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Chris Casey Combo 66 – SUEDE BOOT GROOVE
Guys wanted to share this with the people that come on the website. Chris Casey is a really cool guy and has put this tune & video together. With a name like “Suede Boot Groove” we would be silly to ignore.
Chris Casey Combo ’66 – SUEDE BOOT GROOVE
© 2012 – 2014 Chris Casey.
Instrumental written by Chris Casey and performed by Combo ’66
Featuring:
Chris Casey (Guitar)
Colin Fleishacker (Bass)
Toby Surratt (Drums)
Recorded in August 2012.
A Guest blog, This time from Darron J Connett. Many of you will recognise him from Delicious Junction advertising and also the band “Last of The Troubadours”.
Lots is happening for him at the mo, he has been involved with the new shoe from DJ called the The Troubadour and the band are to tour with The Rifles.
Anyways he took the time to write us a piece on his 5 fav Mod shoes. Thanks fella and enjoy the article.
Darron J Connett – My Top Five Mod Shoes
As musician,singer,songwriter,modernist,indivisualist,stylist(to some) i love my clobber and 1s & 2s,rhythm & blues (shoes) how ever us londoners choose to call them theyre the things that hold you up all day so should be choosen wisely. Im no expert but i know what i like so here’s my top five mod shoes.
1. My favourite has to be the basket weave, good ones are hard to get and very expensive and to be honest they never last very long but what foot furniture they are. I remember the older gents in they’re gabbici’s and farahs in the 80s who always had crocks or bally weave on their feet thinking how smart it looked ,in west london it was very del boy or yardie chic but i remember when i got my first pair circa 2005 they were Hudson chrome Brubaker basket weave which i believe paul weller helped design.I still have them and bring them out for special ocassions and always look out for another special pair….
2.The desert boot is and always has been the casual day wear classic from the late 50s to the present day and i must own maybe 10 pairs in many colours,Brands from sand to red from clarks to Delicious junction and they always do the trick with jeans or dare i say it shorts in the summer.
A wardrobe staple.
3.Everyone should have a pair of loafers whether there penny, tasseled loakes bass oxblood or black they just simply are a very stylish ivy league type foot attire.Again look great with jeans or a suit.I prefer the slimmer type compared to the more northern soul 70s inspired ones but i own both,so grab your levis baracuta g9 white or red socks and you turn automatically into steve mcqueen…if only.
4.Gotta love the european driving loafer its uber cool in the summer,just imagine you in a vintage porshe on the Amalfi coast of italy with Grace kelly by your side.No socks though ever!!!!.
5.Now this one i guess divides opinion in the mod world but im fighting its corner in the name of style its the chelsea boot.Its very 60s beat band but with a sleek pair of strides on a well made suit or a skinny type jean they look Fab baby!!! obviously theres many brands but the black classic is the best for me which leads me on to the collabaration my band the last of the troubadours have done with Delicious junction
“The Troubadour” we found there wasnt a shoe type version and that needed to be ammended so with the good people of DJ we feel we’ve achieved just that.It still has the expanders on the sides but is low cut so as i said a shoe rather than a boot i hope you like the new member of the mod shoe family…
thanks..
Darron j Connett
Here is the facebook page for the band
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Last-of-the-Troubadours/231392100220545
Here is the shoes Darron has helped design. They are beautiful looking shoes, and make a good addition to any wardrobe.
Just been on holiday and took the DJ afterglows with me to wear in the evenings and see how they faired.
The shoes were really good and didnt get hot like trainers do. Before i have had to loosen or take of my trainers in the evening at dinner. With these it wasn’t the case, which i am really chuffed about.
Also it was nice to wear something that no one else had on.
In terms of the look they have done well, the suede is looking a little raggard but i did wear them on the beach several times. So sand got into them, but tonce dry the sand came out nice. Strangley some of the suede has gone wilder, meaning if you look in the video the main part of the shoe is made up of two parts. One side is as new the other less so.
