There were a number of other brands along similar lines i.e. copying Florsheim and of a similar quality. Well I've not seen any in the flesh, but judging from the photos and comments on this forum and elsewhere, the likes of Bostonian, Nettleton and some others I can't recall are as good or almost as good as what they copied.

My 1st gunboats were Florsheims and that's all I wore until I bought some new AEs a few years ago. Sorry but the latter just don't compare in terms of sheer quality. Of course AEs are not even under discussion in this thread, but I mention them to illustrate just how good those old back in the day shoes were. I've stated several times on the forum that I like to keep my shoe collection small so I can wear them to death (obviously never the same pair 2 days running), and that's when you really appreciate quality.

The only disadvantage of vintage shoes is that you can't get exchange if the size isn't right - I recently bought my 3rd pair of pebblegrain Florsheim longwings, each pair has been a different size and this is the 1st pair that fits perfectly. And wearing them is an incredible experience. (In fact when I have to get them reheeled I'm even tempted to get more suicide heels put on.)

I took some photos after some very light restoration and before wearing them, so I will have to get them up on the appropriate thread with a bit more info.

Last edited by Yuca (2016-11-09 12:57:48)

^ me having micro feet helped, they were a 6.5EE and had also been mis-listed as being cordovan coloured not shell-cordo leather.

Just seen these? Any idea on the age?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Florsheim-US-Gr-8-5-D-Full-Brogue-Oxford-Raritat-Bordeaux-/111470243037?hash=item19f424ecdd:m:mWbsBqfbf9QhDAoAdZfttZA

I had the same opinion re. used, however even that German guy sells used . . . in the end, as I really need an E fit, which is rarer, I accepted the idea of lightly used. If the suicide cleats are still there and there is little staining to the inside heel then I reckon it's ok. (Obviously they have to look fine outside too.) Bearing in mind the original wear was probably several decades ago, and the quality is loads better than almost everything out there nowadays (obviously not including luxury shoes to be found on specialist forums) then I can live with it. In fact I'd happily swap my AE PTBs (bought new) for a lightly-used vintage pair from a back in the day brand.

^ just checked my pair , no wonder I think they are narrow and a bit long they are 7.5D. , I was sure they were a 7E.

I'm buy a half size bigger in loafers compared to longwings.
Took me far too long to realise that - a lot of wasted postage spent - but at least I have learnt.

That's the real danger of buying second-hand shoes without trying them on - the fit varies so much from maker to maker.
I can happily wear a Weejun EE but bought a pair of Allen Edmonds E and they were like wearing boats. Ridiculously bigger in comparison.