Short Toe Box Sole Sewed on Bottom
I'm 8/8.5 width being same the half size is 1/8" longer. These were 8.5 & the fit well w/thin dress socks. Top grain leather is nice and rigid, but as soon as you take a step you will crease the top at the bend.These were NOS drivers that employ a thin rubber sole w/extended tips/nibs, of various diameter at the heel & front, that protrude thru holes in the leather w/3" of leather only space in the middle. The outside bottom leather is sewn to the rubber sole. Stitches encircle both front and back w/three lines for each crossing from inside to outside. A much thicker Texon, T507, cellulose insole is glued on top. Mine were both marked 8. What's the dif in 8 vs 8.5? One-eight inch length. I suppose to minimize waste one T507insole is cut from bottom up obscuring the pressed identification markers that are only present on the top. Manufactured in Indonesia.The removeable insole is thick w/nice spring complimented w/high arch. The perforated leather lining is about half the thickness of the exterior top grain leather. The thick T507 insole stabilizes the shoe and prevents easy bending of say a suede house shoe/slipper. In time it will loosen up even more as it is broken in.Thin rubber soles w/leather sewn on the bottom will insure that you do not walk w/these in rain/wet grass. The rubber nubs are great for walking on thicker carpet and though a drives I bought these to wear around the house instead of house shoe.Nothing special about the vamp though it is also lined, but the rolled over/double layer of full grain leather, about 3/4", sewn w/perforated lining the full length of the opening provides strength to the sides allowing the leather to maintain shape so long as a shoehorn is used.My main issue is the toe box lacks the proper height. When I step my big toenail, both sides, pushes up/against the leather. I'm sure w/time the leather will stretch, yet for now it is somewhat annoying. The rest of the fit is spot on & I fear if I tried to accommodate the toe box the remaining fit would suffer.On sale, NOS for around 70 odd clams seems to suggest a decent enough deal. That will hinge on how long the rubber nubs last. So far so good.