Shopping from ebay: Gokey loafers

Here's an unusual pair of Gokey loafers for women, available via this ebay auction. Gokey is known for their rugged, moccasin-style, handsewn boots for gents. Gokey footwear was originally designed for explorers, hunters and prospectors. Here's a typical Gokey specimen:

I've always aspired to own knee-high Gokey boots. I also covet Tom's garage sale Gokey ankle boots. But since neither style is sized for women, I'm trolling ebay for Gokeys I could actually wear. Since I live in loafers, these Gokeys might fit the bill. Best of all, they were made by the original Gokey company before they were purchased by Orvis.

Archival Deadstock

It's great to see US brands like Red Wing, Wolverine and Thorogood reissuing work boots and shoes from their archives. While the original versions were designed for hard wear, modern offerings are likened to dress shoes and sold at a premium. If you're longing for the real deal, take a look at these ebay auctions for deadstock shoes and boots from the 1930s and 1940s.

1940s Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots

1930s Great Atlantic Work Boots

1940s John Pilling Shoes

If you don’t see a style you like, here is a mail order portal for shopping from the past:

Archival Moccasins

I'm shopping for hand stitched, double-soled leather mocs for Spring. Before I make a purchase, I thought I would review a few product offerings from the past. Next week, I'll document the best of what's available today.

From the Archives: Yakima Climbing Youth

OK, we know that the Life archive has been endlessly passed around the circle, but it doesn't mean that the images aren't brilliant. Having grown up rock climbing, I'm stuck on these kids from Yakima, Washington, right now. You cannot fail with khakis, Chucks, and poplin anoraks. Sign me up.






LL adds: one hopes these gents purchased their archival camping supplies from Sears Tent & Awning--a venerable canvas awning and canopy company still open for business in Yakima, Washington.

Shopping from 1946: Field & Stream

Congress Sportswear

Masland Sportman's Clothes

On a November run up to The Rain Shed for closed cell foam and cordage, Tom picked up this 1946 Field & Stream from a thrift shop. In a future post, I'll showcase F & S advertisements from familiar "living" US brands like Pendleton, Gokey, Filson and Eddie Bauer. Today, I want to highlight a few forgotten outdoor clothing companies like Congress and Masland Sportman's Clothes. US-made outdoor clothing has been reduced to a few well-known, premium priced brands (and aggravatingly, Japan-only reissues). But, the 1946 Field & Stream offers a robust selection of outdoor clothing with an emphasis on quality components, sturdy fabrics, tailored fit, good value and regional (not national) manufacturing. And of course, I love the generous selection of apparel for women (stream jacket, please).

A few more examples via flickr.

R.C. Nichols Corp.

Dryback

Red Head Brand Co.

Archer Rubber Co.

Scotty Kote

Bancroft Cap Co.

Ripon Knitting Works

Dave Cook Sporting Goods Co.

Bone Dry Shoe Mfg Co.

Archival dress code for your next canoe trip:

Archival Field Trip: San Francisco (1/2010)

by Lesli Larson


Archival Clothing made a quick trip to San Francisco over the weekend to see friends, visit shops, show bags and attend Andrea Marcovicci's Johnny Mercer tribute. As it were, our visit corresponded with the opening of MAN UP, a menswear pop-up store on Market St. In the next few posts, we'll document our finds. For now, here's a quick visual review.