[Jim Porter]

I own a pair of the old style GD high-tops. I've also seen the patent leather ones. Guys I've worked with had them. I've compared them side by side. In my opinion, the patent leather looks cheap. There's something about well cared for, well polished original Gerry Davis leather plate shoes that the patents just don't capture. There's also, in my opinion, something to be said for the old art of shoe-shining, too.