Vendor Question - Mattimore

[bangpitcher]

I kind of miss the old Vendor comment forum, that would have been of great assistance in the question I want to ask.

What's the general consensus on Mattimore's Progressive shoe? I'm torn between ante-ing up for a pair of MJNs or picking up a pair of Mattimores. It looks to me that the Mattimores are a little bit blocky in appearance, not quite in keeping with the smooth curve up the tongue/upper from the front of the sole that I've seen in most other high-quality repros and what I've seen of original shoe pattern.

Any comments? I've read many of Tom Mattimore's comments on the old version of this board and am impressed with his knowledge and abilities. I just wanted to get a feel from the peanut gallery before I plunk down the dough.

Scott, I moved this here for lack of a better place. Maybe once things get back to normal for Paul, he can create a Vendor Feedback forum like the old forum. Until then, questions on and for vendors can be posted here. After all, you are looking to "buy" right? Happy Holidays - Mike "Dusty" Chapman

[Michael Semann]

I have a pair of MJN's version of the Jefferson Bootee, a pair of Tom Mattimore's version of the same, as well as a pair of his Page Lapham C.S. Oxfords. All are superior in accuracy and construction, and although the toe portion of the MJN boots start out a bit lower in profile(and I mean just a tad), you will find that after a few days of wear, they all collapse to about the same shape anyway!

As a leather worker, I can tell you that nearly any ACCURATELY made brogan can be reshaped by simply wetting the interior of the toe, reshaping, and letting it dry completely. I have done this to all of my period footwear, and am able to achieve the proper low and narrow toe shape via this method.

I believe that it was Tom who explained in several (lost?) posts from the old board, that most reproduction footwear made today is by necessity made to accomodate the modern man's wider/larger foot. This does change slightly the proportions and profile of these modern copies Vs. those extant examples of 1860's brogans(which, to the modern observer, can more often resemble a ladies shoe! What small feet many gents had then). The two above craftsmen come as close as is currently possible IMHO, however the remarkably low price that Tom Mattimore has maintained for his quality boots and shoes gives him the definite edge, without any compromise in quality or accuracy. Cheers.

[huntdaw]

I don't know about his progressive model but I have a pair of his Paige Lapham's and I couldn't be happier with them. They broke in very well and are quite comfortable. I did not put heel plates on and they are holding up better than I thought they would.

It's good quality stuff. Email him with your questions. I have found him to be very informative and fast responding.

[cssrichmond]

For the last year or so, we have been using Mattimore shoes and boots exclusively at the park, and have nothing but good things to say about them. We put more wear and tear on our equipment in months than many people will in years, and having gone through four pairs over the last two years, I can say that from what I've seen, you'd be hard pressed to beat his work. I've worn stuff from other people, but nothing really comes close, especially for the price. I would say that you couldn't go wrong with anything Mattimore has to offer, but that is just my opinion.
Cheers,
Brett Silver