ponpon_hehe
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2020
- Messages
- 23
- Reaction score
- 56
Hello, Styleforum.
I originally posted this on Reddit, but I think this brand needs more recognition as they have decent products at a decent price.
So, here is my review.
This will be my first post here. So, please forgive me if something is missing.
Story :
I've been dying for a pair of Loafers as a daily beater. As well as boots that I can dress up or down. After months of saving, I had finally had enough money to get 2 pairs of shoes. But, by the time I was going to spend all my hard-earned money. BAM!!, the pandemic went crazy.
The IDR was free-falling, so getting shoes from European brands like Meccariello, Vass, and so on was out of options. Therefore, I tried to contact the local shoemakers such as Winson, Sagara, and so on. But, most of them told me that it might take at least 4 months for 1 pair, with 2 pairs it might take up to 6 months. Well, I can't afford to wait that long. Yeah, I'm a bit impatient.
Prelude:
Before we dive into the review, I'd like to talk about this brand, Vahtia. Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia. Though they are based in Jakarta, their workshop is operating in Bandung. Just like any shoemakers I mentioned above. The first time I discovered them was in mid-march. When I was lying on my bed, scrolling through Instagram in the middle of the night (like you do). Too bad they had to temporarily shut their workshop down, due to pandemic. They focus mainly on dress shoes with European influence, as well as leather from European tanneries. There wasn't much information on their Instagram when I followed them. Until one day, I saw their Instagram stories for their sample sale. A bit intrigued, then I sent them DM about what was on sale, turned out they had the size, and the article that I wanted. So, I bought them for IDR 2.750.000 or approximately USD 197. The full price is IDR 4.995.000 or approximately USD 350.
Alright, without further ado. Let's dive into the review.
Album:
Article: Merlin Tassel Loafer (Sample Sale).
Color: Sapphire Blue, hand-dyed with subtle patina.
Upper: Du Puy Sicalf SF.
Lining: Veg-Tan Calfskin.
Construction: Handwelted Construction (Flatwelt).
Insole: Veg-Tan Leather with Cork filling and steel shank.
Outsole: Single Leather dyed in black, closed channel with a slightly beveled waist.
SPI: 9.
Size: True to size, 43D / 8.5 UK / 9.5 US (according to their website).
Last: Pegasus ( Round Toe).
Toe and Heel stiffener: Leather.
Quality:
Leather is very nice, tight grain, and smooth. It felt a bit stiff during the first wear. But the leather started to soften after wearing them for the second time and so on. Top-notch craftsmanship with no missing sewing detected neat stitching and finishing. Outsole and Insole are hard but gradually became softer after second wear. Really good for summer.
Fit:
I don't know what my Brannock size is, but I wear 43/44 for running shoes. They feel comfortable out of the box with a bit of heel slip for the first wear. It only happens on my right foot because it's smaller than the left, but the problem was gone on the second wear. But, it seems like 42EU / 9UK / 8US would fit great.
That is my review for the first article, so hold your horses because I've got another one.
This article is rather interesting because of the design, it's Austerity brogue boots with a touch of balmoral pattern and a bit rugged-ish. Yet, still sleek and dressy. I bought them for IDR 4.796.000 or approximately USD 342, the full price is at IDR 5.995.000 or approximately USD 425. They gave me 10% off because I participated in their sample sale and another 10% off for the first non-sale purchase voucher. You will get the 10% off for the first purchase if you subscribe to their newsletter.
So, it was a big win for me. HURRAAAYYY!!.
Alright, let's jump into it.
Album:
Pardon my photography skill.
Article: El Cid Austerity Boots.
Upper: Annonay Vegano.
Color: Mahogany, hand-dyed with a subtle vintage patina.
Lining: Veg-Tan Calfskin.
Insole: Leather with Cork feeling and steel shank.
Construction: Handwelted (Flatwelt).
Outsole: Dainite studded sole.
SPI: 9.
Size: True to size, 42D / 8 UK / 9 US.
Last: Hippogriff ( Chiseled Toe).
Toe and Heel stiffener: Leather.
Extras: 1 free polishing voucher and thank you card.
Quality:
Leather is firmer than the loafers, yet beautiful. I don't know how the leather will crease. But, I'm satisfied with the leather. Vegano is the same leather that is used by Carmina for their shoes.
Craftsmanship is top-notch as well. The color looks more reddish under direct sunlight in the picture, but more brownish if you look at it in person.
