or modified boot . Its hard ro describe them by word but they , particuarly the zug , have real feel and presence .When I have sobered up tomorrow , lol , will post some pics after a bit of wear and spit / polish .

[CrashTestBrummie]

You're not the only one...I sold the Grasmere and RWs to make room for a pair as I wanted some proper shitkickers for the winter...been wading in mud all day today at a nature reserve in them...

Richard at the Shoe Healer said that he knew that AS used to make boots for Hoggs, and Paul's contact at PPG said that they're now made by Cheaney. Agreed that they don't have the finesse that you might expect from those makers (or Cheaney, at least, since I've not seen an older model) but there are few manufacturers who I'd imagine having the know-how to make a veldt boot - and AS and Cheaney are the front-runners on this score, ever since Tricker's stopped a decade ago.

Tricker's gave up on the bellows tongue a while ago, as they were getting feedback saying that it was uncomfortable for too many people, and I wonder if this contributed to their decision to stop the production of veldtschoen as a bellows tongue is a key feature. Even the AS Kelso only has a half-bellows tongue, much like most Tricker's boots.

Obviously, Tricker's now seem to be specialising in all sorts of weird and wonderful collaborations for a wider market, and their niche appeal has changed - and they're getting people to pay more for their stuff as a result - even the seconds sold on eBay have just gone up in price by a whopping 10%. But I digress...

Definitely agree that the Rannoch could, with care, put other country boots to shame...

[mikedbt5]

Ben ,

I agree with the AS / Cheaney link , as we know they are the only high end manufactuers who do veldtschoen but still I dont know ... being from a manufatcring. / purchasing background - if you have the proper equipment / tools and competent people you can make whatever you want . Veldtschoen is just a manufacturing process which probably can be replicated . You also got to look at the business case ( the selling price / volume of business ) of the Rannoch to determine who makes it . Could be talking shite , not unknown . lol but my money is on NPS , purely from a pricing perspective . However you have the word of industry experts , eminently more qualified than me for sure ! I suppose I am playing devils advocate a bit but whoever makes the Rannoch does not seem keen on having it publicised !!

[mikedbt5]

Pic of my Rannoch , as promised . The zug shines up beautifully . Been thinking of selling these though , they are a seriously heavy boot . Havent decided though , I might get a replacement leather sole/heel unit to lighten them a bit or sell them and buy the Roxborough shoe . Maybe i'll just set them aside for winter wear ? Still an amazing , value for money ( in a world of overpriced everything) product !!!

Btw , congrats Ben on getting a pair . How are you getting on with them ?

Have wore these frequently over a couple of weeks .

[seanpsk]

Clarks db under sunlight, nothing compared to trickers, aldens, whites etc. but ages quite nicely too

[rkusmant]

mikedbt5, CTB, Paul T

so in conclusion of the Veldt discussion, what's your recommendation if you can only get one pair of boots in the market? and what's the best of the best , if different than your recommendation?

The more 'M' stitching I see on the shoes/boots, the harder it is (not) to get one

[CrashTestBrummie]

mikedbt5, CTB, Paul T

so in conclusion of the Veldt discussion, what's your recommendation if you can only get one pair of boots in the market? and what's the best of the best , if different than your recommendation?

The more 'M' stitching I see on the shoes/boots, the harder it is (not) to get one

Rannoch if you want a proper, no-frills heavy duty boot; Kelso if you want something sturdy but a little bit dressier, if a boot with an Itshide sole can ever be considered such; Lotus for a heavy duty boot with the heritage behind it, but possibly not as many years left in it.

All watertight, in my experience so far.

Can't comment on the others.

Mike - love it, the longer shaft on the boot and the full bellows tongue swung it for me as a poor weather outdoor boot of choice. The price I got for the Gramsmere covered the cost, and the Kelso will be a fine substitute for them. No point in hoarding, eh?

[Paul T]

As some people here will remember, I first spotted a dude wearing a pair of Alfred Sargent Selkirks in Spitalfields last September.

Back then, I couldn't justify the £££... especially as I ordered a pair of william Lennon around that time. In those eight months I've scoured eBay, and seen prices esecalate. Stupidly, I posted that detailed summary of zug and veldtchoen boots as i was chasing one pair of Kelso, whihc I tried on in London, but finally went for £125. I thought that was too much, as I'd seen them on retail for £175. After bidding £120 on the s/h Kelso, I went to the site I'd checkd that afternoon - and found the last pair of 8 had gone! And, of course, the same day Tredders put up their prices from £195 to £285!

Finally, I've liberated some cash in a couple eBay auctions... bid on a pair of boots that didn't make reserve, emailed the seller with an off-eBay offer of £125. They arrived this morning.

Very happy with the nick. A bit dusty but, as promised, they're hardly worn, lettering in the sole etc is all perfect. They fit beautifully, maybe a smidgen roomier than my Stow.

