A Little Help - Crocodile Loafer Repair

[epa]

I am 49 and still feel that they look dated. And ugly.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by epa

I am 49 and still feel that they look dated. And ugly.

ever heard of before and after a "makeover" and what trees can do for the shape.

btw, i find your avatar disgusting, anyway.

 

[Newcomer]

I am taking the Fritzl side on this one... Just wear 'em. I would not put much (if any) money in to them, just get them conditioned. And I would wear them as beater shoes. I would definitely sport something like this to bars, or other places where I would not care about bashing them up.

Spoo may have forgotten that things are a little different here in the South

. Round, 'good-ole' boy' looking shoes have not lost their place in any man's wardrobe.

On the flip side, if you did plan on spending some money, fixing them up and wearing them to work, etc... I am going to have to take Spoo's approach.

 

[texas_jack]

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

For an early 30's young guy? That low vamp and older loafer style are so dated though...

No, they're not. Every wasp type in my town wears that style, albeit not in croc

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Newcomer

I am taking the Fritzl side on this one... Just wear 'em.

you're welcome. exactly my intention. a little tlc + simple trees. been there, done that, got the...

 

[JayJay]

I wouldn't invest any money in getting them restored. Other than conditioning, if you want to keep them, then just wear them as is. They're too dated for a heavy investment.

 

[mr monty]

If you can them half way back to looking normal, they won't look "outdated". They still retail for $775, but can be found on special sales days at NMLC for less than $400.

Can these be restored? I'm not looking for brand new condition, but close.

Any help is greatly appreciated.[/quote]

 

[SpooPoker]

Originally Posted by Newcomer

Spoo may have forgotten that things are a little different here in the South

.

Not entirely...my second home is Georgia, dont forget

But come on guys - this is a really dated shoe, even for a beater shoe - North, South, anywhere. If OP was looking for crocs for a long time, you are not going to want to get something thats an "almost". Trust me, Georgia - if you are a young, cool guy in your early 30's - this is most likely not the shoe for you. Id love to hear more about your thoughts on them after hearing some other perspectives. How do you feel when you look down on them on your feet?

What I am talking about for a croc loafer is something like this...

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

But come on guys - this is a really dated shoe, even for a beater shoe -
seriously, what is wrong with you? this is s a snapshot. btw, have a look at your latest c&j purchases.

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

What I am talking about for a croc loafer is something like this...
please explain the difference. i cannot see it.

 

[Unregistered]

I'm with Spoo on this one - early 30's just isnt the age where a very well worn pair of exotic loafers looks quite right. The charm of a well restored yet visibly aged shoe is just that - visibly aged by the wearer. I really do think that they will forever, at the very least to the OP, be someone else's shoes that were found for a very low price. If one is treating the croc loafers as a grail quest, don't settle. Why settle for something less than perfect? I'm still waiting on my calf double monks

 

[landshark]

I think they have some character and charm. For $6 you have a good pair of loafer to kick about in and get drunk without worrying too much. Unless you can flip them for $100 - $200+, I would keep them and not even think about it.

 

[Georgia]

I really appreciate everyone's perspective. It has been helpful.

Here is my situation - I work in a business casual environment, but I typically dress much better than the Dockers/Polo look. These - although some would say 'dated' - would have a place in my rotation - with jeans, slimmer fitting pants, or (in the right environment) shorts as a sartorial nod. I don't think a pair of socks would ever see the inside of these shoes.

Right now my plan is to get the split lined on the inside with leather, condition/shine them up, and put them in the rotation. I'm not hard on shoes at all - so the option to flip them is still there.

In terms of cost - I seriously doubt I'd ever spend $400 on a pair of new crocodile shoes (on sale). They just don't rank that high on the list - way behind the snuff suede double-monks, shell cap toes, etc.