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cc808314

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I don't think the cost of shell is some how much cheaper because it was tanned somewhere other than Horween. My GS shell boots are very high quality and well worth the price.

Well, you're saving $100 to $200 over AE, Carmina, or Alden for non-horween shell. Depends on how much horween means to you.

You’re not wrong



To be fair, Meermin uses shell from Japan and Italy, both of which have gotten good reviews. The only shell I have experience with is Horween, so I don’t know how they compare in person

Look guys, I don’t want to start a discussion about GS on this thread. There is a dedicated thread for that. I have always refrained from discussing this brand here, but decided to finally comment. We can take it elsewhere if you want to discuss.

Based on what I have read, shell cordovan from Horween is a good bit more expensive. I have a pair of Meermins made from shell cordovan from Comipel, a tannery in Italy, which I paid $350 for. The quality of build is about the same as AE, maybe a bit better. Shell cordovan is ok and it’s a decent value for the price. In terms of quality of leather, Horween is clearly better. It’s not just my opinion, there is plenty of info out there.

I understand the quality of GS is great and you all are happy. That’s the most important thing! My issue is with GS charging 85% premium for shell cordovan and using less expensive and lower quality leather. All the Big Boys don’t charge such a premium, and they all use Horween and arguably have higher production costs. To me it’s not honest business. But then again, we all think differently and value is very subjective.
 
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BFT9000

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Anyone here wear tiny 6D shoes? A pair of OG green suede Strands just popped up on Poshmark. The same seller is selling a pair of black patent leather Strands in the same size as well.
 

Ryan850

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Look guys, I don’t want to start a discussion about GS on this thread. There is a dedicated thread for that. I have always refrained from discussing this brand here, but decided to finally comment. We can take it elsewhere if you want to discuss.

Based on what I have read, shell cordovan from Horween is a good bit more expensive. I have a pair of Meermins made from shell cordovan from Comipel, a tannery in Italy, which I paid $350 for. The quality of build is about the same as AE, maybe a bit better. Shell cordovan is ok and it’s a decent value for the price. In terms of quality of leather, Horween is clearly better. It’s not just my opinion, there is plenty of info out there.

I understand the quality of GS is great and you all are happy. That’s the most important thing! My issue is with GS charging 85% premium for shell cordovan and using less expensive and lower quality leather. All the Big Boys don’t charge such a premium, and they all use Horween and arguably have higher production costs. To me it’s not honest business. But then again, we all think differently and value is very subjective.

I know this is AE thread, but I personally like hearing about people directly comparing AE to different brands since we've been on the topic of moving away from CaleresAE.

Gives some good data points to go off of to make our decision
 

Shoenut

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Here goes my least worn pair. Picked up these for $277 when the going price was $325. One wear in the last 4 months.
 

BackInTheJox

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Featherwelt, bench welt, pseudo welt, AE isn't alone in making things up. Just got an email from JosABank introducing their new fabric with Brrrrr technology. Guess Suits need buzz words like shoes do.

I’d love to say this is just a passing phase, but I’m not so sure.....
 

darkclassic

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What have your AEs done for you lately??? Have they saved your smartphone from falling to the pavement while getting out of your truck this morning like mine did? Thankfully, that scuff rubbed out nicely. These shell Bayfields find more and more ways to endear themselves to me (as though that is somehow necessary)
bayfield y.jpg
bayfield z.jpg
 

St Hubbins

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9F384614-749E-4B04-834D-7FEC876CFBAD.jpeg

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A fine and pleasant Monday to you, fellow enthusiasts. Participating in the lesser worn shoes theme this week. Here’s one. The Jefferson. Haven’t worn since January. Dusting off the Grandpa Pimpin’ look for today. Lands’ End wool pants and PPBD.
 

Shoenut

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orange fury

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Goodfellow denim update:

Soaked last night (one hour inside out in hot water) and dried overnight- still slightly damp at the waist, but dry overall. I did an hour soak in hot water, and they didn’t shrink much at all (pretty sure they’re sanforized). This is positive for me because I was afraid the length might shrink too much, but I don’t see any change. There was a bit of dye that came out when I pulled them out of the tub, but if they’ve lightened up, I can’t tell.

I actually do like the fit of these- they’re slim but not tight, and do have a pretty good rise. Also, I noticed when I turned them inside out that the selvedge ID actually goes all the way to the waistband- I’ve seen cheaper pairs in the past where the ID only goes up to mid calf or the knee.

Fit post wash (excuse the Lulu’s t shirt- at home today):
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I wouldn’t necessarily spend a day hitting every Target in a 100-mile radius trying to find a pair, but if you have a Target near you or happen to be at one, I would check to see if they have these- they seem to pretty well made. I’m not upset with this purchase.

Also, fwiw, I think word has gotten out about these. I got the last pair of 32x32 at my Target, and 3 other people were carrying pairs around as I was checking out.
 
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