After a clean and polish...

And finally, as requested, an update on my Stow. THese were looking shabby, with dirty lines in the creases. Lots of saddle soap and cotton buds later. The sole is now separating from the welt on these, and they're creaking. Four years of wear, maybe 7 months a year... maybe they're due a resole.

[Paul T]

mikedbt5, CTB, Paul T

so in conclusion of the Veldt discussion, what's your recommendation if you can only get one pair of boots in the market? and what's the best of the best , if different than your recommendation?

The more 'M' stitching I see on the shoes/boots, the harder it is (not) to get one

Haha, good question. I'd go with Ben's summary. for me it had to be the AS, as they were the shape I'd fallen in love with - the modern Rannoch is noticeably different. the only boot that rivalled it for me was that one-off tricker. Hopefully Ben will give us shots of the AS and Rannoch side by side.

If you can get the AS at a decent price, ie less than £230, I don't think you can go wrong, given the way the pricing of both AS and Tricker's is going.

[CrashTestBrummie]

Worth the wait then, Paul, eh? What do you think of the leather quality?

Stow look good, shoe trees might be the way forward! That looks like the beechnut burnished calf, no?

Pics to come in a few mins...

[Paul T]

The leather isn't as heavy or pebbly as the Lotus... but I'm hoping that, longterm, they will end up like this pair below, which inspired me in the first place. I am comppletely happy with them. Now I've checked, I'd actually ordered the Lennon when I saw these, I love the Lennon but these are much more practical and it's great finally to get a commando sole.

Ben, you are the king of boot restoration around here but I think this guy, Steve, has out-done you!

[CrashTestBrummie]

Ben, you are the king of boot restoration around here but I think this guy, Steve, has out-done you!

Ha, I'm still a noob compared to coleslawyum and marineabilly...takes time to build up a patina like that!

Rannoch and Kelso:

Lotus, Rannoch, Kelso and Tricker's:

Lotus, Tricker's, Rannoch and Kelso:

[rkusmant]

Wow that Kelso/Selkirik looks like cordovan from my monitor. I'm in process of getting one from Richard now.

I emailed Chay asking for information about AS Veldt, among other questions and he told nothing about Veldt line future, however, any shoes they have can be made in Veldt construction if we want to. That sounds pretty surprising to me.

Speaking of shell, I just score Ravello cap toe for a steal, need extensive cleaning, picture will follow.

[Paul T]

Wow that Kelso/Selkirik looks like cordovan from my monitor. I'm in process of getting one from Richard now.

.

Do you mean that older pair in the market? They are the epitome of shoes that look better with age, I reckon.

The guy who sold me my Kelso said he was ordering a MTO veldt pair from AS for £320. I honestly don't know if he was spinning a line (you always need a nice story when you're selling something, don't you, I asked him what style but he didn't reply). But I'd be interested if they do turn up with an old-skool veldtschoen, altho the raised eyebrows in this house might end up as raised voices, or more.

In the meantime, as AS stocks dry up, if you're a uk size 9, these Culford look a bargain for £204.99

[rkusmant]

Actually, I'm trying to make Selkirik to be precise in the sleeker (48) last that AS have now and in 2 tone similar to EG Galway. Again, I haven't got the official quote which probably not til next week. Richard also told me that he can re-order existing Veldt line that of of stock for regular price shown in his website, no markups etc. Well, from my interpretation of Chay's response, the pattern might be gone but the Veldt construction will be available with new pattern.

Keep us updated with his MTO, I think CTB posted before AS Culford made in the sleeker last from AS blog. But not Veldt construction...

All in all, the mystery is what keep the discussion going... business as usual is not very interesting here

[lance]

Can anyone ID these boots? All I have is this pic.

[rkusmant]

aged Ravello captoes

[rob j cole]

Just got my new Viberg Engineer Boots made of horse leather.

Does anyone have some tips for caring the leather.

What kind of leather conditioner do you use?

[baldy]

don't worry about conditioning your boots until you put quite a bit of wear in them. When you notice them dryinng up a bit then worry about it. search back in this thread for many different conditioners that ppl use. you really don't have anything to worry about for a while though

[mikecch]

Just got my new Viberg Engineer Boots made of horse leather.

Does anyone have some tips for caring the leather.

What kind of leather conditioner do you use?

Is it veg. tanned or chrome tanned horse?

I would pick a conditioner with a higher oil content if it's veg. tanned, and also use a stronger wax polish/coating afterwards if you plan on putting these to work.

Chrome horse is more resilient, and IMO a high quality boot oil and polish once in a while would be just fine.

But if you're like me and prefer to have the wonderful grain of the horsehide jumping out at you, I would apply a thin layer of high quality animal fat before extensive use.

I quite like Saphir's products (from what I've seen from friends), but I prefer to make my own conditioners and polish.