I think there are two dimensions to consider here.
On one hand, you have practical benefits that accrue from good quality shoe construction. High quality leather and good leather soles go a long way to making the shoe last, feel good, and look good. The reason that it is so damaging that JR is going under, is that we are missing out on something that really does make a difference in regards to shoes: namely, how long the leather sole will last. If you like leather soles, like I do, this matters a lot. I don't want to have to spend 100+ dollars on a resole every year, when I could go 3-4 years before I need a resole.
On the other hand, you have questions of high quality vs. highest quality. With all deference to the greatest and most finely made pair of shoes in the world, there isn't as much of a difference between the highest quality shoes and the entry level, well made shoe, as compared to the entry level, well made shoe and crap shoes.
For instance: I love stacked leather heels, but they aren't that much better than leatherboard. Nevertheless, they are certainly better than dogshit that J&M or something will use, where it isn't even leather, it isn't even paper, it's a fake rubber thing that is meant to mimic leather.
For this reason, there is going to most assuredly be a place in the RTW world where some costs are cut in order to make a difference between the Allen Edmonds vs. the Bespoke Masterpieces of the world.
If anyone is going to bemoan the fact that not every shoe in the world is made to the highest standards, then they better start thinking of a way of making it profitable and affordable, because right now, most people can't afford 5000 dollars for a bespoke pair of shoes that can feature all these things. Hell, even a pair of Edward Greens is prohibitively expensive for most people - 1,300 dollars for a pair of shoes is extremely expensive for most people.
On one hand, you have practical benefits that accrue from good quality shoe construction. High quality leather and good leather soles go a long way to making the shoe last, feel good, and look good. The reason that it is so damaging that JR is going under, is that we are missing out on something that really does make a difference in regards to shoes: namely, how long the leather sole will last. If you like leather soles, like I do, this matters a lot. I don't want to have to spend 100+ dollars on a resole every year, when I could go 3-4 years before I need a resole.
On the other hand, you have questions of high quality vs. highest quality. With all deference to the greatest and most finely made pair of shoes in the world, there isn't as much of a difference between the highest quality shoes and the entry level, well made shoe, as compared to the entry level, well made shoe and crap shoes.
For instance: I love stacked leather heels, but they aren't that much better than leatherboard. Nevertheless, they are certainly better than dogshit that J&M or something will use, where it isn't even leather, it isn't even paper, it's a fake rubber thing that is meant to mimic leather.
For this reason, there is going to most assuredly be a place in the RTW world where some costs are cut in order to make a difference between the Allen Edmonds vs. the Bespoke Masterpieces of the world.
If anyone is going to bemoan the fact that not every shoe in the world is made to the highest standards, then they better start thinking of a way of making it profitable and affordable, because right now, most people can't afford 5000 dollars for a bespoke pair of shoes that can feature all these things. Hell, even a pair of Edward Greens is prohibitively expensive for most people - 1,300 dollars for a pair of shoes is extremely expensive for most people.
