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

[willyto]

That looks like they stained by accident the uppers while dying the edges or could be water marks at the side from lasting. Some leather is prone to get stained with water if you don't water everything at the same time.

 

[ACLC]

It sucks but it's also something you'll run into with Vass. I've found they're pretty good with exchanges but it might not be worth the hassle of international returns, etc.

You can try using diluted rubbing alcohol first to see if that stain portion is surface only. Then try diluted saphir renomat. Use an appropriate saphir cream polish to blend the color back in. You can use curved nail clippers to clean up the brogue. It won't be perfect but it's unnoticeable from 3 feet if done right.

Yeah I unfortunately have experience doing this to my Vass shoes.

Thanks, Tom. I’m most disappointed in the fact that they haven’t even bothered to reply to my emails. Guess will be the last shoes from Vass I will purchase.

 

[DonRaphael]

Thanks, Tom. I’m most disappointed in the fact that they haven’t even bothered to reply to my emails. Guess will be the last shoes from Vass I will purchase.

They have a huge backlog. I placed an order over email and it took two weeks for them to send the invoice.

 

[Blastwice]

Ive finally had some time to properly inspect my new Budapesters and on second inspection, I must say I’m quite disappointed with the quality. There are black stains around the front of the shoe and the brogue wings have been cut poorly that it looks as if it’s damaged. I’ve emailed Vass twice and have had no reply from them.

Do you think the black stains are removable and Am I being too pedantic about the brogue wings? These are my first hand welted shoes and needless to say they were not cheap so I was expecting much better quality control than this.

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This is called "Vass charm"; suffice to say, no one will be examining your shoes with a magnifying glass at the resolutions depicted here.

And if they do, you tell them, "Vass charm" and you will sound like a true aficionado.

 

[BlueSteel]

Thrilled that I scored these very lightly worn black calf Vass Budapesters with Goyser welt on the BP last off Ebay for $105...!!! Steal of a deal and they fit great (I figured they would since I already have the exact same shoe in the same size and last...but in Bordeaux leather):

 

[Tomc]

This is called "Vass charm"; suffice to say, no one will be examining your shoes with a magnifying glass at the resolutions depicted here.

And if they do, you tell them, "Vass charm" and you will sound like a true aficionado.

It's not charm if you wouldn't do it to shoes that don't have those marks. Lying to yourself is worse than someone else lying to you.

 

[Blastwice]

It's not charm if you wouldn't do it to shoes that don't have those marks. Lying to yourself is worse than someone else lying to you.

I don't really know what you mean, but I do know Vass charm when I see it. Have a wonderful day.

 

[Tomc]

I don't really know what you mean, but I do know Vass charm when I see it. Have a wonderful day.

If you had otherwise perfectly made Vass shoes without those dye stains and scratched broguing, would you intentionally add those to your shoes to have that "Vass charm?"

There's a clear line between defects and "signs of handcraft."

 

[Blastwice]

If you had otherwise perfectly made Vass shoes without those dye stains and scratched broguing, would you intentionally add those to your shoes to have that "Vass charm?"

There's a clear line between defects and "signs of handcraft."

Where can I find a pair of these mythical perfect Vass shoes you speak of with no marks, no stains, no making issues, no handcraft?

Why do you think there is a saying, "Vass charm"?

Life is too short to be mad, IMO.

 

[Tomc]

Where can I find a pair of these mythical perfect Vass shoes you speak of with no marks, no stains, no making issues, no handcraft?

Why do you think there is a saying, "Vass charm"?

Life is too short to be mad, IMO.

All of my Vass shoes were perfect, except one which I had to redye. None were as egregiously damaged as pictured in the above post.

There's charm in handcrafted items, but it seems to me that more recently "Vass charm" has become no different than a victim in an abusive relationship saying "it's not that bad."

If you're willing to pay full price for B stock, then all the more power to you. Just don't try brainwashing others with this ephemeral "Vass Charm" to follow.

People should have better standards than this.

 

[Blastwice]

All of my Vass shoes were perfect, except one which I had to redye. None were as egregiously damaged as pictured in the above post.

There's charm in handcrafted items, but it seems to me that more recently "Vass charm" has become no different than a victim in an abusive relationship saying "it's not that bad."

If you're willing to pay full price for B stock, then all the more power to you. Just don't try brainwashing others with this ephemeral "Vass Charm" to follow.

People should have better standards than this.

Opinion noted, but it sounds like you don't have much experience with Vass.

In any case, I would suggest the person with the charming shoes wear them without stressing out about stains no one will ever see. The person lasting that pair obviously did not.

 

[Tomc]

Opinion noted, but it sounds like you don't have much experience with Vass.

In any case, I would suggest the person with the charming shoes wear them without stressing out about stains no one will ever see. The person lasting that pair obviously did not.

I'll consider 6 pairs to be enough experience, maybe you won't.

Anyways, to the original poster feel free to not smoke the copium of brand fan boys, and trust your gut. If you were here to find a supporting opinion for your situation, you be hard pressed to find it in the "I love Vass" thread. I'm just an anomaly because I own a lot of brands.

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Here is my F last tan oxford photographed new 14 years ago.
They have the watermark and stains like yours.

My tan 3636 last are the same with watermarks and black marks.
Many of my Lattanzi shoe also have the marks.
My Gaziano & Girling also have the marks
My Edward Green also have some marks
My Stefano Bemer also have alittle of the marks

Why?
Me thinks it when they use the buffing wheel to polish the heels and sides of soles,
the stain from the buffing brush rub off on the upper.
The electric buffing brush needed to get the high shine sole/heel edge,
it hard to avoid.
They try to rub it off and hence the water mark.

The John Lobb also have it.
The Santoni bentivegna and norvegese also have it.
THEY ALL HAVE IT!!!

You look and you see it,
on all the great shoes of the world.

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Gaziano & Girling bespoke also some some marks.

Looks like suede shoes do not have the marks,
maybe they specially cover the shoe before buffing.
It might more difficult to cover non suede without pulling polish off when sticking cover over,
with suede it probably more easy.
Just a guess here.

 

[Blastwice]

Here is a very... unusual pair of Vass, in a suede no less. I would complain to the manager about the Vass charm, but I believe Vass has only ever made two pairs out of this type of leather.

Parental Guidance is suggested beyond this point.