Rider Boot Co. founder Ron Rider rolls back into the Big Apple on Thursday November 5th, 11 am – 7 pm for a new show at Leffot. Ron pulls out all the stops when it comes to samples, leathers and colors. If you’re a boot guy you won’t want to miss it.

Yesterday was quite a unique day; it was the first time all the shoes we sold were by a single manufacturer. I’m not surprised they were Alden’s but it was unusual. Two guys were so excited about their new shoes they trashed their old pair and wore the new ones out of the store.

Here they are before and after; it’s not surprising they wore the new ones out.

Before; Prada Sport

After; Alden 947 All Weather Walker Brown Alpine Grain

Before; Pantofola D’oro

After; Alden 1492 Brown Suede Chukka, Flex Welt Soles

In hindsight it probably had something to do with the fact that Floyd Gilmore a.k.a. “Mr. Alden” was here for a good part of the afternoon. Floyd is the northeast rep for Alden, and is no rookie either. He’s now in his 53 year with the company. If there’s ever anything want to know about Alden, Floyd’s your man.

By all accounts Wolverine has hit a home run with the release of their 1000 Mile Boots. We have received inquiries from all over the world, and shipped boots from Australia, to Singapore.

1000 Mile Boots in Black, and Rust

We’re doing our best to keep our stock full but it’s not easy given the demand. Visit the Wolverine website to read the “Retailer Spotlight” featuring the 1000 Mile boots at Leffot.

Two EG MTO’s arrived recently, each a favorite derby and oxford of mine. I own a pair of the Perth and have a pair of Falkirk on order.

Perth 888 last Burgundy Crup – MTO

Falkirk 888 last Burnt Pine – MTO

I really love the brouging on the Falkirk; the thistle toe medallion in particular is quite exceptional.

Fall is here in full force, don’t worry be happy.

Alden 1493 Snuff Suede Chukka’s, Psycho Bunny Checker Scarf, Borsalino Ivy Plaid Cap

Hats and shoes are what take an ordinary outfit to the next level. It doesn’t have to be dressy in fact it can be quite casual. It’s all about details and accessories. These two new Borsalino caps are a perfect way to add a dash of sophistication and style to your fall wardrobe.

Duckbill in Grey Herringbone 100% wool, Made in Italy – Sold Out

Belted Ivy Plaid 100% wool, Made in Italy – Sold Out

The Corthay Arca Boucle is younger than it sibling derby but it’s been quite a favorite. I think it’s interesting to look at the same shoe in a variety of colors. Color provokes powerful emotions, which are different in each of us. You may not like a particular shoe when seen in an unappealing color and assume you don’t like the model but when seen in “your” color it’s a new shoe entirely.

I applaud those guys that have the vision to see a shoe in their mind and go for it. Isn’t that what made to order is all about?

From time to time we present MTO shoes that have been made in several different colors.

Cherry Red and Granny Apple piping – MTO

Veau Lie d Vin – MTO

Bergeronette Box – MTO

Bois de Rose – MTO

Come to think of it we did the same in the Sandringham post below.

Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen. It’s also a majestic EG shoe with plenty of rich brouging and punched thistle detail on the side. These two MTO’s are both great looking, and perfect for autumn wear.

888 Last; Brown Crup* Heavy Burnishing on H/A/F* soles with Fudge Welt* – MTO

The Leffot Exclusive A.W. Sandringham

888; Edwardian Antique Heavy Burnishing on H/A/F sole – MTO

*Crup is the English term for Cordovan.

*The EG H/A/F soles are double leather at the forepart and single weight at the waist.

*A fudge welt is also referred to as a storm welt. It’s additional strip of leather that is sewn on the top of the welt.

These are my new Alden penny loafers in Genuine Horween shell cordovan, color 8. I haven’t worn penny loafers for such a long time; I forgot what I’ve been missing.  An easy comfortable fit, and classic styling, I’m particularly attracted to the hand sewn moc toes.

These are on the Van last, which like the Barrie is nice and round allowing plenty of room in the toe box. I can’t wait to get these nice and creased; it’s one of the things I love about shell cordovan.

Alden Penny Loafers on the Van Last in Genuine Horween Shell Cordovan Color 8.

Polishing your shoes does wonders for the appearance of the uppers, but what about the soles? How many of us take that extra step and dress the sole and heel edges?  A small detail to be sure but it makes a polished shoe look so much better.

Edge dressing has always been a tedious and messy project. In the past you’d open a bottle of liquid sole and heel dressing with an applicator attached to the top (if you were lucky) then coat the edges while trying hard not to get it on the uppers, the soles and your hands.

I’ve found a wonderful new way to make this process simple and painless. It’s sole edge dressing in an easy roll on applicator. This should be ranked right up there with Glue Stic, Post-it and Liquid Paper. Seriously, why is it that the most obvious inventions only appear so after their release?

Sole Edge and Heel Polish with Easy Roll on Applicator, in Black and Brown