STUNNING!
Fit:
I decided to size down, considering I got heel slips on the loafers.
And they fit better, no heel slip, a bit snug but overall comfortable.
Conclusion:
Satisfied with the products and service, the delivery only took a few hours with Gojek (similar to Uber, but with the motorcycle) for the same city delivery. As for international delivery, they also provide discounted express service with DHL.
Also, the free polishing voucher is a big win, because sometimes we're just too busy to take care of our shoes. It doesn't matter how much we love doing it.
I'm also happy because I have more options to get quality shoes from local shoemakers. Though the price is considerably high. But, I don't have to pay for tax and duties, at least.
Also, they have a proper website, because not so many Indonesian brands do. Even if they do, there must be something missing, either price, limited payment channel, and no extra PayPal fee for the international order as they don't use PayPal.
Technical wise, I think they are at the same level as TLB Mallorca. Judging from the material, maybe a bit better due to construction, and their shoes are almost 100% handmade except the closing.
Maybe you can comment below if you have experience with TLB Mallorca.
One of the best available in the market in a similar price range (sub USD 500) but still below Carmina.
I don't know about Meermin, so feel free to write your experience with Meermin.
If you're familiar with Winson or Fortuna, I think their Nobles line, which is their standard line is above Winson's regular line, but still below the Grandeur line. I don't know about Onderhoud, because they have different styles.
But, it's a good start for a newcomer. As most Indonesian brands start with the local cow, which quality needs more improvement.
Pros:
- Good leather.
- Hand welted construction.
- Sleek looking.
- Amazing craftsmanship.
- Proper Website.
- Discounted shipping fees to compensate for the free polishing service that is only eligible for the local market.
Cons:
- Only offer RTW at the moment.
- No shoe trees available.
- Limited article.
- Only have D width last.
Overall score 7,5/10.
I suggest you get them before they explode.
As you will get close to shoes that are USD 700+ with only a fraction of the price.
Also, the last time I checked, they are having a special launching discount of 25% plus another 10% if you subscribe to their newsletter.
So that will be 35% OFF.
Marvelous bang for a buck.
Watch for their factory second and sample sale.
So, that's my humble review. Feel free to comment and give your opinion.
Regards,
ponpon_hehe
I originally posted this on Reddit, but I think this brand needs more recognition as they have decent products at a decent price.
So, here is my review.
This will be my first post here. So, please forgive me if something is missing.
Story :
I've been dying for a pair of Loafers as a daily beater. As well as boots that I can dress up or down. After months of saving, I had finally had enough money to get 2 pairs of shoes. But, by the time I was going to spend all my hard-earned money. BAM!!, the pandemic went crazy.
The IDR was free-falling, so getting shoes from European brands like Meccariello, Vass, and so on was out of options. Therefore, I tried to contact the local shoemakers such as Winson, Sagara, and so on. But, most of them told me that it might take at least 4 months for 1 pair, with 2 pairs it might take up to 6 months. Well, I can't afford to wait that long. Yeah, I'm a bit impatient.
Prelude:
Before we dive into the review, I'd like to talk about this brand, Vahtia. Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia. Though they are based in Jakarta, their workshop is operating in Bandung. Just like any shoemakers I mentioned above. The first time I discovered them was in mid-march. When I was lying on my bed, scrolling through Instagram in the middle of the night (like you do). Too bad they had to temporarily shut their workshop down, due to pandemic. They focus mainly on dress shoes with European influence, as well as leather from European tanneries. There wasn't much information on their Instagram when I followed them. Until one day, I saw their Instagram stories for their sample sale. A bit intrigued, then I sent them DM about what was on sale, turned out they had the size, and the article that I wanted. So, I bought them for IDR 2.750.000 or approximately USD 197. The full price is IDR 4.995.000 or approximately USD 350.
Alright, without further ado. Let's dive into the review.
Album:
Article: Merlin Tassel Loafer (Sample Sale).
Color: Sapphire Blue, hand-dyed with subtle patina.
Upper: Du Puy Sicalf SF.
Lining: Veg-Tan Calfskin.
Construction: Handwelted Construction (Flatwelt).
Insole: Veg-Tan Leather with Cork filling and steel shank.
Outsole: Single Leather dyed in black, closed channel with a slightly beveled waist.
SPI: 9.
Size: True to size, 43D / 8.5 UK / 9.5 US (according to their website).
