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Jack Purcells by Converse. What a shame/Classic Sneakers

Toothpick

Needs milk and a bidet!
Staff member
I think my marriage is strong enough to survive a few pairs of sneakers being mailed to my house.

Shoes?

Shoes on the other hand, they get mailed to the office.

Hey… I’m not crazy. 😉😀



If Mrs. Gold said “buy both”, I would hire a private eye and start having her followed.

If Mrs. Gold said “neither, get out of my house!” then I would know all is well while I was eating waffles at the nearest Hampton Inn.

:ouch1:

A wise man.
 

johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
How is the support in these? I'm no longer 17ish, so I have "old man feet"......... But I really "dig" those shoes. Both pair. I remember wearing tube socks made with red and blue stripes that would go marvelously with those...

So here’s is an alternative. The adidas Grand Court. It is very similar to the Superstar (without the clam shell toe) but it has “cloud foam cushion” so it may provide a bit more comfort.

As for support, honestly, none of the “retro” sneakers really have the support of some of the more contemporary models offered by New Balance or Hoka One One and many others.

Also, the cost oF the Grand Court is less than the Superstar (especially if you can catch them on sale or sign up for adidas’ mailing list and get a discount code).

Might be a nice alternative. It’s like a hybrid between the Superstar and the Stan Smith.


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FarmerTan

"Self appointed king of Arkoland"
So here’s is an alternative. The adidas Grand Court. It is very similar to the Superstar (without the clam shell toe) but it has “cloud foam cushion” so it may provide a bit more comfort.

As for support, honestly, none of the “retro” sneakers really have the support of some of the more contemporary models offered by New Balance or Hoka One One and many others.

Also, the cost oF the Grand Court is less than the Superstar (especially if you can catch them on sale or sign up for adidas’ mailing list and get a discount code).

Might be a nice alternative. It’s like a hybrid between the Superstar and the Stan Smith.


View attachment 1382985
Looks like they are more my style, support wise...
 

johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
I like these too. If I find this color in my size I may order them and have them mailed to the Hampton Inn.
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The model below is the Grand Court SE which has suede trim and reminds me a bit of the old Ilie Nastase model.

Grand Court SE model
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Ilie Nastase model
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Or even the Rod Laver model (without the stripes).
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Notice on the Grand Court models, the stripes are not serrated like the Superstar, but are straight. Also the stripes on the Superstar are a bit further apart with perforations between them.

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Hmmm…. What’s going on in the Red Wing boots thread. 🤪
 
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FarmerTan

"Self appointed king of Arkoland"
I like these too. If I find this color in my size I may order them and have them mailed to the Hampton Inn. View attachment 1382991

The model below is the Grand Court SE which has suede trim and reminds me a bit of the Rod Laver model.

View attachment 1382992

Notice on the Grand Court models, the stripes are not serrated like the Superstar, but are straight. Also the stripes on the Superstar are a bit further apart.

View attachment 1382995

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Hmmm…. What’s going on in the Red Wing boots thread. 🤪
You are the "king" of enablking, my friend. You are making me wish I didn't live in Michigan in the Winter.

These are the shoes one's "buddies" tried to step on the toes of to show off in the 7th grade..... No, I don't have "issues" why do you ask?
 

FarmerTan

"Self appointed king of Arkoland"
@FarmerTan

Let’s face it, without our cumulative “issues” this wouldn’t be the greatest site on the internets. 🤪
Ya know.... I believe you are on to something.... I'm not j.k.ing about it either. FOR ME....this is a wonderful place. I truly think of it as my Oasis.

I should start a thread, but as you ALL know, I'm as lazy as a pet coon, so I probably won't, but.... You and those like you, @johnniegold have lifted my spirits like no other place, physical or virtual.
 

johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
Ya know.... I believe you are on to something.... I'm not j.k.ing about it either. FOR ME....this is a wonderful place. I truly think of it as my Oasis.

I should start a thread, but as you ALL know, I'm as lazy as a pet coon, so I probably won't, but.... You and those like you, @johnniegold have lifted my spirits like no other place, physical or virtual.
Not only happy to hear that but I’m happy to do it.