Would i recommend this shoe for the summer?, yes i would it has been really good and i will be getting another pair for next year
One of the things I have always wanted to do is put as many of the shoes that we sell through their passes. With summer looming and some incredibly warm here in the UK, I decided let’s try out the Afterglows
Based on the Clark’s trekker. The shoe is leather upper, with the stitching going through the middle of the shoe, which extends up the tongue. On this shoe, the sole crepe sole is replaced with a more trainer based rubber sole.
The leather upper is corded and so not plain suede. The cord lines does make the shoe look a little less wide. Some desert boots and shoes like this suffer from being wide at the front and clown looking. I think dj have done a great job of getting the shoe looking slimmer, but retaining the classic look.
On first inspection I like the interplay between the normal leather and suede. The two leather compliment well and the stitching is also compliments well to them.
Wearing wise, I have had them on for five solid days and worn them at the office, on several dog walks, and out at a gig. So each time it has never been less than 7 hours each time.
In terms of wear the shoes have buffed up a little in suede, making it look a little rough in texture, but only a bit. The suede has stretched just like desert boots do. I must say the shoes are extremely comfortable and even in the hot weather we have had in the UK my feet have been noticeably cooler than trainers and desert boots.
These shoes are becoming a fav of mine for day to day already. Looking good with jeans at work, is a requirement for me most days. Smart but casual is most days for me. I am not convinced that they would work with a suit or even trousers, I think they are just to causal. The really look to me as something an indie mod or Stone roses fan is going to love.
Anyways enjoy the videos and the pictures and if you think you want to try something different to a desert boot, then I would seriously ink about giving these a go.
Crockett & Jones – MOD or just very nice shoes ?
Why am i doing a blog on these shoes ?
Well i look at alot of shoes, some we hope to sell on the site and some because i just like the craftsmanship that’s gone into them. Peterborough where i live is not far away from Northampton and alot of the Old School shoe makers are from that area. Many have gone because of recession or not moved with the time etc. But some are still around and Crockett & Jones make some lovely shoes.
Now i dont want some big debate whether they are MOD are not. Certainly there are many in their range which are not, but there are some little jems in there to. Below i have gathered just a few examples i like.
The following is borrowed from their site but i think it sums up a traditional English company.
“Although the production process has evolved since the early days of shoe-making, with the introduction of better machinery and ‘health & safety’, much of the factory looks as it did when it was first built. The manufacture of high quality shoes remains very labour-intensive, requiring a highly skilled workforce to carry out more than 200 separate operations during an 8 week period. Goodyear-Welted construction gives the shoes an exceptional degree of strength, durability and comfort in wear. This method originated by hand-makers centuries ago.
As a 5th generation family managed business, Crockett & Jones is committed to maintaining the highest standards of traditional craftsmanship, quality and service which have been appreciated by their customers for more than 130 years.”
“The Crockett & Jones Men’s range consists of 3 handmade collections; the Hand Grade Collection (our finest calf shoes), the Main Collection (a selection of styles in a variety of different materials and sole types) and the Shell Cordovan Collection (a range of styles made from Genuine Shell Cordovan leather). “
Now in English that means they don’t come cheap, what that means is you are going to get some very well made shoes which look really good and going to last a long time if looked after well.
Enjoy the pictures.
Woven Chukka Boot
Cranford 3 Charcoal Suede & Wine Elastic
Cranford, a chelsea boot with plain front made from the finest calf leather or suede and lightweight rubber soles with contrasting coloured ‘V’ shaped elastics. From the Men’s Main Collection.
  
Granada Tan Golf Grain
Granada, a stylish unlined loafer with a hand pulled-up apron. Made from a comfortable, fine grain leather with single leather soles for the Main Collection.
Poole Dark Brown Calf Suede
Poole, a round toe penny loafer with raised apron front. Made from soft suede and single rubber soles for the Men’s Main Collection.
Back With Mods went very well. The event was very well organised with plenty to do over the weekend. Santa Pod has been holding events to my knowledge since the 1970’s, certainly my step dad went up in his allegro years ago.
