Why Are Thom Browne Shoes So Expensive?

Welcome all input

Many people are willing to pay a premium for an entire look or fashion concept even when there may only be subtle "tweaks" to an already existing classic design.

It also keeps the riff raff from owning them...

Markup.

To support Thom.

Thom Browne does not make shoes. There is no such thing as Thom Browne shoes. He buys them from actual makers or cobblers and puts his name on them with a premium. If you would like the exact same shoes at half the price (though still expensive), please look to Alden. Even better, check Alden-of-Caramel or talk to Tom at Leather Sole of Hawaii, they both have websites. These stores deal in fine, classic, American gunboats (as favored by TB) that are nearly indistinguishable from any TB offering and are much more affordable. When the market for cordovan improves, you are likely to find a pair at one of these places for a good $400 less than Thom Browne would command (needless to say the cordovan option makes a far superior shoe and not a leather that TB even offers).

Thom Browne is a "designer", quite sought after last time I checked. This fact means his stuff will be expensive.

He does not make his own shoes, neither does Ralph Lauren, neither does Dior, or any of the big fashion houses. The actual shoe manufacturing are contracted out to real shoe makers/companies.

Thom Browne English made shoes are Trickers, if I recall correctly. Thom Browne for Brooks Brothers (Black Fleece) are all Alden made, with very subtle detail differences.

Too right, for some reason I automatically assumed you were talking about the shoes from the Black Fleece line.

But some people want to support Thommbe

If I recall correctly, they have really sweet ribbon pulls on the heels to help you get them on, so that's worth about 50% more, right?

Originally Posted by johnny_flapjack

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If I recall correctly, they have really sweet ribbon pulls on the heels to help you get them on, so that's worth about 50% more, right?

And my pair came with kick ass shoe trees.

Originally Posted by hossoso

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(needless to say the cordovan option makes a far superior shoe and not a leather that TB even offers).

TB's Black Fleece line does offer shell cordovan in both the wingtip and the chukka. They are made by Alden on a slightly sleeker last. BF prices are substantially higher than Alden; however, when bought during one of BB's 25% off events then the cost is comparable.

Because there's one born every minute.

Oh and they make lots of noise too.

I think Thom Browne would have a profitable venture selling retro eyeframes.