Listen, I’m a guy who complains about the stitching being asymmetrical on a pair of shoes, that’s how “discerning” I am. (That could also mean I’m just a pr**k).

This month marks 15 years that I’m visiting B&B….

There’s a reason for that…. It’s the quality of the people who decide to spend a piece of their time here. :thumbup1:
 

Doc4

Stumpy in cold weather
Staff member
Listen, I’m a guy who complains about the stitching being asymmetrical on a pair of shoes, that’s how “discerning” I am. (That could also mean I’m just a pr**k).
"Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the ... oh, you are slightly crooked ... and there's a bit of smudge on your corner ... and a fingerprint there ... oh, now you are a bit crooked the other way ... oh and more smudge there ... and ... really, you are about two inches too high ... pardon me while I get my hammer ... oh the hammer has a spot of rust ..."
 

johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
You are the "king" of enablking, my friend.

I guess I’m a victim of my own enabling. :rolleyes1

This box arrived yesterday from adidas.
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The adidas Grand Court, with its Cloudfoam Comfort insole is a comfortable, smart-looking, casual, tennis sneaker.

The black colorway and white stripes (with its pebbled-grain finish) is a nice departure for me since all of my sneakers are white (with various color trim) so this is a welcome addition.

And the price point is certainly on the lower end of most adidas offerings as this sneaker can be had for under $50 if you find them on sale (and there is always a sale).

IMO, that’s a whole lotta sneaker for that price. :thumbup1:
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Happy New Year’s Day.
 
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FarmerTan

"Self appointed king of Arkoland"
I guess I’m a victim of my own enabling. :rolleyes1

This box arrived yesterday from adidas.
View attachment 1387165

View attachment 1387166

View attachment 1387170View attachment 1387169View attachment 1387172
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The adidas Grand Court, with its Cloudfoam Comfort insole is a comfortable, smart-looking, casual, tennis sneaker.

The black colorway and white stripes (with its pebbled-grain finish) is a nice departure for me since all of my sneakers are white (with various color trim) so this is a welcome addition.

And the price point is certainly on the lower end of most adidas offerings as this sneaker can be had for under $50 if you find them on sale (and there is always a sale).

IMO, that’s a whole lotta sneaker for that price. :thumbup1:
View attachment 1387174

Happy New Year’s Day.
Brother, you can wear those in a Tux!

How do I know? My son got married this late summer/early fall in grey tennis shoes that matches his suit!

You are young and hip enough to do that right?
 

johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
So after wearing the Grand Court around the house for a bit, I’ve decided to exchange them for an 11.5.

The 11 is definitely on the cusp of being a bit snug (especially with tube socks) and if the 11.5 proves to be too big then I will revert back to the 11.

One thing for sure is that finding the right size in adidas, for me anyway, is always a tricky proposition.

Maybe it’s the thicker foam cushion insert in the Size 11 Grand Court that is behind the snug fit whereas the Size 11 in the Superstar is fine.

We shall see…

Adidas offers free exchanges which always makes the “hit or miss” process of trying to find the right fit for a pair of sneakers while shopping online a bit easier.


EDIT:

The 11.5 arrived today (1/5) and they are keepers. The half size up took care of that snug toe box.
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johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
Back in December of 2021, after discussing the adidas Grand Court, I bought the black pair pictured above. They are comfortable, have a nice, clean, sleek, retro look and I think they are a great value as they can usually be found under $60 or if you catch a really good sale, you might even find them for under $50.

I also indicated that if I could find a pair in the white/blue colorway (pictured below), I would consider getting them.
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So I kept searching and this particular pair was nowhere to be found. And if I was able to locate them, my size (as well as most “popular” sizes) were inevitably unavailable.

In February of 2022, while searching Amazon, I came across my size (11.5) and quickly ordered them. Once the order was placed, I checked for that size on Amazon again and it indicated that it was “currently unavailable”.

