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

[JUAN MANUEL]

Gentlemen, I need your educated opinions. I took advantage of the Vass discounts and experimented via blind purchases (but informed ones, thanks to SF) with new lasts. I got 5 pairs, all of which were under 300 EUR, and I got lucky with the fit. 4 are flawless, nothing to suggest they wouldd be factory seconds. My question concerns the 5th arrival. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I am attaching several thousand.

Hello, my 5 cents:

Is more a blem than a damage, so no structural risks.

But, you have not paid for seconds, for the health of the market I suggest asking Vass for a credit, vendors should be liable of their mistakes.

Regards

 

[Kamil1987]

My first ever pair of Vass. Last K, size 43.5 (0.5 size up from my regular 9/43). The biggest surprise is the softness of the leather, seen it only once so far in Alfred Sargent Handgrade.

 

[stephenaf2003]

Gentlemen, I need your educated opinions. I took advantage of the Vass discounts and experimented via blind purchases (but informed ones, thanks to SF) with new lasts. I got 5 pairs, all of which were under 300 EUR, and I got lucky with the fit. 4 are flawless, nothing to suggest they wouldd be factory seconds. My question concerns the 5th arrival. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I am attaching several thousand.

I would appreciate your opinion on the following:

a) Based on your knowledge, will this impact durability (e.g. can the leather in between the holes burst? This area isn't subjected to the stresses of stretching)?
b) Have you had similar experience with Vass, and how was it resolved?
c) Given the amount paid - 280 EUR, what is a reasonable course to pursue?

I don't expect perfection and am not a ritualist when it comes to the irrelevant fixings such as bags and boxes. With respect to the shoe itself, I am okay with minor imperfections so long as they don't impact aesthetics to a considerable extent (I am okay with being the sole judge here), function and durability. It's the latter two criteria I am concerned about. Thank you.

NOTE: I am attaching the side shot just for the sake of a complete picture about this acquisition. They HAVE BEEN tested. Other than that the leather sole and the inside look intact. Another interesting thing, to some at least: The shoes were made on March 6, 2020 by ALBI.

Yeah given the leather choice, I suspect you likely want to pair them with very casual wear. So, I can see why you might entertain the thought to keep them. IMO, you are due at the very least a price adjustment, being on the toe makes it very noticeable.

 

[Jan Capek]

Yeah given the leather choice, I suspect you likely want to pair them with very casual wear. So, I can see why you might entertain the thought to keep them. IMO, you are due at the very least a price adjustment, being on the toe makes it very noticeable.

Yes, I was experimenting with new lasts and styles. I have so many "delicate" and "sleek" Oxfords that I hide them from my wife. (No, nothing about her temper. She is kind and loving. It's the optics of things.)

 

[Jan Capek]

Hello, my 5 cents:

Is more a blem than a damage, so no structural risks.

But, you have not paid for seconds, for the health of the market I suggest asking Vass for a credit, vendors should be liable of their mistakes.

Regards

This is precisely how I feel about the whole thing. Thank you.

 

[Jan Capek]

Hello gentlemen

In my case is official that Vass does not answer my request for sizing advice. Maybe someone in this thread can help me.

I am interested in the Norweger in *P last or Austerity Brogues in R last but since I live in Peru it will be impossible (or very very expenssive) returning them.

I use:
- Churchs 10.5 F in 173
- Loake 10.5 F in Capital last
- Merrmin 10.5 in Hoak and in Hiro (a tad snug)
- Alfred Sargent in 99F (a tad snug)

Thanks and regards

Of the shoes you mention I only have Loake Export Grade on Capital last, size 9, and that in my case corresponds to Vass P 43.5 (all regular width). Please note however that different Vass styles on the same last often wear somewhat differently. Most of my shoes from Vass are on a P2 last, where Budapester has considerably lower instep than Theresianer, with London derby being somewhere in between. Budapester is also the narrowest, followed by Theresianer, then London. Very different experience, in my case at any rate. Best of luck.

 

[cop1211]

My first ever pair of Vass. Last K, size 43.5 (0.5 size up from my regular 9/43). The biggest surprise is the softness of the leather, seen it only once so far in Alfred Sargent Handgrade.

Is the color cognac?

 

[JUAN MANUEL]

Of the shoes you mention I only have Loake Export Grade on Capital last, size 9, and that in my case corresponds to Vass P 43.5 (all regular width). Please note however that different Vass styles on the same last often wear somewhat differently. Most of my shoes from Vass are on a P2 last, where Budapester has considerably lower instep than Theresianer, with London derby being somewhere in between. Budapester is also the narrowest, followed by Theresianer, then London. Very different experience, in my case at any rate. Best of luck.

Thank you for the detail. I purchased a pair of Norweger in Vibram sole. I hope everthing goes well.

 

[Guccinski L.V.]

One thing I appreciate about Vass is their versatility. Even the dressy bals on U last don't look as precious as Meccariello or some Chinese shoes. I appreciate fiddle-back wastes and spade soles but I need versatile shoes that I can wear from suit to blazer to jeans, not some courtier jester shoes on canted heel and with a cinched ballerina waste.

 

[beargonefishing]

One thing I appreciate about Vass is their versatility. Even the dressy bals on U last don't look as precious as Meccariello or some Chinese shoes. I appreciate fiddle-back wastes and spade soles but I need versatile shoes that I can wear from suit to blazer to jeans, not some courtier jester shoes on canted heel and with a cinched ballerina waste.

You sound very unmanly.

 

[LThomsen]

I agree. I have enjoyed wearing my vass oxfords in the office with "office appropriate attire" and with jeans when working from home.

 

[sforum1]

I agree. I have enjoyed wearing my vass oxfords in the office with "office appropriate attire" and with jeans when working from home.

You wear Vass oxfords when working from home?

 

[vmss]

One thing I appreciate about Vass is their versatility. Even the dressy bals on U last don't look as precious as Meccariello or some Chinese shoes. I appreciate fiddle-back wastes and spade soles but I need versatile shoes that I can wear from suit to blazer to jeans, not some courtier jester shoes on canted heel and with a cinched ballerina waste.

There are more shoemakers that fall in this catogory such as C&J & Bonafe.

 

[LThomsen]

You wear Vass oxfords when working from home?

Yes. I find wearing " business causal clothes" while working from home helps put me in the work frame of mind and keeps me in the work frame of mind throughout the week.
How about others?

 

[Jan Capek]

Nope. But whatever works for you is good for you.