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Show us your SHOES !!!

esteban68

Call Me a Cab
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2,107
Location
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Here's a couple of pairs I got Thursday, first up a Classics? guessing these were made in Northampton by Samuel Windsor when their shoes were still made in England, not sure of date but they fit well enough and are generally in good condition but needing re heeling;
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esteban68

Call Me a Cab
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2,107
Location
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Next are a pair of St Michael again guessing these were made in Northampton but not sure of date, again these need re-heeling, there are also a couple of condition issues in these mainly the rear heel on the left shoe which indication being put on without a shoe horn resulting in some damage though this is invisible when wearing them...bizarely being a 9 1/2-43 1/2 they fit me well;
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Strangely both pair are slightly 'square' toed which I don't normally like however ther look is obviously growing on me!
These pair are also interesting as the 'brogue' cap etc is all stitched on detail.
 
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Two Types

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,456
Location
London, UK
Next are a pair of St Michael again guessing these were made in Northampton but not sure of date,

If my memory serves me right, St Michael shoes were made in a factory in Rothwell (not sure of how long they were made there - but I can recall a factory, that has since closed and been converted into falts, making St Michael shoes during the 1990s).

You mentioned the other pair being 'Samuel Windsor'. In recent years they have reportedly been made by Loakes, I don't know how long that association has been going. I was told (by a rival company, so this is hearsay) that Loakes made the Samuel Windsor shoes in India.
 

esteban68

Call Me a Cab
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2,107
Location
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Thats what I suspected TT, I have a pair of Loakes two tone Woodstock and the underside of the tongue states 'handmade in India' though I have to admit they are very well made.
Looking on the Samuel Windsor site and looking at the prices makes me think they must be made in India, I wonder what their longevity is like?
The St Michael pair I suspect may be just post war?
 

Two Types

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,456
Location
London, UK
Thats what I suspected TT, I have a pair of Loakes two tone Woodstock and the underside of the tongue states 'handmade in India' though I have to admit they are very well made.
Looking on the Samuel Windsor site and looking at the prices makes me think they must be made in India, I wonder what their longevity is like?
The St Michael pair I suspect may be just post war?

I had a look on the Samuel Windsor website and they do actually say they are made in Asia. If I remember correctly, they used to claim to be made in the UK. I have no experience of their shoes, however an acquaintance in the trade is highly critical. He referred to the 'shank' being plastic, as is some of the stitching, and the cheapest of leather being used. But as I say, I don't have personal experience. If you check some of the online reviews they are hardly encouraging.

Also I am surprised that that the tongue on your Loakes says they are made in India. I thought they still produced everything from Kettering.
 

Isshinryu101

One Too Many
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1,328
Location
New Jersey
I had a look on the Samuel Windsor website and they do actually say they are made in Asia. If I remember correctly, they used to claim to be made in the UK. I have no experience of their shoes, however an acquaintance in the trade is highly critical. He referred to the 'shank' being plastic, as is some of the stitching, and the cheapest of leather being used. But as I say, I don't have personal experience. If you check some of the online reviews they are hardly encouraging.

Also I am surprised that that the tongue on your Loakes says they are made in India. I thought they still produced everything from Kettering.

The TERRIBLE OUTSOURCE MONSTER is everywhere, it seems. Almost everyone seems to be using Chinese & Indian factories to save money in labor costs. I have heard that Berluti is now outsourcing to China... then charging $1400+ for their shoes, so I am not surprised to hear Loake is doing it.
 

AlanC

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,175
Location
Heart of America
I just picked up these vintage Carroll & Company suede brogues. I had expected English made when I bought them (on ebay), but I'm pretty sure these are US made. They have full leather suicide heels, and are partially lined in canvas. I'm quite pleased with them.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the maker?

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Isshinryu101

One Too Many
Messages
1,328
Location
New Jersey
Carroll & Company was a retailer rather than a maker/ manufacturer. I would guess they were Bostonians. Very well-made and heavy dutily (no such word) constructed. Great find.

I just picked up these vintage Carroll & Company suede brogues. I had expected English made when I bought them (on ebay), but I'm pretty sure these are US made. They have full leather suicide heels, and are partially lined in canvas. I'm quite pleased with them.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the maker?

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AlanC

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,175
Location
Heart of America
^Hmmm. Bostonian hadn't occurred to me. I know they were rebadged with the Carroll & Co. store logo (I think Carroll & Co. still exists). I had thought maybe Johnston & Murphy as I've seen them with the overall width listed first (B/AA) rather than last as with, say, Alden (AA/B). They're great shoes. Any idea in dating them?
 

Isshinryu101

One Too Many
Messages
1,328
Location
New Jersey
^Hmmm. Bostonian hadn't occurred to me. I know they were rebadged with the Carroll & Co. store logo (I think Carroll & Co. still exists). I had thought maybe Johnston & Murphy as I've seen them with the overall width listed first (B/AA) rather than last as with, say, Alden (AA/B). They're great shoes. Any idea in dating them?

50's.
 

Isshinryu101

One Too Many
Messages
1,328
Location
New Jersey
Great suedes.

Funny thing that many people assume that suede is a "fragile" leather compared to smooth calf. Aside from staining (which is my NEMESIS), suede is a very tough and long-lasting leather. I don't even remember how many suede & smooth calf spectators I've seen where the smooth calf is dry as a bone (and not recoverable), but the suede is still soft & supple.

Florsheim "Pre-Longwong" Gunboats. Note the welt stitch.

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