OcUK, tell me about shoes

Ricochet J

Ricochet J

Ricochet J

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Joined
29 Jun 2004
Posts
12,957
I usually buy Next/Burtons/River Island formal shoes which are about £50. I wear shoes a lot for work. However because I walk like a moron after about 8-12 months the rear heal usually wears out unevenly.

I've asked shoe repairers to replace the heal to which the response has been "They're rubbish shoes. You can't change the heal."

So, I'm not asking for you to spec me a shoe. I'm asking that you educate me on shoes. What type of shoes should I be looking for if I want to recondition them a good few times? I'd ask independent shoe shops but they keep trying to sell me shoes, as opposed to giving me the information. I've seen some brogues; however most of them are not to my taste.

Are there any other types of shoes which can be reconditioned? The local shoe man has offered to build me a pair of bespoke leather shoes to my size for £120. Before I even think about committing to this I'd like to see what the market has to offer.
 
I tend to buy Paul Smith or Jeffery West, cost more but last well and I have new heals / soles done many times to a pair
 
Have a look at the heel when you're shopping. Higher quality shoes will have small pins that secure the heel to the shoe - these are the types of shoes that you can get replacements for.
 
I've currently got a pair of next shoes that I rushed out and bought a day before an interview.

Worst shoes I've ever owned.
 
Clarks, Pavers, decent suit shops like Racing Green usually have some good shoes too.
If it's a high street clothes shop (eg. Topman, Next etc.) avoid. Their shoes are overpriced and rubbish.
 
Just buy some cheap shoes. They'll wear as quickly as the River Island tat and not cost so much to replace. Result.

Or buy real expensive shoes with replaceable bits.
 
I like the more expensive Clarks shoes. My last pair I wear every day cost me £100, lasted for seven years and were very comfortable and waterproof. I bought another pair when the soles wore out.
 
I'd be skeptical over "bespoke" shoes for £120, have a look at Pediwear or Herring Shoes, you should be able to find some shoes by Loake or by Herring's own line (which are made by various English shoe makers) for that price.
 
Base London. Despite having size 12 feet and going through Shoe's at a serious rate, the Base Shoes have lasted the longest.
 
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I actually need some new shoes too, the heel on mine has also worn out unevenly :confused:

They cost me about £20 I think about a year ago...also wondering whether to just go the cheap route again or get some decent ones!
 
A2Z said:
I actually need some new shoes too, the heel on mine has also worn out unevenly :confused:

They cost me about £20 I think about a year ago...also wondering whether to just go the cheap route again or get some decent ones!
Click to expand...

Decent ones all the way, many of my pairs of shoes last 5 yrs +
 
really, you want to be buying welted shoes, where the sole is stitched to a welt, which is in turn stitched to the shoe, can be completely deconstructed and refurbished, however, dont be asking the cowboys in the shoe repairers to do this for you, send them back to the original manufacturer, they all offer the service, and will repair your shoe in a way which means it can be repaired again and again

look at church's, crockett and jones or trickers, and if youre rolling in cash edward green, i can guarantee their quality, i make them
 
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