It’s a pretty diverse range of shoes that come into our Port Washington factory every week for Recrafting ™. Many of them look like they are at least 20, even 30 years old, and have seen a lot of living. Some are styles discontinued long ago. In today’s throw-away world, we’re proud to make shoes that last so long and are such a great investment.
Recently, we received a pair of
shoes that were very unusual – and just plain fun to see. An Allen Edmonds friend from Southern California sent in a pair of Strawfuts that are at least 60 years old. In the days before air conditioning, keeping customers’ feet cool and comfortable also led to a styling opportunity. The air-flow mesh is made of nylon for durability and, at their advanced age, they sure did hold up well. They must have been saved for special occasions because these shoes had never been touched by a cobbler – the soles were the originals and in pretty good shape. The heels were worn down, though, so we replaced them, fixed a couple of tears and loose seams, and then refinished the leather. It’s interesting to imagine these shoes in their early years. I picture somebody wearing a Mark Twain white linen summer suit, maybe a straw hat to ward off the sun, and these Strawfuts. If shoes could talk, I wonder what stories these would tell…
Best wishes,
Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Recently, we received a pair of
shoes that were very unusual – and just plain fun to see. An Allen Edmonds friend from Southern California sent in a pair of Strawfuts that are at least 60 years old. In the days before air conditioning, keeping customers’ feet cool and comfortable also led to a styling opportunity. The air-flow mesh is made of nylon for durability and, at their advanced age, they sure did hold up well. They must have been saved for special occasions because these shoes had never been touched by a cobbler – the soles were the originals and in pretty good shape. The heels were worn down, though, so we replaced them, fixed a couple of tears and loose seams, and then refinished the leather. It’s interesting to imagine these shoes in their early years. I picture somebody wearing a Mark Twain white linen summer suit, maybe a straw hat to ward off the sun, and these Strawfuts. If shoes could talk, I wonder what stories these would tell…
Best wishes, Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