Anyways we decided to do a stall there and take the shoes to the people as they say. We met lots of people with loads of questions. It was good to meet people that had been on the website and get feedback “face to face”. We had nice comments like “nice to see all the shoes in the flesh” and “how much are the loake royals?”
I will mention one thing, some people have said about the name of the event and whether it was Mod or just a cash in? Me i thought it was very well organised and there was plenty to do. For people with Kids it allowed them to have a weekend away without babysitters etc. They put on several top names and had many tents with different types of music. They obviously put in a lot of work to make it a good event. For a weekend pass of £35 you would have to be very mean spirited to think other wise.
Anyways cheerful stuff
We ran a giveaway over the weekend. The winner “Steve” from tamworth got a text from me today, within the space of a minute he was on the phone with his address and was a very happy Bunny. His Ikon Desert Boots will be with him tomorrow.
The event itself had lots of bands, The Selecter, Neville Staples and one of my favs The Chords UK. One thing i liked is they gave the main stage to little know young bands during the day.
The Ham Yardies tent was popular over the weekend and i liked the fact they stuck to the Real Mod 60’s sounds. Showing that people actually like a variety of sounds to choose from.
Here a few of pictures from the event. 
One of our happy customers in her new Tassel Loafers
This guy ( i think gary or chris ! ) came to the stall and said, “i need some better shoes for dancing in.”
i asked “you in the Ham Yardies tent last night then?”
He replied “yep and tonight i need some better shoes to dance in”.
See you next year.
Recently there have been some discussions going on, over whether or not tassel loafers are  MOD!
Now this got me thinking, and it can be argued that some Tassel Loafers are perhaps more Smart Skin or even Suedehead, but I recall seeing plenty of people that call themselves MODS wearing them as well. I would also argue some smart skins I know, are more fussy about their clothes than some Council Estate Mods I also know .
Interestingly the guy that does the deliveries for Modshoes was a Mod in the sixties and had a pair of Loake Brightons. But that was then and not now.
So if Tassel Loafers are not MOD, like some people on the net would have you think, surely it would follow that if you went to a mod club, you wouldn’t see any, would you?
So, armed with my camera, I went to the Jelly Roll Club in Peterborough, where I live. Jelly Roll’s music policy is very firmly RnB, Soul, and 60s Ska. I would say the clientele there are a cross section of people, about 65% mod, some scooterist types, and the rest are people into the music, but not the fashion as such.
There are a number that constantly make the effort to look smart, and yes there are defo some strutting in their peacock suits. And why not? It is the weekend, no work tomorrow and it is the chance to hang out with your mates and listen to some cool music, and if you fancy, a boogie.
Now being the owner of a Shoe website I am constantly checking out the shoes.
First picture is Mick, who has not loafers, but some Oliver Stone Brogues. Massive British beat fan and a great collection of Yardbirds records.
Next up is my mate Terry Grant. Yep loafers, no tassels, but I know Terry has several pairs at home. Terry is a mod legend, has impeccable taste and can wear any colour better than most I know. Yes his shirt is cerise pink, and yes it has pink cuff links! When not dazzling people with his dancing, he has been known to DJ and sings in garage band, Substation 66 and the Sonic Buzz.
On being asked are Tassel Loafers mod? Terry spoke for an hour before saying YES!!
Next up are the youngest people to be featured, and MODS new breed, Aaron and Warren. Two lads discovering the wonderful world of mod. Warren has smart Oxford style shoes, but young Aaron on the left has Tassel Loafers!
Next up are Darrin Clark and the club’s main guy, Mister Julian Roberts. Darrin is wearing Dune Weavers and Julian, well I forgot to ask, sorry. Both guys are top lads and always very smart.
Another pair of Tassel loafers, and these belong to Paul Bromley. I like the oxblood, red sock and sand colour. Paul and his lovely wife Suzie have been into Soul Music forever. They both travel over the UK to various events. Anyways on his feet, Loake Brighton Tassel Loafers in Oxblood.
