Shoe Collections

[chrlsful]

Please share your shoe collections in this thread with descriptions of each pair.

I only see bout 50+ pairs (in 5 or 6 styles) 20% of your stash?
I dont think I got 50 of anything (well, consulted over 50 businesses).
Keep it up, I’ll call you “Shoe-man, the hu-man” 8^ )

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Every man and his dog has over 100 pairs these days, no big deal anymore. In the old days it was difficult to amass a big collection, but now the internet makes it easy.

The old 100 is the new 1,000.

 

[chrlsful]

Degrowth.info

Degrowth is an idea that critiques the global capitalist system which pursues growth at all costs, causing human exploitation and environmental destruction. The degrowth movement of activists and researchers advocates for societies that prioritize social and ecological well-being instead of...

degrowth.info

 

[Bayou Tiger]

Here’s a more basic entry. Picture is as-is, with dress shoes still in bags and blank trees for the Islays that I have on. This 21 pairs is my cap. To get a new pair of anything, one has to leave. That has kept me from pulling the trigger on many pairs (fortunately), and it's also somewhat of a practical maximum to what I can wear often enough to justify.

Dress Shoes (in bags)

• Crockett & Jones Albany 4 Adelaide Oxford w/City Sole (MTO Dark Brown Willow Grain Calf)
• Crockett & Jones Audley Captoe Oxford w/Single Bark Tanned Leather Sole (Black Handgrade Calf)
• Crockett & Jones Belgrave Captoe Oxford Quarter Brogue w/Single Bark Tanned Leather Sole (Chestnut Handgrade Antique Calf)
• Edward Green Chelsea Captoe Oxford w/Single Leather Sole (Dark Oak Antique)

Boots

• Crockett & Jones Coniston Boot w/Londra Sole (Dark Brown Rough Out Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Coniston Boot w/Ridgeway Sole (Coffee Hurricane Hide)
• Crockett & Jones Eskdale 2 Boot w/Dainite Sole (Dark Brown Wax Calf)
• Crockett & Jones Islay Boot w/Londra Sole (Dark Brown Scotch Country Grain)
• Crockett & Jones Ross Boot w/Vibram Montagna Sole (Chocolate Hurricane Hide & Earth Green Suede Collar)
• Crockett & Jones Somerville w/City Sole (MTO Black Handgrade Calfskin) -- in bags

Smart Casual Shoes

• Allen Edmonds Strandmok w/Dainite Sole (Color 5551 Brown Tumbled) -- fantastic "beater" shoes for any muddy event. They hose off and look like brand new.
• Allen Edmonds Strandmok w/Brown Dainite Sole (Color 4100 Snuff Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Lanark 3 Plain Toe Blucher w/Dainite Sole (Dark Brown Repello Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Swansea Short Wing Brogue Derby w/Dainite Sole (Dark Brown Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Pembroke w/Dainite Sole (Tan Scotch Grain)
• Trickers Wiltshire Plain Toe Derby w/Leather Sole (Repello Snuff Suede)

Casual Shoes

• Allen Edmonds Courtside (3579 Grey Suede)
• Greats Royale Knit (Grey/White)

Sports & Outdoors Shoes

• Lowa GTX Renegade Mid Hiking Boots (Sepia)
• UnderArmour Charged Engage Trainers (Black/White)
• UnderArmour Charged Focus Trainers (Halo Gray/White)

 

[Pedro Moreira]

Some here have far more than that, some have over 1,000 pairs. For some 250 is just the beginning of their journey and far from enough. Shoes are beautiful objects, and it's easy to get another pair and then another pair, and soon it is over 100, and for some they keep on chasing that love and they reach over 1,000 pairs after decades of collecting. Why? Because beautiful shoes are hard to resist.

There is another man who has hundreds upon hundreds of old bespoke shoes. He is completely hooked. @thesartorialistbanker has only a modest collection in comparison, he is a mere beginner, and he probably has a long journey of shoe collecting ahead of him.

There is an investment banker that had over 500 pairs of the top handmades many years ago, and his collection included many alligator from Lattanzi. He probably has many more now.

The Venture Capitalist's 550-Pair Shoe Collection - The Everything Guide to Shoes -- New York Magazine - Nymag

What’s your total count? About 550. One reason is because of my age. I’ve had 40 years of buying.

nymag.com

Here is another impressive collection. All bespoke shoes from the top makers.

