Shoes that look better with age...

[Broark]

They're getting close to Yuketen pricing with some of their models (the other recent Clays were $635, and Yuketen's Blucher is ~$650).

[Duke Mantee]

16 minutes ago, julian-wolf said:

Still cheaper than Yuks at MSRP, and a lot nicer

Was really my point - strikes me as Russell being quite substantial and more labour intensive than Yuketen

[MJF9]

Anyone have insights on their product quality compared before and after takeover?  A long shot but worth asking

[merzbot]

As Julian said, sizing is about the same as PNW boots in my experience.

This shop has some beauties for sale that all appear to have been made before the change in ownership:

https://cwoodcockandco.com/shop/ols/search?keywords=russell moccasin&sortOption=descend_by_match

Sizing is pretty limited sadly. Consider it your lucky day if you find your size there.

Here's a quick snap of my walking shoes (double vamp) and Art Carter chukkas (triple vamp):

Edited September 23, 2023 by merzbot

[merzbot]

Looking back through some archives, this is what they looked like eleven years ago

[tjsma]

I’d be interested to hear people’s criticisms of Yuketen. I’ve a couple of pairs that I find comfortable and I like how they look, but they both have pretty useless crepe soles that have worn away very fast. Have there been other issues with durability?

[mlwdp]

On 9/8/2023 at 2:02 AM, spidereye said:

Question how to clean this dot marks stains? Abiline  8268

 

[mlwdp]

1 hour ago, tjsma said:

I’d be interested to hear people’s criticisms of Yuketen. I’ve a couple of pairs that I find comfortable and I like how they look, but they both have pretty useless crepe soles that have worn away very fast. Have there been other issues with durability?

Vibram 2021 soles in general wear out fast.  I’ve owned two shoes with this sole and they’re soft but worthless imo.

[mpukas]

I haven't been following Russell Moccasin for years and wasn't aware of the take-over. They're kind of in their own class, as there aren't really any other boot makers that make true moccasin boots. They're good at what they do. Personally, I didn't find their finish quality as good as other boots I have. 

Re: sizing, I went back and forth many times trying to get sizing dialed in. They were very nice to work with and finally got the sizing right. In general I'd say they run fairly true to size. Get a trial pair if they still offer it. They are comfortable, as long as the fit is right. 

I'm not convinced that moccasin construction is best, when it comes to heavy outdoors use. The way the sole is attached to the upper leaves a big gap that debris can get trapped in. As opposed to stitch down where the upper is turned out and sewn to the midsole which makes for a tighter connection. But they have a decades long loyal following, so who am I to question it...? 

Hikers after a couple years of wear: 

Imperials with a wonky twist on the right boot. 

[willi]

Has anyone tried rancourt's moc boots? They retail for 1/2 price of russels with the same leather, and they can be had for less than 1/3 price if you get them on pre-order. I love and wear rancourt slip ons every week but I've never seen anyone in their boots.

[mlwdp]

Ironically, a few years ago I used to live near where they make Russells in Wisconsin but never thought about visiting them

[julian-wolf]

3 hours ago, tjsma said:

I’d be interested to hear people’s criticisms of Yuketen. I’ve a couple of pairs that I find comfortable and I like how they look, but they both have pretty useless crepe soles that have worn away very fast. Have there been other issues with durability?

Their construction seems plenty fine in terms of utility & durability, but their finishing and presentation make it really difficult to take them seriously. The first (and most significant) thing that comes to mind is that, while the main selling point of moccasin construction is the ability of the single-piece bottom to mold to the foot & cradle it over time, they fit theirs with thick cushioned insoles to remove any direct interfacing between the foot and the boot. At that point, they may as well be using standard top-first construction; the moccasin aspect seems to be purely aesthetic. 
 

That said, from what I’ve seen their non-moccasin shoes seem great, if aggressively priced. Good buddy has a pair of (made in Mexico, I think?) dress boots that he loves.

Edited September 26, 2023 by julian-wolf

[AlientoyWorkmachine]

My only crit is superficial - moccasin shoes or boots, like polo shirts or certain other categories  - constitute a certain sort of look, and that look doesn’t appeal to me almost as a rule no matter how nicely executed. 