They only had one pair? :huh:

What the heck! As of today, they are still unavailable on Amazon.

Try finding a new pair of Rod Laver sneakers today. They are very difficult to find in the most popular sizes and if found, they can be quite expensive. Same with the New Balance “550”. And if you start looking at sneaker auction websites, like Stock X or GOAT, then we could go on all day.

For me, half the fun is the hunt and tracking the items down that you are on the lookout for and, just as important, is finding it at a reasonable price.

It’s the two-year hunt for the Alden ravello chukkas,
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It’s finding a pair of the Dukeflex chukkas in Dark Chestnut after months of searching
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(now out of stock at the website where I purchased them),

It’s waiting for several years for adidas to once again produce the Rod Laver tennis sneaker after being discontinued for a time.
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There was even a time when you couldn’t find Stan Smiths anywhere.

So searching these things out becomes sort of the hobby within the hobby.

And it can be quite interesting. :yesnod:
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johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
When this thread started in 2013, I had just replaced my old pair of JPs which were several years old. That model was the “bells and whistles” version of the JPs. Cushioned tongue with the JP insignia embossed on it, cushioned ankle support, nylon laces with metal tips and of course, the smooth, baby blue sole.

The 2013 version was a disaster. Not only did it go back to the “no frills” version (which was fine) but the side vent holes were actually covered over by the insole.

It was an abomination.

In 2019, I obtained another pair which was a marked improvement from the 2013 model. The only difference was that the iconic smooth, baby blue sole was gone and was replaced with a ridged sole. However, the sneaker was definitely better and the padded insole more comfortable than the 2013 model. They also returned to cotton laces with plastic tips.

Well, it’s that time again to replace my JPs as the spring and summer draw near.

And with a 15% birthday discount from Converse, now is the perfect time.

There is no change from the 2019 model so it would seem that I’m good with JPs for at least a few more seasons.

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The Jack Purcell by Converse continues to be one of my favorite sneakers of all-time.
:thumbup1:
 
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johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
Came across this pair of sneakers the other day at Zappos. The ProKeds Royal Plus Suede sneaker.
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These are definitely old school sneeks that were worn back in the day by none other than “Pistol” Pete Maravich himself (floppy socks and all.)

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These sneakers regularly list for $85. On this particular day, they were listed on Zappos for $28.

I thought… :huh:
That price has to be wrong.

So I figured… what the heck. I ordered two sizes (10 and 10.5) since I know from previous experience that these run large.

They arrived yesterday. I went with the 10.5. The suede make-up give these a bit more structure than the all-cloth ProKeds pictured below wherein a Size 10.5 is a tad too large.
03738328-B99C-4B36-AF03-62701CDCEEDD.jpeg


Hey.. $28 for a piece of nostalgia that was once worn by The Pistol. Why not?

As for the price of $28, when I went back to Zappos the next day to check the price again, the sneakers were on sale for $65.00.

Sometimes you get lucky like that (or unlucky as Mrs. Gold sees it.. but she’s still adorable 😉😀😎)

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👍
 
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For the last five years or so, my sneaker of choice has been the Hermosa by SeaVees. Recently bought the company's "Legend" sneaker in this kinda retro blue color...this style is said to be a reproduction of the original BF Goodrich SeaVees sneaker from 1964. I like the looks of the Hermosa better, but these are just as comfortable.

IMG_0270.JPG
 
Wow! Been awhile since I've posted on B&B and can't believe this thread is still going! Posted on this thread way back in 2013!

I have to agree that the Purcell's have lost some of their quality over the years. Nothing against Chuck Taylors, but I've always considered the Jack Purcell a more refined big brother to them.

5-6 years back I bought a pair of the Jack Purcell Signature model which had a retro look and also had a Nike air unit in the insert. I loved the quality and still wear it. Bought regular pair last Fall and the quality was noticeably inferior. One thing that bothers me the most is that the Jack Purcell logo has been removed on the tongue.

Some of the JP collabs like the Todd Snyder or even Stussy look pretty rad and have are noticeable step up in quality.
 
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