How many of you are into shoes... (Dress Shoes)?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Yeah, $100 for a shoe tree seems a bit obscene, but they look nice and seem to come in individual sizes. I got a 10 shoe tree for my 10 size boot. Most importantly they are wider than any other shoe trees I have. They are applying extra pressure that should stretch the leather a little bit at the sides.

I liked a lot of their boots, but these immediately stood out to me.

Frankly given C&J's Lasts and more specifically their boot Lasts I find regular shoe trees more than adequate for C&J boots. However when it comes to shoes from G&G and some of the Lasts from EG I wouldn't even recommend generic trees. Sleeker Lasts like those that come from G&G I just wouldn't go there.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Frankly given C&J's Lasts and more specifically their boot Lasts I find regular shoe trees more than adequate for C&J boots. However when it comes to shoes from G&G and some of the Lasts from EG I wouldn't even recommend generic trees. Sleeker Lasts like those that come from G&G I just wouldn't go there.

I think the EG 64 last is similar to the 325 last and I think that the semi-lasted trees make a world of difference. The generic trees fit of course, but they don't fit well. At this price point (and honestly, at any price point the most entry level shoes), I think semi-lasted is the way to go if it is an option.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I think the EG 64 last is similar to the 325 last and I think that the semi-lasted trees make a world of difference. The generic trees fit of course, but they don't fit well. At this price point (and honestly, at any price point the most entry level shoes), I think semi-lasted is the way to go if it is an option.

I think have at least 2 or 3 pair of CJs on the 325 Last and I’ve had generic trees in them ever since I purchased them with no ill effects. I know they don’t completely fill them but they don’t stretch them out either. They’ve basically retained their original shape. Since I more than likely purchased these trees from Joseph A Banks when they were on sale so I probably paid about $8.00 a piece for the trees.

By the way I purchased most of my C&Js from Barney’s and Ralph Lauren and C&J Shoe Trees weren’t an option but frankly the ones I have work just fine. I have purchased EG shoes or boots and the trees for a few weren’t an option but I went ahead and purchased the EG trees from another source.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I think have at least 2 or 3 pair of CJs on the 325 Last and I’ve had generic trees in them ever since I purchased them with no ill effects. I know they don’t completely fill them but they don’t stretch them out either. They’ve basically retained their original shape. Since I more than likely purchased these trees from Joseph A Banks when they were on sale so I probably paid about $8.00 a piece for the trees.

By the way I purchased most of my C&Js from Barney’s and Ralph Lauren and C&J Shoe Trees weren’t an option but frankly the ones I have work just fine. I have purchased EG shoes or boots and the trees for a few weren’t an option but I went ahead and purchased the EG trees from another source.

I don't think generic trees will produce any sort of ill effects, but I like the idea of having trees that fit as good as possible. For some brands like Alden, generic is the only option and that's fine, but after seeing how well the EG trees fit, I think I will buy semi-lasted (or lasted) for now on for my nicer shoes.

Maybe I am just easily impressed.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Went with the galway!

Exactly what I wanted and fit was just that tiniest but snug, but will open up.

Feel great.

Congrats! They look great

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I don't think generic trees will produce any sort of ill effects, but I like the idea of having trees that fit as good as possible. For some brands like Alden, generic is the only option and that's fine, but after seeing how well the EG trees fit, I think I will buy semi-lasted (or lasted) for now on for my nicer shoes.

Maybe I am just easily impressed.

I think for the most part when I purchased my C&J shoes and boots I wasn’t even aware that it was even possibility. But as I said my shoes and boots show no ill effects so I certainly so no reason for it now,

However i do think it’s possible for damage depending on the size of the tree vs the Last and I certainly no longer use trees with the very narrow heel as those are terrrible. By size I don’t only mean length but that can mean width or height or any possible dimension where by the tree just fits the shoe poorly. Anyway I certainly wouldn’t want to put generic or at least most generic trees in my G&G shoes or boots because of how sleek those Lasts are.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Went with the galway!

Exactly what I wanted and fit was just that tiniest but snug, but will open up.

Feel great.

Thanks for the photos of the Chelseas.

Looks like I will be bringing a pair home in a couple of weeks.

Loving the Galways. The scotch grain is a perfect winter boot. My Brecon’s do very well with a minimum of care.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Thank you!

Also thanks to Dan and Wes. Appreciate the knowledge and advice from all three of you.

Beauties Been on the hunt for a new pair of boots myself. Looking at the Brecon calf in dark brown country grain.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Congrats! They look great

Originally Posted by droptopman

Beauties Been on the hunt for a new pair of boots myself. Looking at the Brecon calf in dark brown country grain.

Thanks

[yoniman]

Well worn 3 year old Derby Brogues by Cheaney

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by yoniman

Well worn 3 year old Derby Brogues by Cheaney

Nice!

[yoniman]

Thank you.

While at this, anyone finding Dianite soles better than the old school and purist preferred leather soles?

Cheers

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by yoniman

Thank you.

