AE manhattan or A. testoni gaudente?

[mwill132]

I'm going to purchase what will hopefully be my first SF approved shoes. I've read a lot about AE, but there doesn't seem to be much info about A. Testoni. What are everyones opinions on these two shoes. I can get both of them around the same price, but I'm not to sure about the difference in quality, style, and comfort. Any advice would be appreciated.

The A. testoni

http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7378970/color/30111

The AE

http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7367292/color/2898

 

[embowafa]

go with the testoni's.

 

[Eccentric]

Originally Posted by embowafa

go with the testoni's.

+1

 

[spence]

Not sure about the pattern on the AE's, but I like the last shape. Some might argue they're made better than the Testoni as it's the mid range.

Ultimately you're better off trying both to see what fits best as they could be a lot different.

-spence

 

[hadamulletonce]

I really like this style of A.Testoni. AE are well made but I'm not all that fond of the design on the Manhattan.

 

[djf881]

I bought a couple of pairs of A. Testonis on Gilt a couple of months ago. They had another Testoni sale last week. Their markdowns were much steeper than the ones on the zappos site; about 60-70% instead of the 20-30%. They've also had several sales of John Varvatos shoes at similar discounts and they were selling Borrelli shoes at around $350 down from $800-ish this week.

If you can hold off, for a few weeks, you might be able to get hold of something similar to these for about $200, or something marked down from $800 for about the same price.

 

[soaped]

Those Testoni's look like cemented shoes. Testoni can make very nice shoes, but those are usually Testoni black label and amadeo on up. You can use 20%+ off coupon at STP for a better deal If you like black, and they have your size; the gaudente model is $259 before any discounts: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...e-For-Men.html If you are 9.5... these are constructed better than the gaudente: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...s-For-Men.html For about $300, you have a wide range of shoes providing you don't purchase through a retail channel. Many AE models can be had for $250 or less if you look around. Are you looking for a wholecut? Give the AE westgate a try... They are discontinued and are decent. You should be able to find them at AE outlets or Ebay for under $170. http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sel...65/1002418.jpg

 

[djf881]

I think the black labels can be identified by the fact that there are black "a. testoni" labels in the shoes. If that is the case, these are black labels, as you can see in the top-down view.

 

[meister]

Originally Posted by embowafa

go with the testoni's.

ditto

 

[meister]

Originally Posted by meister

ditto
If you like 'em have them Blake stitched if they are cemented for USD40

 

[distinctive]

E!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[audiophilia]

Testoni.

No brainer, really.

 

[distinctive]

Originally Posted by audiophilia

AE

No brainer, really.

I agree.



You can get the Manhattan for under $200.

 

[JayJay]

I'm not crazy about either one, but like the AE better.

 

[Spatlese]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I'm not crazy about either one, but like the AE better.

I'm in the same boat, but would lean slightly towards the Testoni.