Working Shoe for Young Exec

[regityoung]

... Fashion only lasts for so long, but style is evergreen.

Wise words!

 

[regityoung]

I see your point and agreed on the point that one should not overpay. I guess my point is that when we level the price point, say a entry-level FAM Santoni and CJ handgrade, where I reckon that the CJ is a higher quality shoes, should one go for CJ or the FAM (which one initially like)?

We see this kind of question quite often and quality of shoes seems to be the flavour of the month. Few posts up on choosing between a pair of JL, EG or MMM would be a good example.

PS: I am not a fan of Berluti, I am just using it as an example.

Like I said, the construction type is not that important, but more importantly the techniques must be adhered to with no shortcuts in terms of materials or labour. Synthetic materials and glue are more prone to wear and tear failure.

How can you explain John Lobb Paris using a $1 plastic heel stiffener... But if Berluti uses blake (after all it makes for a lighter, more flexible, more elegant shoe) then it's ok so long as the quality is there.

Generally, budget wise, my opinion is don't overpay.

High-end bespoke: 4k +++ up (Lobb st james, spigola)

Ready to wear top-of-the-line: 1k + up, more for MTO (EG, GG...these, despite the views of the frenchman, are still very good...)

Entry level: 400 up (Loake)

The problem in singapore is that Berluti is pricing itself almost at the bespoke level (at their taka shop), while their quality is equal or more likely lower than a pair of C&J handgrade for example which can be had for 1k sgd + some extra shipping.

Berluti is factory-made no matter what the store attendants tell you. Partly manual labour, partly automated. In fact, they dont even have their own factory.

Or take for example Church's at Ion, which is almost as expensive as C&J, but uses corrected grain leather (just feel it, you'll know what I mean) courtesy of Prada.

Just saying, be aware of what you are paying for. And always check for structural flaws in the shoes if they are on discount especially.

In terms of style, I think a working man in his late twenties should own a pair of gentleman's shoes, which never go out of style.

 

[KennyDagrish]

I'm not made out of money or own a shoe museum so I cannot give my opinions based on personal experience

My initial impression of santoni FAM is that they are very good, especially the special editions. Santoni is well versed in almost all construction methods. I've also read mostly good opinions of them online. It is a classic comparison of italian style vs english style by very reputable makers.

 

[nethdale]

Thank you. These are cheap bata shoes. $80 each only but goodyear welted and leather is just OK only. I got rid of the stupid tag they sew on the heel pad.

These have been just briefly polished. Couldnt bother with a full shine as shoes tend to get stepped on when taking public transport.

Hi there,

Care to share where did you get these 2 Bata shoes, if it's still available? I was searching its 2 outlets but no avail. Many thanks.

 

[BryanLim80]

Thank you. These are cheap bata shoes. $80 each only but goodyear welted and leather is just OK only. I got rid of the stupid tag they sew on the heel pad.

These have been just briefly polished. Couldnt bother with a full shine as shoes tend to get stepped on when taking public transport.

Nice pair of shoes. Now its hard to find this kind of shoes.

 

[Sinkie]

Eh between Clark's and rockport, which brand is durable and comfy? Can sic experience?

 

[trendmatrix]

I always wondered how does Vass stick to doing hand welted shoes all while offering them at a bargain of approx EUR390 or so.

Last I've heard rumors they were planning of moving away from hand welting due to the high demand of shoes. Not sure whether it has taken effect.

And yes, G&G and MMM are miles apart in terms of quality/construction. I'd much rather pay that little premium for G&Gs.

Though I'm not really sure how much the MTOs are going for during the Singaporean trunk show.

Sadly I can't find Vass shoes in Singapore.

Speaking of shoes, George Cleverley are very good too. I have commissioned a bespoke shoes from them.

 

[trendmatrix]

Gaziano & Girling are having their trunk show in Singapore on the 1st Feb for MTO and Bespoke range.


Just drop Kevin Seah an email to arrange appointment. There won't be any barrier to leather color, sole used, to even design.

