Shoes that look better with age...

[mlwdp]

25 minutes ago, Critical Observer said:

Back from the hiatus, I thought I had replied back then but apparently not as my message was saved in the editor. I wrote:

Single midsole, regular heel-height, Vibram #269 out sole, close trim, black edges, Seidel brown domain leather, lined, 5332 last, #2 toe, black hardware (more like gunmetal)

This is the "stock" version of this shoe, ordered directly from Nick's. I'm still a bit on the fence regarding the fit (not that it would be realistic to send them back) but the arch-ease is quite a bit different from the White's version; not only is it constructed differently (allegedly), but it feels much longer, extending further towards toes.

Right now I'm trying to spec a build with Frank's, but communicating with them is hopelessly slow as they reply max. once a week. Realistically, I might go with Nick's instead: I have a bit of a special "Builder Pro" build in my mind.

What model are you trying to build with Frank's and specs?

[Critical Observer]

5 minutes ago, mlwdp said:

What model are you trying to build with Frank's and specs?

Haven't got that far yet.  But what I have learnt so far is that they have the good old 4811 last of White's fame in their disposal as well as the #55, probably quite similar to the iteration they use at Nick's; apart from these 2 and the low-arch HNW last, they also have, and I shall quote Frank himself, "others with high and low arch". I suspect their main workboot last is something similar to Nick's 11067, which as per Nick's has higher arch compared to 4811.

If I can manage to engage Frank & co. in a bit more frequent fashion, I would like to spec a boot based on their Type I Commander with the "11067" last, "#4 toe" (don't know what do they call this at Frank's), 7" height, lace-to-toe, Vibram #430, with black rought-out toe and heel-counter, smooth walnut upper, chocolate (or tan teton if possible) rough-out backstay.

I have also learnt that Nick's are willing to humor "special orders", for example "workboots" in "dress leathers"; this is not available on their website nor through Baker's, special orders need to be arranged directly via email/phone. This makes them a really tempting proposition, since their "casual" models don't tickle my fancy but many of their newly-available fancy leathers do.

[mlwdp]

On 9/1/2018 at 8:37 PM, mlwdp said:

Speaking of Wesco, they have another 100th Anniversary model coming up next Friday.  It's gonna be an Engineer boot again.  

Mansway boots let the cat out of the bag.  Here's the Wesco 100th Anniversary Engineer models.

 

 

Edited September 9, 2018 by mlwdp

[ranonranonarat]

seven year old trickers that were originally on a vibram sole (originally a collab with a UK store called Present) but i reheeled them at shoehealer many years ago.

[Broark]

Gotta say those new Flat Head engineer boots look amazing. Think I might prioritize those over a leather jacket for the time being.
But I'm also waiting to hear more details about the Lofgren S&S natural horsehide engineers that are due out sometime this year I think?
Tough decision. 

[mlwdp]

On 9/8/2018 at 11:16 AM, Critical Observer said:

Not the insoles but I spent the summer in the tropics wearing Spenco flip-flops; they are nice and comfortable, but I find their claims of "arch-support" wildly exaggerated

I asked someone at Bakers about Spenco insoles.  They said, depending on the boot, it would cause the heel to blow out. :/

 

[JDelage]

Could someone recommend me some nice slip on, mid-height boots (or zipped if they exist)? Some days I put my shoes on and of every two hours it seems and I'd like to be able to speed up thew process...

[rodeo bill]

 

43 minutes ago, JDelage said:

Could someone recommend me some nice slip on, mid-height boots (or zipped if they exist)? Some days I put my shoes on and of every two hours it seems and I'd like to be able to speed up thew process...

 

Here's my trick!:

If you tie a knot in each end of the shoe laces it holds the shoes closed enough not to put too much stress on the stitch point, but leaves them loose enough to slip on and off. You don't trip over your laces, and if you want to be fancy you can always just do them up. Probably pretty heinous by proper shoe care standards, but I wear these every day and take them on and off constantly, without needing to bend down 

 

[mlwdp]

New rough out Arrow engineer boots by Trophy Denim.

Edited September 26, 2018 by mlwdp

[mpukas]

R.M. Williams Chelsea boots? Viberg has some Chelsea and side zip boots. Buttero has some really nice side zips. Can also be found at www.nomanwalksalone.com. Huckberry.com has Astorflex chelsea boots. -

[JDelage]

Side zip might be perfect... 

