Loved the fact that he went through this many shoemakers and provided information that you dont find on their websites. I really appreciate that. Thank you sir!
Don’t forget, Alden handcrafts every pair of shoes and they have multiple lasts you can choose from. And they will fully restore any pair of Alden’s for you. By far my favorite shoe maker.
I must confess, often times I will ignore this channel for a few months just to be able to return and binge watch the episodes that I'd missed. Great content as always!
I was right in the middle of a shoe search when the notification for this video came in. It couldn't have been more timely. My first pair of monk straps arrived late last night. They're not bad, but I see now that I should have prioritized more money for a higher quality shoe. I'll have to return them, and am now looking for something $250 - $300 in Oxblood double monk. My pen and notebook are now out. Thank you for this very timely video!
Check out pediwear for the Carlos Santos Patina program it is on discount for just 224 pounds! The colour you look for is alentejo or wine shadow it is incredible. I could link you my own review of the monks if you want to take a look!
@@SteamHunterKostas For almost half that, you can buy a pair of beautiful double monks from Leather Lately with discount code FRIEND50. These are made to order, though.
Your videos are great!!! I just bought my 1st suit from the Suit Supply Store in Texas a navy blue thanks to your videos.....I'm rocking with you all the way from the USA!!
I think I may be one of those rare creatures who found this video before falling down the shoe rabbit hole. But I've also worn through 2 pairs of cheap leather shoes in 2 years, so I'll be taking the plunge soon. The only difficult thing is that i live in the middle of Illinois, and there aren't many brands that I can try on without driving all the way to Chicago :( My feet might thank me for the road trip, though.
@@stedye I live in Germany and I went for the lower end of the spectrum with Shoe Passion making up the backbone of my shoe collection. I can wholeheartedly recommend Shoe Passion on quality, just ensure that the shoes fit properly or you will be in a world of hurt. Literally. The shoe sizer printed from their German website gave me half a size (UK) more than what I needed. The first shoes I ordered from them seem to fit me well at first try on, but transformed into torture devices when I wore them longer. After this experience I went half a size down and the following pairs fit perfectly and never caused me any discomfort. I hope this helps.
He is right that shoes become an obsession. I paid $650 for first pair of R.M Williams boots and in 4 months I own 4 pairs. I love em and you never regret buying quality. Wish I started buy quality shoes and clothes sooner
Thoroughly enjoying my Meermins, great build quality and comfort from the get go. Have bought 4 more pairs based on the fit and quick break-in of the 1st pair. Would not have found them if it wasn't for Sartorial Talks so thanks Hugo and Sonya!
I have seen this video many times.Thanks to you,Mr Hugo,I purchased my first pair of Herring Handmade shoes.The comfort,fit and Finish of Herring Shoes are far better than shoes I used to buy from local Markets.My feet are enjoying the feel of the great leather and I am feeling bullet proof 😊. Thank you so much for this video .
Wonderfully diverse selection, Hugo. Interesting glimpses of the makers’ histories, too. Your genuine enthusiasm for these brands, coupled with your great knowledge, easily excited my interest in them. I particularly liked the look of the Cobbler Union offerings, especially the Balmoral boots; which were beautiful. Looking forward to part 2!
I used to say that my clothing didn’t matter to me. Hugo made me care. I’ve begun looking at suits and shoes with an eye to finding my style. Thanks for the inspiration.
I am so addicted to your videos! Plan on watching as many as I can find. I am a seller of used shoes in America on ebay. I live near a very wealthy area and hope to find some of these incredible brands to sell. Educating oneself is half the battle. I love quality and and your videos have embraced me!
Oh I am so glad that Meermin also makes women shoes!! I enjoy all these videos and would love some for women too. I am interested in learning about proper fit, how to know which shoes to pair with one's outfit, etc. I always get so overwhelmed and anxious when I shop for clothes. Thanks again!
