What I love about Summer is the rise in people breaking out their spectator shoes. Those two-tone shoe styles often lay dormant pretty much the rest of the year (unless you live in Florida). All of a sudden the sun comes out and there are garden parties, derbies, outside weddings, and the like, people then want to show their skills. They start getting a lot more colorful and playful in their outfits. I love that! As you do not catch these people in the street that often, I love the rise in shoe brands showing what they have made for their clients, on IG and the like.
It used to be that the two-tone brogued oxford was a staple piece in any man’s collection, at least in the US circa the 1930s-1940s. Then it went super conservative, think the Mad Men era, and after that the free-loving 60s where all dress styles went up in flames. Now, maybe I am subjective, but feel that even though the majority of men just want that cushioned-sole-comfort, there is a rise in people ‘dressing up’. I have been seeing younger guys in their 20s not dressed like your typical +20 year old and I always find myself surprisingly dumbfounded when I catch it.
It makes me question the rise in social media: Is it helping or hurting? I can’t tell.
Your classic spectator will have either a white calf or suede and/or some sort of light canvas. And traditionally speaking it would be on a full brogue. But I love the modern adaptations of the spectator and how you find them now in unique color combinations and on loafers, with a white vamp on an apron style. And I believe that the push towards making them more than just the traditional idea is what will help grow their prevalence in men’s wardrobes.
I personally love how I feel when I wear a spectator. Naturally, they scream attention, but that is not what I like about them. I know that when I do wear one, I am dressing my best and I often feel good when I dress my best. I never feel great when I am just in my jeans. I feel physically great, but not mentally. When I know that I tried my best in my outfit, and therefore know that I am looking stylish, I feel great. You cannot half-ass it with spectators. You really need to go the whole shebang to do it right!
That is why I love them and am happy that it is spectator shoe season. Are you spectator ready?!
See here a couple of my favorites as of late.
claude whalen
I have 6 pairs of spectators made by Justin and they are spectacular. Be confident and you can carry it off.
Justin FitzPatrick
Yes sir, I love them all!
Arthur Catalanotto
Hey Justin, I believe social media is helping younger individuals appreciate dressing well. Before social media, I saw a photograph of my parents that was taken back in the 1940s. I remember how this made me start thinking about the way I dressed. I own a pair of dark brown calf, with dark brown suede on the vamp and sides, wing tip spectators. Maintaining the two different materials is a lot of work. I have been considering spectators like those shown here to be worn with linen trousers during the summer months. Thanks for showing these beautiful photos to your readers!
KUDZAI MANGWIRO
Brilliant
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks!
Steve Danielak
I looked for Timberleiii shoes and could not find anything. Could those short be a different brand. On the sole it appears that the first the letters are HEP. Can anyone help?
Justin FitzPatrick
reading this might help: https://theshoesnobblog.com/new-brand-alert-timber-lee-iii/