Italian vs English shoes

[anginaprinzmetal]

I realize this has been probably addressed before but what's the forum opinion on english vs italian shoes. I'm starting to build my wardrobe, and I mean nice, proper shoes and clothes, and usually find myself more atracted to italian lines. They seem to have " sleeker" lasts and bolder designs, still with very good taste. On the other hand, english shoes tend to be classics and give the impression of more solid construction, albeit not as "elegant" (this is probably not the right word and I know I'll take heat for it).

 

[DocHolliday]

Honestly, I would not get caught up in worrying about it. There are conservative Italian shoes and flashy English ones. Just buy shoes you like and that fit with the style you want to project. Many guys here own both.

 

[anginaprinzmetal]

Thanks, by the way cool posts in WAYWT thread

 

[DocHolliday]

Thanks, A. Kind of you to say.

 

[RSS]

I have a preference for English makers ... but that's all it is ... a preference.

 

[EZETHATSME]

Originally Posted by RSS

I have a preference for English makers ... but that's all it is ... a preference.

I for Italian.

And just a preference...

Doc's advice is spot on.

EZ

 

[ALFAMALE]

If its a good pair of shoes from a good brand from one of those countries, then thats good enough for me.

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Honestly, I would not get caught up in worrying about it. There are conservative Italian shoes and flashy English ones. Just buy shoes you like and that fit with the style you want to project. Many guys here own both.
+1

 

[Matt S]

Originally Posted by anginaprinzmetal

I realize this has been probably addressed before but what's the forum opinion on english vs italian shoes. I'm starting to build my wardrobe, and I mean nice, proper shoes and clothes, and usually find myself more atracted to italian lines. They seem to have " sleeker" lasts and bolder designs, still with very good taste. On the other hand, english shoes tend to be classics and give the impression of more solid construction, albeit not as "elegant" (this is probably not the right word and I know I'll take heat for it).

Gaziano & Girling in England make some very sleek and bold designs as well as classics. John Lobb Paris (they are actually English) also makes very sleek shoes that go beyond classic design. As for "elegant," I don't find many shoes more elegant than Edward Green. So as you can see I am a fan of the English shoes. As the English shoes get much more press here than the Italian shoes, I'm not quite as familiar with the later. The Ferragamo Tramezza shoes are very nice all around, but I haven't seen much else from Italy that is as nice as those. Testoni has a few nice shoes too. Most stores I go to have many more Italian brands than English, though the Italian shoes are mostly junk like Prada and Bruno Magli. A lot of the Italian shoes are focused on design and not construction, and they aren't as comfortable. Prada shoes cost 3 times the price of dress shoes at Macy's yet are of equal quality. Prada gives a bad name to the Italians.

 

[Jangofett]

Originally Posted by anginaprinzmetal

I realize this has been probably addressed before but what's the forum opinion on english vs italian shoes. I'm starting to build my wardrobe, and I mean nice, proper shoes and clothes, and usually find myself more atracted to italian lines. They seem to have " sleeker" lasts and bolder designs, still with very good taste. On the other hand, english shoes tend to be classics and give the impression of more solid construction, albeit not as "elegant" (this is probably not the right word and I know I'll take heat for it).

You are over generalising here. The sleeker lasts and bolder designs can be found in the French styles like Corthays, CJ Paris and even Altans and Guyots, although some argue that the latter 2 and even Berlutis may not be in good taste. Check out the ultra long lasts in Sene as well. Not to forget the third big French shoe maker in Aubercy.

English shoes can be elegant and not just classics like your Churchs. Just look at some of the MTO EGs and JLs. Barker Blacks look to be doing great things too. Even Churchs have become more funky by incorporating checkered cloth in their shoes. Definitely not what you call classic and the older Windsors would wear.

 

[FStyles]

completely personal preference imho

A pair of Zegna XXX LE line shoes have as much if not more handmade details than the english/hungarian forum favorites, but not nearly as much love. (albeit they are in the $2k range).

Additionally saying one will last longer than the other, or, one is better looking than the other is a pretty useless endeavor.

 

[JamesX]

In general English shoes are more to my liking. Italian shoes tend to be too long for my taste.

Mom bought me 3 pairs when she went overseas. I ended up giving them away to relatives.

 

[bellyhungry]

Aside from styling, what are the main differences between English made- vs. Italian made-shoes in terms of material and craftmanship?

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by RSS

I have a preference for English makers ... but that's all it is ... a preference.

Originally Posted by EZETHATSME

I for Italian.

And just a preference...

And today I'm wearing some Hungarian shoes!

Ouch ... Ouch, Ouch ... Ouch ... Ouch ... Stop that!​

 

[TACO_FLAVORED_KISSES]

Funny, in Italy there's quite a English shoe fetish.

 

[F. Corbera]

Originally Posted by bellyhungry

Aside from styling, what are the main differences between English made- vs. Italian made-shoes in terms of material and craftmanship?

One difference in RTW shoes that you might find is that Italian makers are more likely to use Blake/Rapid construction. Some knowledgable guys have the opinion that this is superior to Goodyear shoes.