Had to pause at 2:25 and comment. Yes, my addiction after the first pair has grown more so than my wife's. I would never spend more than 80 dollars on a pair of shoes. Now I'm spending minimum of 400 per pair. I'm addicted to quality and craftsmanship. I love it! Thank you for this informative video that I haven't watched all the way through yet. I've just begun my journey with 2 pairs of shoes and 1 boot.
My favourite brands in this list are Joseph Cheaney and Loake. They have the best value and are virtually indestructible. Thanks for the video it's very helpful for the younger generation to select shoes!
This man's knowledge on style and products is extraordinary, encyclopedic, off the charts. What's great is that he's humble and graceful. An example of a true gentleman, regardless of the subject that he's talking about.
What a fantastically informative and helpful review! Your vast knowledge is incredible and simply listening to you as you explain these recommendations is highly enjoyable! Thank you, Hugo.
Hugo you're so right its addicted once you start. I've brought 9 pairs in the past 16 month from monks, brogue,chuka, chelsea, oxford etc, by Loake,Barker and Cheaney and plan to buy more from other British brand before looking to Italians, french etc. I very much enjoyed this video.
Thank you so much for this great video. I just bought my first pair of Meermin shoes. They're double monks. You cannot beat the price point for such quality. Very stylish.
At first i said that because of the price i won't know most of those brands, but at the end i know and seen in real life about half of those brands, very good selection.
A good friend of mine is switching careers now, and ist currently undergoing an apprenticeship to become a bespoke-shoemaker. I think it will be wonderful to have a friend whom you trust as a go-to shoemaker.
YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND PASSION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED, A WEALTH OF INFORMATION!!! BARKER BLACK IS ANOTHER GREAT BRAND(ON THE HIGH SIDE OF PRICE 700 TO 950 $)
I agree that the Loake 1880 range is fantastic value. I recently posted a review of my C&J Audley handgrades and compared them with my Loake Aldwych oxfords. The C&Js are beautiful shoes but it’s hard to ignore the fact that the 1880s are less than half the price and , while clearly lacking certain features, compare very well.
SARTORIAL TALKS Yes, I moved to Australia from the UK and they have some strange overseas distribution policies. They have an Australian distributor but the prices are inflated - not worth it when I can buy Loake made shoes (1880 quality) from the Herring Shoes Classics range. Although I think Herring may be phasing out the Loake made shoes from their range. There is always eBay.
I'm stumbled into this video now. And Hugo is right! Owning leather shoes is addictive that I have over 30 pairs! I just wished I have seen this first before I started so I have had an idea what brands to look for lol
Great video as always! I’ve got anything from Cheaney’s, Barker, Loake, Grenson (as you know all these are North Hampton breeds) to Mezlan and list goes on and on...not to mention some fantastic Dutch brands!
Its hardly been a couple of days and I'm so hooked to your channel. I just love the way you speak. You seem so genuine. Amazing video as always. I'm from India. Any brands you can recommend that are available here in India?
What he says at about 2 minutes. That shoes can be addictive is so true. I wish I heard it before endulging. I bought my first pair of true leather dress shoes last christmas. The coffee brown export grade 1880 form loake and I love wearing them. They never get uncomfortable unlike cheaper leather shoes or runners or that kind if thing. All I have wanted is a pair of black oxfords now. Not to mention going down a path of buying fountain pens and my first suit which are equally addictive. I want more of all of them
I agree with your comment regarding Hugo, 100%. I'm part of the natural bodybuilding community. I'm wondering why bodybuilders, or at least the ones I've known and seen, and this would include myself up until the last year, don't put more effort into style,....other than gym gear. You would think they would be at the forefront in some ways. They strive for health and aesthetics of the body, but seem to stop there, most of them. It's too bad.
@@westfieldartworks8188 most bodybuilders are spending their money on food and gear and let's be honest, they don't typically earn much money to begin with. I would love to see a well dressed finance/hedge fund bodybuilder but I'm pretty sure that doesn't exist.
