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The high end Chinese Shoe Thread

WilYa

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Does Takumi make anybody else think of Xibao?

IMO the makers in Shanghai, much like the Mallorca ones, resemble each other quite significantly

these two?


Correct
 

Encore

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Is there any differences (construction/ leather wise) between Xibao's own shoes/ Wayman/ Yeossal/ SoH HW?
They priced slightly different also.

My last experience with Xibao isn't great (which is a while ago), but kind of interested in these new product lines.
 

BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes

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Is there any differences (construction/ leather wise) between Xibao's own shoes/ Wayman/ Yeossal/ SoH HW?
They priced slightly different also.

My last experience with Xibao isn't great (which is a while ago), but kind of interested in these new product lines.

I don't own a single Chinese shoe from this manufacturer (or any really.. At least not yet), but from what I read it appears they all share the same build, and materials. The Last appears to be the only differentiating factor.
 

boot_owl

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a very nice video about how a pair of ACME is made (unfortunately not in English) https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV115411h7GE/
Almost all handwelted makers in Shanghai use the same method except the outsole is hand-stiched in the case of ACME

this is a fantastic video, lots of time spent on pretty much all the stages. Makes me want to hand stitch some outsoles lol
 

Royal_Airforce

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Does Takumi make anybody else think of Xibao?
I highly suspect that it’s Xibao. Esp given it’s similarity to another HK brand (with also a Japanese name) who used Xibao as well (tho the diff is that the other HK brand is said to design its last with a fake bespoke maker, and that its initiator is know as a bespoke shoe aficionado as opposed to that of Takumi whom isn’t one as far as i know)
 

Guccinski L.V.

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IMHO Asian made shoes are aching more to Japanese designs or Gaziano styles. If I ever purchase Asian made shoes it would be not for construction or leather quality or the price, but solely for they superior style and refinement of the sole, heel and overall last shape.
I am baffled how people in this thread can not see the difference between generic character-less TLB Mallorca and some of the examples pictures here.
 
Last edited:

Proleet

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IMHO Asian made shoes are aching more to Japanese designs or Gaziano styles. If I ever purchase Asian made shoes it would be not for construction or leather quality or the price, but solely for they superior style and refinement of the sole, heel and overall last shape.
I am baffled how people in this thread can not see the difference between generic character-less TLB Mallorca and some of the examples pictures here.

im sure everyone sees the difference...it might just not be what they stylistically want. We all have different tastes (and usage occasions). I mean I can’t imagine ever being caught wearing shoes like in your profile photo..
 

clee1982

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IMHO Asian made shoes are aching more to Japanese designs or Gaziano styles. If I ever purchase Asian made shoes it would be not for construction or leather quality or the price, but solely for they superior style and refinement of the sole, heel and overall last shape.
I am baffled how people in this thread can not see the difference between generic character-less TLB Mallorca and some of the examples pictures here.

What would you prefer, more italian, like AM?
 

clee1982

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I guess another appeal is I’m getting model that I can’t get traction with other than GMTO with basically no MTO charge and handwelted
 

clee1982

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Also aesthetic wise they’re probably closer to English than Spanish (TLB)
 

Guccinski L.V.

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Stylistically Asian shoes outside of Japan are all over the place. They copycat Meccariello lasts and heels and beveled waist, Gaziano lasts, Japanese small bespoke makers lasts for those really chiseled small volume shoes. They borrow from Bestetti and from Cleverly bespoke. So if to give them credit they do pick the best of the best to copy.
 

clee1982

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I don’t think they’re that much all over the place, at least Xibao is pretty consistent English/Japanese

edit: though I guess the patina can be quite italian
 

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