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Mr B's Blake boots vs Grenson Sharp/Fred - Page 13

post #181 of 207
1/9/12 at 9:12am
I went to Aldo with every intention of picking up a pair, but the toe really put me off. On me it looked too blunt and clunky, Doc Marten-esque.
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post #182 of 207
1/9/12 at 11:29am

 

After wearing my boots a couple of times the thin leather sole began to separate at the toe, they repaired it once by gluing it back together. Unfortunately it happened again, they removed the thin leather sole and replaced it with a rubber sole, which I do prefer. The service I got was awesome. 

 

Having polished my boots a few times now, i find the darker discoloured areas have become darker and don't blend with the lighter areas as I thought they should. To me it looks like the darker areas were brushed on, I can see  lines where the dark dye meets the light coloured leather.  That is only while Im polishing them and they are in my hand, on my feet they look like a naturally darkend leather.  I did notice a couple of little nicks in various spots but thought it character for the leather.  

 

I think they are super comfortable and because of the price I am not expecting these to last forever. I have 4 pairs of various boots I rotate wearing so if these last 3-4 years I will be ok with that.  My thought was for the price I wanted comfort and  have them look good to me and anyone else that isn't a shoe whore.

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post #183 of 207
1/9/12 at 7:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Man Of Lint View Post

Sorry, I don't mean to rain on the parade of joy but something is irritating me.
The retail of only $175.00
Sure it is a great price, in fact too good to be true, which leads to the old wise saying,
'If it seems to good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.'
Quad posted the best closeups for my purpose of analysis so I will use 2 of his photos for this purpose.
Now for those of you who own the boots, that will be even better because you can directly confirm my suspicions.
I have numbered some areas of interest or areas of scrutiny.

Boys, would you be good enough to get your boots in front of you please?
Let's begin (RIGHT-CLICK & 'Open In New Window' to see full size photos):

263
263

Area 1: Not leather but a flexible rubber or plastic. Lightly scrape with the point of a knife or fingernail.
Area 4: A thin layer of leather glued on to give a nice finish.
Area 2: A plastic heel which is coloured and textured as leather (knife scrape test)
Area 3: Heel plate is an acceptable standard plate of slightly different colour to accentuate the plastic heel
Area 5: Welt stitching is not actual thread but cleverly molded plastic imprint giving the illusion of thread
Area 6: Welt is not leather but plastic. A plastic welt with fake stitching



Other tests (for those who have them in your hands right now):

1) Feel inside. Are the interiors leather? (conduct a scrape test)
If so, is the leather paper thin? or if a decent thickness?

2) Stick your hand deep into the boot.
Feel the upper inside. Is it leather lined? or cloth? or synthetic? (I suspect synth cloth)


My conclusion, based only on these 2 photos and the low retail price is:
Leather Uppers (outer)
Leather/Cloth inside
Insole - Please confirm
Plastic welt with faux stitching
Plastic or rubber soles glued to the welt
Thin leather finishing layer (marked 'vero cuio')glued onto the plastic sole
lovely finishing
Slave labour
Shipping to your local friendly Aldo store
Total - $175.00

It is a very nice looking boot at an irresistable price.
It will gain you numerous compliments from those on the street or at work.

But, it is below SF standards of quality and excellence.
Aldo distributed shoes and boots constructed in exactly this manner in the 1980's & 1990's
Browns currently sells shoes with this identical construction today (for more $$$ too)

If I am mistaken on any of my observations please set the record straight.
I am not saying that you have all been duped. What I am saying is there are reasons why this seemingly amazing boot has such a low retail price.
On the up-side, you may get one shot at a resole provided your plastic welts don't crack along lifes journey. If the welts crack, consider these disposable boots. They seem like very nice boots though for the money and only if your feet don't sweat in them.

