The Ultimate Vass (Footwear) Thread (Pictures, reviews, sizing, etc...)

[Louis XIV]

What I believe is that Vass shoes tend to fluctuate by about half a size. On top of whatever size is recommended to you here, I would say go for the bigger size and get an insole ready. Otherwise, there is always an option of having the shoes re-lasted, of course with the additional cost of shipping.

This is purely a guess.
I would be careful with comments like that if you have zero proof.
How should shoes come in varying sizes if the lasts used to make them are identical?
Sure, different designs and materials might behave differently on our feet, but that is not the shoe makers fault.
It's the lack of knowledge of the customer that is cause of the problem.

To me it is much more likely people don't know about the characteristics of their feet.
Instead of doing the obvious, going to a store to see and feel the shoes they are interested in first hand, they rely on opinions of people on the internet without having proof those people actualy own a pair and have the slightest clue what they are talking about.
After all, even if those people say the truth, the fit of shoes on other peoples feet is next to no help in determining how a pair of shoes will fit you.

Have a look at the numerous times people post about their new RTW shoes being a "perfect fit" or how their new shoes fit "like a glove".
Nonsense if you can't even find a single crease in the leather uppers in the pictures shown of the shoes because they have never been worn.
Also, while sufficiently good for most of us, a RTW shoe never will be a perfect fit.

People are impatient and feel the need to order shoes from makers at the other end of the world because SF bandwagon tells them to.
Later on they are too afraid to admit a procedure like that is very likely to cause problems and to at least stand up like a man for the fault they have done.
Instead people whine about additional costs that are a vanishingly small fraction of the products worth, while poor Vass, being too kind hearted, will remake the shoes free of cost even if the initial pair is perfectly fine from a shoe makers perspective.
One would guess people able to spend hundreds of Euro on a pair of shoes were mature enough to have some common sense.
More often than not one is prooved wrong.

Are those pairs on one of the Peter lasts or is this what the F last looks like for greater sizes?

(I am only an EU39.5 in Vass F )

Hi Louis, would you be so kind as to provide the length and width measurements to your 39.5F?  I am trying to nail down my UK6 size in F and U and based on other forummers' feedbacks, 40F is too big and 39.5U seems to be too short and narrow.  Vass sizing is confusing. 

I am not at home for this weekend.
I can do so if you like me to.
Am I right you mean the outsole measurements?

 

[Ecstasy]



This is purely a guess.
I would be careful with comments like that if you have zero proof.
How should shoes come in varying sizes if the lasts used to make them are identical?
Sure, different designs and materials might behave differently on our feet, but that is not the shoe makers fault.
It's the lack of knowledge of the customer that is cause of the problem.

To me it is much more likely people don't know about the characteristics of their feet.
Instead of doing the obvious, going to a store to see and feel the shoes they are interested in first hand, they rely on opinions of people on the internet without having proof those people actualy own a pair and have the slightest clue what they are talking about.
After all, even if those people say the truth, the fit of shoes on other peoples feet is next to no help in determining how a pair of shoes will fit you.

Have a look at the numerous times people post about their new RTW shoes being a "perfect fit" or how their new shoes fit "like a glove".
Nonsense if you can't even find a single crease in the leather uppers in the pictures shown of the shoes because they have never been worn.
Also, while sufficiently good for most of us, a RTW shoe never will be a perfect fit.

People are impatient and feel the need to order shoes from makers at the other end of the world because SF bandwagon tells them to.
Later on they are too afraid to admit a procedure like that is very likely to cause problems and to at least stand up like a man for the fault they have done.
Instead people whine about additional costs that are a vanishingly small fraction of the products worth, while poor Vass, being too kind hearted, will remake the shoes free of cost even if the initial pair is perfectly fine from a shoe makers perspective.
One would guess people able to spend hundreds of Euro on a pair of shoes were mature enough to have some common sense.
More often than not one is prooved wrong.
I am not at home for this weekend.
I can do so if you like me to.
Am I right you mean the outsole measurements?

I mean Vass no disrespect. You seem to have taken great offense. My comment is based on the experience of other SF members with more Vass than me. It appears that some experience different fit when they purchase calf shoes at different times of the year. That is same size, same material.

 

[RogerP]

This is the first time I have heard of any 'tendency for Vass shoes to fluctuate half a size". I only have three pair, but that has certainly not been my experience. I agree that caution should be taken when a) making sweeping and negative generalizations that b) are not based on one's own experience. Better not to, frankly.

 

[Fiddler]

I think its the human foot that fluctuates, not so much the Vass size.

Any size aberrations are more the hallmark of the particular last design.

For instance I have a F and P2 last in size 42 and in my case the P2 is clearly a half size bigger. I figure it's because of the last.

 

[Slewfoot]

I have more Vass than I should and haven't noticed much in terms of size fluctuations when made in the same material. An F last in a 43.5 will be a bit different in suede and shell. The differences are small enough where it doesn't feel like a half size difference, maybe a quarter size.

Keep in mind that with any of these shoes they will only fit better as they are worn. Also, if you buy a shoe and then get the same size and last and material 8 months later they both may feel quite different. They may have felt almost identical when new, but now they will feel different due to one being broken in and one not.

These are hand made products made to high standards. Absolute consistency and perfection are not things one should be focused on. If that is the case there are certainly other makers that may be better suited. Or just only buy shoes you can try on in the store to be sure.

 

[Ilovelobbs]

Quote:
OK - you do have a valid point.....winter months I can fit into any of my tight fitting shoes....Summer months, with the heat & humidity I ain't getting into any of my tight fitting shoes. The body and feet naturally swells............ I travel alot to these hot & humid countries like Singapore and can never wear any of my Lobbs; SC; Vass etc...well enough like I do in Europe. Even, when I get off a long haul fight, my feet are so swollen it's impossible to put on my Vass........................ I can't comment nor speculate on the small or larger Vass sizing (Because I have no experience) But, I know I am a Eu44 in ALL of Vass C, K F & U last and 9.5UK in all of the English brands............. Does this help?....

