I'd planned to buy some new Florsheim Imperials from JS but he's sold out in my size.. What are your thoughts regards other currently available Longwing Brogues?
Thanks
MCM GT
AEs look ok. And there's loads of UK options, although I think they all have manmade soles. Tbh I regard modern Florsheim as complete crap and think any other option would be better.
Vintage Florsheim is still the best option - especially if you can find Royals.
Thanks Yuca (this makes me feel like I'm losing the plot and speaking to a potted plant...). AE are the one's currently piquing my interest. Unfortunately I don't have the time to trawl Ebay/Etsy for old shoes.
MCM GT (Keeping the Aspidistra Flying)
http://www.afarleycountryattire.co.uk/shop/loake-shoes-royal-derby-full-brogue-burgundy/?gclid=CJflqYTG-M4CFcsy0wodimYEUQ
Dude, what about the British version - £135 with your "1st purchase" discount?
From the UK...
Loake Royal (as above),
Sanders Diplomat/Ambassador (can't remember which it is),
Cheaney do a few longwings.
I'm with yuca avoid the current Florsheim , way overpriced for the quality.
AE is a good option but with current currency fluctuations and import duty will come in expensive.
My last pair of vintage longwings werea pair of NOS American Gentleman and only cost $35 so it can be worth persevering with t'bay.
AE have periodical sales, often quite substantial, so don't pay full price. And call them up rather than buying through their site - it's cheaper.
http://www.brooklyn-tailors.com/products/copy-of-sanders-sanders-tokyo-gibson-in-black
Picked up these Sanders Belgrade seconds in Blackmans in Brick Lane for £95. Great shop, I just wish the guy that runs it wouldn't insist on calling me granddad.....
I'm an Alden man myself.....if you're in the UK you can buy them in Trunk, and they cost a fortune, but they'll outlive you and your grandchildren! (Or you could treat yourself to a weekend in NYC and get a pair in the store on Madison Ave. for the same price, but in dollars).
http://www.trunkclothiers.com/alden-cordovan-longwing-blucher-dark-burgundy
Last edited by Uncle Ian (2016-09-05 17:13:26)
I had a pair of modern Florsheim gunboat longwings. I actually really like the proportions and lines....I think they kept that aspect true to the original. However, I ended up getting rid of mine because they were sooo stiff and just never broke in and became comfortable. Others have commented the same.
This is the cheapest place to get the Loake Royals: http://www.discount-shoe-sales.com/
Thank you all for your useful and insightful comments. So I phoned Blackmans (thanks Chris H) who have stock of the Sanders Belgrade and had Phil put by a burgundy 10 for me. No sign of these being seconds, they are a discontinued Sanders line with their current longwing the Berne (F width) replacing the Belgrade (G width), the width fitting being the only discernable difference . Blackmans have limited stock in Black & Burgundy. I took the day off on Friday and picked them up, but unfortunately they're too wide for me and I'm probably selling them on (a colleague currently has first refusal on them), which is disappointing as they're a great shoe at a ridiculous price (still £95, Berne SRP £295). Far from a wasted journey as I had breakfast at Pellicci’s, spent the afternoon at the Tate and will sell the Belgrades at a healthy profit.
Agree regards the "MacNeil 2.0" looking wrong..
Currently erring towards the Aldens..
This week I'm on G.K. Chesterton
MCM GT
Called in myself on Saturday, they had some Playboys in smaller sizes if anyone is interested. Not a lot of stock in but a few military Sanders shoes too. I popped in as wanted to see if they had a DM shoe for a friend.
^ woof that Andrew Jackson model were also available in peat, and black calf.
Have a look in their sale pages as there are a few pairs but limited sizes in there, it's a horrible website to search.
They also have Loake Royals for £119 as well.