Vintage Dress shoe appreciation, tips, maintenance and advice

[mormonopoly]

Here's a pair I've been wearing recently. These are 1940s Cole Haan blue suede shoes. I'm still looking for some period appropriate blue laces.

 

[mormonopoly]

Here's another unworn pair from my collection. These are Nettleton kidskin cap toes. The box on this pair is dated 1950.

 

[actionjbone]

Here's another unworn pair from my collection. These are Nettleton kidskin cap toes. The box on this pair is dated 1950. View attachment 2174165 View attachment 2174185 View attachment 2174201 View attachment 2174205 View attachment 2174207 View attachment 2174209

The narrow waist and high arch make for some really cool lines.

 

[kfromsydney]

Anyone has seen this video? I really want to know what the binding agent is for repairing crack on leather shoes. Simply awesome.

 

[actionjbone]

Anyone has seen this video? I really want to know what the binding agent is for repairing crack on leather shoes. Simply awesome.

That's really satisfying to watch, but I'd never recommend doing that to shoes you'd wear.

Once the leather's that torn, it will only get worse. Cracks and tears will run very deep. Once someone walks in the shoes, the cracks will re-crease and the adhesive will loosen.

Some adhesives will also block oils and moisture from penetrating into the repaired areas. Dryness is what created the cracks, and dryness will make them reappear in the same spots.

Light cracks can be conditioned, filled with cream polish, and brushed thoroughly. The goal is to keep the leather oiled and pliable, so the crack doesn't spread.

But once the leather starts to flake apart like the ones in the video, repairs can't be permanent.

 

[friendlygoz]

Awesome thrift finds today:
View attachment 2169909

Left: Peal & Co. for Brooks Brothers, made in England, all original. Leather heels without V-cleat.

Right: Alden 1339 in shell color 8, rewelted & recrafted by Brian the Bootmaker.

Both way too small for me, so I'll clean them up and find them new homes.

Edit to add: got the Aldens cleaned up. Could brush some more, but for now I'm pleased.
View attachment 2170019 View attachment 2170021

Nice score. What size?

 

[comrade]

Here's another unworn pair from my collection. These are Nettleton kidskin cap toes. The box on this pair is dated 1950. View attachment 2174165 View attachment 2174185 View attachment 2174201 View attachment 2174205 View attachment 2174207 View attachment 2174209

What's the width? They look really wide.

 

[mormonopoly]

What's the width? They look really wide.

They’re just a D width, I think it’s the shape of the last that makes them look wider.

 

[actionjbone]

Nice score. What size?

Aldens were marked 6.5, which apparently translated to size 8 for my friend's feet.

I think the Peal & Co. Are 9ish, but all marks are worn off. Haven't yet found a friend who fits into them.

 

[mormonopoly]

These are 1950s Johnston & Murphy spectators, originally sold at the Andrade shop in Hawaii.

 

[mormonopoly]

These are Nunn Bush cap toes c. 1950.

 

[William Kazak]

These are 1950s Johnston & Murphy spectators, originally sold at the Andrade shop in Hawaii. View attachment 2175945 View attachment 2175947 View attachment 2175949 View attachment 2175951

Looks like you could polish those bottoms with black shoe polish and re-photograph them.

 

[smfdoc]

Happy Monday forum pals.

 

[ccpl14]

Happy Monday. Dedicating this recent thrift find to @suitforcourt

 

[friendlygoz]

AE sharkskin Warton today…