Spectator Shoes

[Matt Deckard]

Now that the weather is getting warmer... at least in California,

I thought I would ask.

Anyone have anny spectators?

These are a pair of vintage Nunn Bush Wildo Root alloud me to photograph, brown leather and buck skin.
Sweet!

[kent]

I don't have any, but I'm in the market for them. I haven't really searched for them, but as for new shoes, I can't find any I like. The swing dance stores, I can't really get a feel what the shoes are like online, and the leather heel they advertise worries me. For now I'm stuck with my Black wingtips.

I'm thinking my best idea will be to search out used shoe stores, having never done so, I don't know what to expect, or look for if I find something I like. Any tips?

Nice shoes too. I don't quite believe the bollocks about having to wait until after easter to wear two-tones given it's always warm in Texas.

[Kilgour Trout]

I've finally made the plunge and bought a pair from Art. I don't know if they qualify as spectators but they look the part. I just ordered the first pair on Art's shoe page, The Florsheim Imperials. They look just reserved enough to be really tasteful..
I'm really looking forward to their arrival. The fitting should go OK...You really should peek in on his shoe section when you get the chance.

Kilgour Trout

[Andykev]

These were made for the Olympics, and the Men's team in Barcelona all wore them. They are Allen Edmonds Spectators, and are great condition.

You can't get this color...they only make the black and white now, and last year they had the dark brown and white, but that has been discontinued.

This is more their "Chesnut" color. These are GREAT!

[Nathan Flowers]

Originally posted by Andykev
These were made for the Olympics, and the Men's team in Barcelona all wore them. They are Allen Edmonds Spectators, and are great condition.

You can't get this color...they only make the black and white now, and last year they had the dark brown and white, but that has been discontinued.

This is more their "Chesnut" color. These are GREAT!

I wonder if I can find some in a 15 that some basketball player or similarly gargantuan-footed guy doesn't want.

Where were you able to pick those up, btw?

[Kilgour Trout]

Hey Andykev: On top of "where did you get them" how about "Who made them?". They are beautiful!!! . If enough of petitioned them...maybe they'd do another run. I really like the colour.

Warm Regards
Kilgour Trout

[Andykev]

They are Allen Edmonds. Made in 1992 for the Olympics:

"XXV Olympics Barcelona 1992 Designed For The US TEAM "America's Best" By Henry Grethel Made In The USA"

that is the inscription on the inside of each shoe.

They have the old style tan heel also.

Who knows, ask Allen Edmonds if they are gonna reintroduce them. I doubt it as they just discontinued the brown/white Broadstreet model and you can only get black/white.

[Wild Root]

Hey Andy, I would have to say if you get re-productions those are the best I have seen! I have seen one pair at the last Vintage Expo in Santa Monica and thought that they were originals from the 30?｢どｨび｢s! Then the lady told me that they were from the Olympics and I was very impressed! I would have gotten them if they were my size. Those are the best Allen Edmonds I have seen.

Matt posted the photo of my two tones. Those are my best shoes! I only ware them to church or a fancy dinner. They were new old stock when I got them off of ebay and they are a perfect 12 D! That?｢どｨび｢s my size! These in my opinion are the best looking style of two tones! The all white buck with white shoe strings and the brown wing and heal are just my ideal of the perfect 30?｢どｨび｢s two tone. But, that?｢どｨび｢s just me.

I do have to say that if you can only find re-productions, that Allen Edmond Olympic two tones are the best thing!

Thanks for sharing!

[Andykev]

I found them on Ebay and they were my size : 8 D.

These are the most beautiful spectators...the rich chesnut brown color is currently (last year anyway) the color I got on my Lexington Allen Edmonds.

I also have their cap toe Chili color shoes.

Allen Edmonds are great.

I am tempted to buy the black & white ones but they are never on sale....I do buy at Nordstroms when they have their Christmas or their 1/2 yearly sale or whatever..and can get the shoes for $185.

These vintage shoes were well worthe the price....I definately outbid all comers on this one. Yes used shoes, but they were gently worn and in mint condition.

[Kilgour Trout]

Andykev: Thank You for answering a question I've had for a while now. I'm recently new to spectators and yet thought someone must be doing the brown and whites. When did they discontinue? It really is too bad . Especially when hearing how common and available they used to be.
Yesterday, a co-worker told me how her Dad used to have numerous pairs of spectator style shoes, Black and white, Brown and white, two tone browns and even blue and white. I commented to her that her Dad must have been a very classy guy. It's funny what children remember about their parents. Shoes seem to be one of them...it's probably because when you're small your Dad's shoes seem like Surf Boards. Strangely, My favourites used to be my Dad's Golf shoes. (Same Spectator styling but better traction eh!). Has anyone actually bought golf shoes as a footwear option? I've seen some golf shoe's actually advertise "Removable spikes". I wonder if they hope there could be other uses.

Warm Regards
Kilgour Trout