Sunday 19 September 2021

What's afoot?


Rather than depress Weave again (I reserve the right to do so in the future though) today I am going to moan about my feet. Blame Weave, not me.

I am desperately trying to save my three pairs of Crockett and Jones boots for future use. I just cannot bear the idea of never wearing them again but I cannot take three steps in them without bad pain, so as a last ditch attempt I am stretching them to see if they will accommodate my rapidly deforming feet. Something has to change, and it isn't going to be my feet.

All these boots are size 12, but I have just bought a cheap pair of size 13 (below) which I wore for the first time yesterday. They work. They cause no more pain than I am normally in, and what is more I think they look alright.

If the worst comes to the worst, I will sell all three of my C&Js and put the money toward a new pair, size 13 wide fit. Even well-used these boots still command a price comparable to a new pair of ordinary shoes, but my problem is what colour to get.

I use the brown ones the most, but every now and then I have to attend funerals and/or weddings where only black will suffice. I may have to go to these functions in trainers, then slip on the black C&Js is the church when nobody is looking. The congregation will be so overcome with either grief or joy that I should be able to get away with it.

There again, I could always spend about £1,200 on two pairs.



31 comments:

  1. I love your C&J boots. I think you should get a black pair size 13 ….. they will go with everything and be appropriate at any function ! The cheaper brown ones will be fine as well. XXXX

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    1. I have to disagree. Black shoes - in my opinion - do not go with brown trousers, for instance.

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  2. The top ones look really narrow for a man's foot - presumably you were measured for them at the time? The bottom pair look great, so why would you say "I think they look alright"?
    Depending on what we normally wear, our feet do spread as we get older - in my 20s I wore size 4.5 shoes, I now wear size 6. I think you should get your feet measured - at least then you would know. Maybe 14 would be even more comfortable!

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    1. Those C&J shoes were off the shelf. Made to measure, they would be around £3,000 a pair. I think the others look alright because they cost under £20 and are not real leather.

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  3. Buy yourself a new pair. Widening feet are inevitable and the trouble with wearing tight, too narrow shoes (as I have found) is that it shows on your face! Those C and Js are exquisite - no other word for it Tom. I have a similar probem with Cashmirjumpers. I adore them and have a few but they are expensive and need careful, loving treatment when they are washed. My carer does my washing out of the goodness of her heart and no way am I going to ask her to hand wash Cashmir. So this winter I have bought half a dozen cheaper jumpers - not ideal but machine-washable. And I am hardly likely to go anywhere. So I hae bitten the bullet.
    Incidentally at the last few funerals I have attended all manner of clothing including footwear has been worn. Sadly sstandards have slipped.

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    1. H.I. is a Cashmere fanatic. I know the care which is taken. I would never wear brown shoes to either a funeral or a wedding, Weave.

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  4. You seems to be known for your sartorial elegance ….in shoes

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  5. What exactly is the problem with your feet? Is it something that can be remedied, medically.

    Feets must be comfortable. Life's too short for ill fitting shoes.

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    1. A problem which many people have. Arthritis which cannot be cured, only mitigated.

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    2. *GAAAHHHHH!!!!* Arthritis in your feet sounds God-AWFUL. I didn't even know you could GET arthritis in your feet.

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    3. You can get it anywhere you have bones.

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  6. Well I have no idea about your shoes except I wish you well and that you get what you want.

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    1. That would be better than getting what I deserve.

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  7. I first had to go up a half size aged 40.

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    1. Me too. I started as 10.5 and then they dropped half sizes.

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  8. We have become addicted to the show "Repair Shop" and last night watched the episode where a metal shoe stretcher was restored. The woman who owned it said it takes days for shoes to stretch, so maybe get thee to a cobbler who will do it for you? Lovely shoes are lovely when they fit.

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  9. I don't know what you can do. I wish you well and what you wish. Let us know. Is that shoe stretcher wood or metal? I think metal and moisture work the best. There, I do know what you might do, and how.

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    1. It's plastic. Maybe I will go to a professional.

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  10. I also like good leather shoes and have my fair share. Comfort is very essential and hopefully you will be able to stretch your C&J's and make them fit comfortably.

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  11. I can relate to your foot problems. Mine are the bane of my life. I never thought that it could be my damn feet that would cause me so many problems in later life. If my current pair of shoes ever wear out I am in real trouble as my wardrobe is otherwise full of useless cast offs.

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    1. When you are not in pain, our energy levels are so much higher. Back pain makes everyone feel old, young or not.

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  12. I have just given away two pairs of boots, very smart and nearly new but crippling.

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  13. Arg, foot pain is a huge drag. I have had to retire a few pairs of treasured boots myself. Now I wear either cushy trainers or Birkenstocks. The weather here nearly supports the year-round wearing of sandals, but I'd rather cover up the feet now and again! Hope you are able to successfully stretch the boots so that they may be more comfy.

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    1. My feet are getting better now. Things are in constant change.

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  14. I was advised that two secondhand items one should never buy or wear are footwear and hats because each contain the sweaty impurities of their former owner.

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  15. Hopefully, you can make the C&Js again work for you! It's such a shame to have to let go of a super-duper-high-quality item. If, indeed, they have to go, Birkenstock's 'Bryson' laced ankle boot for men is a non too ugly thing. Might work for hurty feet. Don't know what to do about the black shoe requirement, though.

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    1. America makes the best shirts. Better than Jermyn Street's finest. That' all I am going to add.

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