Bathtub with hot water and a little bleach for the fading. After I had it faded I used my buddy Dremel with a sanding head and distressed the fabric so it would have a few holes in it. I do know what you mean about the price of Carlisles. I am very impressed with your garb and you didn't have to spend an arm and a leg.
You're telling me this is the closest to the originals they make today?
If memory serves the checkerboard covered the entire canvas of the shoe, the heel portion had no rear padding just straight canvas and the sole was all one type.
I definately remember those days. I remember the kids in school who could not afford real vans but bought lookalikes and man they got bashed for that one too.
Smelling like mold and mildew sounds like it would be a great addition to a real pirates wardrobe. Too bad I'm broke otherwise I might have scored some new threads.