Florsheim Imperial
Black Plain Front Derby
Euro 7200

“The finest and most durable shoe ever made in America.”
“The last of its kind”

I think it is fair to say that this is among the most rare (and most desirable) American classics of the last century. Not only is this model far scarcer even than Florsheim’s own Full Brogue model, but the best pieces of leatherl are reserved for what is, practically speaking, a “wholecut” shoe, that is to say, a shoe who’s upper is made from one piece of leather. Unlike the Full Brogue made from several smaller pieces of leather, imperfections cannot be tolerated or worked around in the plain front shoe. Indeed, the piece of leather chosen for this shoe presents a depth of colour superior to almost any. even among the other similar Florsheims. In brief, in this day and age, this shoe is a great rarity, one that will never come again in this size and condition (new and unused) by Florsheim, the greatest American shoemaker of the 20th century.

Florsheim’s build quality is legendary. The massive oak-tanned channelled double sole, the additional 360 degree “split reverse welt” (the so-called “storm welt” -see close-up) and the heel, armoured with a double row of hand-set nails and tri-angular cleat remain unrivalled even after 40 years. With its soft and inviting lining in buttery tan calfskin glove leather, this is a shoe irreproducible today at this or any price.

This relatively large size is a godsend for a big or heavy man, any man hard on his shoes.. You will be walking out of several pair of shoes while this one serves you decade after decade. If this is your size, do not wait for another to come along -it won’t- this is, as mentioned above, surely the last of its kind.

Postage: Innerhalb Deutschlands Euro 6,90; France Euro 14,20; Japan and theFar East Euro 28,10…US $12.