Shoes that look better with age...

[CrashTestBrummie]

So much for wanting to take them brown, the combination of dyes and polishes used conspired against me...first serious attempt at creating an all-over, lasting, layered finish:

Although initially quite eye-catching, they're a little too patchy in places but I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Not a bad result for a pair of used Cheaney 'Warwick' which set me back £25.

[ranonranonarat]

immaculate workmanship once again ben, i personally like how they turned out a bit patchy at certain spots. on hindsight, they will probably turn out patchy anyway with wear (indigo stains, watermarks etc) so i wouldnt be too bothered about it if i were you. sure as hell they look a lot better "after" than "before".

[rkusmant]

CTB When you see good deal in UK 12 don't hesitate to inform me, I'd like to try patina some shoes...

see this work by Glacage Chaussures

[1ChrisTK1]

Here are a pair of Phi Bates Shell Cordovan long wings that I bought for $15 at a thrift store around a year ago. I just got them resoled. They came out well except for the leather part of the sole that is showing underneath. The dye job is kind of streaky and uneven. I might try to re dye it later, but its on the bottom so I am not too worried about it.

This is the dye job I was talking about.

[TheNorthern]

rkusmant, those are wild......

[orlylow]

swayed between the wolverine 1000 mile and RWs beckmen/iron ranger now. anyone know how does the sizing work? I'm a 11 in the RWs iron ranger.

[milosz]

Finished the specs on my ideal custom Bosses -

9", Black tie leather

MP toe, highliner heel

Cambrelle lining

Vibram 705

2" extra length on each strap, chrome hardware, instep with Wesco logo.

$804 with shipping and rush fee. Yowwwwwwza.

I need to find something I hadn't planned on selling, sell it and go for this...

[Happy Hooligan]

Finished the specs on my ideal custom Bosses -

9", Black tie leather

MP toe, highliner heel

Cambrelle lining

Vibram 705

2" extra length on each strap, chrome hardware, instep with Wesco logo.

$804 with shipping and rush fee. Yowwwwwwza.

I need to find something I hadn't planned on selling, sell it and go for this...

can't wait to see those... and your right about the price! Ouch...

[milosz]

That's with a rush fee. I could save $100 on that and another $100 on the straps and leather... but these are going to last forever, skimping now seems dumb.

The only real extraneous expense is the rush fee. I've got two new pair of CXL Semi-Dresses that should arrive in late September. I don't need these boots to arrive before mid-November, but the sooner I get them, the more time I have to wear them (the joy of living in Texas - boots get retired in early to mid May and only come out to play in September).

[milosz]

Um, holy shit, trigger pulled. I need a drink.

[onehundy]

Picked up my Mister Freedom Road Champ from Willies shoe repair today.

Pictures of the whole rebuild process is here http://www.facebook.com/williesshoeservice

and Rauls beautiful Rapid E machine.

Specs: triple leather sole with cats paw heel.

For those interested, you can either PM me for details or ask for my friend Raul at Willies shoe repair.

[nattomoto]

MOTO is using Horween's Chrome Excel in their new line. I know I am partial to MOTOs, but I've never liked the natural Chrome Excel until seeing these. I think I'll be picking these up in a couple weeks.

[Layne]

^^^ Those look great, but MOTOs prices kill me.

[Happy Hooligan]

nice job on the Road Champs, not my taste, but the job looks excellent.

I do love the looks of those MOTO's.. What do they run?

[fre-co]

Maybe this is obvious but why does everyone want extra long straps on their engineers?

[baldy]

i really wish it'd be easier to get MOTO's in the states... those look good, and i have to agree that's the first natural cxel shoe that i like.

[Happy Hooligan]

Maybe this is obvious but why does everyone want extra long straps on their engineers?

I think so they get all tangled/rolled up looking.

The only actual purpose I can think of is if the user has weak fingers and can't grip the smaller pulls each time he puts on his boots.

[rayw44]

I think so they get all tangled/rolled up looking.

The only actual purpose I can think of is if the user has weak fingers and can't grip the smaller pulls each time he puts on his boots.

IOne of the reasons (for me at least) is that I prefer the worn in look of a longer strap to a shorter strap. It's just the difference between this:

Picture 1246 [/img]

Some of the vintage pairs had much longer straps (Sears' boots usually did) compared to others.

[attackwithstones]

Ray ia the bottom engineer a pair of wescos?

[onehundy]

yup, looks like it

[rayw44]

yup, looks like it

Yes they are, my custom pair I have posted a few times before.

[orlylow]

hi guys,

if I wear a 11d in the red wings iron ranger, should I go for 11 on the wolverine 1000 mile?

[Paul T]

hi guys,

if I wear a 11d in the red wings iron ranger, should I go for 11 on the wolverine 1000 mile?

try this special, custom-designed thread.

[riff]

Big thanks to CTB & Paul They are now getting some TLC!

[CrashTestBrummie]

Ha, so you did win them! How're you liking them?

[devilish]

Welcome to the Kelso Club Riff. That's what they are, right? They are great boots, they're my 'go to' boots at this point and will become even more so as the weather turns wintery.

Ahh, maybe not Kelso. Maybe the Mystery Pair/Lotus that CTB was selling. Either way, still great boots.

[riff]

Sizing worked out perfectly & they're in nice shape! But dry as a bone - going to let them absorb some Obenaufs and see how they do!

Edit: Thanks devilish! I'm actually not sure of the brand, but the construction is just right! Oh - and like you - I am totally bummed at missing out on that Gitman

[CrashTestBrummie]

Welcome to the Kelso Club Riff. That's what they are, right? They are great boots, they're my 'go to' boots at this point and will become even more so as the weather turns wintery.

I think they're the AS-made Rannoch, at least that's what I identified them as - they match the older Rannoch pics' details, from back when AS were making them, and they have the Rannoch markings inside them...

Glad they fit, riff

Look forward to seeing them after they've been rejuvenated. These are the Lotus shoes after some neatsfoot oil:

They were filthy, more than you'd've guessed from the before pics. Resole to follow...

[Paul T]

Yeah! Great to see the Veldt revival has crossed the Atlantic. They look lovely, riff, and it's great that you have the Rannoch version.

My shoes are waiting for a resole - I'm waiting to talk to John Rushton, as a discerning friend speaks v highly of them, in case they have veldt experience, if not they will be on their way to Ron, who I think CTB has been talking to as well...

Ben, great to see yours have the original laces. Wonder if we can commission some new versions???

[hawkway]

can anyone recommend a pair of boots for under $100 usd? i've checked around ll bean a bit and stuff, but i could use something for fall/winter and don't really have an extra $200+ to drop on something nice. . .