I got my boots and followed along. I believe you are right on most counts, except the stitching on top of the welt is real. The inside of the boot is leather up until about the base of the tongue, at which point it is probably the cloth-type material you describe. The insole is leather. Thanks for a very informative post.
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post #184 of 207
1/10/12 at 2:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Man Of Lint View Post

Sorry, I don't mean to rain on the parade of joy but something is irritating me.
The retail of only $175.00
Sure it is a great price, in fact too good to be true, which leads to the old wise saying,
'If it seems to good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.'
Quad posted the best closeups for my purpose of analysis so I will use 2 of his photos for this purpose.
Now for those of you who own the boots, that will be even better because you can directly confirm my suspicions.
I have numbered some areas of interest or areas of scrutiny.
Boys, would you be good enough to get your boots in front of you please?
Let's begin (RIGHT-CLICK & 'Open In New Window' to see full size photos):
263
263
Area 1: Not leather but a flexible rubber or plastic. Lightly scrape with the point of a knife or fingernail.
Area 4: A thin layer of leather glued on to give a nice finish.
Area 2: A plastic heel which is coloured and textured as leather (knife scrape test)
Area 3: Heel plate is an acceptable standard plate of slightly different colour to accentuate the plastic heel
Area 5: Welt stitching is not actual thread but cleverly molded plastic imprint giving the illusion of thread
Area 6: Welt is not leather but plastic. A plastic welt with fake stitching
Other tests (for those who have them in your hands right now):
1) Feel inside. Are the interiors leather? (conduct a scrape test)
If so, is the leather paper thin? or if a decent thickness?
2) Stick your hand deep into the boot.
Feel the upper inside. Is it leather lined? or cloth? or synthetic? (I suspect synth cloth)
My conclusion, based only on these 2 photos and the low retail price is:
Leather Uppers (outer)
Leather/Cloth inside
Insole - Please confirm
Plastic welt with faux stitching
Plastic or rubber soles glued to the welt
Thin leather finishing layer (marked 'vero cuio')glued onto the plastic sole
lovely finishing
Slave labour
Shipping to your local friendly Aldo store
Total - $175.00
It is a very nice looking boot at an irresistable price.
It will gain you numerous compliments from those on the street or at work.
But, it is below SF standards of quality and excellence.
Aldo distributed shoes and boots constructed in exactly this manner in the 1980's & 1990's
Browns currently sells shoes with this identical construction today (for more $$$ too)
If I am mistaken on any of my observations please set the record straight.
I am not saying that you have all been duped. What I am saying is there are reasons why this seemingly amazing boot has such a low retail price.
On the up-side, you may get one shot at a resole provided your plastic welts don't crack along lifes journey. If the welts crack, consider these disposable boots. They seem like very nice boots though for the money and only if your feet don't sweat in them.

Well done mate ! I went to aldo stores few times but ended up not buying them. Not regrading now !
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post #185 of 207
1/10/12 at 3:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Meursault- View Post

I went to Aldo with every intention of picking up a pair, but the toe really put me off. On me it looked too blunt and clunky, Doc Marten-esque.


But I actually like the Doc Marten clunky styles..does it feel heavy?

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post #186 of 207
1/10/12 at 12:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesny View Post



But I actually like the Doc Marten clunky styles..does it feel heavy?

yes they're quite heavy
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post #187 of 207
2/7/12 at 1:17pm

Hi guys, 

 

A bit of a newbie here. I'm having trouble finding any reviews (one way or another) about Mr. B's collection. I hope I won't get a trashing for posting in this thread as I'm looking for some guidance from fellow SF'ers. 

 

I know Aldo is despised, that's why I'm interested in Mr. B's collection as a possible cheap alternative. I've read Man of Lint's post that this too-good-to-be-true boot is in fact too good to be true, but I'm wondering whether anyone else has had luck with their other collection. 

 

Specifically, I'm considering the Pedregon: http://www.gentlemensboutique.com/catalog/shoes/pedregon/black

Note: the version I found was same shoe design, but smooth, shiny leather (which I prefer). 

 

 

My situation: I just started looking into good shoes and my next serious purchase (in 3 years or so, as I lack the funds ATM) will be an AE or some other quality shoe make. In the meantime, I need a proper dress shoe for interviews (IB, M&A and general finance), weddings, outings, etc. I figure if I don't wear this shoe too often, it will not wear out too quickly, and it's pretty conservative (like me). And at $75 (on sale currently), it's nice to know that it's at least better than the average Aldo shoe. 

 

My question: given your experiences with the other Mr. B's collection boots, would you say this is a worthy investment?

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post #188 of 207
2/7/12 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Honthro View Post

Hi guys, 

A bit of a newbie here. I'm having trouble finding any reviews (one way or another) about Mr. B's collection. I hope I won't get a trashing for posting in this thread as I'm looking for some guidance from fellow SF'ers. 

