magnificent feat

[dr greg]

I found this pair of patent leather shoes that are a perfect fit in an op shop for 4 bux..beautiful condition as well, the photo don't do 'em justice.
Now the question is, what do I wear them with or to, and how do I maintain them

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[Vladimir Berkov]

Those are perfect to wear with evening clothes, like a dinner jacket. I am not sure if they are appropriate to wear with white tie and tails however. I think formal pumps may be the only appropriate shoes for white tie.

 

[shindeco]

While I agree with Vladimir that pumps look far better with tails, the oxford is definitely an acceptable alternative (and always was). If you can find flat, black silk shoelaces, you'll be absolutely spot-on!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

You can wear them with white tie and tails, too ... especially if you're in America. Fred Astaire did, and a 1930s issue of Esquire said that American men preferred patent lace-ups. (They found pumps too "effeminate".)

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[dr greg]

old lace

but how do i keep them shiny?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

You can buy a spray-on product called "Patent Leather Conditioner" in most shoe repair stores.

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[wackyvorlon]

You must learn to polish your shoes!

Those are a beautiful pair of closed-lacing oxfords, never may a spray on product touch them! Kiwi makes a parade shine shoe polish. It's a good place to start.

Now, read a good primer on how to spit shine. This is a time consuming process, but worth it. Here's a link: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/ht/spitshine.htm

I presume they have leather souls. To keep the souls supple and in good condition, rub a coating of mink oil on them. I have some that have been left untreated, and cracked from drying out.

 

[dr greg]

spit and polish

Been there, my father was ex-british army, as a child my job was shining them boots: I spat on them for years to get the mirror effect, you had to able to 'see your face in them', the webbing belts as well...ah memories

 

[shoe_pup]

Uhm, if they are patent leather, they do not take a shine like calfskin shoes. A spray is just what's called for in this case, although Vaseline (yes, it's true) is a less costly alternative. The leather soles need edge dressing.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

*giggles*

At first I thought ....

Magnificent Feet......shoes.....

Then I looked and reread and saw feat.......so didn't read the thread thinking it was someone's accomplishment (of hat cleaning or some such)

Turns out my misread was more accurate then I thought.....it is shoes!