Sagara Shoes from Indonesia - Page 6

Well, I see it more as a learning experience. People can talk about it and describe it, but feeling and living with CG or shell cordovan helps you distinguish the variances. I'm sure a lot of the CG haters have experienced CG in the past. This is my first time. Let me get a chance to hate it too... properly. 

I don't know what to tell you. You can try to message Sagara, but I'm pretty sure you won't hear back from them until 2013 lol! In the mean time, you can save up for the shoes.

It'd be cool to buy Chromexcel from Maverick Leather and ship it to Sagara to make a pair haha. Then wait until 2014 to get them hahaha!

Don't hold your breath lol!

Nice find!

Why aren't you sure that the Imperial's are MTO?

MTO doesn't always have to be custom. It's possible they were out of stock and the pair was made-to-order. 

Anyways, the Imperials have a custom modification. Instead of 4 round eyelets and 3 speed hooks, there are 5 round eyelets and only 2 speed hooks. I just noticed that. I don't notice anything else different though. These Indonesians probably pay the same price on their custom orders as we (International buyers) pay for regular ready-made shoes. What a shame.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lioneironaut 

So I finally got my boots. At first I was pretty disappointed - they seemed a bit too big and the rough-out leather didn't look as good as I wanted it to. They are very heavy and feel solid, however.
Then I applied a coat of Sno Seal and they turned this really nice chocolate brown and it subdued the nap some, and i wore them around some more and found they are great for cold weather with some extra socks on. Feels like I can really beat them up and trudge around in the snow. I like the way they look a lot too now, so I am pretty satisfied at this point! I don't have a camera at the moment, but I'll get some pics up eventually if you like.

Finally! That took some time. I'd love to see the after photos. I didn't want to make a false judgement earlier, but I thought the rough-out would turn out to be cheap in look and feeling. I had bought some LWB from Chevalier of Indonesia and the nap felt super cheap and it started to blend w/ the broguing. If the nap gets really bad, my shoes wouldn't look like LWB with all the holes disappearing. Maybe I should treat it with something.

Anyways, I'm glad you like your purchase. I really want to see those after photos!

It's actually a common practice for some third world countries to overcharge other countries. In my opinion, the practice doesn't create a positive image for their country. Something just feels so illegal about it. I feel that if this type of business practice were conducted privately in a western country, there would be legal consequences in doing so. 

Reminds me of this:

Despite the unfair practice, most foreigners still pay the foreigners price, because it's usually still a reasonable price to them.

Imagine a porterhouse steak dinner for $15 in a third world country. You're happy and satisfied, because in the US it could cost you doubled. However, you have this nasty after-taste to spit out once you realize that the price is actually $8... but not for your kind.