I know Aldo is despised, that's why I'm interested in Mr. B's collection as a possible cheap alternative. I've read Man of Lint's post that this too-good-to-be-true boot is in fact too good to be true, but I'm wondering whether anyone else has had luck with their other collection. 

Specifically, I'm considering the Pedregon: http://www.gentlemensboutique.com/catalog/shoes/pedregon/black
Note: the version I found was same shoe design, but smooth, shiny leather (which I prefer). 


My situation: I just started looking into good shoes and my next serious purchase (in 3 years or so, as I lack the funds ATM) will be an AE or some other quality shoe make. In the meantime, I need a proper dress shoe for interviews (IB, M&A and general finance), weddings, outings, etc. I figure if I don't wear this shoe too often, it will not wear out too quickly, and it's pretty conservative (like me). And at $75 (on sale currently), it's nice to know that it's at least better than the average Aldo shoe. 

My question: given your experiences with the other Mr. B's collection boots, would you say this is a worthy investment?

I cannot imagine those being any "good" and I would not consider a shoe of that style for " interviews (IB, M&A and general finance), weddings, outings, etc". You could wear them to the bar with a pair of jeans and that is about it. I would have to see the shiny version in order to tell you what is is good for.

To be honest, if your shoe budget is only $75, there really are not may options out there. In general you get what you pay for. Although I would not normally recommend buying used shoes, I think that is the only place where you will find something decent for that price point.
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post #189 of 207
2/7/12 at 4:00pm
definitely not.

go on ebay, find a pair of AE seconds or similar.

or up your budget
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post #190 of 207
2/7/12 at 5:03pm
Worn mine about 15 times now, no complaints. MOL is right about the construction but honestly, they are breaking in very nicely and look great.
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post #191 of 207
2/8/12 at 6:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patek View Post


I cannot imagine those being any "good" and I would not consider a shoe of that style for " interviews (IB, M&A and general finance), weddings, outings, etc". You could wear them to the bar with a pair of jeans and that is about it. I would have to see the shiny version in order to tell you what is is good for.
To be honest, if your shoe budget is only $75, there really are not may options out there. In general you get what you pay for. Although I would not normally recommend buying used shoes, I think that is the only place where you will find something decent for that price point.

I managed to get a picture of the shiny version. The build seems sturdy enough to last however many "special occasions". And I think it looks nice enough to not only be worn to "the bar with a pair of jeans". Or am I off?


Mr. B's Oxfords

Mr. B's Oxfords

 

As for the used AEs everyone's been talking about, I simply can't buy a used pair of shoes, no matter how good the condition is. So for me, getting some money and waiting for a deal on AEs is the only real solution. But in the meantime, a man's gotta work, and I'm hoping these shoes will last however long until I can get my hands on some AEs or G&Gs

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post #192 of 207
2/8/12 at 11:18am
lol at mentioning AEs and G&G in the same breath.

These shoes are no good.

Get yourself a pair of Johnston and Murphy, Florsheim, or Cole Haans at the local outlet. Black or burgundy will be fine. At least at that point you'll have some rain/winter beaters for use when you buy nicer shoes.
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post #193 of 207
2/8/12 at 11:24am
^

Those are some strange looking shoes and I would stay away.
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post #194 of 207
2/8/12 at 11:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quadcammer View Post

lol at mentioning AEs and G&G in the same breath.
These shoes are no good.
Get yourself a pair of Johnston and Murphy, Florsheim, or Cole Haans at the local outlet. Black or burgundy will be fine. At least at that point you'll have some rain/winter beaters for use when you buy nicer shoes.


 

Part of the problem is I'm Canadian, eh. Many of those brands don't make it up here, and the ones I would want (like Florsheim) include outrageous shipping charges (like $40).

 

Can anyone point me to an aggregate list of the various makers/brands as organized by quality (if such a thing exists) ?

 

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post #195 of 207
2/8/12 at 12:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quadcammer View Post

lol at mentioning AEs and G&G in the same breath.
These shoes are no good.
Get yourself a pair of Johnston and Murphy, Florsheim, or Cole Haans at the local outlet. Black or burgundy will be fine. At least at that point you'll have some rain/winter beaters for use when you buy nicer shoes.

+1. For under $100 you can't beat Florsheims.
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