Well, my favourite pair of shoes, the Oundles from Edward Green, are back from refurbishment and looking pretty darn good. As requested, here are a few pictures of them in their new, refreshed state.The upper is unchanged, save for a few layers of meticulous polish. It still has that antiqued look created by dozens of layers of polish over the past few years. But the sole and heel are entirely new - clean and hard and ready to be worn - and the sock inside is new too. So my personal imprint (and therefore bespoke comfort) is retained in the insole and the upper. But the rest is new.
EG have also added in a full-length sock rather than the half sock it originally had. Because if I had to choose, they were a little big rather than a little small.It's a blessed relief after seeing them torn apart just a few weeks ago.
The two previous posts on the refurbishment, how the shoes are stripped down, followed by their repair, can be seen by clicking on those hyperlinks.
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they came out beautifully! that leather finish is so timeless and right. hey, where can i get some women's loafers slip on with leather fringe? i wish i could find really well healed lovely shoes to go with my new izod dress. have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Which last?
ReplyDeleteI'm curious whether Edward Green or comparable shoemakers (I hesitate to call them 'brands,' a word which now would seem to rob these artisans of their excellence) install metal taps on the toes of their shoes at customer request. It is my impression that doing so is the best way to ensure maximum life out of a pair of soles.
ReplyDeleteThanks Laguna, 888.
ReplyDeleteArctic, most will yes. I know some (eg Alfred Sargent) prefer not to as it can be hard to ensure their longevity, but most are happy to do so. Personally, I dislike it and if anything would add a couple of rows of nails instead. Less noisy too.
Is the application of a "half-sole" encouraged or discouraged on shoes of this or any other quality?
ReplyDeleteI personally have been a blind advocate(at least for my own shoes). They allow me to be much more flexible with regard to the weather and protect the original leather/shoe from refurbishment. Would u have a more educated opinion on this practice?
Hello, great article. What would you say to: before wearing a pair of shoes for the first time, having a rubber sole or any other man-made material added? I simply do not like to see the leather at the bottom of the shoe being worn down! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLeather is always preferably, in terms of fit and breathability. Rubber should only be for wet conditions etc. Fine shoes deserve good leather soles.
ReplyDeleteSimon