Welted shoes are great, who knew?

davecoreyApril 2, 2026
  • Oldspeed MFG ShoeHorween Navy Chromexcel Strips
  • Timeline photo 1
    Worn 6 months
    Timeline photo 2
    Worn 5 months
    Timeline photo 3
    Worn 4 months
    Timeline photo 4
    Worn 3 months
    Timeline photo 5
    Worn 2 months
    Timeline photo 6
    Worn about 1 month
    Timeline photo 7
    Worn 1 day

    Maker

    Oldspeed MFG

    Model

    Shoe

    Leather

    Last

    1942 Last

    US Men's Brannock: 8.5C HTB/9 HTT

    1942 Last: 9B/D

    Whole thang custom

    Sole

    Heel

    Use & wear

    Physical Work
    Leisure

    Worn to work for the first month, then only once a week or so for 5 months. Definitely took a back seat to the russet horse strip pair.

    Leather

    Horween Navy Chromexcel Strips

    Not a lot of change yet, no teacore and still very glossy. Break in was quick. These got one condition with Bick 4 and were brushed every single wear.

    Fit

    1942 Last: 9B/DUS Men's Brannock: 8.5C HTB/9 HTT
    Comfort
    Heel
    Arch
    Toe Box
    Length Feels Right
    Volume Feels Right
    Ball Feels Right
    Satisfied with the Fit

    Supremely comfortable with a very nice tight heel and roomy forefoot. Arch support is good. Shoes are lighter and allow more range of movement than boots, no surprise there.

    Craftsmanship

    Oldspeed MFG Shoe
    Lining
    Construction
    Finishing

    I’m biased but I think the craftsmanship is great :)

    Sole & heel

    Vibram 269 Westerner10 months, current sole
    Traction
    Comfort
    Design

    It’s a classic and for street use it offers 95% of the grip of a 430 minilug. The thin waist makes the waist of the shoe even sexier.

    Vibram 430Worn for 10 months, current heel
    Traction

    Great grip and balance.

    Final thoughts

    Would Recommend

    Love this pair and this last, can’t wait to wear them more.

    Written by davecorey
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