Vintage Florsheim Shoes

[Chango]

Anyone else into vintage Florsheim shoes? I love them. Especially the longwings. Over time I’ve come across some amazing deals on these classic pieces of Americana. I took them to the local cobbler for new heals and sole protectors to make them daily drivers.

If you have a pair, please post a pic.

 

[Chango]

And let’s not forget the plain toe bluchers…

 

[DesertIguana]

You bring back memories, recall buy a set of Imperial Wing Tips in 60's 44 bucks, like 1/2 weeks pay. Had Sole replaced, had Heals replaced, lasted 20 years

 

[malocchio]

Prior to 1970 the Florsheim Imperial was the finest men's shoe world wide . The finest department stores would have an in house Florsheim cobbler to make a superb bespoke shoe for the discriminating gentleman ... ..... Pre-War FLORSHEIM Hand-Sewn Double Welt Oxford - https://classicshoesformen.com/the-collection/important-pre-war-florsheim-hand-sewn-double-welt-oxford46d/

 

[Chango]

You bring back memories, recall buy a set of Imperial Wing Tips in 60's 44 bucks, like 1/2 weeks pay. Had Sole replaced, had Heals replaced, lasted 20 years

I don’t know how you guys dealt with the all-leather sole and heel. One drop of water on the ground and it’s like walking on an ice rink.

This is a pair of cordovan imperials I have not had restored yet. I have to put rubber sole protectors and combination heels on all of them so I don’t end up on my rear end.

 

[Chango]

Prior to 1970 the Florsheim Imperial was the finest men's shoe world wide . The finest department stores would have an in house Florsheim cobbler to make a superb bespoke shoe for the discriminating gentleman ... ..... Pre-War FLORSHEIM Hand-Sewn Double Welt Oxford - https://classicshoesformen.com/the-collection/important-pre-war-florsheim-hand-sewn-double-welt-oxford46d/

Those are amazing!

 

[Champion of Capua]

I will be taking this pebble grain 5 nail wingtip on my business trip today. The only thing I’ve done to this pair is new heels and a Vibram tip

 

[FarmerTan]

Anyone else into vintage Florsheim shoes? I love them. Especially the longwings. Over time I’ve come across some amazing deals on these classic pieces of Americana. I took them to the local cobbler for new heals and sole protectors to make them daily drivers.

If you have a pair, please post a pic.

View attachment 1676965

View attachment 1676966

I had a pair of oxblood ones just like those that I bought in 1982? or so for $80ish at JCPENNEY I believe it was in the local mall. Only true highish quality shoes that I ever bought with my own money brand spankin' new. Also the only pair of dress shoes I ever had resoled and reheeled. Fit like a glove, I'll bet I put 100,000 miles on those things.

I gave 'em to Goodwill a little while ago. Seems they shrunk as I aged doggone! Thank you so much for the memories my friend.

 

[Chango]

I will be taking this pebble grain 5 nail wingtip on my business trip today. The only thing I’ve done to this pair is new heels and a Vibram tip
View attachment 1677266

Nice!

I have something similar done to my shoes to make them more user-friendly:

 

[dojpros]

LOVE them. ON the stalk for them in lieu of AE at times but have not had much luck in my size/colorway choice.

Like so many other shoe makers, their quality has and continues to slip, particularly after their early 90s BKCY.

 

[Chango]

LOVE them. ON the stalk for them in lieu of AE at times but have not had much luck in my size/colorway choice.

Like so many other shoe makers, their quality has and continues to slip, particularly after their early 90s BKCY.

Interesting how the 1990s was a turning point for so many shoemakers—Florsheim, Cole Haan, Bostonian. I have a pair of imperials from the late 90s and the quality is just not there. The leather looks and feels like plastic.

 

[Champion of Capua]

I haven’t bought a pair of Alden’s in a few years, but their quality is excellent! They’re not cheap, but if you want a quality American shoe they are fantastic.

 

[DesertIguana]

I don’t know how you guys dealt with the all-leather sole and heel. One drop of water on the ground and it’s like walking on an ice rink.

This is a pair of cordovan imperials I have not had restored yet. I have to put rubber sole protectors and combination heels on all of them so I don’t end up on my rear end.

View attachment 1677253

Back in day you walked carefully, not like today with head buried in cell phone.

 

[malocchio]

Those are amazing!

Finest work I've ever seen .... You won't find this quality today !

 

[malocchio]

Back in day you walked carefully, not like today with head buried in cell phone.

We also did a whole lot more walking, downtown was a 2 hour walk with " wonderful sights " ..... wasn't long before those smooth leather soles got scruffed up and had a better grip.

 

[malocchio]

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[Champion of Capua]

We also did a whole lot more walking, downtown was a 2 hour walk with " wonderful sights " ..... wasn't long before those smooth leather soles got scruffed up and had a better grip.

Almost broke my neck on a new pair walking down the stairs as careful as can be. I immediately walked out to the sidewalk and did a little “custom scuffing”

 

[Ratso]

I still have them in the closet and storage bin. I have the wing tip and plain toe in every color. Black, tan and shell cordovan. The shell cordovan weren’t cheap. I’ve seen them used on eBay for more than I paid for them.

 

[tankerjohn]

I recently picked a pair of black V-cleat longwings for a good a price. I'll have to post a pic when I get a chance. Beautiful shoes and incredibly well made! Unfortunately, even though I went TTS with my Brannock size per recommendations, they are still too tight in the toe box. I might grab a pair a half size bigger if I can find one.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Chango:
You are 'the Man' in snagging those Wingtips & Bluchers (nice shine on all your foot gear too).

“Shoetini: 4oz Vintage XXO, 1oz cool attitude, a splash of indulgence and a twist of temptation. Shake over ice; strain into a trendy pair of Florheim shoes and garish with lots of colorful socks". CBJ