Not fashion but style on Instagram: ". 30 years of history Boots for winter, spectator shoes for summer, year-round business essentials in black oxfords, and city casuals for holiday, these are the climax of my passion for bespoke footwear. The pace

415 likes, 22 comments - not_fashion_but_style on January 6, 2024: ". 30 years of history Boots for winter, spectator shoes for summer, year-round business essentials in black oxfords, and city casuals for holiday, these are the climax of my passion for bespoke footwear. The pace of ordering has...

www.instagram.com

Not fashion but style on Instagram: ". Bespoke Oxfords Full brogues and semi brogues are arranged in a circle. All of them are masterpieces made by the best bespoke shoemakers, Well, it’s going to be fun thinking about which pair to wear today. ☆ ☆ 久

325 likes, 19 comments - not_fashion_but_style on December 4, 2023: ". Bespoke Oxfords Full brogues and semi brogues are arranged in a circle. All of them are masterpieces made by the best bespoke shoemakers, Well, it’s going to be fun thinking about which pair to wear today. ☆ ☆...

www.instagram.com

Not fashion but style on Instagram: ". Black shoes It’s time to take care of all my black shoes, which is an annual event before rainy season. ①Placed at randam before care ②Arranged in a circle after polish. ☆ ☆ ブログ更新しました。日頃履く機会の少ない靴こそ梅雨入り前のケアが欠かせま

231 likes, 4 comments - not_fashion_but_style on May 22, 2022: ". Black shoes It’s time to take care of all my black shoes, which is an annual event before rainy season. ①Placed at randam before care ②Arranged in a circle after polish. ☆ ☆...

www.instagram.com

under 500 pairs = smaller timer
over 500 pairs = big timer
over 1,000 highend pairs = the king of shoes

I agree with you that there are beautiful irresistible shoes. I love “main d’or”, yohei Fukuda, St. Crispins, Antonnio Macciarelli, Paolo Scafora (had once a pair, gave it to my brother) shoes, among many other brands. They are exquisite, truly works of art.

I have EG’s, JL’s, C&J’s, Church’s, Trickers, Cheaney, among some Barkers, loake (chukkas), AS’s, J.West, Vass, Carlos Santos, Herrings, Sanders, what makes around 40 pairs. Not counting sneakers shoes.

And when I look at what I have, I think I have way more than enough shoes for the rest of my life (I’m 50). I’m not saying that I hit the perfect quota (I don’t, I’m even selling a BNIB pair of EGs here), but at some point you’re not buying shoes to use and enjoy them. But just to have them and maybe use them 10 times in a lifetime. And I fail to see the point of spending thousands of dollars/euros/pounds on shoes that you’re not gonna enjoy them at even a marginal level.

For me that’s hoarding. A lot pricier, a lot fancier, a lot classier, but it’s simply hoarding. Of course, you don’t say someone with 500 pairs is a hoarder. You say he’s a collector.

Look, I’m not judging anyone. To each it’s own. But at some point for me, it’s not satisfying a necessity or even fulfill a desire to have something. It’s just filling an emotional void.

 

[epsilon22]

Here’s a more basic entry. Picture is as-is, with dress shoes still in bags and blank trees for the Islays that I have on. This 21 pairs is my cap. To get a new pair of anything, one has to leave. That has kept me from pulling the trigger on many pairs (fortunately), and it's also somewhat of a practical maximum to what I can wear often enough to justify.

Dress Shoes (in bags)

• Crockett & Jones Albany 4 Adelaide Oxford w/City Sole (MTO Dark Brown Willow Grain Calf)
• Crockett & Jones Audley Captoe Oxford w/Single Bark Tanned Leather Sole (Black Handgrade Calf)
• Crockett & Jones Belgrave Captoe Oxford Quarter Brogue w/Single Bark Tanned Leather Sole (Chestnut Handgrade Antique Calf)
• Edward Green Chelsea Captoe Oxford w/Single Leather Sole (Dark Oak Antique)

