Is Vass really worth the money?

[JFWR]

They have a showroom in NYC. Shipping within the US is also free.

Excellent. When I'm back in NYC, I will check them out.

 

[pkincy]

I can't comment about Vass quality in the past 15 years but back before the Great Recession, their shoes were as well made as anyone on Earth. The U last is always a fit challenge as it has such a narrow toe box but they are great looking. The Peter last fits my foot a bit better. But 15 years later the shoes are going strong. And 15 years ago you couldn't buy them in the US for less than $800. Now that was primarily due to them having an exclusive US distributor that marked them up heavily. Most of us sourced the shoes from a German online retailer at the time.

 

[LThomsen]

I can't comment about Vass quality in the past 15 years but back before the Great Recession, their shoes were as well made as anyone on Earth. The U last is always a fit challenge as it has such a narrow toe box but they are great looking. The Peter last fits my foot a bit better. But 15 years later the shoes are going strong. And 15 years ago you couldn't buy them in the US for less than $800. Now that was primarily due to them having an exclusive US distributor that marked them up heavily. Most of us sourced the shoes from a German online retailer at the time.
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How many times have you worn them and resoled them?

 

[pkincy]

My shoe collection was pretty extensive (50+ pair) so most shoes got worn at most once/month. Likely the Vass Oxford Medallion in Antic Cognac got worn a bit more than that. So likely twice a month for 10 years. The past 5 years I have been retired and I likely have only worn leather soled shoes 5 times in that 5 years. The Peter last slippers likely were worn a bit less than once a month. As a result neither are anywhere close to needing a resole.

In fact I have never had a pair of GY welted shoes resoled, nor am I ever likely to do that. Maybe my grandson will need to resole those that are left to him, should he end up with an 9-9/5D US sized foot. Here is the current state of the soles after that 10 years of wearing and 5 years of sitting.

 

[lgayne]

I’ve personally found Vas’s stitching and finish quality to be clearly a notch below that of Edward Green, and the finishing/polishing also uneven at times (for new shoes). And I’ve bought most of my EGs for prices (via eBay sellers, but talking about new shoes) at prices very similar to those I paid for my two pair of Vass.

 

[JohnMRobie]

There’s clearly a lot of value to be had in Vass at their retail price if they have a last that fits you and even more value currently with most of what they have in stock at 30% off. With that sale it’s a handmade shoe sub-$400 USD? If the heel stacks are that big of a deal to someone replacing them is not expensive at a cobbler and it’s still less than CJ benchgrade or Carmina. Basically the same price as AE or TLB Artista msrp. I’ll take Vass over AE any day of the week.

 

[tbaja27]

Yes.

 

[mebiuspower]

I’ve personally found Vas’s stitching and finish quality to be clearly a notch below that of Edward Green, and the finishing/polishing also uneven at times (for new shoes). And I’ve bought most of my EGs for prices (via eBay sellers, but talking about new shoes) at prices very similar to those I paid for my two pair of Vass.

EG stitching is tighter no doubt. Leather quality & QC are also higher with EG, but rightfully so since you're paying for that...

I own 3 pairs of Vass and 2 pairs of EG. There are things to like/dislike with each brand...

 

[kg13]

I can't comment about Vass quality in the past 15 years but back before the Great Recession, their shoes were as well made as anyone on Earth. The U last is always a fit challenge as it has such a narrow toe box but they are great looking. The Peter last fits my foot a bit better. But 15 years later the shoes are going strong. And 15 years ago you couldn't buy them in the US for less than $800. Now that was primarily due to them having an exclusive US distributor that marked them up heavily. Most of us sourced the shoes from a German online retailer at the time.
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What color are the loafers? They look great!

 

[LThomsen]

EG stitching is tighter no doubt. Leather quality & QC are also higher with EG, but rightfully so since you're paying for that...

I own 3 pairs of Vass and 2 pairs of EG. There are things to like/dislike with each brand...

What do you like/dislike about each brand?

 

[rhb57]

One thing they do differently and you're willing to overlook them completely? Your loss. Can't wait to get another pair soon

I was gonna take your words for it until I saw your username ?.

 

[pkincy]

What do you like/dislike about each brand?

I don't remember what Vass named that color but it is a reddish brown that is quite nice. Thank you.

 

[nmprisons]

Doesn't the fact that we're comparing Vass to shoes that cost 2x-3x as much suggest it is "really worth the money"? I don't think anyone has identified a similarly priced shoe that is of higher quality. They might exist, of course, but I'm not aware of any readily available in the US market.

 

[Ecstasy]

2 things - fit and looks.

Fit - doesn't fit my very ordinary feet well. All the other brands seem to fit alright. Sizing consistency is off as well.

Looks - Can look quite good, especially F last. U last looks very strange IRL. But compared to other brands, nothing to shout about, really, especially when worn on your feet and from the eyes of someone next to you.

Based on the above, I wouldn't even buy them anymore. So value is 0 to me. But if the above 2 works for you in comparison with other brands, then go for it.