Blind taste test: $1000 shoes

[pocketprotector]

BLIND TEST:

Before you sit two pairs of nearly identical shoes. Neither is labeled with its maker's name, nor does either give its maker away with any flourish of style. Each sports a $1000 price tag. The shoes on the left, unbeknownst to you, are made by Edward Green. On the right, John Lobb.

You are given $1000 to purchase either pair and as much time as you want to examine their materials and workmanship. The maker will never be revealed to you; you are choosing only the best shoe for the price.

Which would you choose?

 

[dcg]

It's not exactly clear to me how anyone would be able to answer the proposed question, absent being able to examine such shoes...

Are you just asking whether EG or Lobb makes higher quality shoes?

 

[pocketprotector]

Originally Posted by dcg

It's not exactly clear to me how anyone would be able to answer the proposed question, absent being able to examine such shoes...

Are you just asking whether EG or Lobb makes higher quality shoes?

I thought my question might be a bit weird.

I guess I'm looking for people's opinion on the "quality per dollar" of the two shoemakers. The elaborate setup is to encourage people to distance themselves from any "pride of ownership" considerations that accompany some name-brand purchases.

 

[RSS]

Being a liberal ... I choose the pair on the Left.

...and I'll be happiest with the Edward Green.​

 

[fredfred]

Not surprising, from someone with a name of "pocketprotector" and 7 posts.

 

[changy]

Originally Posted by RSS

Being a liberal ... I choose the pair on the Left. ​

i'm a centrist, no shoe for me?

 

[pebblegrain]

Trick question. There is neither a Lobb or a Green which would sport a price tag that low

 

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by changy

i'm a centrist, no shoe for me?

NO SHOES FOR YOU! NEXT!

 

[Geezer]

Originally Posted by pocketprotector

BLIND TEST:

Before you sit two pairs of nearly identical shoes. Neither is labeled with its maker's name, nor does either give its maker away with any flourish of style. Each sports a $1000 price tag. The shoes on the left, unbeknownst to you, are made by Edward Green. On the right, John Lobb.

You are given $1000 to purchase either pair and as much time as you want to examine their materials and workmanship. The maker will never be revealed to you; you are choosing only the best shoe for the price.

Which would you choose?

The ones that fit.

Next question?

 

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by pebblegrain

Trick question. There is neither a Lobb or a Green which would sport a price tag that low

So whatever choice is made, you're going to be hit with a misdemeanor for buying stolen property? I think gemming is a felony in some jurisdictions as well.

 

[Joenobody0]

Originally Posted by Geezer

The ones that fit.

Next question?

Stupid question, best answer.

 

[onix]

Originally Posted by pocketprotector

I thought my question might be a bit weird.

I guess I'm looking for people's opinion on the "quality per dollar" of the two shoemakers. The elaborate setup is to encourage people to distance themselves from any "pride of ownership" considerations that accompany some name-brand purchases.

So, essentially you're asking which brand name has a higher value?

I made a much larger survey, across multiple different brands, and the result is here: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=172371 . Quick answer for you, they're the same.

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by pebblegrain

Trick question. There is neither a Lobb or a Green which would sport a price tag that low
Why not pretend ... you know ... just kind of imagine ... that you found two great pairs of shoes ... and ... they were on sale! Yes, I know ... it's impossible to find what one really wants on sale ... but dream a little ... come on ... let go.

 

[onix]

 

[DWFII]

If the cachet of name is really and honestly of no concern, you could probably find a a hand-welted bespoke shoe for that price.