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

[Patrick1053]

That's unfortunate. Send them a bill for the many hours you spent trying to get them to fulfill their responsibility ?

LOL yeah. If anyone needs to waste their time. I can send them the email thread.

 

[the_dude_]

Interesting information about the not leather heels.
I bought mine Jan. 2020.
When I brush the heels with my finger it feels smooth, like the leather soles.
No idea if it is stacked leather. Maybe someone can guess?

 

[ajd578]

Interesting information about the not leather heels.
I bought mine Jan. 2020.
When I brush the heels with my finger it feels smooth, like the leather soles.
No idea if it is stacked leather. Maybe someone can guess?

I think by now you know my guess.

 

[jayteee]

Interesting information about the not leather heels.
I bought mine Jan. 2020.
When I brush the heels with my finger it feels smooth, like the leather soles.
No idea if it is stacked leather. Maybe someone can guess?

The first quarter/third inch is leather. The heel base closest to shoe itself is pressed paper, just like Bedo revealed. I looked at my pairs under a jeweler's loupe and the heels are created by pressing together dozens of thin papery layers. It's not a big deal, even if it dings my snobbish pride about owning some of the world's "highest quality shoes." They're still excellent shoes with nice build quality. And besides, paper heels are all natural, made from the same noble oak trees as the tanning broth for JR soles!

 

[vmss]

I always wondered why would Vass paint their heel bases with lacquer paint rather than transparent coating to enhance the beauty of the leather heel base and now I understand why because it was made of paper pressed MDF material.

 

[vmss]

I am still somewhat surprised that Vass uses paperboard heel base while other makers in this price range like Carmina, TLB and CJ still use full leather heel base.

 

[gte872h]

I just checked my recent pair. The heel base is not leather. Well I suppose that will be my last pair of Vass shoes. Just disappointing. ?

 

[sforum1]

The first quarter/third inch is leather. The heel base closest to shoe itself is pressed paper, just like Bedo revealed. I looked at my pairs under a jeweler's loupe and the heels are created by pressing together dozens of thin papery layers. It's not a big deal, even if it dings my snobbish pride about owning some of the world's "highest quality shoes." They're still excellent shoes with nice build quality. And besides, paper heels are all natural, made from the same noble oak trees as the tanning broth for JR soles!

Are they? Just saying.

 

[the_dude_]

Thats unfortunate.
I wanted to replace my 2 pairs of cheap low shoes I started with, with 2 vass old english.
Now im not so sure.
Maybe we can ask if they can do stacked leather heels for a few bucks extra.

 

[Guccinski L.V.]

How much does it cost to replace 1cm of the heel material with a real leather at your local cobbler?

 

[the_dude_]

Ill ask about that.
Would be an option!

 

[Guccinski L.V.]

Ill ask about that.
Would be an option!

Don't ask Bedo's or it will be 650 USD

 

[jayteee]

I assume the use of paper is less about cost and more about speed. (No need to punch individual layers of leather). It's a small operation, and they are taking 50 percent more orders than they did a few years ago. That would also explain, per Bedo, why they used only three nails to hold the heel in place and why the hand stitching on the outsole can be crooked and asymmetrical (at least on my pairs).

And remember, they are technically telling the truth. The do "use" leather for their heels, but not for the whole heels!

 

[ajd578]

I think the point is being missed. How likely is it that the heel stacks, which are visible and obvious (I suggested long ago that they were not leather, only to be 'corrected' or ignored), are the only corners being cut? Well we already know it's not the case; paper was also used in the waist of the shoes in the video. I expect it's the case also with the stiffeners. I wonder also about the hand welting technique. Is a feather cut in the insole to allow the uppers and welt to sit flush? The uncomfortable ridge around the insoles of my pair makes me wonder.

Also, I would be very surprised if this is new. My pair was made in 2019, and I'm confident those and all the pairs posted in the last few days have paper stacks.

That's not to say that Vass doesn't still make attractive, durable shoes. But it's not just a matter of the heel stack.

 

[jayteee]

I think the point is being missed. How likely is it that the heel stacks, which are visible and obvious (I suggested long ago that they were not leather, only to be 'corrected' or ignored), are the only corners being cut? Well we already know it's not the case; paper was also used in the waist of the shoes in the video. I expect it's the case also with the stiffeners. I wonder also about the hand welting technique. Is a feather cut in the insole to allow the uppers and welt to sit flush? The uncomfortable ridge around the insoles of my pair makes me wonder.

Also, I would be very surprised if this is new. My pair was made in 2019, and I'm confident those and all the pairs posted in the last few days have paper stacks.

That's not to say that Vass doesn't still make attractive, durable shoes. But it's not just a matter of the heel stack.

To be fair, Bedo noted the use of traditional cork foot beds, a steel shank and the nice construction of the handwelt. And the JR soles and the Ilcea leather uppers seem legit. Considering they have new pairs available for 220 euros as we speak --- most likely a COVID fire sale --- buying Vass still seems like a good bet. So far my pairs, bought earlier this year, have been amazingly comfortable with no break-in required. I hope they are durable. That remains to be seen.