[Broark]

Venturing back to my Russell musings, seems that they have two Fishing Oxford makeups pre-orders running through Stitchdown.
Not generally a fan of the publication, but the tan Laramie suede version is calling my name.
Still not sure why these are $650, but easier to validate mentally when broken down in 2 50% payments I guess.
Debating between 11.5E and 12D currently.

[cameosis]

another batch of vintage purchases after i’ve been quiet for a few years:

tricker’s »tramper« model, pebble grain, whiskey/tan, uk size 08,5 (veldtschoen construction), made for westmorland, 1980s

Edited October 13, 2023 by cameosis

[cameosis]

bataille’s »m-1945« model, roughout, nature/tan, eu size 42,0, made for the french army (unissued stock), 1952

https://www.societe.com/etablissement/bataille-et-cie-60192003600014.html

Edited October 13, 2023 by cameosis

[cameosis]

k (kendal) shoe’s »british army parade oxfords« model, calf, brown, uk size 08,0, 1980s

https://www.cumbria-industries.org.uk/a-z-of-industries/footwear/k-shoes/

[cameosis]

red wing shoes’ »0213« model, cow, oxblood, na size 09,0, limited edition, 2010

been looking for these for 13 years, found a pair in my size on poshmark and now awaiting delivery to germany.

[HGS]

Allen Edmonds Neumok 2.0. Picked these up in 2017 and still going strong, resoled via AE recrafting service after a year with Dainite sole which still looks almost new after many, many miles.  These are probably the most perfect business casual shoe for my purposes.    I believe this is their kudu leather which I like a lot for this shoe, but it does not hide scratches or tears well (see toe of left shoe).

 

[mlwdp]

Been to two Allen Edmonds stores.  Customer service is top notch and they got great shoe trees.

[sensy]

Got a pair of jodhpurs from kings_boots_cn on Instagram today. They're very nice imo and the fit is great for my short and wide hobbit feet. 

 

Edited October 18, 2023 by sensy

[itschrisb]

I just picked up these custom Wesco Johannes off eBay for a killer deal. Looking forward to see how the rough out wears in!

[spidereye]

On 9/26/2023 at 11:05 PM, mlwdp said:

 

Tnx man for the info (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

[shredwin_206]

[mlwdp]

After a polishing with colonil.

[Broark]

Good mail day yesterday for my birthday, two pairs I had been considering for awhile.
Paraboot Reims in lisse cafe. Purchased at 50% discount from a shop in the EU.
Color in the first photo is the most accurate, they have a tendency to have a purple / color 8 appearance in some lighting.



Limmer Lightweights, shout out to Duke for suggesting these when I had been considering a Japanese brand that I wasn't sure about for sizing.
I placed the order for these back at the beginning of October, unfortunate timing as they were just leaving to visit the factory in Germany that produces them.
While I'm not a serious hiker whatsoever, I was wanting one pair of shoes I can take for our travels to London / the EU this winter that will take a serious beating.
Being a size 11.5/12 it's difficult to pack any shoes in my luggage while traveling, so these will be my travel companions.

[MJF9]

@Broark and a Happy Birthday to you Austin 🎂

[julian-wolf]

Really excited to hear your impressions on the Limmer boots; I’ve been admiring those as a possibility for a long time

[Broark]

2 minutes ago, MJF9 said:

@Broark and a Happy Birthday to you Austin 🎂

Thanks Michael!
 

1 minute ago, julian-wolf said:

Really excited to hear your impressions on the Limmer boots; I’ve been admiring those as a possibility for a long time

Given your hiking experience I was anticipating this!
Initial impressions are that the finishing is really well done, just testing out some different socks to make sure the size is correct.
They feel very comfortable off the bat, the leather also smells nice oddly enough?

[Geeman]

Happy Birthday and thoughts on the PB loafers?

I've been considering these and some classic penny loafers (my style is a bit more Ivy than repro /workwear)  but the think that puts me off is what socks should you wear with loafers 🤔