$2K Shoes! Worth it, or inflated retail?

Hi Guys,

Stopped by Harry Rosen (a Canadian menswear store) and they had Cesare Firrao 'bespoke, handmade' shoes for $2k. They're on clearance and have dropped to $1k. Is that a good deal, or is this an example of insane markup? Anybody have experience with these shoes?

if they weren't made to fit your feet, they don't really have that attraction of being bespoke for you, right?



mrclam said:

if they weren't made to fit your feet, they don't really have that attraction of being bespoke for you, right?

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They're probably from a line called "bespoke" and not actually made for anyone in particular

It depends on the material, and the leather that has been used.

Unless a $1000 is not a lot of money for you I suggest that you would be well served to learn more about shoes in general before you drop that much on a pair.

I'm not saying that the particular pair of shoes is, or is not, worth a grand. But if it were me - I'd want to know more about how they are made, understand what that means, and most importantly know enough about the fit to make sure they are perfect for your feet.

Technically - bespoke means made especially for your foot and with your specifically chosen custom options in my mind. These shoes certainly are not that.

Look up the manufacturer online - most of their shoes retail for around $500.00.

Seems a total rip off to me.

What are your criteria for a pair of $2k shoes? In terms of construction techniques and detail, and in terms of leather and finish and so forth?

Gdot,

Good post. I was posting mine at the same time.

I'm pretty new to shoes and don't have the resources to drop 1K on shoes. But I was frankly surprised at the pricing of the shoes since Canalis and Zegnas sell for 300-800 at regular price.

I investigated the brand a little more and I think Harry's was inflating the price.

Their goodyear models are 372 euros.
Their Norvegese models are 390 to 520 euros.
They also have Blake models that are cheaper.

And Malford's likely right; Bespoke might be some sort of branding.



DWFII said:

Gdot,

Good post. I was posting mine at the same time.

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Great minds work alike!

Seriously, I have a lot to learn about shoes - appreciate your informative posts.

Did you just ask if something at Harry Rosen has an inflated price? Just answered your own question.



Cant kill da Rooster said:

Did you just ask if something at Harry Rosen has an inflated price? Just answered your own question.

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Yeah I know. I've noticed that their 'sale' prices are basically the regular prices in the US. The only exception is ties. I saw Drakes' for $56 + tax.

I think those Drakes were on sale as well. Don't get me wrong, I like going to HR but their prices are inflated over the US. Guess the value of the CDN dollar hasn't caught up with their buyers.

I think this is a little ridiculous, $ 2,000.00 for shoes. We can argue that a bespoke (truly hand made) shoe with first class materials is expensive but $ 2,000.00 is ridiculous (again that is what some SF probably pay for JL, Vass or SCs).
Think about it, a cardiologist physician fee for, say perform a coronary angiography followed by placement of a stent is typically < $ 2,000.00 in the US (and that is with private insurance, since Medicare pay less than that). This procedure is 100% "hand made" and "bespoke" (everything is tailored to the particular patient), is performed by a highly qualified individual (with many many years of training) whom cannot make a mistake b/c you would be toast, and who also has to pay malpractice insurance. This apply to many many fields, I just talk of what I know.
I am not sure where things have gone completely off here but $ 2,000.00 for a pair of shoes seems ridiculous to me (same for a handbag, briefcase, etc). A suit, I can barely understand. Again, those Rubinacci, Isaia, Barbera, etc even when beautiful cannot justify in my mind that what they do is so special to be worth so much... but hey what do I know. By the way I think Brunnello Cuccinelli, Isaia, Rubinacci make beautiful clothes, I just don't think they are worth that much.

Any company that uses the word 'bespoke' in the description or branding of a ready-to-wear product is automatically disqualified from getting my money, regardless of the quality of the product.



Sanguis Mortuum said:

Any company that uses the word 'bespoke' in the description or branding of a ready-to-wear product is automatically disqualified from getting my money, regardless of the quality of the product.

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+1. I wouldn't consider them for a second.