Horace and TomRath, thanks for the info. I have wondered about the fit on the Chukka, as the lacing is higher on the instep. As I get older, I wonder if a shoe such as the PTB or Longwing, which laces around the whole instep, may be more supportive and comfortable.

I spoke with a salesman at BB who tracked down the supposed last of the No. 8 PTB in my size, and given the current sale, I may have sent to try. Given the profile of the shoo, I want the sole to be substantial as well, thus my question about the double sole. He tried convincing me to try the D width, but as i have very wide feet, the Barrie in the E should do the trick.

I already own the AE Leeds and MacNeil, so the Chukka or a different PTB seems like the right call. Price savings on the BB model is swaying my choice...

Shudder!

So now we have to buy up the suddenly valuable El Salvador made new old stock leather soled Bass before they're gone?

Ya gotta admire capitalism!

^ Incredible stuff, not to my taste, but it shows that the US must have had a really skilled & creative shoo manufacturing industry at one time in the past.