Thank you you are very kind. Our channel is still young (only 29 videos) and we are progressing by an average of 250 subscribers per day which is quite good. The most important for us is that we have a REAL and ACTIVE community. On a video like this one, we'll probably reach 1000 comments which represents a very high engagement rate. We may not have, for the moment, the quantity of subscribers, but we have for sure the quality. Our community is a great one, with polite and passionate people. We feel blessed for that. Hugo
When you called the Alden boots "tanker boots", the Army in me was like... nooo. Haha. Actual tanker boots are made with straps and buckles because laces can catch on fire. Great video, thumbs up.
Love the video! My first high quality shoe was a black Loake for my wedding last year. I’m studying to be a Minister church pastor so I seek for high quality yet conservative shoes.
Hi, I am a fan of shoes and boots made in Leone. Do you have any favorites from Leone? I am 80, so the styles I wear have began to narrow, my favorite is still a 9 1/2 Wellington pre 70’s. I am a fan lizard, stingray etc. Thanks Guys
What a great list. I was surprised no Allen Edmonds made the list. I have really enjoyed their quality and style, but I certainly am not one that can ever be considered a sartorial expert. Just a rube trying to learn. Good that I have none of the brands named. More to learn about! and buy! Merci for the videos!
Including a company like Carlos Santos but omitting Allen Edmonds is revealing about the nature of and motivations behind this list. Still, it has some useful information.
Great list. Pretty much aware of all those brands, but my go to that I own are J.Firzpatrick, Crockett & Jones, Alden, Loake, Septieme Larguer and Meermin. The ones I really want to eventually get into are John Lobbs, Gaziano & Girling, Carmina, and Edward Green. In do time though
Hello! I live in a small town in Hungary, where I was able to get a bespoke shoe (custom last, goodyear, Italian leather, leather sole). I still can not believe it but I paid 110$. They do ship it abroad where it is being sold from 350+$ (for an off the rack black derby, not even custom). The owner showed me that they made ostrich skin shoes as well (3000$ just for the material used). I do believe I made one of the biggest shoe bargains of the century. Keep up the good videos :)
Great video Hugo! Thank you for all that valuable knowledge. I would just like to add that these great brands sometimes go on sale so they can be found at an even lower price point. So, even the counter argument of a high price sometimes does not apply. To share my experience, last month I acquired a pair of Vass boots for $450 and a pair of George Cleverley oxfords for $280 from Shopmehra and MrPorter respectively.
Pretty solid list, I have 2 J Fitz's and 1 Caulaincourt boot. I have a pr of Meermin boots from like 3 yrs ago (they really stepped up their customer service since then, but had a terrible experience and not a fan of their shoes from a comfort stand pt but price/quality ratio its top notch). J Fitz is growing, now with a NA hq in NYC so kinda unfortunate not gonna be able to get a better deal buying from EU (dollar/eu/shipping/vat theres that side of the equation too). Highly recommend J Fitz and Caulaincourt, comfortable beautiful shoes that will get you many questions from men asking where you got your shoes. Also on PG site, there's an older guide on shoes, which is a good starting point, so you may see some other makers that maybe close to your area of residence. Cheers fam
I’m living in France at the moment and right in front of my apartment there is a store from a shoe brand called Paraboot. What do you think about those? Thank you for your time.
I was just about to ask how it was possible Carmina was mentioned in the begining but not actually on the list lol it would be nice to hear your thoughts on the brand though.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. While I certainly have little experience with the brands mentioned here, I feel it takes at least twenty years to assess the quality of a pair of shoes. With that in mind, I can endorse Alden shoes without reservations. Not only are they durably crafted, but their style is immune to the fickleness of fashion.
Mr. Jacomet I love the tie pin. Nicely integrated in your outfit. Shoes r the most important component of an attire. Good shoes can elevate an average apparel, not otherwise. Lots of love.
Thanks to this video I'm going to be getting a pair of trickers boots. I've been looking for something similar here in the US for some time and these are exactly what I had in mind.
