Spectator Shoes (Correspondent, Two-Tone) & How To Wear Them

#spectator #shoes #notsponsored

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→ Script: Aaron White & Jack Collins
→ Camera: Chris Dummer
→ Editing: Jonathan Oster
→ Visual Supervisor: Preston Schlueter & Jack Collins
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Gentleman's Gazette

00:00 Spectator Shoes Introduction

Spectators are perhaps one of the more distinctive styles of shoe in the world of classic menswear and are often known by other names including Correspondents, or perhaps even "spats". In general terms, a spectator is a style of shoe that is made in two contrasting colors. They can be finished as a derby, oxford, loafer, or a monk strap and they can even feature additional broguing.

03:02 Early History of Spectator Shoes

The history of this shoe is very murky and highly contested. The shoe is often credited to the famous British shoemaker, John Lobb. It is said that Lobb came up with the idea of the spectator shoe in 1868 for use in cricket.

07:23 Spectators in the "Golden Age of Menswear"

09:00 Modern Spectator Shoes

Because of their immense popularity during the 20s and 30s, spectator shoes carry a particularly vintage feel. What’s more, being worn by unscrupulous characters means they’ve gained a reputation as the “gangster” shoe. That being said, the reality is that far more everyday people have owned a pair of spectators. Indeed, when done well, the spectator is a wonderful addition to the wardrobe of any classic clothing enthusiast.

10:22 What To Look For In Quality Spectators

Classic footwear and leather go hand-in-hand which means practically all high-quality spectator shoes will feature leather in some portion of the shoe. It’s entirely possible to find many pairs of spectator shoes fully crafted from leather, just like any other traditional dress shoe. These unique shoes provide an equally unique opportunity to explore different material options for the uppers. Here are some of our top picks: a. Buckskin
b. Canvas
c. Fabric
d. Suede

13:29 Spectator Shoe Colors

Classic colors for spectators include brown & white, black & white, brown & tan, and burgundy & white or tan. However, black and white spectators are commonly associated with gangster costumes. So with this in mind, we’d recommend going for a different color combination for your first pair unless you’re dead set on the black and white style!

15:02 Additional Spectator Details

You may have also noticed that the majority of spectators feature some form of decorative broguing on them like all traditionally casual shoes, spectators can be found as a full, wing-tip brogue, a semi brogue, as well as quarter brogues.

There is also the plain style of the spectator without broguing, however, we’ve found that it’s much easier to incorporate a pair of brogued spectators into a classic wardrobe.

16:15 How To Wear Spectator Shoes

Despite its history as a casual shoe, the spectator is probably going to be viewed as more of a formal shoe nowadays. We believe that spectators are best enjoyed as part of a classically inspired wardrobe and are especially welcome as part of a warm-weather ensemble, in the method of scorpacciata, or “savoring” seasonal dressing.

Spectators pair wonderfully with some summer staples such as linen, seersucker, and cotton. A high-quality pair of spectators should be as sturdy as a pair of any other well-made shoes.

18:40 Outfit Rundown

[harmoniaartificiosa]

Preston’s ensemble is absolutely fantastic! The GG crew really walk the talk. This will be a dress shoe spring, I just made up my mind about it.

[pamdawson]

As a woman I so appreciate your videos.
Go gentlemen..dress well, we love it.

[ranulf]

I am happy that you mentioned the association with dance. Spectator style tap shoes are the best kind of tap shoe out there!

[seraphim]

A Friday video with Preston puns? Now this is a great way to start the weekend!

[smackroscoe]

I wonder if those spectators would work with similarly colored jeans (tan or gray) for more of a casual outfit? Such a classy looking shoe. I would have NEVER considered owning a pair until this video. Well done, Sir!

[frankmartinez]

Planning to get another two tone shoe 👞! Just love that beige/ cream look! Thanks for displaying it!

[moondawg]

Excellent.
I had purchased a black pair of spectators with burgundy insets from AE a number of years ago and again last year a brown pair with with white insets from AE as they revisited some of their archival styles ( and were specially made, small batch). Very comfortable and attractive and well constructed, in my opinion. I have not worn the the new pair yet since they arrived in the fall but looking forward to their maiden voyage this spring.

[pablobaio]

As l always say Preston is great presenting and developing a topic. In my case I'm not sure if I'm ready for Spectators but I love them. Great video. Cheers.

[johnforeman]

I have three pairs. Some tips about preparation before wearing and keeping them clean would be interesting. Not shoes for a muddy field.

[ellove]

Preston you looked Fantastic and the shoes took your all outfit to the next level!! ❤ ❤

[AMLCOrey]

Hi Preston, thank you so much for the video. You answered a question to me before I was about to write an email to you. I'm planning a video documentary on my profession (I work in Finance). This will have a reference for the period of Al Capone and now I know what I will be wearing when hosting the video during that sequence. Your video means a brilliant source of information for me and gave me a valuable guidance. plus, an incredible well-researched insight into the evlution of style. I shall refer to thee as my style Consultant and place a link to your channel. Thank you very much for the video, Preston.

[dmax]

I finally know what tap-dancing shoes are officially called!
Had no idea they were associated with gangsters or adultery though.
My favourite outfit I wear to horse races is a black pinstriped suit with black and white spectators

[jakegooding]

I think more men would wear old school suits and shoes if it wasn't for the general public and the popularity of casual hoodies and tracksuits especially in England here that's all people seem to wear but I've managed to build up a small collection of vintage suits with wider lapels and many vintage ties some I got for 50p in charity shops

[jeffhreid]

Excellent video. I have a pair of brown leather and tweed wingtip oxfords and they are a nice casual option

[aross]

Great presentation Preston. Not my style of shoes but I found the video informative.

[newinspiration]

The sand suede/brown box calf semi-brogue pair referenced at 09:07 is my pair, made by Wayman Bespoke.

[JuanDominguez-]

Al Capone rocked the black & white spectators back in the day

[w]

late to the video but today I got a pair of Winthrop spectator shoes. Solid White with blue laces and leather. No Broaging which I don't mind. I can't wait to wear them with my very light grey linen suit jacket (Ralph Lauren) and off white dress pants this summer. I have lots of choices as far as color goes and style never does out of fashion.I already have the cologne to wear as well.

[craft-o-matic]

I love spectator shoes! I have worn them off and on for many years.
You should remove the buttons on your jacket and have a reputable shoe cobbler re-dye them for you Preston. Still lookin' sharp!
Thanks so much!
Lisa

[davedove]

I'm looking to get a good pair of tan and white wingtip spectators for my summer outfits.