Next up is London Steve, and guess what he doesn’t even live in London , he lives in Kent. On his feet, Delicious Junction rudeboy loafers in oxblood. Steve is a cool guy and loves a boogie to Northern Soul and 60’s Ska. The lady with him, is my wife, Nicky.
The next collection of guys is Gary, Martin and Paul. Gary is the fella on the left, he did tell me the make of the shoes, but I had one too many whiskies by then. Gary always looks great and has been into the mod thing forever. Martin and Paul I believe are both wearing Bass Weejuns, they will correct me no doubt when they read this. I know Martin and Paul have Tassel Loafers, Paul’s being Bass Weejuns.
So, you may be thinking, what’s your point Andy? Well to me MOD doesn’t, as such, have a rule book. Meaning there are certain styles which are classic MOD, and some that just look MOD when they are all put together as an outfit. All the people above enjoy being part of a scene and looking their best.
Some MODS favour the dandy look, some the suit, some a quality button down etc, or knit wear etc. Meaning that their look looks good and right to them. So if that means the Rudeboy Loafers is what they want, then happy daze.
So still you are asking Andy, what you trying to get at? Well we had someone on Facebook saying that some of the shoes we sell aren’t MOD! And implying that we should not even call ourselves modshoes at all!
Now I am made of tougher stuff than to let one person annoy me. But what aggrieved me was, imagine you are a young lad getting into the scene and you have some smart arse saying , thats not mod! And you have just saved up for it, or you actually think it looks smart, because it is, why should some bully who thinks they are right be allowed to belittle you?
Facebook is a great thing because it allows people who are into similar things to hang out and be friends , when in real life you stand little or no chance of ever meeting. But it also allows narrow minded idiots a place to preach. My advice is to follow the great man.
We call this website MODshoes , because that’s what most of our audience align themselves with, and our tag line is “Smart Shoes for Smart People”.
So did this article prove for once and for all that Tassel loafers of various styles are MOD? Yes I think it did!
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Black Loafers
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Wide Fitting Shoes
We often get asked which of our shoes are more suitable for the wider foot. There are a few pairs which are more suited to the wider foot, and our research has found the following;.
Much of the MOD style is a narrow fit ,so someone looking for a ‘wide fitting shoe’ doesn’t have loads to choose from, but below we have put together a little list from our range.
A little bit of advice first
1. A lace up shoe is always going to be more accommodating
2. Suede stretches, Desert boots an obvious example
3. Get some shoe stretcher, and stretch the shoes when you are not wearing.
4. Good leather , with regular polishing, which absorbs the wax makes the leather moist and more likely to stretch.
5. And if needed go up a size.
6. Buy from someone that allows for returns !
The Widest Loafer & Widest shoe we sell.
The Rudeboy loafer is based on the 70’s/80’s tassel loafer. Very reminiscent of the Frank Wright. The shoe has a wide fit and suits those that need a bit more room. These shoes do stretch as well, with about 10 hours wear. Everyone that I have spoken to about them say that they feel nice from the word go.
If you could only have one pair of shoes for a wider foot , it is these. Available in Oxblood, Black and Brown. As well as the ACE loafer variation which has no feathers.
The Widest Brogue
The Loake Royal Brogue is a wide fitting shoe. Combined with Derby lacing this makes it more comfortable and ultimately adjustable to the foot. Loake do offer some shoes in different fittings. I would say that it is going to take a few wears to wear in. My advice is to get a shoe stretcher to help stretch the shoe when not wearing. These also keep the shoe in good shape in the box.
Black Brogues
Brogues
The Widest Desert Boot
My views on this are that soft suede stretches very well and accommodates the foot within just a few wears. We stock two types both of which are very similar. I would say the Delicious Junction are just that little bit wider.
Hope the above has helped out a little. If you have any experience of other shoe makes, please do let us know, as the point to the modshoes website is to gather as much info as possible.