I saw the comments about Allen Edmonds and I can understand why. I luckily got a recrafted pair of black oxfords that only cost me about $200 and while I love British styles and lasts, these will last me for many years. I called it that Meermin would be the first company and I am so happy they offer fully fur lined winter boots with rubber soles for $275. Shoepassion from Germany has a pair for about $500. Crockett and Jones is probably my favorite brand for ready to wear even though I can't afford them right now. Yet their history, videos, styles, and lasts are just my cup of tea. For me, shoes are my favorite part of an outfit. Saphir products really make shoes look even better. Hugo and Sonya, thank you for helping men and women dress better and feel better. Could you please do a video on neckties and bowties, thank you.
What a great idea to do this video! It gives people like me a guideline into exploring quality shoes. Now, only if you apply this concept to buying suits.
Hello, First of all I want to thank you for all these information you provide us about shoes and dress. May I ask you to tell us about shoe makers in east Europe and Russia? Because I believe they have quality as much as west but with so less price.
Don't forget TheSabot, they're a great shoe distributor. You can get some really nice Antonio Meccariello shoes for around $440, they're good year welted and have a fiddle back waist. *Skoaktiebolaget is also good
Dear Scott, TheSabot and Skoaktiebolaget are retailers (we know Skoak very well) and not shoemakers, even if Skoak is now launching their now line (Löf and Tung). Concerning Antonio Meccariello, I know him very well (I've had dinner at his table!) and it's the first name of our part 2. Best, Hugo
I once purchased some tan wingtips from Aldo and they killed my feet after walking in them. They were horribly uncomfortable shoes. Very stiff and rigid leather. Because of that experience, I am hesitant to buy dress shoes
So many names I've never heard. Great, informative video with a lot of value, that's top notch quality "top10" video. I got really curious about some smaller brands and the french origined shoes. Thank you!
Cheaney, Cheaney , Cheaney ! Obsession is definitely the right way to describe it ! ...such a good choice for video Hugo , much appreciated as always .
Hi, It's not often you can get so useful information. I was surprised about very famous company like Church (UK) not in the list. Thank you so much. Honestly , after that you can be crazy about shoes, men's shoes. It's really interesting to hear from you , from expert in this business.Thank you again.
Ramon Tonnaer You shouldn’t be surprised. The quality of Magnanni is quite poor compared to the shoes on this list. There’s a reason every Saks Off 5th is full of Magnanni. They’ve largely become an outlet shoe. They aren’t even worth their $150 outlet price tag. They’re certainly not the $400+ retail price they claim.
LaSale Greene you’re missing out if all you wear is Magnanni. Mezlan is in the same quality bucket as Magnanni. They’ve reduced their quality to sell direct to outlets. Both have inflated retail prices that are never achieved. Neither is worthy of mention here.
Vass shoes are well worth the money. I love the shoes I got. I spent 400USD including shipping and lasted shoe trees. Once they break in, you will find the shoes are among the best you will ever wear
I would like to add Ludwig Reiter. This is a company from Vienna, Austria. Leather shoes are around €650, leather belts are around €200. The leather is very rich, the price range is surely elevated. But if you take care of them, they will last many years. They have many stores in my native Germany as well as in Austria for example. Ludwig Reiter has large size shoes as well, depending on the item. I have been a customer of Ludwig Reiter for many years because they offer large size shoes and a leather quality to back it up.
Great video. Subscribed. Can't wait for part 2 now. A little surprised though. I though J.M Weston would make the list. In part 2 maybe? Cheers from Canada.
Shoepassion should definitely be added to the list. Picked up a wingtip derby from them a while ago. On sale for a 150 euros (normally 250). They are great value for money, even at retail price. Goodyear welted, leather sole, full grain french calf upper and made in spain with everything sourced from the EU. Amazing value for the price.