Hahha. Don't like Kevin Seah's business antics. No matter how much I like G&G shoes, I will not let Kevin Seah earn a cent of my money.

 

[ahboy82]

Eh between Clark's and rockport, which brand is durable and comfy? Can sic experience?

clarks! but clarks got some design quite uncle...

 

[archangle13]

Hahha. Don't like Kevin Seah's business antics. No matter how much I like G&G shoes, I will not let Kevin Seah earn a cent of my money.

What's wrong with Kevin Seah? Other than his face haha...

 

[trendmatrix]

What's wrong with Kevin Seah? Other than his face haha...

Better not say anything here but well... isn't he well known for his infamous business antics? Anyway you can try giving him some businesses and see if you like his antics.

 

[archangle13]

Sadly I can't find Vass shoes in Singapore.

Speaking of shoes, George Cleverley are very good too. I have commissioned a bespoke shoes from them.

If you want quality, don't look in Singapore bah... Have to get used to traveling overseas to shop, or just buy online. Dunno why Singapore sells all the highly marked-up yet cui stuff.

 

[Kiton12345]

Sadly I can't find Vass shoes in Singapore.

Speaking of shoes, George Cleverley are very good too. I have commissioned a bespoke shoes from them.

Can always purchase directly from Vass only issue is the fit.

GC is great, very beautiful but their style is a tad too aggressive for me.

Hahha. Don't like Kevin Seah's business antics. No matter how much I like G&G shoes, I will not let Kevin Seah earn a cent of my money.

Haven't dealt with him before, mind elaborating more?

Can do so by PM .

On a side note, a great G&G dealer is Nick from Bespoke-England. Been dealing with him for sometime and he's great.

Even sent trial shoes over to gauge and determine the fit of the different lasts.

 

[trendmatrix]

If you want quality, don't look in Singapore bah... Have to get used to traveling overseas to shop, or just buy online. Dunno why Singapore sells all the highly marked-up yet cui stuff.

Yes that's why I buy most of my shoes while I am in UK, HK or France. Haven't got the chance to go to Hungary, if not I will buy a few pairs of Vass.

Buying online is quite tricky unless you know very sure of your size, the fit, and the last.

 

[trendmatrix]

Can always purchase directly from Vass only issue is the fit.

GC is great, very beautiful but their style is a tad too aggressive for me.

GC not very aggressive lah. It can look quite classic. Anyway they are having a trunk show in March at Four Seasons Hotel. You may want to check them out. One nice characteristics of GC shoes is that their shoes are very light.

On a side note, a great G&G dealer is Nick from Bespoke-England. Been dealing with him for sometime and he's great.

Even sent trial shoes over to gauge and determine the fit of the different lasts.

Yes I have heard about his exemplary service but have not dealt with him before. Oh he sent you the trial shoes for testing? That's very nice of him. But do you have to pay for the freight charges to and fro?

 

[archangle13]

Question: Anyone owns Vass shoes and is a TTS US9D (thereabout) with sizes of 41.5/42/42.5?

I need sizing help. I'll treat you too.

 

[yamcancook]

Hi, would like to check with you guys on the terms regarding on the shoes.

is the base/btm of the dress shoes known as the sole?

Any recommended place do you guys do your shoes, and how much does it cost?? and which are the places you will avoid?

after reading a few pages.. the common places are mister mint, shukey.

let me know.. Thanks.

 

[regityoung]

Question: Anyone owns Vass shoes and is a TTS US9D (thereabout) with sizes of 41.5/42/42.5?

I need sizing help. I'll treat you too.

F-last 42, U-last 42.5; YMMV

 

[archangle13]

F-last 42, U-last 42.5; YMMV

Thanks for the info!

May I know how you measure on the Brannock Device, if you used it before?

I would love to try on your shoes, if possible.

 

[regityoung]

Thanks for the info!

May I know how you measure on the Brannock Device, if you used it before?

I would love to try on your shoes, if possible.

He, he. I am deducing this. I am a 7.5 and I wear a 40.5/41.