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Footwear to go with our jackets

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17,487
That time of year, innit? I've switched over from boots to loafers kicking around this last week. Last couple of Summers I've had to give in around May / June and wear plimsols much of the time owing to the heat. Picked up a few pairs of the old school Vans (forget the model name, but the ones they debuted with in 1966, a generic design that had been around since the early 50s) in anticipation over the Winter, all in sales. As a rule not a fan of sneakers (I hate how they're basically disposable), but once London hit HellHeat setting (basically for me that's everything over 21 Celsius), they have their place, and these at least aren't too aesthetically limiting.

Beyond heat, you can't go wrong with a good pair of leather derbies.

This is the first time I've switched from boots to anything though only partially. I still need to wear boot after a couple of days spent in derbies. It's like an itch. But I'm enjoying these very much.

I never could've worn sneakers, even Chuck's that I personally like a lot but I always find them too warm to wear during summer, even more-so than boots. It's all that plastic, I guess....
 

Edward

Bartender
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26,328
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London, UK
I have no idea, these are vintage from the 50’s I believe.

According to the googles, they off-shored production from the US sometime after the 90s; best as I can make out they disappeared some time between 2012 and 2024.

This is the first time I've switched from boots to anything though only partially. I still need to wear boot after a couple of days spent in derbies. It's like an itch. But I'm enjoying these very much.

I never could've worn sneakers, even Chuck's that I personally like a lot but I always find them too warm to wear during summer, even more-so than boots. It's all that plastic, I guess....

I find the lack of the rubber toecap on this sort of design does help breathability -

1713179794128.png


Most days from June to mid September, though, I usually just want to stay inside and whimper a lot.
 

Edward

Bartender
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26,328
Location
London, UK
I like those a lot - just simple black sneakers for the hot days in summer. Is this the same model @Edward posted before?
Could you give me a model/type number?


Yes, these are the Vans Authentic - https://www.vans.co.uk/shop/en-gb/vans-gb/authentic-shoes-vn000ee3bka This is the model they debuted with in 1966, though other brands were making shoes of this exact style in the 1950s (which is why I like them, 60s aren't my thing). The Era is a similar shoe, except with more padding, particularly a padded collar, introduced in the 70s - https://www.vans.co.uk/shop/en-gb/vans-gb/era-shoes-vn000ewzblk The Era is actually very similar, barring the closure, to the standard Vans slip-on. (I have a pair of those that are great for travelling in hot weather. Read: easily kicked on and off at airport security, and on long-haul flights...).

Worth having a hunt round if you're looking at these. GBP50-60 is a standard RRP, but if you hunt for sales you can find them at half that fairly often. I've just recently picked up a pair of Authentics on eBay for £15 that were sold as "worn once" and don't have a mark on them - must have been worn once round the house...

The only thing I wish I could change with the Authentics would be to eliminate the little branded tag on the vamp, but in truth it's barely noticeable when you're out and about and not looking for it. Because I don't wear sneakers often (only in the hottest of weather) I'm not keen on putting big money into them, but I've found that buying Vans on sale is worth the little extra over the cost of the cheapest knock-offs in supermarket brands. I think it comes down to the quality of the sole, they don't have that tendency to split across where the foot bends the way the knock-off Chucks I wore for years in my teens did. The pair of slip-ons I have were worn heavily the last two Summers. Recently put through the washing machine and they'll definitely take at least another Summer of hard wear, if not two.
 

andyone

Practically Family
Messages
516
Location
Switzerland
Yes, these are the Vans Authentic - https://www.vans.co.uk/shop/en-gb/vans-gb/authentic-shoes-vn000ee3bka This is the model they debuted with in 1966, though other brands were making shoes of this exact style in the 1950s (which is why I like them, 60s aren't my thing). The Era is a similar shoe, except with more padding, particularly a padded collar, introduced in the 70s - https://www.vans.co.uk/shop/en-gb/vans-gb/era-shoes-vn000ewzblk The Era is actually very similar, barring the closure, to the standard Vans slip-on. (I have a pair of those that are great for travelling in hot weather. Read: easily kicked on and off at airport security, and on long-haul flights...).

