i ordered myself a pair in november during the semi annual sale and promptly returned them. the fit was snug, quite narrow actually. and i just wasnt impressed with them. also the site didnt mention they had dainite soles, altho these pics clearly show that. anyways i think both these and the astors are made in italy at rls own factory, but in my experience there are two levels of quality. shoes at the 500 and above price range are pretty nice, but cheaper ones are well cheaper. the astors fall into the first category i am sure, altho i havent seen them in person, and the chukka boots that latter.