Objects of Affection: Quoddy Maliseet Oxford from Leffot

Leffot’s special make up of Quoddy’s Maliseet Oxford is yet another well done piece in a very solid run of custom editions that the NY store has comissioned from the Maine-based shoemakers. This post may be coming hot on the heels of a separate footwear freakout, but believe me when I say this piece is well deserving of some attention.

Done in a very autumn-friendly British Tan and made from Horween Chromexcel leather, it’s a damn fine option to keep the moc love rolling now that we’ve hit September. That honey camp sole is a great color, giving the shoe a tonal vibe without veering into monochromatic territory.

True to the Quoddy pedigree, it’s all handmade using traditional methods in the ME shop and built to last for ages. As I’m sure you’re well aware, that sort of painstaking construction comes at a premium. These guys will run you $250, but it’s worth it.

Also, be warned: they’ll stretch. Size down accordingly.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Leffot)

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Objects of Affection: Oak Street Bootmakers Fall 2010 Collection

Oak Street Bootmakers is a brand new company that’s made a very strong showing right out of the gate with its Fall 2010 collection. Many thanks to James from Secret Forts and to Ryan Plett for bringing them to my attention.

The shoes are all designed in Chicago by native George Vlagos, who learned the trade by apprenticing as a cobbler his father’s shop. The production is done by hand in Maine by craftsmen with 20+ years of experience.

Components are top shelf as well. All the leather is Horween Chromexcel, which is extremely durable but still pliable and comfortable (the result of an intense–and exclusive–series of treatments during tanning). The rubber sole options are done by Vibram. And all of the shoes and boots feature replaceable soles. This makes for a much longer lifespan, as you can simply resole and keep on truckin’ with your well-worn, well-loved uppers.

The shapes for the debut are all classics: there’s a boat shoe, a trail oxford (which strikes me as quite similar to your basic blucher moc, but no complaints), and two versions of a penny loafer for sale online now. Soon to be seen: a chukka, a work boot, and a hunt boot.

I’m certainly looking forward to seeing that hunt boot, myself, but that’s not to say there isn’t a solid selection available already. There is. In fact I could sincerely see myself buying up the whole lot in an alternate universe where money is no object and nothing ever sells out.

But alas, I won’t be buying the entire collection. Not just because I don’t have the funds, but because some the innaguaral offerings are already gone. Most prices hover around the low to mid $200s, which is very reasonable considering the materials and methods employed in their creation. So it’s not really shocking that folks are scooping ‘em up quick.

At the time of this writing, both of the penny loafer options and the navy trail oxfords have sold out. Tragic, but at least the photographs remain.

The rest of the line is heading the same way, and fast. If you’re looking to score a pair for yourself and avoid further tragedy, get on it now.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Oak Street Bootmakers)

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Objects of Affection: Quoddy Boat Shoes and Deck Chukkas in Black Chromexcel Leather

The Quoddy boat shoe and deck chukka here are both hand-made in Maine and done up in water resistant Chromexcel leather from Horween. They’re also lined in glove leather, and the white deck sole is stitched on and replaceable so you can keep on wearing ‘em for ages.

For an added bonus, they’re currently on sale at Tres Bien Shop.

The boat shoe is down from €190.00 to €132. For folks outside the EU there’s that additional 20% off (no value added tax for us), which equates to €105.60, or a meager $134 US. They usually run about $225, so that’s a pretty respectable markdown (even accounting for the unfavorable exchange rate).

The deck chukka is down from €222 to €153. Apply the same math for the price for statesiders and you’re looking at about $155 (vs. the usual $275). Not bad.

If you’re in the market for something from Quoddy, it seems that now’s the time to pull the trigger.

I’m sure they’re going fast, so get over to Tres Bien quick if you want ‘em.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Tres Bien Shop)

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Objects of Affection: Alden x Context Roy Boot

Here’s one for all of you out there that do the whole “delayed gratification” thing well: The Alden x Context Roy Boot.

Available now for pre-order, these guys won’t drop in the real world until October. Kinda goes without saying that you can only get them through the Madison, WI shop, but just in case: Available exclusively at Context.

Though the overall silhouette is damn good looking (without question), the real beauty of these boots lies in the materials and the construction.

The Roy is made of Horween‘s Chromexcel leather. It’s sturdy as hell and has a rich, deep brown color. As it ages, the leather will soften, and the original coloring will give way to burgundy and tan undertones (check out this post — which I’ve actually referenced before because it’s fantastic — to learn more).

Then there’s the sole: Plantation crepe and attached with a Goodyear welt, it’s supported with a triple ridged steel shank for a solid combination of comfort, durability, and stability (and replace-ability, once you finally wear it down, which I hear takes ages). There’s also a leather toe patch, which looks really nice, though I’ll admit I don’t fully understand its function. The insole is full vegetable-tanned leather, which is flexible and breathable and will eventually conform to the wearer’s foot. Another point for comfort!

Top it all off with flat, waxed leather laces and an eye hook lacing system for good measure, put it together to Alden’s exacting standards, and you’re good to go.

A few more shots for your viewing pleasure:

Available for pre-order now at Context for $445, the Roy is definitely in the “investment  piece” space.  You have to pay in full for the pre-order, but that’s because it’s a very limited release that’s sure to generate a lot more demand than there is supply. Don’t sleep!

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Context)

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