Gaziano & Girling Appreciation & Shoe Appreciation Thread (including reviews, purchases, pictures)

[dddrees]



Justifying the price of shoes or anything is rather difficult. It is very easy to say how much something costs, what it's worth becomes somewhat subjective. I would think that most of us that contemplate shoes in this price range, we are probably looking at the aesthetics rather than the practicality. It's how they make you feel when you wear them. Tastes vary between us all. I have seen bespoke shoes costing many thousands of pounds on this forum (different thread) that I wouldn't give houseroom to regardless of how they're welted or how much they cost.
There is something about a high end shoe that transends functionality and IMHO becomes art if the proportions are perfect.
G&G seem to appeal to me time after time, more so than most. That you pay a premium for that elegance seems correct and proper. Whether that premium is too much for the humble GYW shoe is something only you can decide.

It's for some of the same reasons why someone chooses to buy a Rolex instead of a Timex, or better yet a Patek instead of a Rolex in this case. They all do the same thing. It's just that one does it in a more.elegant fashion.

 

[Zapasman]

Well, I am much more concern about quality/price ratio now than before ( I have enough good quality shoes and much more knowledge). Maybe this is not a question for you but I believe that the law of disminishing returns has an end. I am not trying to critize no one here, indeed, I just would like to know a reasonable price for those shoes (no retail margins/profit). The fact that you buy them at those prices should not mean you consider their prices to much for their quality. As an example I would tell you that I would not pay today 748 € for a pair of C&J handgrade Chadwick 2 I own, and I love them.

 

[ino68]

I'm thinking most of G&Gs business is not coming from the shoe buffs of styleforum, but rather from people who aren't really that concerned about the price tag.

 

[dddrees]



Well, I am much more concern about quality/price ratio now than before ( I have enough good quality shoes and much more knowledge).  Maybe this is not a question for you but I believe that the law of disminishing returns has an end. I am not trying to critize no one here, indeed, I just would like to know a  reasonable price for those shoes (no retail margins/profit). The fact that you buy them at those prices should not mean you consider their prices to much for their quality.   As an example I would tell you that I would not pay today 748 € for a pair of C&J handgrade Chadwick 2 I own, and I love them.

See that's the bottom line. Whether it's worth it or not, that in itself is something each potential customer will have to decide for themselves. For me, for now, given what I've seen and experienced, considering what I've determined I prefer, and given the current circumstances, it's still worth it to me.

But I can certainly understand that we may not see it the same way on this particular issue.

 

[Zapasman]

It's for some of the same reasons why someone chooses to buy a Rolex instead of a Timex, or better yet a Patek instead of a Rolex in this case. They all do the same thing. It's just that one does it in a more.elegant fashion.

Sorry, but I do not buy this while comparing to shoes. And I do not share Berners15 opinion either (aesthetics, practicality, feelings, tastes..). I try to analize construcction, tecniques, quality materials, components and finishings ( once I like the model and fits me well). Then I compare to some other makers.

 

[Zapasman]

See that's the bottom line. Whether it's worth it or not, that in itself is something each potential customer will have to decide for themselves. For me, for now, given what I've seen and experienced, considering what I've determined I prefer, and given the current circumstances, it's still worth it to me.

But I can certainly understand that we may not see it the same way on this particular issue.

Yes we make decisions differently. Maybe I ask you the same question once they reach 1.500€ or 2.000€?.

Be sure I´ll pull the trigger one of this days, but you did not help me much.

 

[dddrees]



Yes we make decisions differently. Maybe I ask you the same question once they reach 1.500€ or 2.000€?. 

Be sure I´ll pull the trigger one of this days, but you did not help me much.

We all continue to reevaluate our decisions as things evolve and change. I've already slowed down with regard to the number of shoes I purchase. My closet hasn't gotten any bigger and my wardrobe is already fairly large. My need is no longer as great but when I chose to do so its at this level at least for now.

 

[Leaves]



Was lucky enough to grab them in the Skoak odd-stock as soon as I saw the announcement - I'll post some live pics soon !

Enjoy!

 

[CrackedCrab]

A quick intermission from this discussion for a pic of GGs in the wild

 

[ValeriyMahmutov]

To remove

 

[dddrees]



A quick intermission from this discussion for a pic of GGs in the wild

Spoiler

[\spoiler]

Spoiler

Nice, great looking color!!

 

[Zapasman]

All hello. I catch myself on thought more and more that 90% of footwear which was pleasant to me on the Internet of different masters are G & G. My son and his friends admirers of G & G. Also ask my son to sew footwear similar to one of models G & G. In 90 years in Russia said that there are only 2 brands of Avtomobiley:-Mercedes and the others. And so now a tendency such is; if there were many good masters and good footwear, now G & G and the others earlier.
I take off a hat before G & G for their beautiful footwear!

Mr. Mahmutov, we miss you in the Bespoke and Riding Boots thread?.

 

[venividivicibj]

Lawls wrong thread/

 

[Berners15]

If you're doing smart casual and casual, get a derby/blucher, not an oxford.

Really not a great fan of Derby's, to me they always look a little clumsy compared to an Oxford. To each their own. I have worn assymetric, slightly chisel toed Oxford's for 33 years now, it is unlikely I will change now. I rather like Chelsea boots too and own several pairs. I will concede I am fond of Derby's when they a bit more 'countryfied' ie with a Dainite or commando sole and grained leather - commando soles are a bit heavy though. Dainite coincidentally is brilliant if you wish to break your neck on a slippery floor.

 

[dddrees]

So... @Leaves Can we do the Stock pull for the Shanklin? Looks like we have 5 committed now.

I would recommend emailing Skoak sales if I were you, @Leaves said he was going to busy the next couple of days.

Skoaktiebolaget Sales Department <[email protected]>