Boots

• Crockett & Jones Coniston Boot w/Londra Sole (Dark Brown Rough Out Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Coniston Boot w/Ridgeway Sole (Coffee Hurricane Hide)
• Crockett & Jones Eskdale 2 Boot w/Dainite Sole (Dark Brown Wax Calf)
• Crockett & Jones Islay Boot w/Londra Sole (Dark Brown Scotch Country Grain)
• Crockett & Jones Ross Boot w/Vibram Montagna Sole (Chocolate Hurricane Hide & Earth Green Suede Collar)
• Crockett & Jones Somerville w/City Sole (MTO Black Handgrade Calfskin) -- in bags

Smart Casual Shoes

• Allen Edmonds Strandmok w/Dainite Sole (Color 5551 Brown Tumbled) -- fantastic "beater" shoes for any muddy event. They hose off and look like brand new.
• Allen Edmonds Strandmok w/Brown Dainite Sole (Color 4100 Snuff Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Lanark 3 Plain Toe Blucher w/Dainite Sole (Dark Brown Repello Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Swansea Short Wing Brogue Derby w/Dainite Sole (Dark Brown Suede)
• Crockett & Jones Pembroke w/Dainite Sole (Tan Scotch Grain)
• Trickers Wiltshire Plain Toe Derby w/Leather Sole (Repello Snuff Suede)

Casual Shoes

• Allen Edmonds Courtside (3579 Grey Suede)
• Greats Royale Knit (Grey/White)

Sports & Outdoors Shoes

• Lowa GTX Renegade Mid Hiking Boots (Sepia)
• UnderArmour Charged Engage Trainers (Black/White)
• UnderArmour Charged Focus Trainers (Halo Gray/White)

View attachment 2275153

Might be a stupid question but wouldn't it be easier to grab the shoes if they're facing the other way around? That way you can grab the handles/holes of the shoe trees when pulling the shoes off the rack.

Or maybe I'm the weird one for staring at the butts of my shoes. At least I can explain my obsession with having seamless backs to my shoemakers.

 

[Bayou Tiger]

Might be a stupid question but wouldn't it be easier to grab the shoes if they're facing the other way around? That way you can grab the handles/holes of the shoe trees when pulling the shoes off the rack.

Or maybe I'm the weird one for staring at the butts of my shoes. At least I can explain my obsession with having seamless backs to my shoemakers.

Fair question. I find looking at the fronts of the shoes to be more useful, and it is not any harder to take out and put away.

 

[TimothyF]

If anyone is going to hoard/collect/suffer an addictive mental disorder, I suggest stamps

 

[thesartorialistbanker]

I agree with you that there are beautiful irresistible shoes. I love “main d’or”, yohei Fukuda, St. Crispins, Antonnio Macciarelli, Paolo Scafora (had once a pair, gave it to my brother) shoes, among many other brands. They are exquisite, truly works of art.

I have EG’s, JL’s, C&J’s, Church’s, Trickers, Cheaney, among some Barkers, loake (chukkas), AS’s, J.West, Vass, Carlos Santos, Herrings, Sanders, what makes around 40 pairs. Not counting sneakers shoes.

And when I look at what I have, I think I have way more than enough shoes for the rest of my life (I’m 50). I’m not saying that I hit the perfect quota (I don’t, I’m even selling a BNIB pair of EGs here), but at some point you’re not buying shoes to use and enjoy them. But just to have them and maybe use them 10 times in a lifetime. And I fail to see the point of spending thousands of dollars/euros/pounds on shoes that you’re not gonna enjoy them at even a marginal level.

For me that’s hoarding. A lot pricier, a lot fancier, a lot classier, but it’s simply hoarding. Of course, you don’t say someone with 500 pairs is a hoarder. You say he’s a collector.

Look, I’m not judging anyone. To each it’s own. But at some point for me, it’s not satisfying a necessity or even fulfill a desire to have something. It’s just filling an emotional void.

I agree with you that there are beautiful irresistible shoes. I love “main d’or”, yohei Fukuda, St. Crispins, Antonnio Macciarelli, Paolo Scafora (had once a pair, gave it to my brother) shoes, among many other brands. They are exquisite, truly works of art.

I have EG’s, JL’s, C&J’s, Church’s, Trickers, Cheaney, among some Barkers, loake (chukkas), AS’s, J.West, Vass, Carlos Santos, Herrings, Sanders, what makes around 40 pairs. Not counting sneakers shoes.

