Markus123456789
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- Oct 26, 2024
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There are many threads discussing English (Northampton) and US shoemakers. But it appears that there is no thread providing an overview of continental European shoemakers. So it is time to start one.
I can provide input on the following makers:
Vass (Hungary): Probably my favorite maker for quite formal shoes (Oxfords, leather loafers). I have two pairs and the quality is second to none, on par - I have read multiple times - with the best Northampton shoemakers. They are handwelted with Rendenbach soles. Further, you have the choice between a number of different lasts. If you are interested, Vass also has a number of traditional Austro-Hungarian designs (Budapester or Alt-Wien). This all for a price of around EUR 500-550 a pair if you order from them directly from their webpage.
TLB Mallorca (Spain): I have three pairs of the Artista line. Great elegant shoes with a more modern design than Vass. Very good quality (Oxford welted, nice uppers, TLB rubber sole is thin and elegant). Great service. When I ordered my first pair, Tony (the owner) contacted me by email asking for an outline of my feet and gave spot-on sizing advice. All this for a price of around EUR 500.
Velasqua (Italy): Tasteful shoes with a wide range of options. I have three pairs. Qualitywise not in the same category as Vass or TLB Mallorca but very okay. Used to be at a very attractive price-range (around EUR 300) but prices have gone up, though frequent sales. I would not buy from them again, preferring Vass and TLB Mallorca, but if you can get a good price a good option for a price-sensitive customer.
Santoni (Italy): I got my pair for EUR 250 at YOOX and I am quite happy with them due to their design. Otherwise, I think they are overpriced for the level of quality they provide.
There are so many more shoemakers on the continent like Reiters (Vienna), other Hungarian or Spanish shoemakers, also Swedish makers, but I have no shoes from them and cannot provide input.
I can provide input on the following makers:
Vass (Hungary): Probably my favorite maker for quite formal shoes (Oxfords, leather loafers). I have two pairs and the quality is second to none, on par - I have read multiple times - with the best Northampton shoemakers. They are handwelted with Rendenbach soles. Further, you have the choice between a number of different lasts. If you are interested, Vass also has a number of traditional Austro-Hungarian designs (Budapester or Alt-Wien). This all for a price of around EUR 500-550 a pair if you order from them directly from their webpage.
TLB Mallorca (Spain): I have three pairs of the Artista line. Great elegant shoes with a more modern design than Vass. Very good quality (Oxford welted, nice uppers, TLB rubber sole is thin and elegant). Great service. When I ordered my first pair, Tony (the owner) contacted me by email asking for an outline of my feet and gave spot-on sizing advice. All this for a price of around EUR 500.
Velasqua (Italy): Tasteful shoes with a wide range of options. I have three pairs. Qualitywise not in the same category as Vass or TLB Mallorca but very okay. Used to be at a very attractive price-range (around EUR 300) but prices have gone up, though frequent sales. I would not buy from them again, preferring Vass and TLB Mallorca, but if you can get a good price a good option for a price-sensitive customer.
Santoni (Italy): I got my pair for EUR 250 at YOOX and I am quite happy with them due to their design. Otherwise, I think they are overpriced for the level of quality they provide.
There are so many more shoemakers on the continent like Reiters (Vienna), other Hungarian or Spanish shoemakers, also Swedish makers, but I have no shoes from them and cannot provide input.
