Skoaktiebolaget – Enzo Bonafé, Saint Crispin’s, Löf & Tung

[OdusBK]

There were 2 mystery makes announced on the instagram page - 1 was a while back around September and the other yesterday.

I'm curious if these are two different makers and when their planned release is

 

[vmss]

There were 2 mystery makes announced on the instagram page - 1 was a while back around September and the other yesterday.

I'm curious if these are two different makers and when their planned release is

There is a very similar identical shoe on foster & sons instagram page ?

 

[Meyboom]

There is a very similar identical shoe on foster & sons instagram page ?

Hardly a mystery indeed... Im surprised SkoAB will carry F&S next to JLP because they offer similar styles at a similar price. F&S is a very strong competitor offering a... ahum... Japanese level of finishing...

 

[Spaghettimatt]

Boy oh boy once that Foster Dover alternative comes...

 

[tdes81]

So what would F&S bring compared to St. C? I don't understand the appeal of Lobb over St.C even.

 

[Meyboom]

So what would F&S bring compared to St. C? I don't understand the appeal of Lobb over St.C even.

Personally I find St C quite a different beast from other shoe makers. One has to admit that the design, lasts and some leathers of St C are a distinct style that probably doesn’t appeal to everyone. JLP and F&S offer more conservative styles but of course executed to the highest standards.

 

[tdes81]

Personally I find St C quite a different beast from other shoe makers. One has to admit that the design, lasts and some leathers of St C are a distinct style that probably doesn’t appeal to everyone. JLP and F&S offer more conservative styles but of course executed to the highest standards.

To play devil's advocate, St. C definitely has it's set of eclectic designs and lasts, but I feel that their conservative makeups are just as stodgy as JLP if need be. And then you get the added benefit of personalizing a last, a hand welt and pegged waist, better shoe trees...

I mean, which of these is more conservative?

or

I mean, without looking at URLs (or distinctive shoe trees), can you tell which is JLP or St.C? If anything I think the St. C last is ever so slightly less aggressive.

 

[Spaghettimatt]

Price point-wise, Foster would likely come in above Lobb but below St Crispin? Any chance it just replaces Lobb?

 

[WilYa]

Personally I find St C quite a different beast from other shoe makers. One has to admit that the design, lasts and some leathers of St C are a distinct style that probably doesn’t appeal to everyone. JLP and F&S offer more conservative styles but of course executed to the highest standards.

I will never equate JLP to "highest standards", especially after the end of the yellow box era. IMO the finisb of non-prestige JLPs are smilar to Carmina and definitely inferior to CJ handgrade.

 

[Meyboom]

To play devil's advocate, St. C definitely has it's set of eclectic designs and lasts, but I feel that their conservative makeups are just as stodgy as JLP if need be. And then you get the added benefit of personalizing a last, a hand welt and pegged waist, better shoe trees...

I mean, which of these is more conservative?

or

I mean, without looking at URLs (or distinctive shoe trees), can you tell which is JLP or St.C? If anything I think the St. C last is ever so slightly less aggressive.

Good point, St C offers so many options that they can be customized to look almost identical to shoes from other makers (although the St C waist will always be distinctive) . But I can imagine not everyone likes going the MTO route, that’s something for shoe nerds ? I know the lead time for a pair of St C is relatively short but many people just want to buy a pair right here and now. And truth be told, when going for 'standard' aniline leather the quality JLP offers is hard to beat.

 

[Meyboom]

I will never equate JLP to "highest standards", especially after the end of the yellow box era. IMO the finisb of non-prestige JLPs are smilar to Carmina and definitely inferior to CJ handgrade.

I only own yellow box JLPs and haven't bought any in recent years. If finishing really has gone down to Carmina standards that's not good...

 

[tdes81]

Price point-wise, Foster would likely come in above Lobb but below St Crispin? Any chance it just replaces Lobb?

Worth noting that pairs St. Crispin's comes with shoe trees, so Lobb doesn't really come in below them cost wise either.

 

[WilYa]

I only own yellow box JLPs and haven't bought any in recent years. If finishing really has gone down to Carmina standards that's not good...

I own many pairs from both era and I am afraid this is my conclusion. I quite agree the leather quality was top notch but the current offerings have unfortunately nothing special.

 

[Meyboom]

Price point-wise, Foster would likely come in above Lobb but below St Crispin? Any chance it just replaces Lobb?

It looks like they will carry the collection with 'Jermyn street specification' which is the 'cheapest' range of F&S. Price is around 900euro which is some 250euro below standard JLP. If that’s the case JLP will have a hard time at SkoAB...

 

[Meyboom]

I own many pairs from both era and I am afraid this is my conclusion. I quite agree the leather quality was top notch but the current offerings have unfortunately nothing special.

Interesting, I have always wondered if JLP is a strong seller at SkoAB. Based on your insight, @Spaghettimatt could be right that F&S may be replacing JLP...