Worth having a hunt round if you're looking at these. GBP50-60 is a standard RRP, but if you hunt for sales you can find them at half that fairly often. I've just recently picked up a pair of Authentics on eBay for £15 that were sold as "worn once" and don't have a mark on them - must have been worn once round the house...

The only thing I wish I could change with the Authentics would be to eliminate the little branded tag on the vamp, but in truth it's barely noticeable when you're out and about and not looking for it. Because I don't wear sneakers often (only in the hottest of weather) I'm not keen on putting big money into them, but I've found that buying Vans on sale is worth the little extra over the cost of the cheapest knock-offs in supermarket brands. I think it comes down to the quality of the sole, they don't have that tendency to split across where the foot bends the way the knock-off Chucks I wore for years in my teens did. The pair of slip-ons I have were worn heavily the last two Summers. Recently put through the washing machine and they'll definitely take at least another Summer of hard wear, if not two.
Thank you very much for the time to write up this information!
 

ABCD

I'll Lock Up
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7,710

Aloysius

I'll Lock Up
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4,683
I just received my second pair Chausser button boots, now in a reddish brown two tone. They're really versatile as they go great with both casual and formal outfits.

View attachment 607997 View attachment 607998 View attachment 607999 View attachment 608000 View attachment 608001 View attachment 608002 View attachment 608003

I'll check these out. I've always wanted button boots (since I was 15 at least) but as far as I knew my only option was John Lobb bespoke in St. James (or some of the bespoke makers in Hungary).
 

Yamahana

One Too Many
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1,095
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Buckeye, Arizona

lina

One Too Many
Messages
1,287
Location
Washington DC
Decided to pull the trigger on a pair of Alden "Roy" boots. The Roy boot was first offered by the Wisconsin store Context Clothing, as a special make up from Alden (makers of the famous Indy Boots). Context is out of business, but looks like Alden Madison in NY offers the same make up on occasion. Have been thinking I would like a pair of more comfortable boots for walking than my regular Chippewas and White's, so opened up the wallet for these. They are surely not work boots, with a crepe sole and leather toe tap, as well CXL leather, but they look heritage-y enough and should be comfy. I am looking forward to putting some wear on them.


roy boots 1.jpg roy boots 2.jpg
 

lina

One Too Many
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1,287
Location
Washington DC
A prompt update: I've been wearing these for the past three days, and I have to say that they are incredibly comfortable. The crepe soles really make a big difference. They will no doubt wear down pretty quickly, but to my mind the comfort factor makes it worthwhile. The boots are not cheap, but if you are looking for a "sneaker boot," these seem to me to be about as close as you get while still counting as "boots."
 

Aloysius

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,683
Decided to pull the trigger on a pair of Alden "Roy" boots. The Roy boot was first offered by the Wisconsin store Context Clothing, as a special make up from Alden (makers of the famous Indy Boots). Context is out of business, but looks like Alden Madison in NY offers the same make up on occasion. Have been thinking I would like a pair of more comfortable boots for walking than my regular Chippewas and White's, so opened up the wallet for these. They are surely not work boots, with a crepe sole and leather toe tap, as well CXL leather, but they look heritage-y enough and should be comfy. I am looking forward to putting some wear on them.


View attachment 608510 View attachment 608511

I think these still very much count as work boots; the crepe sole won't grip onto slippery surfaces the way a commando sole will, however it adds to the overall sense of support and shock distribution. It's true that they don't have a reinforced toe cap, however those are suboptimal for some kinds of work.
 

lina

One Too Many
Messages
1,287
Location
Washington DC
I think these still very much count as work boots; the crepe sole won't grip onto slippery surfaces the way a commando sole will, however it adds to the overall sense of support and shock distribution. It's true that they don't have a reinforced toe cap, however those are suboptimal for some kinds of work.
Good point. When I was growing up in the 1970s, my mom worked on the line at the Westinghouse factory and the hardest part of job was standing on her feet all day. These would’ve been perfect for that sort of factory work. (although they would’ve cost her probably two months salary!)
 

Aloysius

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,683
Good point. When I was growing up in the 1970s, my mom worked on the line at the Westinghouse factory and the hardest part of job was standing on her feet all day. These would’ve been perfect for that sort of factory work. (although they would’ve cost her probably two months salary!)

I'm sure you're familiar with the backstory of how the 403 boot came to be the Indy boot. Not dissimilar.
 

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