And when I look at what I have, I think I have way more than enough shoes for the rest of my life (I’m 50). I’m not saying that I hit the perfect quota (I don’t, I’m even selling a BNIB pair of EGs here), but at some point you’re not buying shoes to use and enjoy them. But just to have them and maybe use them 10 times in a lifetime. And I fail to see the point of spending thousands of dollars/euros/pounds on shoes that you’re not gonna enjoy them at even a marginal level.

For me that’s hoarding. A lot pricier, a lot fancier, a lot classier, but it’s simply hoarding. Of course, you don’t say someone with 500 pairs is a hoarder. You say he’s a collector.

Look, I’m not judging anyone. To each its own. But at some point for me, it’s not satisfying a necessity or even fulfill a desire to have something. It’s just filling an emotional void.

I have always collected stuff. As a child I collected history magazines and coins. Now I collect shoes, vintage cufflinks, ties and suits. I like to wear the stuff I collect, otherwise it would just get dusty in the walk-in closet.
I never judge. People are different and different things make them tick. I develop relationships with shoemakers around the world and travel to get sized for shoes. I love the ordering process and the whole bespoke experience. It’s more of a passion for me. I love items made out of high quality leather. Wallets, portfolios, cases, anything really made of high quality calf or exotic leather.
I have a huge appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition. I wear all my shoes even if it’s just once a year.

 

[JTMD]

I agree with you that there are beautiful irresistible shoes. I love “main d’or”, yohei Fukuda, St. Crispins, Antonnio Macciarelli, Paolo Scafora (had once a pair, gave it to my brother) shoes, among many other brands. They are exquisite, truly works of art.

I have EG’s, JL’s, C&J’s, Church’s, Trickers, Cheaney, among some Barkers, loake (chukkas), AS’s, J.West, Vass, Carlos Santos, Herrings, Sanders, what makes around 40 pairs. Not counting sneakers shoes.

And when I look at what I have, I think I have way more than enough shoes for the rest of my life (I’m 50). I’m not saying that I hit the perfect quota (I don’t, I’m even selling a BNIB pair of EGs here), but at some point you’re not buying shoes to use and enjoy them. But just to have them and maybe use them 10 times in a lifetime. And I fail to see the point of spending thousands of dollars/euros/pounds on shoes that you’re not gonna enjoy them at even a marginal level.

For me that’s hoarding. A lot pricier, a lot fancier, a lot classier, but it’s simply hoarding. Of course, you don’t say someone with 500 pairs is a hoarder. You say he’s a collector.

Look, I’m not judging anyone. To each it’s own. But at some point for me, it’s not satisfying a necessity or even fulfill a desire to have something. It’s just filling an emotional void.

Hoarding isn't a hobby. Hoarders don't enjoy what they hoard. They're not taking out their 500 plastic bottles and wiping them down every day. There's no daily pleasure to the room full of old dusty TVs and electrics. No rituals behind the 50'000 bottle caps.

Collections are the opposite. I'm always brushing my shoes. Enjoying whatever pair I pull from my organized closet for the day. I don't just pile everything together and forget about it in favor of adding to stack. My shoes are stored in a specific manner (trees, bagged, boxed, and ready to go). I have everything needed around the hobby such as an extensive care product selection. I even have a nice shine box to go with the hobby. And I don't go buy the $1 stuff at the corner drug store either.

And in many cases, they are part of a larger hobby. Which shoes to pair with which suit and which tie and which shirt with which cufflinks. As the gent mentioned, going into the shop is a pleasure, being fit is a pleasure, being part of the creative process, etc. There's more to it. There's sort of a ritual behind it that's enjoyable. It's the smell of saphir cream and the glow of the leather. It's the lovely work on a full brogue or the complete lack of it on a whole cut..and being to appreciate both (even if you personally don't much care for whole cuts).

And counter to hoarding, there is an active social community around hobbies. In the case of shoes we can see all types of threads here on SF. Want to know how to get that stain out of the leather? Head over to the shoe care thread. Want to know the difference between EGs 82 and 202 last? Someone here Wil know and most likely share that knowledge. What care products do shell cordovan fans prefer? You can set up a poll. Who makes the best shoe trees? Who has the worst dust bags? Perhaps someone knows where a rarer pair of Alden Shell is being sold.

