Proper leather shoes

He’s got a pair.

I'm saving up. But first I have to buy a plane to go with my flying boots.

First pair of Meermin. I was put off by not being able to try them on, and I'm useless at returning things.

However, their shoes look good and the price is good, too. So I thought I'd give it a go. I used their shoe size calculator thing, you put in what size you are in shoes you currently wear and it suggests a size for you.

I'm either 9.5 or 10 UK in most brands and came out as 9.5 in Meermin size.

Arrived in about a week. Quality looks excellent but time will tell. Fit seems spot on. Happy days :-)

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Any suggestions for lined winter boots? Sort of thing that will minimise the suffering of an hour in the playground when it’s just above freezing.

These socks and standard Blundstone/whatever have worked for me visiting a mate in Oslo in the winter - https://finisterre.com/collections/socks/products/wool-blend-kelson-sock-heather-marl

In other news - finally getting around to a clear out - I have these two pairs of Church’s Bristol loafer - one uk9 G and one uk9.5 F - odd how much they differ between the lasts (I know this is obvious but they’re basically different shoes to my eye)

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Wool insoles ftw

Above zero? Pffft, keep moving, go down the slide a couple of times.

Nice! Gotta say once you get them right and have a good experience, they are hard to beat.

I had a look on the Clarks Outlet store and got some warmlined ones from there. Work for football up north.

These are very stiff where they crease at the toe joint.
Any advice on softening them up, beyond just HTFU?

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Nope, just wear them, and when you're not wearing them, put cedar shoe trees in.

Thanks - I guessed as much.
Anyone want to offload a pair of shoe trees in a UK9 before I buy online?

Ever since finding out that Blundstones are the most comfortable boots ever, for my short wide flippers, everything else has stayed in the cupboard. Almost tempted to sell my Paraboots but I'm sure they will come in handy for a wedding etc.

Dibs! Which Paraboots have you got?

Really like these - wish the toe sticking was further towards the toe though… https://www.arpenteur.fr/en/p1092-mirage-brown-paraboot#/41-size-uk_9_5_eur_43_5

Also like the look of these - https://www.morjas.com/product/the-alpine-boot-brown-suede/?utm_source=facebook_ads&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=23853105704490163&utm_term=23853105704500163&utm_content=23853105704560163&fbclid=PAAaadBCYw5tq6iKDv-lcG2KG9pQYkk0em-IjkD3JS2H3n8FSs_JwCXsWwxzE_aem_AXfJVrcS7wxVZjkRWeVPtYHqIGopazhM83Ws9fabVxwq0nU8trDViMCW_a6i5gt8VMgJzchQ2CiFLwAvmDppjFbNRR9I5Vw1MvZljRWc-nEXRbQjKstq9wm5OOrVmpeUwoU

I like those

Hip store have got some paraboot discounted at the mo:

https://m.thehipstore.co.uk/product/brown-paraboot-bergerac-suede-boot/16571237/

Picked up these Loakes for cheap from a random browse in a charity shop. Resoled with a chased(?) in rubber sole, but otherwise in good condition.

½ a size too big, but a bit narrow so they actually fit fine.

Going to give them a clean with some saddle soap and a bit of renovator cream.

One thing I'm not sure is whether they're meant to have the punch holes blacked in?

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Wouldn’t think so.
Best to send it to forensics to check for sharpie residue.

You may be right.

There are a few minor black stains on one heal. Nothing noticeable when worn.

I've given them a bit of love and they're already looking happier. Will finish them off with some shoe cream and a buff tomorrow.

Looking a bit tidier.

Although I'm wondering if it's a 2nd or a fake as I'm struggling to identify it.

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I don’t think they’re fake. This seems to match: Loake 641T Tan Leather Brogue Shoes-UK 10 Note, Amazon warning. The shoes just seem to be a now discontinued line.

And some of the fenestrations are black!

https://www.trickers.com/uk/sale/mens-sale?utm_source=Tricker%27s+Website&utm_campaign=9a8846e8c3-Winter+Sale&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_258ce7d3ed-9a8846e8c3-117667144&goal=0_258ce7d3ed-9a8846e8c3-117667144&mc_cid=9a8846e8c3&mc_eid=df704808c1

Trickers sale (unless I’ve made an arse of the link)

you can delete anything after the ?

https://www.trickers.com/uk/sale/mens-sale