Vintage Nettleton
Special Order – Circa 1970
Genuine Alligator
Split-Toe Norweger

Judging from the workmanship and treatment of the lining, this shoe most likely dates from the 1970’s. These marvelous Alligator Norwegians are beautifully hand-lasted, Goodyear welted, entirely edge-bound. The skins are soft and pliable as new; this pair is in superb condition and possesses a quiet elegance that signal extremes of luxury without the slightest ostentation.

The use of Sharkskin in the making of shoes, now no longer done for reasons of conservation, is a largely American phenomenon. The two major producers were Footjoy and Allen Edmonds but Florsehim and Nettleton did produce a limited number of these elegant shoes on special order. One does see quite some variation from one pair to the next in the selection of skins; these being a rather more pronounced grain than used in the usual examples. The effect is rather sleeker and very elegant. The colour is also absent the red undertones characteristic of many sharkskin shoes. A glamourous shoe, extravagantly elegant in the handwork, finishing and materials and still absolutely understated and without a hint of ostentation.
I cannot sufficiently emphasize the rarity of such a shoe. It is far more rare than any Alligator shoe, or, indeed, any other exotic skinned shoe. This vintage pair is nothing less than a work of art, destined for the passionate and knowledgeable collector. An indestructible and, not surprisingly, rather waterproof shoe. Only available today from a custom shoemaker, thus the replacement cost must be seen to be in the thousands. Certainly one of the most beautiful and glamourous shoes ever made in America, superior in construction, materials and appearance to any modern offering.