Working Shoe for Young Exec

[alvinquah]

Alvin, care to share a review of your Vass and Carmina shoes after some feet time?

It's a pity u got the carmina in suede.. was hoping for a like-for-like comparison between the 2 brands mentioned since they are roughly in the same price bracket.

Vass is touted as the 'cheapest' handmade shoes around while Carmina has the reputation for handgrade quality at a 'value' price (strictly in the realm of dress shoes enthusiasts or rich people, SGD600-800 is no value price by any other standards).

Sure will post review shortly...

Disagreed with you on the same price bracket between these 2 shoemakers. Vass standard model cost 390euro and 420euro for italian model (K/F/U last) vs Carmina 296euro from skoab. Both prices are before shipping.

Vass is entirely handmade from clicking to welting (has seen a virtual tour of their factory aka photo from a friend who has visited their factory) whereas I believe carmina goodyear welt is machine stitch.

Agreed with your part on value for money vs quality on these 2 shoemakers. Both has their strength when it come to their range. For Vass you can really see the quality of a handmade shoe, the effort and the workmanship they put in. That being said, the price you paid as compared to other higher range brand, they are really value for money...
As for carmina, with the money you paid for, end day you know they are able to deliver with their highest standard of quality in term of leather as well as workmanship. QC is top notch as well... For their price they are best quality in term of value paid.

 

[Carnage]

At Kevin Seah, there are Gaziano And Girlings for sale now. And soon there will be more brands like John Lobbs, Carminas, C and Js and many more.

A Saint Crispins trunkshow is gonna be help on the 30-31st of August, you can come down and have a look if you're interested.

George Cleverly are sold at Colony Clothing.

Check up updates on our facebook, Mason and Smith

Welcome to the forum. Are walk-ins entertained? The leatherfoot website contact info says by appt only.

Yes walk-ins are entertained. However for appointments are meant by ordering a bespoke or made to measure.

Or else, walk ins are more than invited to have a look around. Do come and have a look.

The Saint Crispins trunk show has been cancelled? It's no longer listed on their website.

 

[boysdontcryy]

Vass is indeed good value for money. Their finishing pales in comparison to St Crispin, Girling, and Anthony Cleverley grade of Cleverley shoes, but the prices are significantly cheaper.

Waiting for these babies, from Vass, to be shipped. The one in the middle is for a friend. These will be by 6, and 7th Vass shoes! Very hardy stuff.

Sure will post review shortly...

Disagreed with you on the same price bracket between these 2 shoemakers. Vass standard model cost 390euro and 420euro for italian model (K/F/U last) vs Carmina 296euro from skoab. Both prices are before shipping.

Vass is entirely handmade from clicking to welting (has seen a virtual tour of their factory aka photo from a friend who has visited their factory) whereas I believe carmina goodyear welt is machine stitch.

Agreed with your part on value for money vs quality on these 2 shoemakers. Both has their strength when it come to their range. For Vass you can really see the quality of a handmade shoe, the effort and the workmanship they put in. That being said, the price you paid as compared to other higher range brand, they are really value for money...
As for carmina, with the money you paid for, end day you know they are able to deliver with their highest standard of quality in term of leather as well as workmanship. QC is top notch as well... For their price they are best quality in term of value paid.

 

[alvinquah]

Vass is indeed good value for money. Their finishing pales in comparison to St Crispin, Girling, and Anthony Cleverley grade of Cleverley shoes, but the prices are significantly cheaper.

Waiting for these babies, from Vass, to be shipped. The one in the middle is for a friend. These will be by 6, and 7th Vass shoes! Very hardy stuff.

Nice nst! Are they in new peter or f last?

 

[boysdontcryy]

Nice nst! Are they in new peter or f last?

What's NST?

New Peter for the one in the middle, and the boots. U last for the chukkas. They made a mistake on the boots - supposed to be U last. Still deciding if I shld have them replace it.

How a Girling, on a chiseled last, but in a similar colour wld look (not mine):

 

[cakes.cakes]

Was recommended Saphir shoes care / shine product. Easy to use. But make sure u know your shoes leather well. Different product on different types of leather.

any idea where to get this in singapore?

 

[boysdontcryy]

any idea where to get this in singapore?

Think ed et al has it. But seriously they can be had for cheap abroad - try, afinepairofshoes.

How much do Saphir polishes retail for, locally?

 

[Nikeboy]

any idea where to get this in singapore?

I bought this from Swagger at Ann Siang Rd. Was having lunch at Maxwell market that day.