[dudewuttheheck]

On 9/26/2018 at 10:18 AM, mlwdp said:

New rough out Arrow engineer boots by Trophy Denim.

These look a LOT like Attractions suede engineers...

[kicks79]

They are a higher price point but the Visvim 73 folks have a zip.

Makes taking them on and off relatively painless.

 

[edmond]

Its made by attractions

[Planetarium]

finally got measured and pulled the trigger on whites after all my time on this forum, a mighty FF width

now here's hoping I can "forget" they're being made so the next two months aren't excruciating!

[mlwdp]

21 hours ago, Planetarium said:

finally got measured and pulled the trigger on whites after all my time on this forum, a mighty FF width

now here's hoping I can "forget" they're being made so the next two months aren't excruciating!

I'm actually debating on sending mine to get widened to a E width.  It's expensive so that means I will be dipping into the "denim fund" if I decide to pursue it.  My main concern would be if it alters the look drastically but Baker's said it wouldn't.

Wearing thin dress socks for now.  I believe the leather lining plus the 4811 last adds to the narrowness of the boot.

[Planetarium]

It shouldn't alter too much, they're already a pretty bulky boot no matter what. I'm now wondering if I should switch over to the swing last. Anybody who's owned both the standard semi dress and the swing last have comparisons to offer? I won't be having a celastic toe and my primary need is lots of toe space.

[Foxy2]

got the swing last (not that I needed the space), but can't compare it to the regular fit...loving the look and the extra space.

[volvo240thebest]

I love these Winson boots.

[tod]

[Broark]

These Viberg for Himel engineers look great, but I think I'm holding out for those S&S Lofgren horsehide engineers, whenever they come out. 

[kicks79]

Any Yuketen fans? I've been living in my pair of Ghillie Mocs. I found them pretty versatile. 

 

 

Edited October 17, 2018 by kicks79
picture upload not working

[Planetarium]

Anybody get truly outlandish size suggestions from Kyle at Baker even after doing all the tracings and measurements? I got rid of all my too narrow shoes and found comfortable options in 7EE in Thorogood, 7.5 in Blundstone, and 8EEEE from New Balance. He's telling me to order a 10E on the Swing Last which would be enormously long. Not really sure how to proceed from here. Perhaps cancel the order and go directly to White's, or do they tend to assess measurement kits the same way?

Edited October 17, 2018 by Planetarium

[mlwdp]

@PlanetariumSomewhat.  I do feel I should've went with a EE width instead of a D width as suggested by the tracings for mine.  The leather lining adds decreased width.  Now I know why the Japanese shops on Rakuten do this width for a reason because of the narrow style of my boot.  

Just a heads up, it is very costly to up or down a width in a rebuild, at least on my end.  It will run me $250-275 to get them widened to a EE width.  I'm looking to do mine next year I guess.  No Wesco right now until the rebuild is settled.

Edited October 17, 2018 by mlwdp

[bartlebyyphonics]

On 10/17/2018 at 1:43 AM, kicks79 said:

Any Yuketen fans? I've been living in my pair of Ghillie Mocs. I found them pretty versatile. 

 

 

would like to be, but unsure how to justify price for their relative simplicity ... but in terms of a simple but developed moc style camp shoe I think they pwn all competition ...  hoping yr pics upload sometime ...

[julian-wolf]

I've been interested in Yuketen's take on Birkenstock-style sandals for a while, but would probably want a chance to try them on before buying. My 10-year-old Chacos are still going strong, but won't be for much longer…

[Planetarium]

Yuketen's quality is unmatched for mocs, but I wouldn't go for the Birkenstock clones, they don't do anything regular Birks don't and regular Birks are easier to get new soles for.

Edited October 19, 2018 by Planetarium

[kicks79]

@bartlebyyphonics For me, it's Yuketen's build quality and comfort that made me a fan. I actually like the understated nature of a lot of their shoes.

[pomata]

my yuketen boots are on ebay if someone's interested, sorry for the plug

https://www.ebay.it/itm/Yuketen-Boots-Size-9-Leather/302924120742?hash=item4687af42a6:g:RQoAAOSwfPlbqztJ:rk:3:pf:0

[beautiful_FrEaK]

Those looked awesome with tour old Denime jeans! Why are you selling them? Too bad they are too small for me.