While at this, anyone finding Dianite soles better than the old school and purist preferred leather soles?

Cheers

Dainite has its pros and cons.

On the plus side, the soles offer more traction than leather soles and are more versatile in terms of being able to handle various types of weather.

Dainite soles are pretty sleek, but they are not as visually pleasing as leather soles (even basic leather soles). Leather soles aren't all created equal and some are really built to last so I think they can last as long, if not longer than Dainite soles.

IMO, dress shoes should also have leather soles. Mixed use shoes or more casual shoes can have either.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by yoniman

Thank you.

While at this, anyone finding Dianite soles better than the old school and purist preferred leather soles?

Cheers

Yes, but Wes said it best.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Dainite has its pros and cons.

On the plus side, the soles offer more traction than leather soles and are more versatile in terms of being able to handle various types of weather.

Dainite soles are pretty sleek, but they are not as visually pleasing as leather soles (even basic leather soles). Leather soles aren't all created equal and some are really built to last so I think they can last as long, if not longer than Dainite soles.

IMO, dress shoes should also have leather soles. Mixed use shoes or more casual shoes can have either.

Agree with all of this.

Good leather soles will last a long time. But no leather will give you good traction on smooth flooring surfaces like marble and granite. This isn't a big deal unless you have knee or hip problems and are uncomfortable slipping and sliding on smooth materials.

An option to Dainite is Wensum, which is dressy and looks much more like leather, but has the traction and weathering properties of a rubber sole.

Here's a G&G with wensum sole (SF image).

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Agree with all of this.

Good leather soles will last a long time. But no leather will give you good traction on smooth flooring surfaces like marble and granite. This isn't a big deal unless you have knee or hip problems and are uncomfortable slipping and sliding on smooth materials.

An option to Dainite is Wensum, which is dressy and looks much more like leather, but has the traction and weathering properties of a rubber sole.

Here's a G&G with wensum sole (SF image).

Edward Green has something similar but I forget the name at the moment. I have that on a pair of my EG Chukas.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Agree with all of this.

Good leather soles will last a long time. But no leather will give you good traction on smooth flooring surfaces like marble and granite. This isn't a big deal unless you have knee or hip problems and are uncomfortable slipping and sliding on smooth materials.

An option to Dainite is Wensum, which is dressy and looks much more like leather, but has the traction and weathering properties of a rubber sole.

Here's a G&G with wensum sole (SF image).

Yup, I think many companies are coming out with similar options. The picture of the chukkas the Syed posted have the "City sole" which is C&J's most formal rubber sole.

[Wesley Crusher]

I knew I would be one of the few suckers in the office today (well, yesterday), so I decided to wear jeans.

Somebody asked me if my shoes were made of plastic because they were so shiny. I'll take that as a compliment. I think?

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Yup, I think many companies are coming out with similar options. The picture of the chukkas the Syed posted have the "City sole" which is C&J's most formal rubber sole.

These are a Wensum sole. You'd never know it if you didn't study the bottom of the soles. (Pardon the poorly tied laces, they were right out of the box and I was a tad excited ).

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

These are a Wensum sole. You'd never know it if you didn't study the bottom of the soles. (Pardon the poorly tied laces, they were right out of the box and I was a tad excited ).

Fabulous!!

[Abdullah71601]

Nick is having a Black Friday sale on Bespoke-England.co.uk. There are some pretty good deals (John Lobb at Alden prices) if you can find your size in a model you like.

[Abdullah71601]

BC's circumcision thread is a little out of my wheelhouse, so I was browsing Nick's site.

What do you all think of these Canonbury II's?

[JasoninDenver]

Not sure about the oxford lacing on a boot.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Not sure about the oxford lacing on a boot.

I think it is better to be honest, I think it is what one is used to, as an American you would prefer the x type lacing, as an Englishman, I prefer this way.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Not sure about the oxford lacing on a boot.

Do mean the oxford style, or the line lacing?

You mostly see derby style boots in the US. But I prefer oxfords in general, and these boots are priced to sell.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Do mean the oxford style, or the line lacing?

You mostly see derby style boots in the US. But I prefer oxfords in general, and these boots are priced to sell.

I assumed he meant the line lacing Abdullah, it is a matter of taste, so there is no right way. I prefer the it is on the photo. Looks stunning.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I assumed he meant the line lacing Abdullah, it is a matter of taste, so there is no right way. I prefer the it is on the photo. Looks stunning.

I lace my trainers X way, but all my proper shoes are line laced. I think it looks sharp on a dress shoe, especially on my oxfords.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

I lace my trainers X way, but all my proper shoes are line laced. I think it looks sharp on a dress shoe, especially on my oxfords.

I have tried it the X way (after seeing the way most Americans lace theirs on this site) on a pair of my boots (Derby not Oxford style) and left it that way for about 6 months, I think I will change it back to the line way.

[swils8610]

I’ve never learned how to line lace my shoes. I do like how it looks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I’ve never learned how to line lace my shoes. I do like how it looks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

This is a decent schematic.