The eBay Chronicles #005
G.H Bass Weejuns: Quality Footwear Can Have a Second Life
Longing For a Season
As I sit on an Amtrak train heading south to the coast of New England. I look out the window upon the vast expanse of the Connecticut River covered on both banks with snow delivered by the large winter storm last week. I am reminded that the time of year to be wearing loafers is not here; yet here I sit on a warm train with a pair of ‘new to me’ G.H. Bass Weejuns Loafers enjoying the views of the Green Mountains waiting for the Spring season to arrive. While buying a pair of loafers during the winter in Vermont might not be the smartest decision, I am hopeful the warmer months will come in no time.
What’s Not to Love?
For the price of $40 shipped to my door I was excited to own my very first pair of Weejuns. While a little rough when I got them, a light go over with a horsehair brush and leather conditioner brought them back to life. The leather is supple and easily cared for while the burgundy color fits any outfit I pick out. From denim to corduroys I have not found anything I can’t wear with these loafers so far. While winter may not be the best season, on a day with clear sidewalks (few and far between here in the northern states) I am not afraid to brave the cold: as long as I have a pair of merino socks.
How to Find Them For Yourself
Buying shoes online can be difficult and this was no exception. My first scour landed me on a pair of Sebago loafers although the sizing didn’t fit right with my foot. When they arrived I immediately knew it wouldn’t work. I had to send them back and keep the search going. I ended up stumbling upon these and scooped them up for $33 dollars before tax and shipping. These ended up fitting great with the insert I use (arch support is a must for me). If you have enough determination and time you should be able to find a pair for yourself, just don’t limit yourself by brand or size. Use size ranges as each brand may run big or small, and watch out for your foot width as well. Check the stitching on the bottom of the sole and the condition of the leather to make sure you don’t buy a pair already needing resoling. If you notice any signs of cracking or seperating just be wary that they may be close to the end of the road with that sole. I find that good leather is not hard to find online and as long as you find something from a brand you know (or sometimes have to google) and have a bit of patience you should be in great shape.
What to Wait For
As I sit on the train I think about the slower life being here to stay as the holidays have passed and the brunt of the winter is upon us for the next month. I think this is a good time to take our breaks seriously, rest our minds and enjoy some peace in our lives where we can find it. Whether that be a nice cup of coffee, conversation with a friend, day on the slopes, movie, or for me, a new book. In only a month it will be March and we can start our journey towards the warmer weather, getting to trade (at least for me) my skis for tennis rackets, sailboats, and golf clubs, looking forward to the blissful spring rain and budding new life. Much like nature the last months of hibernation may be difficult but I think it is best we cherish them while they are here, knowing we will beg for their return when the summer heat swelters in just a few months. I wanted to end this on a positive note and wish everyone a meaningful, restful, and peaceful final months of hibernation before we get to wear our loafers once more.
What I’ve been up to…
Listening -
Live in Cook County Jail by B.B. King
Try! - Live in Concert by John Mayer
Reading -
Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America by Sam Tanenhaus
Photographing -
(re)Watching -
The West Wing
Bridge of Spies
A slight word of caution. Make sure your eBay Weejun purchase indicates Made in USA. Like so many others, Bass no longer makes any versions of its iconic loafer in the US. And I don't care how loudly they protest that Imports are just as good as the originals. I've been wearing Weejuns for 65 years - they sold for twenty bucks a pair at my boarding school's gym supplies shop in 1961. I still have one of the pairs I bought then. Trust me, there is a difference in quality.