Last: Pegasus ( Round Toe).
Toe and Heel stiffener: Leather.
Quality:
Leather is very nice, tight grain, and smooth. It felt a bit stiff during the first wear. But the leather started to soften after wearing them for the second time and so on. Top-notch craftsmanship with no missing sewing detected neat stitching and finishing. Outsole and Insole are hard but gradually became softer after second wear. Really good for summer.
Fit:
I don't know what my Brannock size is, but I wear 43/44 for running shoes. They feel comfortable out of the box with a bit of heel slip for the first wear. It only happens on my right foot because it's smaller than the left, but the problem was gone on the second wear. But, it seems like 42EU / 9UK / 8US would fit great.
That is my review for the first article, so hold your horses because I've got another one.
This article is rather interesting because of the design, it's Austerity brogue boots with a touch of balmoral pattern and a bit rugged-ish. Yet, still sleek and dressy. I bought them for IDR 4.796.000 or approximately USD 342, the full price is at IDR 5.995.000 or approximately USD 425. They gave me 10% off because I participated in their sample sale and another 10% off for the first non-sale purchase voucher. You will get the 10% off for the first purchase if you subscribe to their newsletter.
So, it was a big win for me. HURRAAAYYY!!.
Alright, let's jump into it.
Album:
Pardon my photography skill.
Article: El Cid Austerity Boots.
Upper: Annonay Vegano.
Color: Mahogany, hand-dyed with a subtle vintage patina.
Lining: Veg-Tan Calfskin.
Insole: Leather with Cork feeling and steel shank.
Construction: Handwelted (Flatwelt).
Outsole: Dainite studded sole.
SPI: 9.
Size: True to size, 42D / 8 UK / 9 US.
Last: Hippogriff ( Chiseled Toe).
Toe and Heel stiffener: Leather.
Extras: 1 free polishing voucher and thank you card.
Quality:
Leather is firmer than the loafers, yet beautiful. I don't know how the leather will crease. But, I'm satisfied with the leather. Vegano is the same leather that is used by Carmina for their shoes.
Craftsmanship is top-notch as well. The color looks more reddish under direct sunlight in the picture, but more brownish if you look at it in person.
STUNNING!
Fit:
I decided to size down, considering I got heel slips on the loafers.
And they fit better, no heel slip, a bit snug but overall comfortable.
Conclusion:
Satisfied with the products and service, the delivery only took a few hours with Gojek (similar to Uber, but with the motorcycle) for the same city delivery. As for international delivery, they also provide discounted express service with DHL.
Also, the free polishing voucher is a big win, because sometimes we're just too busy to take care of our shoes. It doesn't matter how much we love doing it.
I'm also happy because I have more options to get quality shoes from local shoemakers. Though the price is considerably high. But, I don't have to pay for tax and duties, at least.
Also, they have a proper website, because not so many Indonesian brands do. Even if they do, there must be something missing, either price, limited payment channel, and no extra PayPal fee for the international order as they don't use PayPal.
Technical wise, I think they are at the same level as TLB Mallorca. Judging from the material, maybe a bit better due to construction, and their shoes are almost 100% handmade except the closing.
Maybe you can comment below if you have experience with TLB Mallorca.
One of the best available in the market in a similar price range (sub USD 500) but still below Carmina.
I don't know about Meermin, so feel free to write your experience with Meermin.
If you're familiar with Winson or Fortuna, I think their Nobles line, which is their standard line is above Winson's regular line, but still below the Grandeur line. I don't know about Onderhoud, because they have different styles.
But, it's a good start for a newcomer. As most Indonesian brands start with the local cow, which quality needs more improvement.
Pros:
- Good leather.
- Hand welted construction.
- Sleek looking.
- Amazing craftsmanship.
- Proper Website.
- Discounted shipping fees to compensate for the free polishing service that is only eligible for the local market.
Cons:
- Only offer RTW at the moment.
- No shoe trees available.
- Limited article.
- Only have D width last.
Overall score 7,5/10.
I suggest you get them before they explode.
As you will get close to shoes that are USD 700+ with only a fraction of the price.
Also, the last time I checked, they are having a special launching discount of 25% plus another 10% if you subscribe to their newsletter.
So that will be 35% OFF.
Marvelous bang for a buck.
Watch for their factory second and sample sale.
So, that's my humble review. Feel free to comment and give your opinion.
Regards,
ponpon_hehe
