Regal Heritage (the shoes)

[pvrhye]

I saw some of these at Kumgang the other day. Anyone know anything about these? How's the quality stack up? I'm not one of the shoe experts around here. They are doubtless the nicest looking shoes I've seen in Korea. The fact that the store lacked any sort of price-tag was telling though.

I'm a total grognard for buying shoes in person. My right foot is bigger than the left and they're both short (x), wide (z) and tall (y), so I wanna try anything on in person.

(English really needs to stop whoring out the word "short" for two totally different dimensions.)

 

[dasai]

Originally Posted by pvrhye

I saw some of these at Kumgang the other day. Anyone know anything about these? How's the quality stack up? I'm not one of the shoe experts around here. They are doubtless the nicest looking shoes I've seen in Korea. The fact that the store lacked any sort of price-tag was telling though.
As far as I know, Regal is a Japanese brand, but I know nothing of this "Regal Heritage" you speak of. If it is Regal, then it's pretty decent, but with mostly short and wide sizes and not always the most awe-inspiring looks. Some of their shoes are also Blake/Rapid rather than Goodyear welted. If Regal Heritage is a different brand, then... I have no idea.

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by dasai

As far as I know, Regal is a Japanese brand, but I know nothing of this "Regal Heritage" you speak of. If it is Regal, then it's pretty decent, but with mostly short and wide sizes and not always the most awe-inspiring looks. Some of their shoes are also Blake/Rapid rather than Goodyear welted. If Regal Heritage is a different brand, then... I have no idea.

https://www.kumkang.com/brand/brand.asp?activeBrand=13

This is what I dug up.

 

[retozimmermann]

From what I know Regal is indeed a Japanese brand. Although the advertising for them in Korea is certainly very vague regarding what they actually are - no doubt on purpose by Kumgang. I think I even remember having seen a "Made in Italy" somewhere in connection with Regal. Though I might be mistaken on that.

I know that Kumgang is on the hunt for actual European shoe brands and I know of one specific case where they have not been successful in getting distributorship for an old English brand. I wouldn't be surprised if this was at least partly why they have been pushing their "house brand" Regal Heritage in the media over the last months.

You are right, there are few good shoes around in Korea, but the situation is getting better. I am in the process of opening my own shoe shop in a few weeks because over the past years I've been quite frustrated with the limited availability of good shoes and the ridiculously high prices for the few that you can get around here.

If you like, have a look at the website in my profile.

Best regards
Reto

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by retozimmermann

From what I know Regal is indeed a Japanese brand. Although the advertising for them in Korea is certainly very vague regarding what they actually are - no doubt on purpose by Kumgang. I think I even remember having seen a "Made in Italy" somewhere in connection with Regal. Though I might be mistaken on that. I know that Kumgang is on the hunt for actual European shoe brands and I know of one specific case where they have not been successful in getting distributorship for an old English brand. I wouldn't be surprised if this was at least partly why they have been pushing their "house brand" Regal Heritage in the media over the last months. You are right, there are few good shoes around in Korea, but the situation is getting better. I am in the process of opening my own shoe shop in a few weeks because over the past years I've been quite frustrated with the limited availability of good shoes and the ridiculously high prices for the few that you can get around here. If you like, have a look at the website in my profile. Best regards Reto
Think I may just do that. EDIT: But Vass + G&G might be a bit out of my range.

 

[retozimmermann]

There are other brands available in Seoul. Meanwhile you can find a limited selection from quite a lot of brands. The problem is always that they are between about 40 to 140% more expensive than in Europe. And this is not due to import costs!

Without having worn any of them, in the price-bracket where the Regal Heritage shoes are offered by Kumgang, they appear to be quite nice, so why not give them a try? Let us know what you experience.

In any case, you're welcome to come by our shop once it's open. It's always nice to meet like-minded people and talk about shoes and the like

Cheers
Reto

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by retozimmermann

There are other brands available in Seoul. Meanwhile you can find a limited selection from quite a lot of brands. The problem is always that they are between about 40 to 140% more expensive than in Europe. And this is not due to import costs!

Without having worn any of them, in the price-bracket where the Regal Heritage shoes are offered by Kumgang, they appear to be quite nice, so why not give them a try? Let us know what you experience.

In any case, you're welcome to come by our shop once it's open. It's always nice to meet like-minded people and talk about shoes and the like

Cheers
Reto

Yeah, I'll check it out in any case.

 

[ThatGuy]

Thought I'd bump this thread.

I was at kumkang recently. The Regal you saw is in fact a Korean brand and is produced in Korea. The design is highly influenced by Church's as well as their exclusive use of Goodyear welting for their shoe range. They are definitely the best shoes produced in Korea.

I did manage to try some of them... the leather was somewhat lower in quality than I expected. At the pricepoint Regal is being priced at, you can find better value with a host of Japanese brands.

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

Thought I'd bump this thread.

I was at kumkang recently. The Regal you saw is in fact a Korean brand and is produced in Korea. The design is highly influenced by Church's as well as their exclusive use of Goodyear welting for their shoe range. They are definitely the best shoes produced in Korea.

I did manage to try some of them... the leather was somewhat lower in quality than I expected. At the pricepoint Regal is being priced at, you can find better value with a host of Japanese brands.

Maybe it's expensive because it's Hanwoo leather hahaahaha

 

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by pvrhye

Maybe it's expensive because it's Hanwoo leather hahaahaha

Hahaha ... they do taste good!

I heard from a sales rep that they use imported French skins for their shoes. I'm not sure whether or not this is the case though 

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

Hahaha ... they do taste good!

I heard from a sales rep that they use imported French skins for their shoes. I'm not sure whether or not this is the case though 

I saw some Crockett and Jones at Sinsaegae for like 900k haha. I thought, screw it. I can fly to England and buy some new ones for that price.

 

[pvrhye]

Ran across these shoes again and checked the tag. Made by Volpi Conceri if anyone has ever heard of that brand. EDIT: I saw some abused as hell, undersized Grensons at the Paul Stuart shop in a dept store.

 

[akoustic]

I have a pair of Kumkang Regal Heritage shoes. Regal "Heritage" brand is Kumkang's top of the line brand and are hand made using Goodyear wetting. I purchased mine at a Kumkang store where they have a special section for these shoes and let me tell you they are high quality shoes. I own a few pairs of Allen Edmonds, Canali, and Hugo Boss shoes and for the price you pay it's an awesome value. The only problem i have with them are their laces. the laces they provide are not waxed and in my opinion, too casual. Although it's something that can be easily changed for a few bucks. Regal shoes are made in Korea. Kumkang also distributes and makes Bruno Magli shoes for the Korean market. Check them out if you can at the Kumkang store. Definitely worth the trip if you are in Korea.

 

[eric Yoo]

Hi
The prices for those shoes are 180dollar to 400 dollars, and if you look carefully you can get discounts by using coupons.
Let's face it, thats a hack of a good deal lol

About the quality, its decent .
Around Loake and Herring's quality.
And they also produce higher quality , higher priced ones; however, I would rather buy CJ or Churches with that money.
However if you live in South Korea you could get free resoling
They provide Incredible after services unlike English brands lol