 

[Ecstasy]

OK - you do have a valid point.....winter months I can fit into any of my tight fitting shoes....Summer months, with the heat & humidity I ain't getting into any of my tight fitting shoes. The body and feet naturally swells............I travel alot to these hot & humid countries like Singapore and can never wear any of my Lobbs; SC; Vass etc...well enough like I do in Europe. Even, when I get off a long haul fight, my feet are so swollen it's impossible to put on my Vass........................ I can't comment nor speculate on the small or larger Vass sizing (Because I have no experience) But, I know I am a Eu44 in ALL of Vass C, K F & U last and 9.5UK in all of the English brands............. Does this help?....

Thanks for the sizing advice. I honestly don't know what the fuss is about, since my comment is meant to help barky in his size estimation in Vass F and U lasts, as shown below.

What I believe is that Vass shoes tend to fluctuate by about half a size. On top of whatever size is recommended to you here, I would say go for the bigger size and get an insole ready. Otherwise, there is always an option of having the shoes re-lasted, of course with the additional cost of shipping.

I was saying that it is difficult to 'nail down' his exact size in these lasts. In the case where 2 sizes (differing by 0.5) are suggested, one should go for the larger one and be prepared to use an insole if it is too big. The 'size fluctuation' comment is meant to emphasize that others will suggest different sizes because they have different fit experiences with Vass, even if they wear the same size in other lasts. Yes, I admit that I have no personal experience with size fluctuation since I own too few pairs of Vass, but the comment is not entirely unfounded. I read a couple of posts suggesting that quite a few pages back. Disregard what I said if you wish, since I have no intention of hunting for quotes.

Some completely missed the point of my post.

 

[Bonggoy]

Thanks for the sizing advice. I honestly don't know what the fuss is about, since my comment is meant to help barky in his size estimation in Vass F and U lasts, as shown below.


I was saying that it is difficult to 'nail down' his exact size in these lasts. In the case where 2 sizes (differing by 0.5) are suggested, one should go for the larger one and be prepared to use an insole if it is too big. The 'size fluctuation' comment is meant to emphasize that others will suggest different sizes because they have different fit experiences with Vass, even if they wear the same size in other lasts. Yes, I admit that I have no personal experience with size fluctuation since I own too few pairs of Vass, but the comment is not entirely unfounded. I read a couple of posts suggesting that quite a few pages back. Disregard what I said if you wish, since I have no intention of hunting for quotes.

Some completely missed the point of my post.

It appears there were members in the past who were dispensing advice (price, size) without actually owning a single pair of the makers shoe. I think that's where LouisXV is coming from.

In my case, I did a lot of research. Talked to a few VASS proxy. Exchange countless emails with Reszo about sizing. In the end, I didn't feel comfortable with the information I was getting. In the end, I flew to Budapest (beautiful city). Tried all the last and shoes in my size.

 

[tchoy]



Some new additions to the family; OEII in black and Austerity Brogue in oxblood

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Great choices ! I had the exact same pair the oxblood austerity brogue a pair of very versatile shoes.

 

[Akeem]

Do vass shoes have hidden metal eyelets or just reinforced leather? I usually tighten my laces pretty snug and I didn't to tear the leather.

 

[Notch]

Vass golf shoes (bespoke, will order the next pair with some minor adjustments to the last). Antique cognac and white calf leather. Second time wearing these, I think they are great!

 

[Zarium]

<mega ***** fit>

FTFY.

 

[bertie]

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

I have more Vass than I should and haven't noticed much in terms of size fluctuations when made in the same material. An F last in a 43.5 will be a bit different in suede and shell. The differences are small enough where it doesn't feel like a half size difference, maybe a quarter size.

Keep in mind that with any of these shoes they will only fit better as they are worn. Also, if you buy a shoe and then get the same size and last and material 8 months later they both may feel quite different. They may have felt almost identical when new, but now they will feel different due to one being broken in and one not.

These are hand made products made to high standards. Absolute consistency and perfection are not things one should be focused on. If that is the case there are certainly other makers that may be better suited. Or just only buy shoes you can try on in the store to be sure.

I have mentioned before but it bears repeating. I have 5 pairs of Vass in different styles but all calf and all size 45. They all feel differet on my feet but they have the same length and width. The driving factor in the different feel is the stye of shoe. Captoes are the snuggest while double monks are the "loosest". Just by looking at the construction it is obvious that the captoe is most restrictive while the monk is much less so. I can't say this is why others may feel the shoes are different in size but it sures makes a diference for me. That said, the difference is so margiinal that I would not change the size of any of my shoes if I ordered them again.

 

[Slewfoot]



I have mentioned before but it bears repeating. I have 5 pairs of Vass in different styles but all calf and all size 45. They all feel differet on my feet but they have the same length and width. The driving factor in the different feel is the stye of shoe. Captoes are the snuggest while double monks are the "loosest". Just by looking at the construction it is obvious that the captoe is most restrictive while the monk is much less so. I can't say this is why others may feel the shoes are different in size but it sures makes a diference for me. That said, the difference is so margiinal that I would not change the size of any of my shoes if I ordered them again.

Great points and definitely bears repeating.

 

[gdl203]

For those interested in buying Vass in the US, we have now received our full assortment and will be opening up our store in September. Free shipping & returns - that should make things a bit easier.

I will be posting some pics over the next few weeks in our affiliate thread - not sure it's kosher to do so here...

http://www.styleforum.net/t/358758/no-man-walks-alone-official-affiliate-thread