Is there a difference between Ferragamo and Bruno Magli?

[velvel87]

I recently just bought two pairs of dress shoes with rubber bottoms for work , both for very good deals. I only want to keep one but I'm not sure which one will last longer and is better quality, but really, I am not sure if either one of them are real quality. The first shoe is a bruno magli ragian. It retailed at $365 and i got it at $200 at nordstrom rack.

The second pair are Ferragamo Rugby, retailed at $380 and purchased for $266 (bloomingdales is having 30% off sale).

I am trying ti figure out if these shoes are quality and will last. Also, if anyone could tell me which line these are in within their respective labels, it would be much appreciated.

 

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]

Most people here would probably say to keep the Ferragamo but I've had surprisingly excellent experience with Magli. Based on looks, I like the plain toe shoe better. Which one is it?

 

[polar-lemon]

The sole on the Ferragamo, to my eye, looks much finer- I can't tell if the ridge along the side is a channel or not, but appears that it may be welted. In any case, it certainly looks less clunky than the Magli sole. I agree, I prefer the plaintoe- I'm going to guess that's the Ferragmo? Personally, I'd stick with the Ferragamo.

 

[velvel87]

Thanks. Yes, the plain toe is the Ferragamo. What bothered me about the Ferragamo though it that the rubber is molded to look like the heal has a few different layers and that they are nailed in, even though its all one piece of rubber, which made me worry about my ability to replace the heal and sole over time. But I guess I could just send it to their repair factory in Secaucus and they'll replace the whole thing entirely.

 

[mishon]

The prevailing opinion on this board is that only Ferragamo "Tramezza" and Bruno Magli "Platinum Line" are worth the dollar. If it were between those two, I'd say go with Tramezza. Since, however, both of your shoes are roughly similar in quality and design, go with the one you find more aesthetically pleasing and the one that you think will last you longer. I wore my regular Bruno Magli monks last week (also rubber sole), and they were very comfortable and stylish, and did not exhibit any signs of wear after a 12 hour day at work.

 

[Joseph K. Bank]

I feel that these have a similar style which the English shoe makers also share.

 

[velvel87]

I just called up both companies. The Ferragamo turns out to be from the studio line, even though it does not say it on the label. The Bruno Magli has a cemented sole, but they claim that's how most rubber soled shoes are. Not sure if either one is worth the money at this point.

Anyone know where to find high quality rubber soled dress shoes that will cost $200 - $300?

 

[zalb916]

The Allen Edmonds Belmont seems to roughly fit into what you are looking for. It's a four-eyelet blucher, which is pretty similar to the two shoes you showed. It's got a split-toe, apron front, and rubber soles. It has a fairly pointy toe, and I don't think it looks too clunky, as many people seem to think about AEs. I believe it's one of the newer models. You may find it cheaper in the outlets, as a second. http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...ategory=120552

 

[mishon]

Originally Posted by velvel87

The Bruno Magli has a cemented sole, but they claim that's how most rubber soled shoes are.
So does "Studio."

 

[Dmax]

Originally Posted by mishon

So does "Studio."

This particular Ferragamo specimen, and I believe most of the "Studio" line, appears to be Blake stitched which is certainly a more durable construction method than cemented/glued. If the Original Poster looks inside the Ferragamos he may see or feel a stitch along the front of the insole.

 

[velvel87]

Negative on seeing or feeling any stitch on the inside of the shoe. What i was worried about is that the stitching on the sole was just for looks but served no actual purpose bc the shoes are cemented - though I am not totally sure about that.

 

[Ricardo Malocchio]

I don't have any studio line Ferragamos, but it's my understanding that they are all glue-bonded. The Lavorazione Originale line, on the other hand, is blake stitched. Tramezzas are welted. That's my understanding and has been my experience.

I think the L.O. line - often available for around $100 on ebay - is an absolute bargain. Nice leather, very good construction, and better styling that most.

 

[velvel87]

yes, but do they come with a full rubber sole? I have been looking for a while now for an excellent dress shoe with a rubber sole and can't find one. My last pair was from To Boot New York (which is apparently made by Gravati) and they were incredible. Extremely soft and comfortable leather, leather sole with a full piece of real rubber connected to it and even the heal, which had a rubber bottom that continued from the rest of the sole was stacked wood. If anyone knows of good quality rubber bottom shoes, please let me know.

 

[Dmax]

Originally Posted by velvel87

Negative on seeing or feeling any stitch on the inside of the shoe. What i was worried about is that the stitching on the sole was just for looks but served no actual purpose bc the shoes are cemented - though I am not totally sure about that.
So if you look inside the channel going around the sole you see the stitching?

 

[velvel87]

yes