I used to sell Florsheim shoes in the 90s. American made and excellent shoes. The Imperials were magnificent shoes. I bought and still have a pair of American made Lexingtons in ox blood which I paid $129 for in the mid 90. Still have them and are In beautiful condition since I’ve probably worn them a dozen time. When Florsheim went wide market in the ear 2000s the walked away from America produced quality. Same goes with Timberland boots. They decided to produce a cheap product in a foreign land. It’s no wonder why so many older gents are spending $500 to restore their old Florsheims.
I love your channel! Subscribed! I’m huge into footwear, and I love how dedicated you are to C8 shell footwear. I’m mostly into boots, but recently I’ve entered Ivy style and am wearing shoes more often. Keep it up 👍🏽
The Alden soles actually last pretty well. I have a pair of longwings going on 10 years old and still don’t need a re-sole. Could use a heel but that’s just me and the way I walk. I couldn’t say enough good things about them. I also have a pair of Florsheim longwing cordovans from eBay too. Used. Love those too.
Good review... they are Bluchers though(ch as in cherry) not Blukers. Also, although blucher and derby shoes are pretty much the same, I would call these derby wingtips or brogues.
You're correct on the pronunciation, but I have to disagree with what you would call them. They could be derbies, depending on whether you define derbies to include bluchers or not. To be more precise, the eyestays of the shoes are not quarter pieces so these are bluchers. The same thing with wingtips, I like to differentiate them with longwings to prevent confusion. Brogues are just the punch-hole details, so it's just a different term. I don't want to say you're wrong, but it helps to be more precise. + What I would call a derby wingtip is Stuttgart from Allen Edmonds.
Are you going to miss the Florsheim shoes? I'm hooked on the AE's now. I blame you. ;) I'm waiting on a new pair of burg MacNeil, and Park Avenue in black and burg. All in shell cordovan. Can't wait. 👍
Thanks daddyo I really enjoy your videos! I’ve only recently become a convert to better shoes and had no idea what cordovan even was, and thanks to your videos I am now a proud owner of a pair of 93605’s through eBay and I really love them. Keep up the great content, and thanks again.
Nice video! I have some 93602 vintage Florsheim’s that i really do enjoy, but have been wanting to get another color option. Haven’t found any vintage Florsheim’s that I like enough to spring for, so have been considering a purchase of some AE Macneils. They seem to be the closest option in new production today. Thank you for the content!
dear daddyosreviews, I have to disagree about the Florsheim's not having any finish, after working on and restoring many vintage pairs of Florsheim, I find that they indeed applied some type of acrylic finish over the shell to keep the shell shiny. I always strip that coating off anyway because the true shell's sheen is much more organic-looking than the acrylic finish.
I started with rubbing alcoholm just plain, no dilution, and start rubbing/cleaning with a clean rag and keep switching to a cleaner area as the cloth gets saturated with color/finish. If alcohol is too slow, go with acetone but be more careful because acetone is very strong but has a very short open time.
Alchohol is very inexpensive. I am wondering if I should use it to strip off old waxes and polishes once a year or so, or use the expensive RenoMat from Saphir. Is there a chance of damaging the shoe with alcohol? Thanks
I've been using rubbing alcohol forever on my leather shoes. Alcohol does not damage your skin, how could it damage your leather shoes? (as long as you condition them well and enough)
Interesting video, it’s seldom that Allen Edmonds gets the edge over Alden (arguably). Now, about shell cordovan shoes, are they worth the extra expense when compared to calf skin? In term of look, longevity, pride of ownership (why not).
Max Sauban I don't own any shells but from vids, I think they look better when compared to calf. So, I think that pride in ownership would be the only category that would be higher. Definitely high quality if you can afford them. Worth it? That's up to you. Case in point, all 3 of the shells in this vid looks beautiful. However regular calf will shine and patina very nicely all for $200 - $400 less than shell. Another point to consider is only shoe snobs are going to be able to tell if your shoe is calf or shell. No one will think more or less of you for wearing either calf or shell. They'll simply say, "Nice shoes." If they say anything at all. So, if you like to receive kudos then go for the shell and show em off on social media, otherwise calf will cover all bases. If you are not posting on social media and have your basics covered and really want to get shells then go for it, but from the posts on Style Forum the "shell game" can be addictive.
The creases are real with Florsheims. I just got two pairs of the same cap toe oxfords and the creases, folds and bends are apparent in the leather from the moment you take the first step.
Has to do with the age. If shell isn't maintained it will separate from other layers of the leather. This can be seen as bends or rolling. It will also disintegrate but that's just due to being extremely old and not well taken care of. Like skin that's dry.
I enjoy your reviews a lot, and appreciate all the good observations that tips on all your videos. I am getting ready to buy my first shell cordovan shoes and I would like to know why the shell cordovan shoes are dark colors.
What are your thoughts on sizing? You did mention that the Aldens are wider. Does that affect the size of the shoe that you buy? I am looking to get a Shell Cordovan off of eBay (cant afford to pay the full price). I'd probably settle for AE, even though I like the rounder toe of the Aldens. primarily due to the price. Would love to get my hands on the Florsheims, but those are so hard to come by.
Thanks for the great review! can you tell why are the creases much more visible on the Allen Edmonds pair than on the other two? Does it have to do with the leather quality?
Thanks for the question. Leather quality is identical. It is caused by age, number of wears and fit. Due to the last shape, the wide rolls are most prevalent in the Allen edmonds.
I watched this video because I am new to good shoes and proper shoe care. I just bought 3 pair of Allen Edmonds and got out 2 old dusty pair of Florsheim's that I haven't worn in years. the Florsheim's are 176149 and 176549. Can you tell me anything about them and the quality of the shoes?
All cobblers or anyone doing an a&e shoe video always say that they have all cork not true I bought some from the retailer. Basically I took new shoes which was shell pa's and installed a spade sole on them and they didn't come with dovetail heel either just stacked leather and rubber top lift and the footbed was a thick soft piece of leather but good video though
Florsheim? Really? I bought a pair maybe 10 years ago and still uncomfortable till this day. Sole does not bend. I love the look and quality but unfortunately for me very uncomfortable.
Forge the shoes, how about that Subby on his wrist. I have a submariner also, beautiful watch. I can tell that you have a great appreciation for beautiful things
@@daddyosreviews I bought Allen Edmond. Awesome shoes, very comfortable. I think, the most long last shoes would be Dinkelacker. They come in, Cordovan, too, and have a very thick sole which covers the stitching
That was and is the shoe for US mortals. Not the rich. I do not know what they wear. But... We mortals appreciate Florsheim. And the hell with whatever you are posting in YOUR channel.
