Vintage Allen Edmonds
Special Order – Circa 1970
Genuine Sharkskin
Full Wing-Tip Derby Brogue
Euro 650

Judging from the workmanship and treatment of the lining, this shoe most likely dates from the 1970’s. These marvelous Sharkskin Full Brogues are beautifully hand-lasted, Goodyear welted, entirely edge-bound. The skins are soft and pliable as new. Sharkskin is extremely durable, understandably water resistant and equally resistant to dyeing. The original colour of most of these skins is a reddish-brown undertone with a superficial second colour on the raised surfaces, typically another tone of brown.

This material, among the rarest from which shoes can be made, far more rare than any Alligator shoe, possesses a quiet elegance that signal extremes of luxury without the slightest ostentation, a glamourous shoe, extravagantly elegant in the handwork, finishing and materials and still absolutely understated.

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. One does see quite some variation from one pair to the next in the selection of skins; these being a rather longer grain than used in the usual examples. The effect is sleek and very elegant.

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 of special order Brogues are nothing less than works of art, museum-pieces, 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. Goodyear welted, of course!

Size Details:

Shoe Condition:

Excellent, tops like new, bottoms all original and lightly worn,