Gravati and Martegani

[tom288]

Im looking at these on Francos, how are they as far as quality, what are they comparable to? How do sizes run, say to a Ferragamo?

 

[pkincy]

I only have one pair of Gravati and it seems to fit much like my EGs. And a slight bit tighter than my JLs and Mantellassis.

Perry

 

[demeis]

Dont' have much experience with Gravati other than a quick once over. But with Martegani i do have much experience. I own two pairs and will be adding more over time. They run long, about 1/2 to a full size, i have a narrow foot and had to downsize a full size from a usual 10C in grensons to a 9 in marteganis. They do have a long and narrow toe box so i got a pretty good fit. They are blake/rapid stiched and are of good construction. I think that taking retail prices into consideration and forgetting the usual bargain mention they are a great buy for the price and i would highly recommend them.

Heres some more info on the company, They apprently don't spend money on advertising which keeps the price down.

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=3585&page=3

Plus Ron Rider who is the sales rep for the shoes is a great guy and he posts on the forum, i know he was and think he still is affiliated with Francos.

 

[tom288]

So, the approximate 400 dollars off of Francos is a worthy price for them? And if i typically wear a 10D, although I can wear a 9.5EE in Feragammos, I should probably look at a 9.5, maybe a 9?

 

[kitonbrioni]

I have all three and have found their sizes to be about the same fit.

 

[demeis]

I would recommend the 9, unless you have a wide foot. Then stick with the 10. Francos (Ron) when i bought my first pair was very helpfull. Didn't size down and was very good about getting me the right size. I say the price is worth that. If you like the shoe its a great shoe for the price, I'm not a sale shopper, if i find a sale i buy but idon't base my other buys off of it. If you like the shoe and don't have a problem spending i say go for it. They are worth it. Which ones are you getting?

 

[tom288]

Well my foot is wide, the 9.5EE fits better just because of the width, I think I get away with the D because of the extra size in a 10, so I might get a 10 from them and go from there. As far as which ones Im torn, basically I want a pair I can mix in with suits. Here are the ones Im looking at, although Im not sure about color on some of them as far as going with a suit:

http://www.francos.com/items/item.asp?sku5=97953

http://www.francos.com/items/item.asp?sku5=93975

http://www.francos.com/items/item.asp?sku5=84004

http://www.francos.com/items/item.asp?sku5=29184

I think the color of the second pair would probably work the best with Navy etc...what do you think?

 

[jcusey]

Martegani sizing varies depending on last. I only have experience with two lasts: the 46 and the 3B last. The 3B runs long, and you should probably size down a half a size (eg, I wear 9.5 in 3B but a 10 in most American shoes). The 46 is more normally-sized.

There is also some variation in Gravati last sizing (the 640 runs a little big), but not nearly as much as Martegani. For the lasts that are generally found in the US, your standard US size would probably work.

Gravati and Martegani make some of the best Blake and Blake/Rapid shoes available. They are excellent options for mid-priced Italian shoes.

 

[Baron]

To echo jcusey, I have experience with the 46 and the 3E lasts, and both run fairly true to size. The 3E is a slight bit elongated, but not as much as the 3B.

I'm sure you can get a lot of help from the staff if you call or email the store.

 

[Omega Man]

I wear American 9D and I went 1/2 size down in the 3B last. It was recommended by Ron. Ron is a good person to deal with.

 

[designprofessor]

I 'll put in the positive endorsement for Martegani.
I have two pairs, both on their 3B last. I ordered my normal size 9D and also tried going down a half size, didn't work.

I've had all good experiences working with Ron on both orders.

 

[marc237]

I wear both Gravati and Martegani. Both are very well made, mid-range Italian shoes. I have gotten excellent deals on Gravati on ebay because they are lesser known. Marteganis rarely appear on ebay. And Ron is to shoes what Jon is to ties.

 

[knittieguy]

Are Ron and Francos the only sources for Martegani in the US? And do they ever go on sale?

 

[designprofessor]

Ron is trying to expand their U.S. retail I believe.
OKC now has a few men's stores where Martegani's are available. Franco's /web has more style options.
I believe some get discounted at times.

 

[tom288]

So out of the links I posted, what do you prefer as far as dress attire?