Black Cap Toe Oxfords

[xman]

True enough! She has looked at this thread though, and is now favouring #2 from the original post, which has also found some favour amongst the Rabble...

I was wrong then and have changed my mind and she is still right and always was. See how easy that is?

re. straight bar lacing vs. cross hatching
That is the WRONG way to do that. Do not skip more than one hole as you lace upwards or you will pull the flaps diagonally as you tighten the laces and run the risk of having the 'long' lace show from beneath the flap (what's it called there above the tongue?) particularly with more holes. I also find it less comfortable than how I suggest.

[Father Bill]

re. straight bar lacing vs. cross hatching
That is the WRONG way to do that. Do not skip more than one hole as you lace upwards or you will pull the flaps diagonally as you tighten the laces and run the risk of having the 'long' lace show from beneath the flap (what's it called there above the tongue?) particularly with more holes. I also find it less comfortable than how I suggest.

Respectfully, I did note above that it takes a little getting used to, and that's exactly one of the things that does happen until you get used to how to do it effectively. I used to have that problem, but with a bit of finesse, no more.

[xman]

Respectfully, I did note above that it takes a little getting used to, and that's exactly one of the things that does happen until you get used to how to do it effectively. I used to have that problem, but with a bit of finesse, no more.

Understandably.

I also find that after a few times being worn in the 'one lace goes straight up only' fashion, the lengths of the two ends can vary wildly and it takes time to reset the lengths. i guess I just wonder why would one do it that way when there is a better way.

I also realise that "WRONG WAY" was a bit strong and am sorry if I have offended. I should say that it is "not the best" way to do it.

Mostly we do what we're used to.

[thescot]

No offense to MacLowlife, I would only want plain toe in shell cordovan.

I like the second photo you offered oriinally. Traditional, not ostentatious, but very dressy. Top grain leather will take a shine you can use to part your hair. (I assume you know how to do a military shine.)

Few things look better for more occassions. My cap toes are my goto shoes for a suit, and the rounded tow--as opposed to the slightly squared toe--never go out of style. Never.

This is the pair I wear, Florsheim. I was about to order a pait of Allen Edmunds, but these came up for sale at a very attractive price, so I bough them.



Finally, I like leather soles with leather heels that have a small rubber insert on the back of the heel to keep down wear. I used to wear leather heels with a steel wedge in the back corner, but I haven't seen that for years.

[Downunder Kilt]

Finally, I like leather soles with leather heels that have a small rubber insert on the back of the heel to keep down wear. I used to wear leather heels with a steel wedge in the back corner, but I haven't seen that for years.

What you refer to as the steel wedge wouldn't be what is known as "blakey's" would they, which are still available worldwide to this day

[thescot]

What you refer to as the steel wedge wouldn't be what is known as "blakey's" would they, which are still available worldwide to this day

No, blakeys are what I would have called "taps" bacause they make a tapping sound when you walk. I still wear soft, plastic taps that I put on all my better shoes to preserve the rear heel. (I am very hard on shoes).

I can't find a photo to offer, but they used to put a small, steel wedge (pie piece shaped) that was put into the heel, flush with the rest of the heel. I know Florsheim put them on their brogue wingtips (the ones with the over sized soles), but I haven't seen them on men's shoes in quite some time. They did make the soles a bit slippery, and I suspect they've been dropped to make sure the amublance chasers don't sue them.

Oh,yeah, and be sure to get some cedar shoe trees.

[CMcG]

<snip>
Oh,yeah, and be sure to get some cedar shoe trees.

By the way, - in terms of purchases, while you're spending exorbitant bucks on a pair of really good shoes, also buy a pair of shoe trees. <snip>

I've already got a pair of cedar shoe trees but I will look into getting an extra pair... I've heard some shoe makers have them made on the same last as the shoe for a perfect fit.

As for price, it isn't THAT exorbitant at about $200 CAD. From what I understand, that is really very little for a custom made shoe, no?

[MacLowlife]

TheScot,

I think the wedge of metal is sometimes called a V Cleat. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-ALLI...item2a14006c2b

[BCAC]

***SNIP***

Finally, I like leather soles with leather heels that have a small rubber insert on the back of the heel to keep down wear. I used to wear leather heels with a steel wedge in the back corner, but I haven't seen that for years.

When I bought my loakes I had the cobbler put on these "steel wedges" (as you call them) for me. It's quite a common job for a cobbler. I think that the problem nowadays is finding a true craftsman cobbler. Craftsmen cobblers are definately getting harder to find in France.

[mayberry]

I wasn't familiar with the term, so I looked up "Blakey's" and found their website. Shoe protectors made in Leeds for over 100 years, now available online.
http://www.blakeys-segs.co.uk/

Cheers,
John