Black Cap Toe Oxfords

[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.

[Father Bill]

No offense taken. The military in Canada required this for years (I don't know if they still do) because it's less detail, easier to cut off the shoe for safety if you need to get your foot out and because it's easier to shine if you have to do a quick job without taking out the laces.

[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.

[Mickey]

Several people have mentioned that they don't really like cap toes. Would any of those people care to suggest an alternative or are you tacitly agreeing with MacLowlife?

I don't like cap toes for myself because they remind me too much of steel-toe or paratrooper boots. I'm not partial to smooth-tops either as they are just too plain for me. I'm also not a big fan of the current trend of what I call "duckbills"... those flat, square toed, seam topped ones. For dress or informal shoes (not my boots or Nikes) this is what I wear:



L-R, Florsheim cordovans, unk. mnfg black leather, synthetic leather for outdoors, and the only "smooth-top" I wear now, Sketcher buckles (generally for winter).

[CMcG]

I don't like cap toes for myself because they remind me too much of steel-toe or paratrooper boots. I'm not partial to smooth-tops either as they are just too plain for me. I'm also not a big fan of the current trend of what I call "duckbills"... those flat, square toed, seam topped ones. For dress or informal shoes (not my boots or Nikes) this is what I wear:

Thanks for sharing that Mickey.

I already have a good pair of brogues with a thick, comfy rubber sole, but my second hand cap toes are on their last legs. I've also got a nearly, new second hand pair of dress ghillie brogues with a thin leather sole but I wouldn't wear those with a suit

In replacing the cap toes, I haven't found anything else that is quite as versatile and also on the upper end of formality. On the other hand, MacLowlife is seriously tempting me with the thought of black whole cuts, in fine grain leather, and some perforation detailing on the toe...

Also, I guess I'm still stuck on the thinner sole = more formal thing... I might just have to ask the shoe maker how thin they can make those Dainite soles... Here's a stock pic of my brogues and, just for Father Bill, one of the "angelic" sole. Please note that they are alkali, water, acid, fatigue, and SATAN resistant

[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

[CMcG]

Hey Colin, I can't imagine a better place for shoe shopping and cobbling! Good luck on the hunt. Hong Kong is an awesome town in more ways than one. What are you studying?

I almost missed this question sorry!

I'm here studying Cantonese