Recent content by Cocker

Oh, regarding the cobbler, no worries, I have it covered! There's a little one near me, very old school, doing amazing things with shoes, boots, horse and motorbike saddles, luggages, whatever you want! I'm really just after the correct sole itself to give 'em for replacing mine.

Hey guys, I'd need to go for a resole of my QMI roughouts soon. Do any of you know where to fetch the correct sole pattern in Europe?

My good old Aero 42-18775-P in seal jerky horsehide. It's been used and abused for the past 7 years and I absolutely love it. The picture doesn't do justice to the actual weathering, though!

Maybe worth a shot getting in touch with Shawn, also? It wouldn't be the first time he'd do a one-off based on an original piece.

A good repro of those would be really interesting indeed! But I've not seen those being reproduced by any of the usual suspects so far.

Although, why would you want an aged patch on a brand new jacket? Sure, they look cooler when they are aged, but that wouldn't be consistent, would it?

Aviator "Hawaii" Kit Bag from In Memories Sportswear, in "Weekender" format. Been using it daily for more than 4 years now, showing a lot of grim and wear, but I absolutely love it. Badge and bomb tag made by Josh. Curiously, never came around to stencil it, still don't know why!

Indeed, they used Chucks in Vietnam, but also UDT coral shoes that were somewhat like sneakers. It must be said that SEAL teams in late Vietnam war did a lot of non-conventional stuff, equipment wise. Even for SEAL teams! Like wearing jeans, sneakers, going barefoot... Even their issued gear was...

You are correct, Jan! The soles are made from natural rubber and vulcanized. They actually make it a big selling point of being handmade in EU from natural/non toxic materials.

I honestly find the Foempies to be more comfortable. The removable rubber inner sole is really comfy and gives a better arch support than what Converse has to offer. Or at least had to offer, I've not had any Converse for a while now! :p

Summer's definitely back, so time for a new pair of Foempies. Been buying a new pair every year or two years and use them until they are about to fall apart, usually black, but decided to go for something just a tad different this time. I absolutely love them: Belgian brand, produced in Europe...

Is this seriously something "normal" in China? The whole thing is ridiculous, from the whole concept of having to lend part of your collection to other organizations to then including modern/fake/repro items in your collection so you can screw up said other organizations...

Think it was a late 80s jacket. As Chander said, both are clearly repros, and not good ones at that...

The right one is clearly an Avirex: I highly suspect the left one to be a post war bad repro also.

@Shanghai-Mayne is right, it's due to poor picture quality. The jacket is indeed twill and not poplin.