Does mantellassi have different shoe lines?

[Urban Warrior]

My wife just got a voice mail from my mother in law who is currently on a tour of Europe. From what we can make out of the message she came across a pair of black monstraps by Sutor Mantellassi that had " something with an L, we couldn't make out A Mano" inscribed in the sole that the salesman said was one of the best shoes in the world but she could have them for what comes out to be about $150 U.S. I am not sure what to think. I know most shoemakers have a few lines and Santoni even has two versions of "Fatte a Mano" Does the same ring true for Mantellassi? Any help would be greatly appreciated as the in laws will be moving on with the trip Monday...Thanks

 

[Urban Warrior]

I am starting to run out of time on this one. Any help or thoughts on Mantellassi shoes in general would be a tremendous help.

 

[shoefan]

I don't know about different lines, but I would say that $150 for a Sutor Mantellasi is worth taking a flier on. If you don't like them or they don't fit, you could probably sell them to someone from this forum.

 

[Urban Warrior]

Thanks shoefan...From what I can gather from previous posts they are pretty well made shoes. Guess it is worth a shot...

 

[shoefan]

Their web site implies that all their leather soled shoes are welted, and it shows pictures of hand-welting, so I assume they are Goodyear welted. Definitely alot of shoe for $150. Let us know how it works out.

 

[jcusey]

I would assume that Mantellassi, like most of the other Italian manufacturers, makes shoes using a mind-boggling array of different production methods that only they understand. Regardless of whether they are Goodyear-welted or not, they're not going to be crap. For $150, your risk is very low: if you don't like them, you should be able to unload them on this forum or on eBay for that amount or more.

Speaking of the Mantellassi website, has anyone ever ordered shoes from there? What has your experience been?

 

[A Harris]

They do have a lower level line of Blake-stitched shoes. However, the shoes you describe do not sound like they come fram that line.

 

[Urban Warrior]

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[mrwiz]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I just received some SM shoes off eBay this morning and wanted to give my report. I had been hoping that they were from the top end line, but looking inside I see stitching around the insole indicating that they are Blake stitched, although they have a channeled sole. The stitching is also irregular, which corresponds with the "Lavorato a Mano" stamp on the bottom of the shoe: these shoes are, at least to some degree handmade. Even though they aren't welted, I'm extremely pleased with how light and flexible the sole is. The suede is quite soft and much more intensely colored than the listing suggested (which I like). How did I do for the price, if I may ask?

 

[kronik]

Originally Posted by mrwiz

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I just received some SM shoes off eBay this morning and wanted to give my report. I had been hoping that they were from the top end line, but looking inside I see stitching around the insole indicating that they are Blake stitched, although they have a channeled sole. The stitching is also irregular, which corresponds with the "Lavorato a Mano" stamp on the bottom of the shoe: these shoes are, at least to some degree handmade.

Even though they aren't welted, I'm extremely pleased with how light and flexible the sole is. The suede is quite soft and much more intensely colored than the listing suggested (which I like). How did I do for the price, if I may ask?

Good price - 100 dollars for Mantellassis is a great deal.