Lovely though
Lovely though
Yeah they are difficult to get on - I’m hoping that as I break them in they get a bit easier
Some images below of them - I still can’t embed photos on here
The leather is fantastic quality
https://imgur.com/gallery/NqxZn4C
Wearing my NPS Heath, one of the lesser known brands, based in Wollaston round the corner from DrMartins and Barker (over in Earls Barton) , they are much better known for their Solovair brand Essentially they made all the original DrMartins and when DM shipped 98% manufacturing to the Far East, they continued making DMs with the original lasts in Wollaston (better thicker EU quality leather).
Anyway, they also produce the ‘NPS’ label shoes and boots which are the high end Goodyear welted variety including this one.
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That's interesting about the Doc Martens being moved out to the far East.
I have had many pairs over the years and was convinced the quality had gone down hill.
They don't seem to last anything like they used to.
Maybe that explains it. Thanks for that.
There is a guy on YouTube, Rose Anvil and he literally cuts shoes in half, the common DrMartins boots has definitely decreased in quality.
The 1460 that you can buy in the shop (98% made in Far East) is definitely inferior, and more so than the made in England version.
https://youtu.be/qH8R4EPdsSE?list=PL...Q4VS_y3Pj09Zvd
He has also compared to he solovair, which has thicker leather, better cushioning (for longer periods and also a shank!
https://youtu.be/EXR2vxO2p7Y?list=PL...Q4VS_y3Pj09Zvd
This video he cuts up a vintage DM and compares to the new ones…
https://youtu.be/dOQ4CK-rF2w?list=PL...Q4VS_y3Pj09Zvd
He was so upset he decided the make a better DM and bought an old boot (pre Far East), only to find they used to be built with a shank! So quality has dropped
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Last edited by giblets; 5th February 2022 at 15:46.
^^^^the problem with the latest Chinese DMs is the leather cracking and tearing at the main bend of the boot given the relatively poor and plasticky quality of the leather. This is also documented on YT.
I’ picked up a pair of 1460s at my local John Lewis just after the shops had opened after Covid for a 70% discount. Just to remember my student days 30 years ago.
For the price I paid unbeatable value, but at full price of £150 I would wait until a pair of Oliver Sweenys or Grenson are on sale.
Anyway, realised this is off topic for the brogues thread and more suited to the winter boot thread.
Not sure where you are looking, site below, if you visit their factory shop in Wollaston (currently only open on sat), the seconds (couldn’t see anything wrong myself), can be had for £80 (solovair), the shop with new stuff is 20% off retail IIRC
https://uk.nps-solovair.com
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Have a look at www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk
Plenty in the sale & clearance section.
______
Jim.
A few years ago I bought a pair of John White Chaucer brogues ...
They were very comfortable, so much so that I've pretty much worn through the sole .
When I inquired with John White about re-soling them & they declined - offering me a new, alternative pair for around £100, which disappointed me.
I also have John White Bourton brogue boots which needed new Dainite soles - similar reasons to above - very comfy - so I'd worn them through.
I popped into our local cobblers in Gloucester to enquire about new Dainite soles & was quoted £40 for the Bourton boots.
Rather hopefully, I asked if they could do anything with my old Chaucers too - to which he replied something about 'units' for £35.
I had no idea what he was talking about but took a punt & I dropped both off last Saturday & was expecting 2 week turnaround.
However, I received a call yesterday to say both were ready for collection.
...I was not expecting great results for the Chaucers given that JW had declined to quote.
I collected both today & I am pleasantly surprised...
By 'units' I now presume he means new Vibram soles - which changes the look a bit - but I thrilled to have them back !
"Shoes worth wearing are worth repairing" it said on the ticket & I am inclined to agree.
z
^^^^^
Absolutely, I’m actually sad when a pair is beyond repair, which doesn’t happen often….
Got a new watch, divers watch it is, had to drown the bastard to get it!
I want yo buy a pair of tan brogues and came across these:
https://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/p..._source=seguno
I quite like the slightly chunkier look and am happy with rubber soles. Never tried Carlos Santos though. Are they any good?
I also looked at Solovair having read through part of this thread, but would be concerned that they may be heavy? I am not a fan of heavy shoes.
https://uk.nps-solovair.com/collecti...39380551762000
Any others I should be looking at?
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Just taken my shoes out of the cupboard for a clean. Unfortunately I only wear a few pairs now as I'm barely in the office and when I am it's fairly casual so I wear my Loake suede Chelsea boots or the Cheaney monkstrap shoes.
They're mostly Church's and Loake, with 2 pairs of Cheaney and a pair of Paul Smiths. The grey boots are H&M x Maison Martin Margiela.
Picked the oxblood hikers from SC today so I expect they'll be getting the most wear.
Ignore the potty in the top left.
What polishes and creams do people use? I've only been using the stuff Church's sell and it seems to be decent but their wax isn't particularly long lasting.
This, A lot of the quality English shoemakers sell rebadged Saphir anyway.
Not brogues but have just sent a pair of shoes back to Cheaney for a refurbishmnet,
I have taken 'before' photos so it will be interesting to see the results when they come back
The refurbishment is just under a third of the cost of a new pair.
Last edited by Kevin; 25th February 2022 at 20:16.
First pair of Burgundy, Grenson Sid’s, just need to find the right coloured shoe cream and replacement laces when they’re needed!
What are your thoughts on watch straps? Keep to steel, tough keeping up with Black and Tan leather combos!
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