[RBL]

Hello--

For the past 25 or so years, I have had my eye out for a pair of the so-called black & white "spectator shoes" that Elvis & Jackie Wilson and even Jimmy Page much later in the early 1970s wore. These are the simple two-tone laceless leather shoes that are black with a white apron. Any time I find something that's close to the understated, classic design of these 1950s shoes, they are either patent leather, have some sort of "retro rockabilly" styling like a sharp toe or creeper sole, or some similar deal-breaker.

At any rate, I have just found a pair of Bally "Careno" shoes on the popular auction site that look intriguing. Can anyone offer info on this model in terms of general age and build quality? Though they appear to have been made in Switzerland, I can see that the sole is merely glued on, so I'm guessing they weren't a top-of-the-line model.

My main concern is regarding the fit. I wear a 13D in some dress shoes, but a 12D in others. This pair of Bally shoes in question is a 12E; I do have another pair of shoes--albeit non-Bally--in 12E that fit me, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this pair in question will fit.

Thank you for any/all info.

 

[SG_67]

I doubt that they are glued on. My guess is that they are either Blake or Bologna construction. This is common to such soft, flexible loafers.

As to your other points, I'm afraid I can't help much.

 

[RBL]

Thanks SG '67. Based on the soles, do you have any guess as to the build quality here?

 

[SG_67]

I'm not terribly familiar with Bally and these are used, so it would have to speed on the previous owner.

Blake and Boligna are structured for softness and flexibility allowing for a sleeker profile but it comes at the expense of durability.

 

[peterc]

Mr. Hare has reintroduced just such a shoe. I think it is fantastic. Called the "Wilde" loafer. Check it out.

 

[momsdoc]

Those shoes have almost no wear. They are probably Blake stitched. If the lack of seams on the sole make you suspect they are glued, then I think you're under a misconception. I can't imagine Bally using glued soles, rather they would be closed channel, just like my Blake stitched black Bally wing tip bluchers. Yes this was before I knew of the discordance. At the time I was in Switzerland, and Bally was no longer available in the U.S.

 

[RBL]

Hello, and thanks for everyone's input. The Mr Hare shoes look cool as hell! Unfortunately they are way out of my price range.

I did buy the above-referenced pair of Ballys off of the popular auction site; seller accepted my $100 offer. If they end up being too snug (as I fear) then I figure that they look to be in such good shape that I can recoup most of my investment by flipping them on the same site.

Any idea how old this pair of Bally shoes might be?

 

[RBL]

Thanks Men--

These arrived and they fit perfectly; super comfortable, worn-once condition, and pretty much exactly what I've been on the lookout for since the Clinton administration.

 

[SG_67]

Oh man I'm so tempted to crack wise!

 

[peterc]

Bally has always made very good shoes in my opinion. They made good shoes way before it was "cool" to do so.

 

[espressocycle]

In my limited experience, their shoes fit true to size in a snug, Italian way. I wouldn't worry about the construction. Even if they are cemented, they are probably well-made. Besides, these aren't the kind of shoes you are going to wear every day, so they don't have to be the most durable shoes on earth.

 

[ASH]

I too have a pair of black and white spectator shoes, however they are laced. I was wondering if anyone can post pictures of when( what occasions) and with what can I wear these ( what do I match these with?)

Thanks in advance

 

[RBL]

I too have a pair of black and white spectator shoes, however they are laced. I was wondering if anyone can post pictures of when( what occasions) and with what can I wear these ( what do I match these with?)

Thanks in advance

Perhaps these?

 

[Chouan]

I have a pair of Bally leather open shoes/sandals. They are glued and not very well made. I only wear them when sitting in the sun in my garden.