Diamond Walker also stock these product.

You might want to check up their website or FB

 

[Nikeboy]

Think ed et al has it. But seriously they can be had for cheap abroad - try, afinepairofshoes.

How much do Saphir polishes retail for, locally?

The Saphir Medaille D'or shoes polish cost $28 (if remember correctly)

The Saphire shoes creme much cheaper. (Less than 25)

 

[alvinquah]

What's NST?

New Peter for the one in the middle, and the boots. U last for the chukkas. They made a mistake on the boots - supposed to be U last. Still deciding if I shld have them replace it.

How a Girling, on a chiseled last, but in a similar colour wld look (not mine):

norwegian split toe... Asking about the last in the middle as almost all the vass nst are based on new peter last. I guess their split toe looks best on new peter. Just curious how they will look in f last....

IMHO, their new peter last has a more country and rugged feel which is suitable for casual wear whereas their Italian last u/f/k has a dressier feel, suitable for formal and work wear...

 

[ralfale]

Where's the cheapest place I can get topy done for my sole?
Was quoted $25 for half sole and $22 for heel at shukey. Some discount for doing both together but that still mean near $100 for a pair of shoes I guess? Wow I'm really surprised these things are not cheap!

 

[ralfale]

Think ed et al has it. But seriously they can be had for cheap abroad - try, afinepairofshoes.

This site looks great and offers free delivery.
I'm quite a late starter to this. Can someone recommend me a starter set (tools and cream) I should get for a proper full polishing for my leather shoes?

Much appreciated.

 

[cokiee]

Hi guys, quick question please?

I've got pretty broad feet - think loake-type widths - what are some makers I should be looking at?

I love the look of shoes from say, Vass or EG, but fitting into them would be a different issue altogether.

 

[All in a Day]

This site looks great and offers free delivery.
I'm quite a late starter to this. Can someone recommend me a starter set (tools and cream) I should get for a proper full polishing for my leather shoes?

Much appreciated.

U can get an idea by checking out the contents of bundled polishing kits sold on this n similar websites.

 

[All in a Day]

Hi guys, quick question please?

I've got pretty broad feet - think loake-type widths - what are some makers I should be looking at?

I love the look of shoes from say, Vass or EG, but fitting into them would be a different issue altogether.

I have same prob as u. Keen to know answer too. Unless the brand clearly marks the shoes as G fit, i guess its only with opportunity to try the diff brands that we will get to know otherwise.

 

[ralfale]

What is the difference between polishing brush vs application brush?
How many brush do u guys have?

 

[All in a Day]

What is the difference between polishing brush vs application brush?
How many brush do u guys have?

Perhaps mason smith can educate us.

Personally i simply use cloth to apply polish n 1 brush to spread/shine thereafter.

I believe application brush (usually round shape with handle) is for use on the hard-to-reach areas like the welt, stitching. Used soft bristle tooth brush works fine for me but some insist horse hair only.

 

[boysdontcryy]

Hi guys, quick question please?

I've got pretty broad feet - think loake-type widths - what are some makers I should be looking at?

I love the look of shoes from say, Vass or EG, but fitting into them would be a different issue altogether.

Some pretty good answers here already, some of which include sizing up (width, and if not, length).

I have wide feet too, and English shoes generally fit wider - crockett & jones, Meermin's ama last, Alfred Sargent etc. Of course, you compromise a little on the style.

All in a day - agree, the new peter does indeed suit casual styled shoes like the Norwegian split toe.

 

[boysdontcryy]

This site looks great and offers free delivery.
I'm quite a late starter to this. Can someone recommend me a starter set (tools and cream) I should get for a proper full polishing for my leather shoes?

Much appreciated.

Get wax and cream for the shoes colours you wish to polish. Mirror shine is contingent on wax, but if u just want an average shine but the leather to be nourished, get the cream.

You can also get the renovateur to maintain your shoes.

That shld work for a start.

You can use a brush but you don't need Saphir brushes. Those can be bought locally. Or u can do what I do which is apply with a rag.

 

[All in a Day]

Some pretty good answers here already, some of which include sizing up (width, and if not, length).

I have wide feet too, and English shoes generally fit wider - crockett & jones, Meermin's ama last, Alfred Sargent etc. Of course, you compromise a little on the style.

All in a day - agree, the new peter does indeed suit casual styled shoes like the Norwegian split toe.

Think u meant alvin

Dont think your feet are that wide if u can fit C&J and AS, assuming u refer to dress shoes and not country shoes