Santoni Double Monks- Are these any good?

[nbmplano]

I have been looking around for a pair of double monks at a reasonable price for a little while now. I have had my eyes set on a pair of Lowndes as soon as a pair comes up on B&S in a size 9.5d US. I was just searching through ebay though and came across these Santoni's. I am not sure about the quality of this particular pair. I know they make several different quality's. Are these any good (or at least worth the price?)

Thanks for the help!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Santoni-Double-M...item3f02b5895f

 

[Wicky]

Santoni indeed has different construction levels. These are likely blake (rapid) construction, whereas generally the goodyear construction is the best and most durable one. I have several pairs of blake construction Santoni's and they last for years. Having said that, I do no walk miles in them.

I think the double monks are awesome!

 

[banis]

I have two pairs of double monks form Santoni. Both are not goodyear welted. However, I have one pair for three years already and another one for almost two. I don't have any issues with them.

 

[antirabbit]

Those are awesome, would buy with out hesitation.

 

[clausc]

I would buy those if new. I have a pair of double monks (brown, grained leather) from Santoni, and altough they are not good year, they are very solid and sleek. I've seen many double monks models from Santoni and I would buy without hesitation. The good year welted ones from Santoni probably are more expensive than C&J.

My holy grail shoe had been for a long time the Lowndes. I was tempted so much to buy a pair of subs from ebay for around 200GBP but was not sure of the fit, although I have two other pairs on the 348 last. I talked a few times with the brogue.ch shop owner in Geneva and they stock both Santoni and C&J, but not the Lowndes. He convinced me that C&J Lowndes is much less comfortable than Santoni and not easy to fit, and that's why he does not order this model anymore. Take it with a pinch of salt.