Shoes that look better with age...

[tod]

3 hours ago, AlientoyWorkmachine said:

Here are my Oak Street Bootmakers Trench boots in color 8 chromexcel. I got these in 2015 and have worn them maybe 80-150 days a year since then. I think they've aged pretty nicely and have a ton of life left. I put pretty even wear on my soles and I'm not a very heavy guy so I get a lot of miles out of footwear. Also not a super into boots guy but some years back I had a commission to photograph the Horween tannery in Chicago and that experience convinced me I needed to get something made from their stuff. Had to go with a Chicago based (even though they're not assembled there) brand. I know OSB has some haters but I'd buy these again 10 out 10 times. 

 

Where are Oak Street Boots assembled?

[AlientoyWorkmachine]

I think a small factory or two in NY or Massachussetts. @tod

[HGS]

[tod]

Sometimes it’s nice to just admire the lace marks on your boots…

[Duke Mantee]

https://txtureboots.com/store/sanity-boots-vegetable-natural/
 

 

[tod]

[tod]

[MJF9]

^^ always good to see some ladies high heeled boots on here now and again Duke 

[Duke Mantee]

2 hours ago, MJF9 said:

^^ always good to see some ladies high heeled boots on here now and again Duke 

I’m not as tall as you - needs must

[cameosis]

boots from my first post on the forum:
german boots

vintage german boots from the 1930s / 1940s -- no cracked leather, rips or loose stitching, which is outstanding (not only for 80-90 year old boots). the lining (water resistant) is also in excellent condition.

they received a resoling (double leather sole with protective rubber sole) with polishing in 2013, and that was it (shoe trees, conditioning with leather balm and wiping off with a damp cloth every once in a while notwithstanding).

after regular wear (pics from today, january 2022):

Edited January 8, 2022 by cameosis

[mlwdp]

Anybody here successfully ordered Red Wing boots from Stumptown Japan?

[Ciabatta]

Paraboot Michael owners: Did you go TTS or size down a half size? Everywhere I read said to size down half size and I did. My toes don’t hit right at the end of the shoe but they’re close. Heal definitely can feel loose so I can’t even imagine going TTS. Only issue I have is the toe box on one foot is tight but mostly from the top. Do these take a while to break in?

[mlwdp]

When buying and shipping boots from Japan to USA, am I looking at paying $100-$200 in shipping and customs fees?  

[beautiful_FrEaK]

<800$ you don't have to pay customs fees when importing into the US. Shipping costs..well..could be they are quite high these days

[Geeman]

On 1/12/2022 at 5:38 AM, Ciabatta said:

Paraboot Michael owners: Did you go TTS or size down a half size? Everywhere I read said to size down half size and I did. My toes don’t hit right at the end of the shoe but they’re close. Heal definitely can feel loose so I can’t even imagine going TTS. Only issue I have is the toe box on one foot is tight but mostly from the top. Do these take a while to break in?

Sized down half, heel slip is almost inevitable with these shoes

[beautiful_FrEaK]

Thinking about a pair of these Indonesian made shoes...we will see
The leather is from Hashimoto (Tochigi leather)

 

[Duke Mantee]

I like those ^

[CSL]

On 1/11/2022 at 9:38 PM, Ciabatta said:

Paraboot Michael owners: Did you go TTS or size down a half size? Everywhere I read said to size down half size and I did. My toes don’t hit right at the end of the shoe but they’re close. Heal definitely can feel loose so I can’t even imagine going TTS. Only issue I have is the toe box on one foot is tight but mostly from the top. Do these take a while to break in?

I take my regular shoe size (45) & they fit fine. I do have their loafers in 44 & they've ended up being loose but still wearable.

[cameosis]

On 1/17/2022 at 9:58 AM, beautiful_FrEaK said:

Thinking about a pair of these Indonesian made shoes...we will see
The leather is from Hashimoto (Tochigi leather)

 

these are tasty, who’s the maker?

[beautiful_FrEaK]

@cameosis they are made by Jakkrabbits, one of the lesser known Indonesian makers

[mlwdp]

Just bought the Red Wing 8179 from Stumptown Japan.

[MJF9]

[fre-co]

Rep for white sox

[cameosis]

pair of tan walk•over custom grade oxfords with cap toes.

 

1940s-1950s, so if anybody could help date them or even identify the model, i'd be much obliged. bought them sometime before or in early 2018 from a british seller, total with shipping was close to 50 € (good times).

 

what really hooked me was the slightly chiseled toe, i've never seen anything like it with shoes of such vintage. slight cracking around the vamp area, but nothing lasts forever, they're still in ace condition for their age and the way i rocked them at a wedding, even with original soles.

 

no size indicator from what i can see. there is a 7 stamped on the soles, inside length is 28 cm wall to wall, my feet are 26,5 cm so mostly eu 42 / uk 8 / na 9. awesome fit, snug but comfortable, soft leather. simply admire this pair.

Edited January 25, 2022 by cameosis

[hurhur]

This is a post to highlight the beauty of Horween Horsehide. Been wearing this for more than a year now. Love how the leather rolls and how it picks up wear(water spots etc). Conditioned now and then with saphir delicate cream. 
 

First 3 photos are in direct sunlight.

[shredwin_206]

[andrewrose]

These are certainly nothing special compared to all the cool boots and actual shoes people have posted. I got them because I had an ankle injury and everything else irritated it. Sanuk slip ons in grey canvas, which had faded quite nicely. I didn’t expect that!

 

[chicote]

I’m curious whether you all who own multiple pairs of engineers can share some of your experience here. I’ve tried two different pairs of engineer boots, Lofgrens and Lone Wolfs, both of which were pretty close to fitting lengthwise but were pretty much impossible to walk in because of the height of the vamp relative to my pretty low instep. I’m still interested in looking for a pair that will fit me better but am not sure which direction to go in. Something with a slightly tapered toe box, ie. Attractions, seems like it might be a safer bet, although I don’t love that look personally, but if there are any other brands you all can recommend I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

[Talan]

Unpacking my first pair of Lofgren's. Early morning DHL delivery from Japan. No, I'm not going to wear them strictly with Old Navy pajamas...)

[beautiful_FrEaK]

28 minutes ago, Talan said:

No, I'm not going to wear them strictly with Old Navy pajamas...)

Why not?