First time poster, first time Berluti owner...

Hi forumers,

Thought I'd kick off my first post with my new Berluti ankle boots. Given their price tag, I did quite a bit of research on their heritage before taking the plunge. This site was most helpful and informative, so a big thank you to this community and I am pleased to share my first pair of Berluti, the Indio ankle boot.

While I did try other models, I felt most at ease with the Indio design, firstly for its casualness. I already had several pairs of "busyness" shoes and I wanted something a little more interesting.

Secondly, I found the hand sewn stitch work to be particularly attractive and yet unique. Having researched other shoemakers, none had taken such an approach to shoemaking. The thickness of the leather stitching not only give its a feel of "solid" construction but I think it adds great character.

Thirdly, the patina and colour of the leather was just amazing with three distinct shades including a tinge of green. I had contemplated a darker colour (which was really a dark purple) but given Berluti's reputation for for their wonderful lighter colours, I decided to go with the tan.

Finally, the intricate design of the sole was just magnificent! I just don't want to walk on this beautiful work! And the attention to detail is just superb.

According to Berluti, the Indio is their only pair of "trainers" with its design aimed at combining the comfort of sneakers with bootmaking finishes and durability. Based on a study of Indian shoes, the sole is entirely resoleable. Having just purchased this, it is very comfortable with excellent arch support. However, I've been told that as the leather softens, the comfort will increase.

As mentioned earlier, the Indio comes in both shoe and ankle boot. I went with the ankle boot simply because it was much more comfortable.

Thanks for reading

Cheers
Gaz

man so i like these in general, but i really envy you guys who can put this kind of money into casual shoes. i mean these are so casual, can you get away with wearing these in place of dress shoes?

i like em, but personally would want something more timeless for that kind of money, but congrats on having the means yourself!

Truly a distinctive shoe. Wear them well!

Berluti = looks like it came from Gepetto's workshop.

Originally Posted by gazman70k

Click to expand...

The thickness of the leather stitching not only give its a feel of "solid" construction but I think it adds great character.

Based on a study of Indian shoes, the sole is entirely resoleable.
Gaz


Based on the pictures provided, I believe the leather itself is what's giving it the "solid" feel.

The sole of the shoe, unfortunately, can NOT be resoled. It has the construction of a moccasin, or a pair of driving shoe/loafer. Once the rubber soles has worn down, you either must glue something to it, or else be hitting the pavement with the actual insole.

Not my piece of cake, but hope those will serve you well

so, how much research did you do on SF exactly?

Originally Posted by Tarmac

Click to expand...

so, how much research did you do on SF exactly?
Really, just a modicum of research should have steered him away from Berluti.

Originally Posted by Tomasso

Click to expand...

Really, just a modicum of research should have steered him away from Berluti.

Maybe he only read Artisan Fan's posts.

Of course, I'm wearing my Berlutis today...

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

Click to expand...

Berluti = looks like it came from Gepetto's workshop.
or the workshop of Dr. Frankenstein.

Originally Posted by iammatt

Click to expand...

or the workshop of Dr. Frankenstein.

You shouldn't have complained about my purple shoes.

I'm trying to appreciate these shoes for what they are, but I just can't get there. The concept of a re-soleable trainer made of really nice, impeccably finished leather intrigues in some ways, but it also seems ultimately hopeless. When would you wear these? With jeans, and that's it? I mean, you can't actually 'train' in them can, you? And even if you could, it's hardly cost-effective!

When it comes down to it, they have neither the elegance of a proper shoe, nor the utility or value of a sneaker.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Click to expand...

I'm trying to appreciate these shoes for what they are, but I just can't get there. The concept of a re-soleable trainer made of really nice, impeccably finished leather intrigues in some ways, but it also seems ultimately hopeless. When would you wear these? With jeans, and that's it? I mean, you can't actually 'train' in them can, you? And even if you could, it's hardly cost-effective!

When it comes down to it, they have neither the elegance of a proper shoe, nor the utility or value of a sneaker.

1. I believe these shoes can not be resoled. See lee_44106's post above.
2. For a majority of people outside MC, "with jeans, and that's it" constitute 90% of their daily outfits.
3. Most people who wear sneakers don't "train" in them either. So I don't see what the big deal is.
Think of the shoes as high-brow boatshoes / moccasins, similar to the Quoddy Grizzly Boots. APC also makes one for their Spring/Summer collection.

Interesting... I don't exactly dislike them and I could see how you could pull them off with a more casual look. I'm just concerned they would date quickly.

I love them, they will look awesome with a pair of jeans and a polo shirt.