The Ultimate Toronto Thread

[LaymanX]

Quick question, I'm looking for some nice artisanal hand knit wool sweaters made locally. Doesn't have to be limited to Toronto, anyone have any ideas?

 

[TOstyle]

I mean, if they are made with proper inserts and soles etc. I think they can qualify as orthodics. I'd want to to this on the up-and-up (not being on the line of an insurance claim) and I think if there is a prescribed medical need (which I have, as I've been to a podiatrist and do have to wear orthodic inserts) it can be covered by insurance.

And hell yeah, that should be exactly what a properly made shoe looks like regardless!

 

[gs77]



I mean, if they are made with proper inserts and soles etc. I think they can qualify as orthodics. I'd want to to this on the up-and-up, but I think it's legit. And hell yeah, that should be exactly what a properly made shoe looks like regardless!

"I'd want to to this on the up-and-up, but I think it's legit."

Sorry mate, I'm new here, so didn't get this sentence...

 

[TOstyle]

Sorry I'm not a great writer. Fixed the post to make it more clear.

 

[CanadaCal]

Quick question, I'm looking for some nice artisanal hand knit wool sweaters made locally. Doesn't have to be limited to Toronto, anyone have any ideas?

Northern Watters in PEI. Not really local, but at least Canadian.
www.nwknitwear.com/

Stores like Lost & Found may have local options, although I speculating and have zero concrete info.

 

[mister_nostyle]



The only ones that come to mind are Loding ($330) and Johnston and Murphy (perhaps of questionable quality and mostly not Goodyear welted at this price range, unless on sale).

Thanks, I tried Loding and their product felt extremely uncomfortable to me. I was at J&M before and heard that their quality went down over the last few years, but I might just go back anyway after seeing the lack of other options.

 

[mister_nostyle]



A quality shoe for $350 in Toronto is a bit difficult, but not impossible.

Loding isn't bad. But I'd recommend the Brooks Brothers. During the Corporate sale, you can get their Allen Edmonds and Loake models in that range.

What is the entry level for "Quality" shoes?

Suggested stores and approx pricing?

 

[othertravel]



What is the entry level for "Quality" shoes?

Suggested stores and approx pricing?

As mentioned, Brooks Brothers is a good buy during their corporate sale. They have a Loake wing tip for about $350 after corp discount.

 

[mister_nostyle]



As mentioned, Brooks Brothers is a good buy during their corporate sale. They have a Loake wing tip for about $350 after corp discount.

Thanks. I'm looking to make a purchase in the next 1-2 weeks so maybe I will go to Brooks Brothers anyway.

 

[Spex]

Thanks. I'm looking to make a purchase in the next 1-2 weeks so maybe I will go to Brooks Brothers anyway.

BB has another one of their Corporate Discount sales tomorrow where you can get 30% off. But of course you need their Corp Discount card...

I can't believe I didn't think of this option myself! Their AE models used to sell for $405 CAD, which would have brought them down to around $280 before tax. I haven't looked at the prices recently to see if they have increased.

As for the "entry level" price for quality shoes, I would say that most people around here would describe quality shoes as being full grain leather and Goodyear welted, although Blake stitched is also acceptable by many. These two factors alone typically bring the retail price of such shoes into the over $300 price point, from my experience. Just like there isn't that secret bespoke tailor making Neopolitan style jackets on the cheap (as mentioned earlier in this thread), there aren't secrets brands selling high quality shoes for $200 and less somewhere in Toronto. Buy less, buy quality!

 

[TurboTropic]



I can't believe I didn't think of this option myself! Their AE models used to sell for $405 CAD, which would have brought them down to around $280 before tax. I haven't looked at the prices recently to see if they have increased.

They are now $510.

 

[othertravel]



They are now $510.

Depends on the location. Some haven't raised their prices yet.

 

[Sharp2k]

A quality shoe for $350 in Toronto is a bit difficult, but not impossible.

Loding isn't bad. But I'd recommend the Brooks Brothers. During the Corporate sale, you can get their Allen Edmonds and Loake models in that range.

How would those shoes compare to the ones at Aldo or the Bay ? They roughly go around $150 and boast 'Calf Leather'...

 

[mister_nostyle]



But of course you need their Corp Discount card...

Thanks for your response. I don't have the Brooks Brothers corporate card so I guess this sale is out of reach for me.

 

[othertravel]



Thanks for your response. I don't have the Brooks Brothers corporate card so I guess this sale is out of reach for me.

It can be found online for free. There's a link floating around on the forum.