The London Lounge

Of all the shoes I have bought, I am probably most happy with my EG Dundee and my Weston Chasse. Had I everything to do over, my wardrobe might consist exclusively of such shoes (at least for winter), tweed odd jackets, and corduroys and moleskins.

That said, I love the weather-proof shoes raised to high art. Jona's extraordinary Norvegese is an example. I have eyed the Coniston, but its RTW version looks too much like the Dundee and my AS Melchbourne (in my opinion one of the best AS models available, all things considered).

So, 3 questions:

1) RE the EG Coniston, what materials and specifications might one order this model to special, keeping the fudge (storm) welt?

2) RE the Vass New-Norweger, depicted in the catalogue but not on-line, besides a Goyser welt and Vibram sole, what else would you recommend for a special-order storm shoe?

3) Lastly, besides Jona's Bestetti, what other Italian manufacturers might one look to for a Norvegese shoe?

I had a pair of EGs special-ordered to look like the following:

http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/history/bwpages/12.htm

They called it a Coniston on the invoice, although it could just has easily been a Windermere with a stitched cap toe. Dainite soles, but nothing fancy on the welt. Walnut country grain. They are great shoes for not-so-hot weather, they look terrific under twills and tweeds, and I will probably have another made with leather soles.

Dear Doc,

We have almost the same taste in winter dress.

Since 90% of the time I wear like that in the city, that is the meaning of my norvegese. A winter county shoe for the city, in fact the sole is leather.

If I had to go RTW, I would have bought a Cordovan derby by Alden, double sole, in their sleekest last.

Jona, I have the same taste as you in the sense that I envy most of your acquisitions, but unfortunately I am not nearly as sophisticated as you are....