Australian Members - Page 267

what does everybody think of andrew macdonald as an Australian cobbler?

Is his stuff comparable to any of the previously mentioned shoes because I think he retails for arround 550 - 1000...

Also, is MJ Bale on par with Heringbone or a lesser quality? I suppose we all got the HB easter discount too

Each to their own in regard to A MacDonald, i rather invest in Vass, Lobb, GG or EG, which I have. But to be honest I dont know a whole lot about him. Are they completely custom?

He offers RTW and bespoke.

I have been in the store and what I have seen in terms of style does not get the pulse racing, a bit too out there for me I must admit. I have given the shoes a critical once over and they appear to be well made, as one would expect for the prices he charges.

His bespoke prices start at around $2200. As it is bespoke, he'll make shoes the way you want, the way you want them to look. As far as I've heard, his work is very good. Steppin' Out in Sydney will also make bespoke shoes for you, for around half that price (depending on what you want done, naturally).

So with all this talk about shoes, I am wondering, what do you think the optimal number of shoes are, or in other words what are the "must haves"? I am thinking at a minimum you would want at least a decent pair of black oxfords (my personal preference would be cap toe), and a similar pair in brown, but what else would you consider essential for somebody building a basic shoe collection?

Those then:

Loafer
Wingtip
Chukka
Monk

^ Yes, I think that would be a sensible bare minimum. After that, you can mix it up with varying degrees of broguing and different shades of brown. Maybe a derby or two as well. Maybe a chukka and a chelsea, too.

Yeah, I have a pair of black open lace Florshiem cap toe shoes and a pair of brown open lace cap toeshoes I picked up in Florence but are just too narrow for me to wear for long periods. I’ll probably be in the UK next month and am planning on picking up at least two new pairs of shoes – I am thinking a decent pair of black oxfords and dark brown oxfords. On top of that I want to pick up some boots, say like Loake Burford’s or some chukkas – something that can make the easy transition between work and casual.

Some Aussie chelsea's are essential, too.

I have never been very impressed from the snaps considering he is London trained.



Details and rep?

Anyone checked out the Zara Sydney store yet (or planning to)? I'd be interested to hear what you think of the pricing.

The answer depends very much on the type of clothes you wear during the week - are you expected to wear a suit? If you are, I think you ideally want a pair of shoes for each day of the week, plus a few wet weather beaters. Black oxfords are the business staple, although you can mix this up with brown oxfords, derbys, closed-laced brogues and monks.

For casual wear, I think at least one pair of RMW Craftsman should be almost mandatory in Oz. Other options include open-laced brogues, chukkas and loafers.

Judging by his specialised styles, and the price he charges, I think you could do a lot better with MTO or even bespoke from the reputable English/European brands. In fact, with the GBP the way it is, Lobb St James would probably offer better value for money from what I have seen of their work - and of course their reputation (whatever that's worth).

On quality of MJ Bale stuff, I would say it just shades herringbone, though value-wise you can't really beat HB on sale...

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