There are two types of people in this world. People that love shoes and people who could care less. I will admit, I’m closer to the latter than the former. One thing I have noticed however is the fact that the best shop blogs (blogs that are written by a retailer or brand), are fancy men’s dress shoe stores. The unrivaled leader in this category is Hawaii based Leather Soul. The blog’s layout is crisp, impeccably formatted and well maintained. The imagery is simple, beautifully shot, and above all consistent. Makes me want to fly to Hawaii, skip the beach and buy some Aldens.
Look how clean and organized that shop looks. This makes me proud to be an American. On another note, you know their business is 90% Japanese tourists.
The other great shoe shop blog is NYC’s Leffot. More than just shoe porn, the store has some excellent service posts like how to deal with road salt on your leather shoes, all weather styles that are good for the winter time. Plus the Leffot carries some terrific brands and cool accessories. It is worth a read.
Pictured below is a beautiful “groom kit” available at Leffot.
I don’t suppose any of your esteemed readers can give tips on how best to get water stains out of Alden Indy Boots?
And how best to protect the leather?
Ta.
Q~ The leather care page at Russell Moccasin offers some excellent advice on cleaning and maintaining your leather. To clean leather, I’ve used Fiebing’s glycerine saddle soap in the past, and it works very well. Apply some lotion and you’re off!
MW~ Great post! You’re right, Leather Soul’s site is absolutely beautiful. Are there any other local menswear stores with websites or blogs that compare?
Q~ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/leather_care.html
Hah, first thing I thought of after reading this was the comment on GQ about your shoes.
“I don’t actually like Michael Williams’ outfit at all. Those shoes!
POSTED BY maggiemaggie22
Sep 14, 2006 10:42:08 AM ”
I couldn’t agree more though. I enjoy a good pair of shoes, however they’re probably the last peice of my wardrobe I think about.
I think these are great. Back in the day, I never thought I really cared about shoes, but the truth is I do. I see men on the subway constantly who put on a (semi) nice suit or trousers and ruin the whole thing with a pair of cheap (or square toed) shoes. Some men need all the help they can get. This is good stuff…good find!
Let me clarify. I care about shoes, I just don’t obsess over them like I do other things (read: bags). I am a believer in classic when it comes to footwear — so why pay attention. I agree with you Sam, the shoes are the most crucial part of an outfit.
ACL
Footwear is the first thing I noticed whenever I meet someone, whether people are aware of it or not, it sends a strong message. It’s the most important part of your look- it literally grounds you. Invest in quality footwear and take care of them- rather than buying a bunch of crappy shoes. It’s the best investment you can make in your wardrobe.
JP
Well put JP…I completely agree…when I meet someone in a new office and they have six year old shoes that haven’t been buffed or cleaned I wonder how they get dressed in the morning without noticing them. Even worse, what else are they slacking on…possibly my business…
Thanks plaidout.
Someone mentioned Barbour Thornproof wax to proof them against the wet? Waddya’ reckon Alden fans?
I’m saving up for a pair of shell chukkas. If I have to skip the beach, so be it.
On the topic of protecting shoes, does anyone have suggestions for overshoes or galoshes? I’m not looking for anything fancy, just something that will withstand the salt and snow. I’ve seen the SWIMS (http://www.swimsstore.com/), but they seem overpriced for what they are. Thanks.
I’ve never heard of this store till now… and I’m born and raised in Hawai’i!
Leather Soul is a great blog.
Check out this Japanese pictorial shoe “blog,” the name of which can be translated as “Incapacitated by shoes, a visual warehouse.” http://centipede.web.fc2.com/
Cheers, HTJ
Quentin – be careful on what you do to those Aldens. If they are shell, and rather than calf, you should not be using the suggested products on your shoes – you could damage the leather. I typically use nothing more than water and a brush and/or buffing clothe on shell, which is what is typically recommended. There are also products especially designed for the care of cordovan leather. I’d suggest you email Leather Soul directly with your question – the owner seems very friendly and helpful.
I second Rob’s suggestion. Let us all bow before the Leather Soul. I’m sure they know their shit.
ACL
Leather Soul it is then Chaps!
Danke.
I love Alden shoes. They’re the best!
I question the objectivity of these shoe blogs. Then again, there are very few blogs that are objective. But, I question the objectivity of a blog when there is a store behind it. Their primary goals is only to sell their in-store brands.