Top Siders: Played out or ubiquitous for a reason?

[j44ke]

I think when in doubt go for as authentic as possible. Thus the Quoddy instinct is a good one to follow. As is perhaps the double-soled canoe moc - Minnetonka is the easiest to get, but there are quite a few Maine and Minnesota makers who are better. Arrow. MacRostie. Gokey. They all make good bluchers too, which I would be more likely to buy than a boat shoe. I think blue boat shoes should be reserved for retirees in Florida and hip hop stars.

LL Bean has resurrected some of their classic designs in a "Signature" series - don't know if they are as durable as the old shoes they made. Used to be very good. But they have some nice shoes, like the hand sewn ranger moc. I'd do those before I even looked at a boat shoe.

[dashDustin]

wait...so these are worn outside of the college frat daddy crowd? woah.

[nahtnoj]

So I'm seeing a lot of made in 'merica boat shoes in the $250-300 range.

Some US made footwear - Bean Boots, some Red Wings - have little to no domestic production premium. Boat shoes - not so much.

Anybody got a line on something domestic in the $100-150 range? Still 2.5x the price of my current Timberlands which did just fine over 7 or so years.

[soupless]

So I'm seeing a lot of made in 'merica boat shoes in the $250-300 range.

Some US made footwear - Bean Boots, some Red Wings - have little to no domestic production premium. Boat shoes - not so much.

Anybody got a line on something domestic in the $100-150 range? Still 2.5x the price of my current Timberlands which did just fine over 7 or so years.

Gokey is supposedly made in USA. About $200 at Orvis or other internet locations.
But yea, it looks like $300 is the going rate for MUSA boat shoes.

[shanerpvt]

Not boat shoes, but here is a pic of my Quoddy Chukka(s). I wore them in and out of cabinet shops all day today.......worth every penny!

cheers,
shaner

[redturbo]

Summer means white top siders.

[chasea]

Redwings saves the day again.
Red Wing - Handsewn Collection - Made in Maine | Selectism.com

Also, these would be a good alternative.
Keds - Brooks Brothers - Ripstop - Sneakers | Selectism.com

[al415]

Redwings saves the day again.
Red Wing - Handsewn Collection - Made in Maine | Selectism.com

Also, these would be a good alternative.
Keds - Brooks Brothers - Ripstop - Sneakers | Selectism.com

Those blue Red Wings are quite nice! I was really let down by last pair of red wings I bought though: A moc toed boot with vibram sole. They didn't even last six months before both soles began to split. I was amazed!

EDIT:

I clicked on the Keds after posting above. I might have to jump on the blue ones; I want something I can wear sockless this summer... Some nice details on those.

[962]

Heh. Considered some along with blue blazer—brass buttons of course. Throwback to prep school days.

[nahtnoj]

I'm looking at the Redwing website and I'm not seeing everything that is shown in the video, although they do have a section for the handsewn collection....

[shanerpvt]

YO!


Men's Quoddy® for J.Crew navy Cavalier leather and calico suede boat moccasins - shoes - Men's new arrivals - J.Crew

[chasea]

I'm looking at the Redwing website and I'm not seeing everything that is shown in the video, although they do have a section for the handsewn collection....

Probably not available until spring or summer.

Here's the company that's making them:
Rancourt & Co.

[RickM]

Gokey is supposedly made in USA. About $200 at Orvis or other internet locations.
But yea, it looks like $300 is the going rate for MUSA boat shoes.

Gokey now is not anywhere near what Gokey was back when Gokey was Gokey. I have a pair that are now about 24 years old and still going strong. My old man had a pair of the old bullhide snakeproof boots that he bought in the mid-1950's and he was wearing them the day he died in 1997. I am not sure who really makes Gokeys now. They are stiil handsome boots and shoes and way better made then most of what is out there. Take a look at the boots and shoes that Filson sells, too. they are pretty okay...although again..Filson ain't what Filson was back when Filson was Filson........

[omnigrid]

So I'm seeing a lot of made in 'merica boat shoes in the $250-300 range.

Some US made footwear - Bean Boots, some Red Wings - have little to no domestic production premium. Boat shoes - not so much.

Anybody got a line on something domestic in the $100-150 range? Still 2.5x the price of my current Timberlands which did just fine over 7 or so years.

I'd consider a pair of the Arrow Two Eyed Moc.

[chasea]

Yup..
http://www.thenaturalshoestore.com/i...opr_oprid=3245
http://www.thenaturalshoestore.com/i...opr_oprid=3246
http://www.thenaturalshoestore.com/i...opr_oprid=3244