ALLEN EDMONDS SHARKSKIN Monk Strap, Loafer。Judging from the workmanship and treatment of the lining, this shoe most likely dates from the 1970’s. These beautiful Sharkskin Monks are beautifully hand-lasted, Goodyear welted, brogued and set off with a discreet buckle. The skins are soft and pliable as new; Sharkskin is extremely durable as evidenced here. This pair is in superb condition. The color of these shoes is a rich Brown with the characteristic subtle natural shimmer of Sharkskin. This material, among the rarest from which shoes can be made, far more rare than any Alligator shoe, possesses a quiet elegance that signal extremes of luxury without the slightest ostentation. The two major producers were Footjoy and Allen Edmonds-These particular OSTEGATORS were “HECHO EN MEXICO” or made in Mexico, but they do resemble monk strap loafers resemble the craftsmanship, quality materials, and “look”. One does see quite some variation from one pair to the next in the selection of skins; these being a rather closer grain than used in the usual examples. The effect is sleeker and very elegant. A glamourous shoe, extravagantly elegant in the handwork, finishing and materials and still absolutely understated and without a hint of ostentation. It is far more rare than any Alligator shoe, or, indeed, any other exotic skinned shoe. An indestructible and, not surprisingly, rather waterproof shoe. Only available today from a custom shoemaker, thus the replacement cost must be seen to be in the thousands