English Walkers (Shoes)

[cookie]

Back in the mid 1960's, there was a very popular shoe called English Walkers. They were a mid ankle type of loafer that were extremely popular. I have down numerous searches to no avail to find more information about these popular traditional shoes.

Does anyone have any information regarding these popular shoes from yesteryear?

There's a pair on OFAS at the moment

 

[anselmo1]

Please explain what OFAS is?

 

[Dinerman]

Please explain what OFAS is?

ebay.

 

[DerMann]

I've noticed that people refer to eBay as OFAS on both the Fedora Lounge and the Fountain Pen Network.

What's the acronym stand form (assuming that it is an acronym)?

 

[cookie]

Our Favourite Auction Site

 

[anselmo1]

Not on eBay as of 7/7/08. I have been checking for over two years.

 

[ADG]

Just to be clear, "English Walkers" was the company name, not a particular style of shoe. The photos I posted of the ones I had were a style called "Brogue Gibson." I would not know what the model name or style of the one you have described would have been called by English Walkers.

My father owned several clothing stores from the early fifties until 1962, when Urban Renewal tore down the entire downtown for "renovations" that never occurred, to include my father's men's, ladies, and children's stores. My grandmother also owned a ladies clothing store from 1936 until she sold it to my father. My own personal obsession with clothes comes from them, I suppose.

On occassion, I get some of his old inventory, as he sees fit to dispose of it, such as a case of about 500 ties of that era. I may very well acquire some additional English Walkers and will look, specifically, for the style you have sought after. Should I acquire some I will make them available to you for the cost of shipping. No promises, but stranger things have happened. Good luck in your search, as I have spent many years searching for certain items that hold a special place in my heart, too, and know the frustration you feel.

 

[cookie]

English Walkers

Here is a sensational pair in Vintage French calf that I should have BINned but too late...http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...m=110268738763&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001

 

[ADG]

3 Years, but I found them!

It has taken three years to find the EXACT pair of English Walkers that the OP had asked about when he started this thread, but I am absolutely certain that I have found them! What's more, they are in MINT, New, Old Stock condition!

To quote Anselmo1: "The English Walkers I am talking about were a mid ankle loafer dress shoe. I am pretty sure that they were made in Great Britain at the time because a pair back in 1964 ran about $50.00. Today with inflation and the value of the dollar, they would run around $500.00. They were dressy and very unique and were very stylish. The only color you could buy the shoe in was a British tan."

Please tell me I am right?

 

[number6]

Have you checked out the current catalogues of makers such as Loake, Cheney and Alfred Sargeant?

 

[justuhgeek]

Very nice find.

 

[David Gess]

3 Years, but I found them!

It has taken three years to find the EXACT pair of English Walkers that the OP had asked about when he started this thread, but I am absolutely certain that I have found them! What's more, they are in MINT, New, Old Stock condition!

To quote Anselmo1: "The English Walkers I am talking about were a mid ankle loafer dress shoe. I am pretty sure that they were made in Great Britain at the time because a pair back in 1964 ran about $50.00. Today with inflation and the value of the dollar, they would run around $500.00. They were dressy and very unique and were very stylish. The only color you could buy the shoe in was a British tan."

Please tell me I am right?

I know it has been 5 years since this post started, but could you tell me where you found them? I am looking for them too.

 

[David Gess]

I am looking for a pair of English Walkers also. Any ideas?

 

[David Gess]

thanks, i never imagined that pic was from an active auction.

I found the yahoo mirror, before i checked your reply.

thanks, i may just 'buy it now...'

 

[David Gess]

I suspect these are the makers you are talking about? These were purchased new in September of 1963 so the time period seems to fit. They are also definitely Made in England under the name "English Walkers," as you indicated, not British Walkers. I have attached photos of the shoes, soles, interior, and original box. I am not sure about the size conversion and so do not know if the 10 listed is UK or US? They measure out to about a US 10.5/11 and a medium width. I hope this helps?

Do you still have any information on the English Walkers? I am looking for them also.

 

[cookie]

It's British Walkers

 

[David Gess]

Cookie, thanks. I have a pair of British Walkers. The shoes I am talking about were actually labeled English Walkers.

 

[Isshinryu101]

Cookie, thanks. I have a pair of British Walkers. The shoes I am talking about were actually labeled English Walkers.

actually, English Walkers & British Walkers are 2 different brands. British Walkers was much more successful in their run. Why are you looking for such a specific brand? they had no special make-ups or unique shoes to speak of. They made Florsheim style shoes.

 

[David Gess]

actually, English Walkers & British Walkers are 2 different brands. British Walkers was much more successful in their run. Why are you looking for such a specific brand? they had no special make-ups or unique shoes to speak of. They made Florsheim style shoes.

English Walkers were very popular in the US back in the 60's. I which that I could find a picture of them. And I hope that I might be able to find a pair in my size.

 

[Isshinryu101]

English Walkers were very popular in the US back in the 60's. I which that I could find a picture of them. And I hope that I might be able to find a pair in my size.

Actually, not so popular. Another US factory project, and this one tried to capitalize on the 1960's UK craze for music and fashions.

Aside from that, they made copies of the styles the major makers did (gunboats, etc)