Black Cap Toe Oxfords

**Father Bill** · 17th September 11, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Apologies for my delayed reply; I've been out sight-seeing

For some reason I can't multi-quote more than two people in a thread, so I'll have to post over top of myself a few times here...

Yes Father, the diagram definitely helps. Thanks!

As for the number of eyelets, your suggestion of four over six is a little different compared to the pictures that I've been looking at... is that what you have on your shoes or is that a wish?

Anyone else have an opinion on number of eyelets?

All my shoes have four. (That's four on each side of the tongue!) It's probably a matter of taste, but six start to look like combat boots to me, and it's not my image of myself.

Try the lacing; you may like it. It takes a while to figure out how to tighten them and still keep them even, but once you get it, it's not all that difficult.

As far as the rocks go, I'm even referring to something someone has inadvertently dropped on the dance floor.

**CMcG** · 17th September 11, 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

NOT captoes. If you are spending on custom, go for WHOLECUTS, which are cut from a single piece of leather and are absolutely completely plain. And you won't see another pair like them in three days time, instead of everybody having them. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pal-Zileri-W...item2a0f1a6258

Ah MacLowlife, ever the one with an interesting take on things, aren't you? Since you suggested that, I've been looking at some wholecuts but somehow they look a little TOO plain... are they formal enough for wearing with a black tie Highland attire?

Several people have mentioned that they don't really like cap toes. Would any of those people care to suggest an alternative or are you tacitly agreeing with MacLowlife?

If anything, I favour the whole cuts I've seen with a bit of detail on the toe:

**CMcG** · 17th September 11, 06:46 AM

Several people have mentioned they like the last pic from my original post, and English Bloke especially! Those are the "Bert" model made by Grenson and go for £170.00.

There is something very streamlined about the stitching being hidden on the cap rather than doubled up like other shoes. And the "swoop" of the design is just slick... contemporary but still classic.

The more I look at them, the more I like them...

I believe they do come in other colours too...

**CMcG** · 17th September 11, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by xman

Well then, it's decided isn't it? She's a tasteful lady and that means you get to think just a little less about such things, lucky you. Ignore this opportunity knocking at your peril.

True enough! She has looked at this thread though, and is now favouring #2 from the original post, which has also found some favour amongst the Rabble...

**CMcG** · 17th September 11, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

All my shoes have four. (That's four on each side of the tongue!) It's probably a matter of taste, but six start to look like combat boots to me, and it's not my image of myself.

Try the lacing; you may like it. It takes a while to figure out how to tighten them and still keep them even, but once you get it, it's not all that difficult.

As far as the rocks go, I'm even referring to something someone has inadvertently dropped on the dance floor.

I will definitely try that style of lacing, thanks! And I definitely agree about the practicality of a more substantial sole...

Here's a cap toe with four eyelets that is similar to the Grenson "Bert" (5 eyelets) I posted above.

**Father Bill** · 17th September 11, 08:27 AM

Love 'em!

By the way, - in terms of purchases, while you're spending exorbitant bucks on a pair of really good shoes, also buy a pair of shoe trees. They're really quite cheap, and you only need one pair because you take them out of whatever shoes they've been sitting in and put them into the pair you're taking off. That way, as the natural body moistures dry out of the leather, the leather is already in a straighter position and will last longer with less creases to ruin the appearance of the shoes, and in the long run they more than pay for themselves so they're really free!

Bill+

Originally Posted by CMcG

I will definitely try that style of lacing, thanks! And I definitely agree about the practicality of a more substantial sole...

Here's a cap toe with four eyelets that is similar to the Grenson "Bert" (5 eyelets) I posted above.

**MacLowlife** · 17th September 11, 08:35 AM

I just got these shoes, which were made by Grenson, but may be marketed by Shipton and Heneage. They have a little decoration, but not the usual.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260844485684...84.m1439.l2649

I think they are fine for Highland Dress- dressy Highland Dress. I don't recommend them for hillwalking. I have some with no decoration at all and I prefer that, but the perfed "cap" is a nice touch, because it calls attention to the lack of a cap.

Lest anyone wonder, I think they are 100 - 200 pound shoes, not 500 pound shoes. The heel surface is all rubber and there is no visible stitching on the soles. Can someone explain- is there a welting / attachment technique that completely hides the sole stitching, or are these soles glued on, as I suspect?

(sorry for the hijack)

**mayberry** · 17th September 11, 08:57 AM

I bought these from Zappos last year, and they have been great. I only use them for dress indoor wear/dancing. They are kidskin, so not suited for any rough-and-tumble, but especially at the price (and I think I got them on sale for even less than the $55 USD they go for now) they were good value.

http://www.zappos.com/giorgio-brutin...-black-kidskin

Cheers,
John

**xman** · 17th September 11, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

True enough! She has looked at this thread though, and is now favouring #2 from the original post, which has also found some favour amongst the Rabble...

I was wrong then and have changed my mind and she is still right and always was. See how easy that is?

re. straight bar lacing vs. cross hatching
That is the WRONG way to do that. Do not skip more than one hole as you lace upwards or you will pull the flaps diagonally as you tighten the laces and run the risk of having the 'long' lace show from beneath the flap (what's it called there above the tongue?) particularly with more holes. I also find it less comfortable than how I suggest.

**Father Bill** · 17th September 11, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by xman

re. straight bar lacing vs. cross hatching
That is the WRONG way to do that. Do not skip more than one hole as you lace upwards or you will pull the flaps diagonally as you tighten the laces and run the risk of having the 'long' lace show from beneath the flap (what's it called there above the tongue?) particularly with more holes. I also find it less comfortable than how I suggest.

Respectfully, I did note above that it takes a little getting used to, and that's exactly one of the things that does happen until you get used to how to do it effectively. I used to have that problem, but with a bit of finesse, no more.