My Second Pair of cobblers union is on its way to me. 1st was Oxford toe cap black from 2019. I also Own a Shoepassion Patina Line Oxford toe cap. The Cobblers has more details and seems to be more fine (SP is great as well). On same price take the CU - With sale price the SP isnt bad as well. The Upper leather is great. The second pair of CU is from 2019/2020 with british lasts. We will see how they are. But within the pricerange under 400$ (you get account with codes from here and somewere else) there isnt some better. Next Step would be for me Some Allen Edmonds Cordovan AND VASS shoes...
Hello sir, thank you for another wonderful video! I live in Atlanta and purchased my first pair of whole-cut oxfords from Cobbler Union last year, great selection and customer service. Unfortunately, my budget can't sustain buying several pair a year so I'm always looking for a deal. I found an American company called Moral Code, they specialize in luxury shoes at an affordable price. I purchased a pair of double monk strap wingtip oxfords for $129. Very beautiful shoes, and they're Goodyear Welted, which I couldn't believe for the price. Just wanted to share with my fellow brethren, looking forward to part 2.
brenton nash how are your shoes from Cobbler Union? Are you finding them durable and comfortable? I live in Duluth , abouut 25 minutes from downtown Atlanta.
Also from Atlanta , usually get my shoes from Nieman - Marcus outlet store , now thanks to Hugo' s great discourse on affordable luxury brands I am now aware of Cobblers Union . Ecstatic that I found this amazing Sartorial vlog .
I love shoes, you're absolutely right about being an addiction. I own maybe over 30 Shoes. I find Allen Edmond as my favourite daily shoes. Average price $300's... Now Magnanni is also one of the favourites for dress up shoes. Average price $500's... Salvatore Ferragamo, I consider it as High-End shoes as far as pricing. Average price $500's And last I love Bruno Magli very stylish and greatly handcrafted. Average price $500's. For driving and work for daily shoes, I recommend Rockport shoes, I know they are cheap $100's but find one u like and buy the same one as the second pair, cuz we all know u never wear the same shoes the next day, you must use a wooden cedar tree and let it observe the moist and the smell. I know for someone like me who wears such expensive shoes recommends Rockport shoes. Well, you need to buy one and wear it and you'll thank me for the rest of your life. The most important thing in life when it comes to shoes, it's the care part of it, once every 2 weeks, I shoes shine all my own shoes. It's an investment, you buy a top price shoe that you want to wear them for at least 7 yrs. When you calculate the price of the high-end shoes into this factor 7 years vs 1-year cheap shoes, you'll understand why Rich people invest in expensive shoes. The last thing, all high-end shoes are a rebuildable meaning with $99 you can send them back to factory and they'll rebuild it for you! So you see? now u have the same $500 shoes and got a new one for $99......... I deal with very super-rich clients, believe it or not, you can learn a lot from old money people! To them, everything they buy is an investment!
Hello Hugo i hope that this finds you well? May i firstly say thank you so much for another fantastic video were you share with us yet again your amazing knowledge on the satorial arts, some truly amazing shoes, some that yes as a English man i have herd of , but the other brands were spectacular, thank you so much for all the hard work that you put in to create these videos, keep up the great work, Your friend Ryan.
Loake has 2 lines. The premium one called Loake1880 is very competitive, with high quality craftmanship, exclusively made in England, Kettering, Northamptonshire. Sinon, que pensez vous de Grenson pour sa ligne GOne ? Merci encore pour cette vidéo de pure passion Hugo 👌
Thank you for this video. I decided upon a pair of Carlos Santos Chelsea boots. These were the most beautiful boots I'd ever seen. My first time wearing them out I literally had people stopping me to ask about them. So I ended up buying a brown, brogued more low key country not from Carlos Santos and they're amazing, too! You have great taste.
Would you mind listing shoe makers and shoe stores that make and carry wide widths, particularly E and EE? Unfortunately, most of the shoe stores we visit only carry "D" or narrow widths. If we have to go to custom shoe makers, please let us know about those as well. Thank you.
I know Edward Green and JM Weston (which will be featured in Part 2 carry wider width). As for custom shoes, all of them should be able to offer you wide width, other wide it's not custom! Best, Hugo
