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

[A Guy from Shanghai]

Absolutely beautiful, Roger. Congrats.

 

[mebiuspower]

I will be going to Budapest in Dec and I'm looking forward to visit Vass in person.

Do you guys think it's a better idea to get fitted and order a pair and have them shipped to me instead of picking up a pair in person which I have to pay VAT? I know VAT can be refunded at the airport but I understand it's a bit of a scam since you'd lose half the refund to pay for the commission to get a refund!

 

[Bonggoy]

I will be going to Budapest in Dec and I'm looking forward to visit Vass in person.

Do you guys think it's a better idea to get fitted and order a pair and have them shipped to me instead of picking up a pair in person which I have to pay VAT? I know VAT can be refunded at the airport but I understand it's a bit of a scam since you'd lose half the refund to pay for the commission to get a refund!

Pay cash and they will remove VAT, or so I heard

 

[venividivicibj]

Bring cash. They do 10% off if you pay in cash.

And is that museum calf the new tannery's leather, or the old tannery??

 

[FrankCowperwood]



Okay, fresh coffee brewed, pics of these F-last beauties now:

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Have to chime in here and say this are absolutely stunning: design, leather, and photos. My goodness.

I will be going to Budapest in Dec and I'm looking forward to visit Vass in person. Do you guys think it's a better idea to get fitted and order a pair and have them shipped to me instead of picking up a pair in person which I have to pay VAT? I know VAT can be refunded at the airport but I understand it's a bit of a scam since you'd lose half the refund to pay for the commission to get a refund!

No experience in buying in person in Budapest, sadly, but it seems as if you'd have to take into account the cost of shipping (which is about $45 to the US, for example) compared to the discount afforded by avoiding VAT. It seems as if there's been discussion here about a cash discount that may be available for in-store purchases. Those who have visited, can confirm or correct this (Already answered...). Anyway, wish I were visiting Budapest and Vass myself.

 

[OzzyJones]



Pay cash and they will remove VAT, or so I heard

Saywhatnow!?
Next stop Budapest!!

 

[mebiuspower]

Thanks for the tips guys! I will be sure to post photos of my experience visiting Vass.

 

[mimo]

I think there's a little mixing of apples and oranges here. I've not been there myself, but my understanding is that you have two options:

First option: buy stuff while you're there that is ready-made. You know it fits, you get a 10% cash discount, and you take your shoes home. However, Vass cannot "remove the VAT" as the sale is being made in Hungary. The discount is for cash and convenience. And Hungarian VAT is 27%, so removing it would give a reduction of about 21% off your bill, not 10%. As stated above, to get the VAT back as you're exporting the goods, requires use of a VAT refund facility at the airport. In my experience I've never had time to do this at any airport, whatever the fees!

Second option: try on stuff that's there, know your size and last and style. Either choose something they've made, or order something not in stock in your size, pay there, get the 10% discount, and leave. Let them send your shoes to you, which means they can also deduct the VAT as their postal or courier receipt is proof of export.

Personally I'd go with option two. However, if I were going to all the trouble of flying to Budapest, I'd be getting measured up for (semi)bespoke and making it really worthwhile. It costs about 40% more, but for lasts adapted specially to your foot, it's got to be worth it. Man, I want to go to Budapest now...

 

[Swede66]



Okay, fresh coffee brewed, pics of these F-last beauties now:

SOOO nice!

 

[RogerP]

Thanks very much for the comments gents - appreciated. j ingevaldsson - while the dark brown has its own subtle beauty, having seen the gold in person I am exceedingly happy with my choice. This will look stunning in an austerity brogue - I predict that you will love it a bunch.

 

[venividivicibj]

Wrong thread, my bad, beautiful shoes distracted me

 

[OzzyJones]



What are these shoulder/armpit creases from? Too little armhole? Yoke too small?

Wrong thread maybe?

 

[Ilovelobbs]

Roger one word: Delicious.

Is this rtw or MTO order?
I WANT. I WANT IT NOW

Thanks very much for the comments gents - appreciated. j ingevaldsson - while the dark brown has its own subtle beauty, having seen the gold in person I am exceedingly happy with my choice. This will look stunning in an austerity brogue - I predict that you will love it a bunch.

 

[RogerP]

And is that museum calf the new tannery's leather, or the old tannery??

This is the 'old' museum calf, from the now bankrupt Ilcea. I haven't seen anything from the new source (I don't even know what that source is) but I sure hope it is as nice as this.

Beautiful shoes Roger. Do you have a picture of them from the back?

Here you go:

Roger one word: Delicious.

Is this rtw or MTO order?
I WANT. I WANT IT NOW

Thanks my man - I got these from Notch - it was one of I think only two Ilcea calf in his latest offering here on the forum.

 

[j ingevaldsson]



Thanks very much for the comments gents - appreciated. j ingevaldsson - while the dark brown has its own subtle beauty, having seen the gold in person I am exceedingly happy with my choice. This will look stunning in an austerity brogue - I predict that you will love it a bunch.

Thanks, yes, I think they will be great.

Regarding the new museum calf, I know Rezso has been in contact with both Italian Zonta and French Tannery Haas, not sure though which tannery they ended up ordering from. But since he sorted it out very quickly and that this was in August, I think it was Haas (since Italians is on vacation in August, and in general don't work that fast..). I actually think that John Lobb gets their museum
calf from Haas as well, since they switched supplier about a year back or so. Not certain about that though.