I love my Florsheim shoes pretty much the same way some people love their pets. The older they get, the most affection they get from me. This love affair goes back a long time.
I saw a Florsheim shoe for the first time when I traveled to New York in October of 1980. I was being promoted to Sales Supervisor of marine fuels and lubes by Texaco and had to spend 15 days in New York and 15 days in London and Brighton to shape me up. It was be best experience in my life. But that’s another story.
In New York, I was staying at the Roosevelt Hotel; the same hotel where famous musician Guy Lombardo played for thirty years. On a cold Sunday afternoon, I decided to go out and explore the city. It was time to meet the beast face to face. I went window shopping at Manhattan’s famous Fifth Avenue.
The windows displays were gorgeous. It was October and the stores were getting ready to make the big killing in December. In one of those windows I spotted the most beautiful shoes I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t resist the temptation of taking a closer look. Only to look I said, since my budget was extremely limited and I was in foreign lands. When I exited the store, my Net Worth had decreased by $50. Plastic money helped me out—Visa.
Since then, I’ve been completely faithful to Florsheim shoes. Not even once have I faltered in my love affair with this leather product. Even as we speak, I have four pairs of Florsheim shoes. They are the only ones I have. Here they are:
Photograph of the original shoes I purchased in New York in 1980. They have been with me for just about 29 years. The same number of years I've been married to my wife.
This is a Kenmoor 17109 Florsheim shoe. The Kenmoor classic long wing tip brogue dress shoe has either a heritage calfskin leather or pebble grain cashmere calf leather upper, and is fully leather lined. This shoe features a double leather sole with Goodyear Welt construction for exceptional durability. The Kenmoor is also part of the Florsheim Imperial line, which represents only the finest leathers and craftsmanship. It has a price tag of $225. Ouch!
Photograph of another pair of Kenmoor 1709 Florsheim shoes. These are newer shoes, but I can't remember when I bought them. They have been repaired twice and look like new, as you can see.
Photograph of a pair of FLS Berkley Penny ST 30253 Florsheim shoes. These shoes are so soft on your feet, they compete with tennis shoes. They are made in China. They haven't been to the shoe repair shop yet.
Photograph of my new classic Berkley Florsheim shoes in Burgundy color. I have used them only a couple of times. I love its casual style.
The Berkley beef-roll penny loafer is made with a genuine hand sewn moccasin construction, and features a leather upper and a durable leather sole. This is a classic Florsheim shoe and sells for $90 which is not a bad deal.
Well guys, these are my babies. They are so durable I’m sure they will outlive me.
Before I close the post, I know the photographs above suck. The tungsten lamp light above the shoes was too strong, which gave the pictures a bluish tint. I apologize for that; but as you know, I’m still learning the ropes in photography. I promise to keep on studying. Good Day.
Edit: With the colaboration of my friend Michael Moor, a professional photographer, I replaced the previous photographs with new ones enhanced by Michael. I wish to thank him for his assistance and support in making Lingua Franca a better blog.
Somewhere along the experiences in my life I forgot shoe quality. I used to wear Florsheim shoes and then had five kids and they all needed shoes and to get them I got cheaper shoes for myself. Now I buy whatever fits and feels good at Walmart. All made in China, using something that looks like leather. They last until I get another pair but usually about ten years. I had been wearing a walking shoe or a running type shoe but I don’t/can’t walk nowadays so I wear leather houseslippers with a rubber sole. Also made in China.
Hello Abe:
As the globe rotates, more and more products are being made in China.
In Panama everywhere you go, you see Chinese goods. Now the government is planning to buy 420 Chinese buses.
The way it goes, I’d better start taking Mandarin lessons.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us Abe. They mean so much to me, as you well know.
Take Care,
Omar.-
“They are so durable I’m sure they will outlive me.”
What is your shoe size? (smile)
Very interesting article. I have owned a pair of Florsheim shoes. And, they were very good shoes.
Hi Michael:
My shoe size is 6 1/2 D which is quite small. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I felt like a little kid getting it all together with my wife last night, just before you called.
I just got your e-mail with the retouched photo. You are a magician with photographs. Thanks a lot. I’ll try to insert your version as soon as I finish this comment.
Take care,
Omar.-
Where in China can we get Florsheim’s. Shanghai? I’m in Chaohu, China.
Hi James:
I really don’t know. I know my shoes came from China because there’s a small cloth label that says, “Made in China”. If I were you I’d look Florsheim in the telephone directory and call them up either at Shanghai or Chaohu.
If Chinese is not your cup of tea, maybe your hotel people can give you a helping hand. They should be fully bilingual—Chinese/English.
Good luck,
Omar.-
I just bought a pair of Florsheim “Dublin” style deerskin all leather shoes on sale in Sydney. They are the only leather shoes I have found with a removable insole, which I need as I wear orthotics.
The fit is good (I have difficulty getting shoes to fit me), the quality looks great but I have a nagging doubt as they are made in China and I had a bad experience with Chinese made Rockports. I am hopeful the actual quality fulfils the look. I guess time will tell.
The large sizing was a surprise as size 6 (Australian) fitted me. They are the same as my old European made Rockports which are Australian size 7 (USA 8).
Hello Brian:
My China-made Florsheim shoes have performed very well. I’ve had them for the last seven years and they look almost like new. I wish the same results for your new pair of shoes.
Florsheim is good quality.
Regards,
Omar.-