My New York City shoe adventure

[audiophilia]

Well, after reading with complete envy the shoe shopping sojourns of many of our members, I decided to have a NYC run myself, from Toronto.

Morning -- Allen Edmonds, Testoni and Bergdorf Goodman
Afternoon -- Santoni, Tod's, and John Lobb

Sure, nice stuff in all places, but other than the great US prices for us Canadians of AE, huge markups (surprise!) everywhere.

AE loafers (Melrose in chili is superb) were nice, with excellent service (my buddy bought two pairs and shoe trees -- 25 bucks compared to the same tree for 90 smackers at Harry Rosen, WTF!!!). Testoni and Santoni were nice, but nothing grabbed my fancy (Santoni was more expensive than I expected) and Testoni was gorgeous, but a little wild than what I was looking for -- a burgundy oxford of monk. Tons of cool double monks, though, but my wife no likey!

Then I went to Mecca. Had to ring the bell to get in!!! Jesus H., the shoes were stunning. I swear, when I saw and touched the Vale in Chesnut Museum Calf, I had a shoegasm! The best looking shoe I have ever seen. But at $1500.00, a little rich for today, with Coach purses, Mont Blanc watch and Borelli tie, etc. I'll be heading to the factory in early July. Someone please tell me I can get an 11D Vale for a good price.

Cheers, all, and goodnight from NYC!

 

[Zegnamtl]

Originally Posted by audiophilia

....... (my buddy bought two pairs and shoe trees -- 25 bucks compared to the same tree for 90 smackers at Harry Rosen, WTF!!!). .....
It has been a long while since I have purchased AE at Rosen's, but if you buy during the trunk shows, they throw in the trees, sometimes other goodies, metal shoe horns, polish etc. You would have to be mental to walk in and just buy trees at that price!

 

[zalb916]

Originally Posted by audiophilia

I'll be heading to the factory in early July. Someone please tell me I can get an 11D Vale for a good price.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's highly unlikely that you're going to find what you're looking for at the factory. The Lobb factory is a great trip, and you may find a few pairs of random shoes that you'll like. However, it's nearly impossible to find some of the popular models or really anything you are particularly seeking out. Some other posters and I have posted about our trips to the Lobb factory in Northampton, if you want an idea of what to expect.

 

[audiophilia]

Tried the Hale in Merlot at AE. Wanted to like them but the last was too wide. I like a narrower shoe. I was wearing Canali black cap toe oxfords, and the sales guy mentioned how much he liked them. Since it may be bad news about Lobb, I may have to get my burgundy fix from Vass mail order.

 

[cowboyjack]

I'm jealous. To see these shoes in person.... sigh.

 

[william]

Originally Posted by cowboyjack

I'm jealous. To see these shoes in person.... sigh.

Seeing things in person.

It can be great or it can be bad. I've seen several pairs of Edward Green shoes in person that were really disappointing. I've seen Vass in person that floored me compared to what I saw in pictures. Same goes with suits, sportcoats, etc.

As I've learned...nothing beats seeing things in person. NOTHING!!

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by william

As I've learned...nothing beats seeing things in person. NOTHING!!

+1

@audiophilia
Tons of double monks, though, but my wife no likey!

She has a very refinded and distinguished sense of taste, IMO.

 

[UserNameToronto]

First post. I'm from Toronto, and am going to NYC in July.

Where exactly did you go (address/store)?

 

[teddieriley]

Originally Posted by UserNameToronto

First post. I'm from Toronto, and am going to NYC in July.

Where exactly did you go (address/store)?

Isn't this info in the original post? And can't one just google the names for the addresses? It will probably take you the same amount of time to get this info than any one else.

 

[UserNameToronto]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Isn't this info in the original post? And can't one just google the names for the addresses? It will probably take you the same amount of time to get this info than any one else.

None of the addresses are, that's why I asked the bloody question. Google already told me that there is more than one AE store in 212. I understand it's a big place.

 

[teddieriley]

Originally Posted by UserNameToronto

None of the addresses are, that's why I asked the bloody question. Google already told me that there is more than one AE store in 212. I understand it's a big place.

I understand that none of the addresses were in the original post, but typically the name of the store is sufficient to get any additional info you need. I suppose if you want the exact store location to replicate the OP's itinerary, knowing whether he went to a Madison Ave. store or one on Avenue of the Americas would be helpful. But any of the locations will have the shoes the OP discussed.

 

[haganah]

ae is 55th and mad. enjoy.

 

[mr monty]

Woodbury outlet mall is on I-87 about 45 minutes north of NYC.
Many of the stores carry high-end shoes. For more info, visit the website.

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7

 

[ziggyosk]

where are there high-end shoes at the Woodbury commons? Saks off 5th had a terrible supply. they do have a ferigamo store but I'm not one for there shoes. the johnston and murphy store has a bad selection.

i'm going back there to look at some suits, i'd like to find out where the nice shoes are?

 

[audiophilia]

Did Saks Fifth Avenue today. They had a great selection. Way better than Bergdorfs, which surprised me. Loads of EG, AE, Testoni, Magli, Ferragamo, JM Weston, Zegna, Canali, etc. Really big selection.

Now, my friends, help me out. I found a gorgeous JM Weston burgundy oxford (edit -- Aston Line double wingtip oxford). $845.00. Yea or nay, price wise and quality? I've heard some of you denizens mention Weston here.

Thanks for any guidance.