Ferragamo Shoe - Gaio Model

[jtang]

Does anyone know anything about Ferragamo's Gaio line? How's the quality/fit? Is this the Studio line people keep referring to? http://cgi.ebay.com/SALVATORE-FERRAG...d=p3286.c0.m14 http://ferragamo.neimanmarcus.com/st...ndex=19&tid=C9 Thanks

 

[darkoak]

It's not from the Studio line, but rather from the "lavorazione originale" line (as seen on the sole in the ebay auction), which is the intermediate line below Tramezza.

 

[jtang]

Thanks for your response. How would you rate the quality of these shoes? I've found a lot of good reviews for Tramezza, but how different is this line?

Also, I understand that Ferragamo's usually fit narrow. I fit Allen Edmond's 10.5D almost perfectly. If I go for a narrow Ferragamo 10.5B, will that be extra narrow on me?

 

[sf_esq]

I own both Tramezzas and Lavorazione line shoes. There is no doubt that the Tramezzas are in a different category altogether, better quality leather, goodyear welted and more durable well made shoes. Setting that aside, the Lavorazione shoes are also quite well made and mine have taken a beating and have held up. Some leather quality on the Lavorazione line is mediocre, IMO, and almost has a plastic like quality, yet some is quite good quality. It's hit or miss. But, if you can get a pair of Lavorazione for a good price, either on sale or on ebay, I would do it. I don't think most are worth the $400 - $500 price tag, but for $200 to $300, they're worth it. But, for slightly over $300, you can order a pair of bench grade Crockett and Jones. I've just ordered some, so I can't speak to the quality comparatively yet, but my guess is that they're better than most, if not all, of the Lavorazione line.

Regarding Ferragamo sizing, if you wear a 10.5D in Allen Edmonds, you will probably wear the same size in the Ferragamos, although a D in a Ferragamo is going to be narrower in fit than a D in Allen Edmonds. You should definitely not go down to a B in Ferragamo, it would be too narrow if you wear a D in Allen Edmonds. You may even need an E (wider size) in Ferragamo as some are quite narrow. Why not try them on? They are available all over the place.

 

[jtang]

Originally Posted by sf_esq

I own both Tramezzas and Lavorazione line shoes. There is no doubt that the Tramezzas are in a different category altogether, better quality leather, goodyear welted and more durable well made shoes. Setting that aside, the Lavorazione shoes are also quite well made and mine have taken a beating and have held up. Some leather quality on the Lavorazione line is mediocre, IMO, and almost has a plastic like quality, yet some is quite good quality. It's hit or miss. But, if you can get a pair of Lavorazione for a good price, either on sale or on ebay, I would do it. I don't think most are worth the $400 - $500 price tag, but for $200 to $300, they're worth it. But, for slightly over $300, you can order a pair of bench grade Crockett and Jones. I've just ordered some, so I can't speak to the quality comparatively yet, but my guess is that they're better than most, if not all, of the Lavorazione line.

Regarding Ferragamo sizing, if you wear a 10.5D in Allen Edmonds, you will probably wear the same size in the Ferragamos, although a D in a Ferragamo is going to be narrower in fit than a D in Allen Edmonds. You should definitely not go down to a B in Ferragamo, it would be too narrow if you wear a D in Allen Edmonds. You may even need an E (wider size) in Ferragamo as some are quite narrow. Why not try them on? They are available all over the place.

Great post, thanks. That told me everything I needed to know.

Will take your advice and try on some Lavoraziones this weekend.

 

[jetfight]

just stay away from Studio line ...

 

[rjmaiorano]

In person, this shoe is unimpressive.

 

[sf_esq]

Originally Posted by jtang

Great post, thanks. That told me everything I needed to know.

Will take your advice and try on some Lavoraziones this weekend.

Glad to try to help. Lord knows I've asked at several people questions about Crockett and Jones shoes...

 

[trareg09]

Though I've worn Ferragamo shoes exclusively for the past nine years, I am still confused with respect to the distinction among his lines. In some of the blogs, I noticed that there was reference to the studio and Tramezza lines. I am familiar with the Tramezza lines, but am uncertain of the studio lines. Are the studio shoes those that contain the Ferragamo name apparently painted in the sole of the shoe versus the stitched name?

 

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]

Originally Posted by trareg09

Though I've worn Ferragamo shoes exclusively for the past nine years, I am still confused with respect to the distinction among his lines. In some of the blogs, I noticed that there was reference to the studio and Tramezza lines. I am familiar with the Tramezza lines, but am uncertain of the studio lines. Are the studio shoes those that contain the Ferragamo name apparently painted in the sole of the shoe versus the stitched name?

The Studio shoes say Studio inside and on the sole. They are cemented and made with poor quality leather. They should be avoided.