^ CJ do not currently stock a desert boot but the Oxfords are still available.
http://www.clifford-james.co.uk/clifford_james_mens_shoes.cfm
I bet you do not receive a FREE Whistling Gnome with the Clark's version, though for that sort of money I would expect one.
Last edited by Kingstonian (2011-10-21 02:13:14)
J. Crew is doing a reasonable desert boot -
http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shoes/boots/PRDOVR~79438/99101062290/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~macalister/79438.jsp
I saw them in person this very evening. Nice soft leather, totally unlined, good colors. The "dark khaki" is not too far from to what I imagine the unattainable UK Clark's "Cola" color to be, though darker (and in no way related to khaki). Rather more refined than the actual Clark's, with lower tops. Super narrow. I will let you all know how they "perform" during rigorous dog-walking and trips to the gun range or wherever it is that we Americans go.
I currently run a pair of Loake Saharas that I got from the Discount Shoe Shop in Victoria for £63, I think £90 - £100 is the regular price. I tried Roamers on at the same time (well not literally at the same time), I didn't like the toe shape so much and they felt a bit floppy and insubstantial after the Loakes.
A few months on and the Loakes have really worn in nicely, although I do have to careful about walking around Staines in them as I get mobbed by women.
On a more serious note, the Loakes are big for size and I had to come down half a size. In fact desert boot sizing seems to vary widely between manufacturers and they are one shoe I probably wouldn't buy online unless there was no alternative.
Last edited by fxh (2011-11-27 00:36:27)
Roamers seem much improved since 2005 or 6, when I had a pair. Better shape to them entirely.
Important note:
At the karaoke I ordered a Taiwan Sake for nt$180 = $6aud thinking it was a small earthenware container with perhaps 2 or 3 small drinks in it.
Turns out it pays for a whole bloody large bottle of Taiwan Sake. For $6. Tasted alright to me too. So I ordered another. Big night. By the end my singing Suspicious Minds had the room in pure rapture.
Unfortunately this KTV (karaoke) didn't have a recording facility like some others so I cannot upload my version here for you all. Such a pity.
Last edited by fxh (2011-11-27 01:46:15)
Sake, a very primitive form of alcohol, extremely bad hangovers and I should know.
Any Ivy in evidence on the streets there, Fxh?
I agree with Andy, I have 2 pairs of Roamers I got around 2006 and they don't look as good as fxhs'. One pair is the same color as fxhs' and the other is a brownish very similar to the Bullitt boot. As woofboxer said they seem a little floopy compared to the Clarks I have purchased around the same time. The other problem, for me, is they don't come in half sizes. One size is too big and if I go down a full size they are too small. for those of you with a DB fetish the Roamers say made in Spain and the Clarks say made in Sri Lanka.
Last edited by steve mcqueen fan (2011-11-27 08:24:15)
Anyone visiting Italy should inquire about 'Garrett'.
I have yet to find a nice pair.
Looked at the astorflex, arthur knights and J crew, none of them i would wear.
Last edited by Liam Mac (2012-01-01 13:37:14)
Theres no need for name calling.
We've got the clunk. I think they alright, I honestly think Clarks nailed it, but these aren't too bad, have you tried the SeaVess ones Liam?
The bottom pair looks like I got hold of a Do It Yourself dessie boot kit.
Are those SeeVees Oo Bop? They are definitely less clunky than the Astorflex, but I don't think they have they same charm.
They are selling SeeVees in Topman now (alongside Redwing, Bass Larsons and Maians). All the cool kids are wearing them. I've got my sights set on those Astorflex. Unfortunately my Clarks are still going strong.
I would stick with clarks, i had the astorflex they wen't back
Do you wear Clarks DBs yourself Robbo?
If those Astorflex are clunky you should check out the Italian Arfano boots I'm wearing today. Rolled up Levi's too. Haven't shaved my skull but I feel like kicking Bop's examples in the nuts. Sorry but those are a weak attempt. I would like some Astorflex, why'd you send them back Robbo?
Last edited by Oo Bop Sh'bam (2012-01-03 04:20:46)