How often do things have to be used to be useful/practical? I have couple cabinets full of old souvenirs. One of them holds over 100 Starbucks mugs from various Countries/States/Cities/etc that we've visited the past 15-20 years. None have ever been used. Hoarding or collecting? And a lot of the souvenirs in the cabinets have much less practicality than the mugs.

Opposite that, even shoes thar see only a couple wears yearly still get appreciated and taken out a few times for maintenance/care beyond that.

I've collected shoes for 20 years. Had I bought just 1 pair a month, I'd be up to 240. 1 pair a month doesn't seem overly excessive for a hobby. I didn't follow that route myself obviously and my collection is around 50 pairs at the moment...but I could have easily reached 240 at pretty normal levels for a hobby.

 

[TimothyF]

To the collectors, are your shoes servicing you or are you servicing them (aka the collection)? Are you getting maximum use and value out of each purchase?

 

[JTMD]

To the collectors, are your shoes servicing you or are you servicing them (aka the collection)? Are you getting maximum use and value out of each purchase?

"Maximum use and value out of each purchase"? I don't think you understand the concepts of collecting and hobbies. Which hobby or collection does the hobbiest/collector not servicing? All take time, money, and interest.

I could easily blow money on boating or cars or as someone mentioned..stamps.

You might drive your muscle car once a month but you still paid initial cost, still pay insurance, still have to maintain it, still have to pay to upgrade it, still have to take the time to put on performance parts...and you get to use it some sunny Sunday in July if you're lucky. Is that maximum use and value? Perhaps it is to the individual enjoying it as a hobby.

Is my mountain chalet worth it? I get up once a month if I'm lucky..and there's always something to be done. But I still enjoy it.

My main hobby is travel. Talk about servicing an expensive hobby. Things can go to complete cr#p in the blink of an eye. Even the trips that go 99% as planned are fatiguing. 26 hours door to door for Shangai. There's always a price . Always time needed to plan. You don't acheive the successful end just because you started. I spend more time planning and planning again than I do on location. I know the hotels in the area. I know the costs. I know the ransport. And I know the alternatives to all of them should need arise. And we don't go "budget" versus enjoying nicer hotels and restaurants. So yeah...I certainly service the hobby...but it does service me as well.

Kitchen knives..another expensive hobby I have..and yes..I take the time to maintain and properly store them. If i want them to service me, I need to service them.

Scuba.. You don't want the basic air tanks, you want the light(er) weight ones. You'll be paying for the privilege of course. And the local pool might be good for training courses but you'll probably want to head someplace a bit nicer to indulge your hobby. And you might like it enough to go through the various certification courses such as Cave diving, deep water wreck diver, etc..all courses take time and money of course. All for a few dives during your twice yearly vacation (if the weather even allows a dive).

Shoes. Sure. I have to pay for them. I have to pay for maintence items such as trees, brushes, and polishes. Of course I have to take some time to wipe down and brush my shoes. I might have to apply cream every few wears and then brush that out. Of course I have to put the shoes in their bags and then their proper boxes..and finally on to the proper place in the closet...but..I enjoy brushing and polishing my shoes. I like the smell of the polish, the sound of the brish,, and the glare off of the leather..and as it's my hobby, I'm taking the time for myself.. so am I doing the servicing or being serviced?

I previously mentioned the social aspect of the hobby. Of course it takes time to post and get into discussions. Of course there are probably more exciting topics than which last fits which foot best or which shop might have a long wing blucher in Ravello Shell cordovan. Of course there's a bit of light hearted competition and "showing off" (if that's what you want to consider posting photos). Do I sometimes see a pair I'd like to add to my collection? Of course. Do I get a bit jealous of some of these folks with 250 pairs of shoes? Well, maybe a little 😂. Beyond time, the social aspect doesn't take money but it does provide knowledge, experience, and camaraderie. The positives and negatives of the hobby are shared amongst those active. I've had fellow members help me out and I in turn help out others in the community.


And this is of course on top of the service they provide as to footwear. They are on my feet all day and provide me with comfort and support throughout the day and evening. And they look stunning. Some of my shoes I could look at all day. Some of my shoes are going on 20 years old and still going strong. So yes, every shoe in my collection serves me in its primary function...footwear.

But again..all hobbies need to be served with money and time..and the more interest you put into it, the more time..and usually more money.

The 2 happiest days of a boat owner's life? The day he buys the boat..and the day he sells it.