The high end Chinese Shoe Thread

[andrel42]

@Jmr928 Could you comment a little on the fit issues and sizing perhaps ?

Finally got around to listing my Yeossal split toes in Horween Saddle Brown on the SG65 last - Size 9.5UK. Vibram topy, triumph plates, lasted trees, etc. etc. I tried to wear them once but the fit wasn't great so they've been in their box. https://www.styleforum.net/buyandse...son-split-toe-derby-9-5uk-saddle-brown.27241/

 

[JohnMRobie]

@Jmr928 Could you comment a little on the fit issues and sizing perhaps ?

Sure thing - I’m typically a 9.5UK but probably closer to a true 9.25 with a lowish instep and feet on the narrow side of average. The shoes from yeossal have a higher instep and overall this last had a bit too much volume for me. They’re great shoes though and I’ve since switched to a last modified for me and am expecting another pair here soon. Best fit guidance I can suggest is this would be a good fit for someone with an average width 9.5UK with an instep on the higher side. I believe you’re a Vass fan - closest comp I have around is Vass U in 44. The instep on the Y 9.5 in SG65 might be a little higher than Vass U 44 by a mm or two.

 

[andrel42]

Sure thing - I’m typically a 9.5UK but probably closer to a true 9.25 with a lowish instep and feet on the narrow side of average. The shoes from yeossal have a higher instep and overall this last had a bit too much volume for me. They’re great shoes though and I’ve since switched to a last modified for me and am expecting another pair here soon. Best fit guidance I can suggest is this would be a good fit for someone with an average width 9.5UK with an instep on the higher side. I believe you’re a Vass fan - closest comp I have around is Vass U in 44. The instep on the Y 9.5 in SG65 might be a little higher than Vass U 44 by a mm or two.

Thanks so much for these comments, and a very nice of split-toes. Also had some fit issues with a pair of captoe Oxfords on the YC8 last (instep and width). I will try stretching them a little. I am sure you will be able to sell these quickly!

 

[JohnMRobie]

Thanks so much for these comments, and a very nice of split-toes. Also had some fit issues with a pair of captoe Oxfords on the YC8 last (instep and width). I will try stretching them a little. I am sure you will be able to sell these quickly!

Thanks - Once you dial in your fit they’re a great shoe and value. Just got the notification my next pair is ready so hopefully sometime this week or next I’ll receive my next order and will be able to update my review of them and take a look at their new fully handmade option with hand sewn soles.

 

[andrel42]

Thanks - Once you dial in your fit they’re a great shoe and value. Just got the notification my next pair is ready so hopefully sometime this week or next I’ll receive my next order and will be able to update my review of them and take a look at their new fully handmade option with hand sewn soles.

I look forward to your review!

 

[bernoulli]

Slimshoes delivered perfectly fitted shoes. Couldn't ask for more. It is absurdly good value for money.

 

[bernoulli]

The finishing is superb (high PSI on handwelted shoes? Check. Simmetry on the stitching? Check) but the creasing is not the most beautiful.

 

[JohnMRobie]

Slimshoes delivered perfectly fitted shoes. Couldn't ask for more. It is absurdly good value for money.
View attachment 1661012 View attachment 1661011

Slimshoes = Yearn abroad right? They look very nice. The sole stitching looks well executed as well. What leather did you opt for? Crust + patina?

 

[bernoulli]

Yes, Yearn=Slimshoe and everything is really well-made. Great craftsmanship. Also yes to the question about crust+patina.

 

[AunToni]

Anyone know any good cobblers who do resoling (both blake stitched and goodyear) in China?

 

[JohnMRobie]

Figure I’ll post this here as well as the Yeossal thread. A short backstory - I’d ordered a pair of punched balmorals from Yeossal and they were unfortunately damaged during lasting and they were out of the leather I’d had in mind for that pair so I called an audible and switched to their adelaide. Not a big deal and it happens. These include the “handmade” option for hand sewn soles - You can add it to the notes for $200SGD. I opted for dark brown annonay box calf because I’m not a huge fan of most crust. Edit to add pictures from today from the first wear.

Spoiler: Review

Pros: One of the quicker MTO options out there at 2-4 months depending on how things are going. Tons of options - Patterns, lasts, leathers, add ons. Price I’d rank as good - there are better deals out there if you’re looking hard enough but this is one of the more accessible options with an easy to use customization tool. Lasts - They have a nice shape to them and are some of the better looking but still accessible lasts available. You’re not going to wind up with something that’s too crazy. Even the most chiseled last in their SG65 is still not crazy. The hand sewn soles are executed really, really well on this pair. Finally - Customer service. This is a big one - I’m a relatively low-maintenance customer. I place my order and expect radio silence until it’s time for a shipping notification but got updated on the delay and remake. They also are one of the few to offer returns on MTO (you take a 25% haircut but it’s better than the secondary market trying to get 60-70% back).

Cons: If we are nitpicking the closing could be better and a little cleaner. Some crooked stitch lines here and there are the main one here. Nothing that is visible from say a few feet away and I don’t expect perfection at this price point but these aren’t cheap shoes if you’re not used to what you actually get at each level I could see some guys being concerned.
General making - a couple brogue holes are partially punched. Again, these are factory made hand welted shoes at an entry level price so we’ve gotta be realistic. If you want perfection grab the wallet and go drop €1,000+. I don’t work in the shoe industry but always tell clients you can have two of the three on this list perfect, inexpensive, fast. Your call on what you want to prioritize.

Fit - Trying MTO is always a gamble with a new brand and no trial shoes. This isn’t Yeossal exclusive but I wouldn’t recommend them to someone with no experience in welted shoes. Between their team and the Yeossal thread if you’ve got a basic understanding of fit and have tried some other shoes on you should be able to manage but it’s still a risk. Their lasts are higher volume and higher instep. If you know that going in you should be ok.

Overall - These are a really solid value for the money, the lasts look nice, I’ve got my fit dialed in at this point and I like the options I can select. I’d put these a step above Vass or EB, a step below Meccariello. Which is exactly where they slot in price wise as well.

 

[clee1982]

The finishing is superb (high PSI on handwelted shoes? Check. Simmetry on the stitching? Check) but the creasing is not the most beautiful.
View attachment 1661049 View attachment 1661050 View attachment 1661051

what leather choice do they have in general (and I guess some would have more upcharge), just smooth calf wise

 

[bernoulli]

I don't know. We didn't discuss it.

what leather choice do they have in general (and I guess some would have more upcharge), just smooth calf wise

 

[Eddie.Lin]

Anyone know any good cobblers who do resoling (both blake stitched and goodyear) in China?

I've had good luck with this cobbler on Taobao,

淘宝网 - 淘！我喜欢

淘宝网(Taobao.com)作为专业的购物网站拥有全球时尚前沿的消费者购物集市,100%认证网上商城及超值二手商品区，同时购物安全，产品丰富，应有尽有,任你选购,让你尽享网上在线购物乐趣！

shop376874632.taobao.com

 

[AunToni]

I've had good luck with this cobbler on Taobao,

淘宝网 - 淘！我喜欢

淘宝网(Taobao.com)作为专业的购物网站拥有全球时尚前沿的消费者购物集市,100%认证网上商城及超值二手商品区，同时购物安全，产品丰富，应有尽有,任你选购,让你尽享网上在线购物乐趣！

shop376874632.taobao.com

Thanks, do they have a physical location/store? Shoes are too expensive to send to someone I don't know/never met.