Formal Buckle Shoes

[MacLowlife]

MoR, I can tell you that stepping into a puddle with both feet is no picnic, either. My "velvet" slippers are ectually suede, which is just a little sturdier- and it smells even worse when you get it wet.




But calling me a gentleman is usually either an act of generosity or sarcasm...

[Matt Richards]

I'm interesting in getting a pair of the men's buckle shoes made by Jas. Townsend & Sons. Has anyone had any experience with them? How do they stack up against the Fugawee shoes? How is the fit -- do they run small or large as far as standard shoe sizes go? I see that Townsend only do straight last -- how hard are they to break in?

[Downunder Kilt]

I have a pair of the Jas Townsends straight lasted and find them fine to wear.
When I ordered them I told them my shoe size in Australian sizes and they knew the size to send. When you first get them and set the buckle they feel snug, after wearing them just once I found that I had to reset the buckle tighter as they do loosen up somewhat (about a quarter inch adjustment in my case) As for the straight last, yes it does feel weird a first, but I find no discomfort when wearing them. One word of caution, they are not a dress shoe, as in dancing pump. They are an outdoor shoe and are as heavy as good quality leather soled ghillie brogue. I also had the local cobbler put rubber heal soles on mine. I have also spit polished the toe area on mine without too much hassel

[Matt Richards]

Excellent! I'm definitely looking for something that will work for outdoor wear.