• English

• Church’s/Dack’s Canada
  Sharkskin Wholecut Oxford
  Euro 650

  This genuine  Sharkskin Wholecut is one of the great exotic leather shoes of yesteryear. Difficulties interpreting and negotiating the varying endangered species legislation of the many countries to which these and other exotics were exported made continuing their manufacture impractical and most were discontinued by the mid-1970s. This example represents the beautiful traditional work still produced at the time, especially as the wholecut shoe, employing a single skin for the entire shoe, with only one seam in the back, is a testament to fine craftmanship.  In terms of rarity, in twenty years, this is the only wholecut sharkskin shoe I have ever seen.

  At once dressy (for color and sleek design) and relaxed (for its lovely grained leather,  this durable, comfortable and overarchingly elegant Oxford is worthy of the most advanced collector. Made for the American market, this was a very expensive shoe in its day; today it would priceless. If this shoe is your size, do not hesitate to add it to your collection.

  History of the firm: In 1834, an Irish immigrant shoemaker, Matthew Dack, when opened a shop at the corner of King and Jordan streets in downtown Toronto. He offered bespoke shoes and boots to those few who could afford such luxuries in what was then a settlement of a mere 10,000 people. Dack’s remained a small family concern for over 80 years, with a shop in front and work rooms in back, only beginning expansion after the First World War, opening stores in Winnipeg, Montreal and eventually across Canada. Dack’s was sold to AH Marston Corp. of Toronto, in 1948, which in turn sold the company to the English shoemaker Church & Co. Ltd. in the 1960s. From that date forward, many shoes made by Dack’s, particularly the exotic leather shoes for which they were famous, were marketed by Church’s. In perfect symmetry, Church’s Custom Grade shoes were marketed in Canada under the Dack’s label.  The inevitable decline came when Prada bought Church’s in the early 2000s. Even as they undermined the Church’s label, they sold off Dack’s in 2007 to yet another private equity firm who soon bankrupted the venerable old shoemaker out of existence and sold the name to the present owners who offer Dack’s shoes in name only.  A familiar story; quality on-shore, hand-made product succumbing to market forces, consolidation and decline. Happily, for the sharp-eyed, there still remain a few fine examples of Dack’s craftsmanship from their heyday.

  Size Details

  UK 8.5E.......US 9.5D.....Continental 42.5D, correct for the medium foot.

  Condition

  Superb condition. Tops showing no wear and only modereate creasing. Original bottoms showing moderate wear with slight rounding of rubber heels (easily replaced in a year or two, if needed).

Out of stock