The Ultimate Vass (Footwear) Thread (Pictures, reviews, sizing, etc...)

[kayhill]

Just want to confirm, does anyone got experience in Vass U last & other brand names?
It seems that a lot of comparison is between F last & U last here

My size: Carmina Rain UK9EE (a bit long, 4cm gap between longest toe & shoe tip) / UK8.5EEE
G&G MH71 UK9F
EG 888/82 UK9E

Will my safest choice in U last a 43.5 / 43 or 42.5 wide?

Thanks a lot.

I own a Carmina Rain in 8.5 (a bit tight, but broken in nicely) and a Vass U Last 43.

The Vass U Last 43 is a little bit big. If I push my feet all the way forward in the shoe I can easily slip a finger behind my heel.

I wouldn't go as far as to say 'definitely size down', but in my experience if you're in between 9 and 8.5 in the Carmina Rain last you may be able to size down.

 

[DonRaphael]



Just want to confirm, does anyone got experience in Vass U last & other brand names?
It seems that a lot of comparison is between F last & U last here

My size: Carmina Rain UK9EE (a bit long, 4cm gap between longest toe & shoe tip) / UK8.5EEE
             G&G MH71 UK9F
             EG 888/82 UK9E

Will my safest choice in U last a 43.5 / 43 or 42.5 wide?

Thanks a lot.

Me:
Carmina, Simpson: UK8
Carmina, Rain & Forest: UK7,5
C&J, 337 & 348: UK7,5
G&G, MH71, GG06 &TG73: UK8
EG, 888 & 82: UK8
Vass, F & U: EU41,5

 

[DonRaphael]

I need some help over here. I want a Dover-like shoe, but don't want to pay the EG premium. My choice is either Carmina Taylor model or a Vass model of some kind in museum brown. While I have a good understanding of how the Carmina Taylor model looks like, I've seen very few, if any, split toe derby models on Vass U- and/or K-lasts. In order to decide what to get I'm turning to you. I'm thinking a split toe derby (U- or K-last) or a London model #73 on Vass website (http://www.vass-cipo.hu/Eng/Modellek_08_Olasz/Modell_08_073_Kicsi.html). If someone has pictures in action of either of those models, I'd be highly appreciative. Thanks!

 

[Ilovelobbs]

I have both pairs - I personally prefer the way EG hand-stitched the upper section and inner stitched the split toe, that makes the Dover a timeless classic, not even my John Lobb Chambord is on par. My Dover was made on the 82 Last using Willow Calf (Rare & EG have discontinued) However, the EG did come at a 35% premium - so it's a trade-off you need to consider. The upper stitches takes about 2-3 hand-hours using a pig's bristle - see picture 2 closer up.


.

 

[Ilovelobbs]

Just want to confirm, does anyone got experience in Vass U last & other brand names?
It seems that a lot of comparison is between F last & U last here

My size: Carmina Rain UK9EE (a bit long, 4cm gap between longest toe & shoe tip) / UK8.5EEE
G&G MH71 UK9F
EG 888/82 UK9E

Will my safest choice in U last a 43.5 / 43 or 42.5 wide?

Thanks a lot.

I have the above models in EG, G&G and Carmina - and you're safe to go with EU 43 in the Vass U last.

I think Roger can also vouch for this.

 

[RogerP]

^^^ Yep.

 

[wurger]

Ilovelobbs, can you please post up the vass dover too? thank you

 

[RogerP]

I will own a Dover one day.

 

[Ilovelobbs]

Quote:
Hello Roger,

1) The overall thickness of the Vass Calf (I have seen the sheet of calf and crust from Saint Crispin and Edward Green, and Vass Calf is thicker & durable)
2) The finished product of the Vass calf leather
3) I have never been a fan of crust - high maintenance and lots of TLC required
4) I still recognize my Vass after walking in the rain compared to me EG's and Saint Crispins

 

[RogerP]

^^^ Thanks my man.

I'm with you on 4, and have no similar basis for comparison for 1.

3 is subjective as to preference - I happen to like both - I'm all about variety of styles, colours and materials in my rotation. I like the fact that I can more easily alter the shading and tone of my EG crust as well. I agree that crust requires more maintenance, but not "lots". I've worn my Galways a lot this winter and haven't had to fuss with them constantly.

If you're saying that the Vass calf is better finished, then I'm not sure I agree with 2. I think the EG crust is very well finished, and likely involves a lot more hand work in the burnishing etc. as compared with Vass. The finishes are different, but absent personal preference I don't see an objective basis for saying one is better finished than the other.

 

[Ilovelobbs]

Ilovelobbs, can you please post up the vass dover too? thank you

Wurger,

I am on holiday, hence spending my free time on SF and these Appreciation thread to properly "chill out".

Will post when I am back home.

LL.

 

[JubeiSpiegel]



I will own a Dover one day.

You and me both

 

[Odd I/O]



I need some help over here. I want a Dover-like shoe, but don't want to pay the EG premium. My choice is either Carmina Taylor model or a Vass model of some kind in museum brown. While I have a good understanding of how the Carmina Taylor model looks like, I've seen very few, if any, split toe derby models on Vass U- and/or K-lasts. In order to decide what to get I'm turning to you. I'm thinking a split toe derby (U- or K-last) or a London model #73 on Vass website (http://www.vass-cipo.hu/Eng/Modellek_08_Olasz/Modell_08_073_Kicsi.html). If someone has pictures in action of either of those models, I'd be highly appreciative. Thanks!

I don't think Vass can do the split toe stitching the way Edward Green does it. Nor the apron stitching for that matter. I believe member stmair (sp?) enquired about it but ultimately came away unsuccessful in that endeavour. Below is a picture of the two kinds of split toe stitching Vass does. I would be more than happy to be proven wrong. If Vass can duplicate the Dover I'd be more than happy to buy a pair.

 

[Odd I/O]



You and me both

Didn't you recently submit a MTO for the Gaziano & Girling Hove? I thought you posted that you believed the Hove to be the superior implementation of that particular style?

 

[JubeiSpiegel]



Didn't you recently submit a MTO for the Gaziano & Girling Hove? I thought you posted that you believed the Hove to be the superior implementation of that particular style?

I do think the Hove is more stylish, but I can't get the Dover out of my mind either. Might have to get them both...