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

[ericgereghty]

Is this the price?

Almost assuredly no. Just my cheeky way of agreeing with @jazzsol regarding blanket pricing mentions for specific orders.

 

[nickrut]

Lol got excited there. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Montecristo905]

Anyone had any luck getting a reply to emails at all recently? Trying to finalize an order after initial discussions with Mr Kuti but no reply at all over the past month...

Thanks!

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No luck for me either. 2 emails no reply.

Reszo never ignored emails. I purchased 3 shoes using Reszo.

 

[patliean1]

I thought he left Vass no?

 

[varsityreds0123]

When I visited the store this summer, the only person helping was a man who admitted that he was new to the job and was more or less learning on the fly. There was also a younger and an older woman behind the counter - the young one seemed shy and politely observed, while the older lady seemed preoccupied while looking at the computer.

I got the impression that they were in transition since Reszo's departure, and were a bit disorganized. I inquired about a couple models of shoes, but they had to phone their "other store" (perhaps they meant storage) to see if they had stock.

Hopefully they are indeed going through a transition phase, and that CS soon returns to normal.

 

[velomane]

Hopefully they are indeed going through a transition phase, and that CS soon returns to normal.

Agreed. I ordered a pair of shoes on June 16 and I am still waiting. Apparently this is due to the transition.

 

[Notch]

Thought I'd chime in on this:

There is a new sales manager, who's job is to communicate with retailers and existing clients.

There is also a new store manager, who runs the daily operations in the store.

Besides this, there are a handful of sales assistants, both in the new and in the old store, who mostly speak German and Hungarian. A little bit of English as well.

Before, these fist two positions were one person: Rezso. Rezso took a job at a different company, a bigger company where he could develop his international sale skills better. This company is Dinkelacker, a brand well known and very high regarded in Germany and Eastern Europe.

Then there is still Eva Vass, who does the financial side of things, and also communicates with the retailers (not with individual customers as far as I know off). Mr. Vass and two or three production managers keep track of orders, and communicate with the sales manager and Eva Vass.

New customers are asked to go through an exisiting retailer, excisting customers have the choice.

In an nutshell, Vass has been and still is expanding at a dramatic pace. However, Mr. Vass does not want to push production higher than it already is. There is a limit set on the yearly production, in the 3500-4500 range (the exact number I'm not entirely sure of). To guarantee quality and to be able to manage things, production will not increase for the forseeable future.

Me, personally, I have always thought it is my responsibility, both as a retailer and a customer myself, to honour Vass in everything they do. They are true craftsmen and artisans, and their low(er) prices should never be an excuse to push them to the limit. I got to learn Vass 5 years ago, when I was 21, and I must confess that it sometimes saddens me to see what they go through to please their customers.

Craftsmanship needs time. I agree responding to emails and phone calls could be handled better and quicker, however one is linked to the other.

 

[peppercorn78]

Some of my absolute favorite shoes. These are so well lasted that every time I put them on they feel snug and brand new. Usually takes about 4 city blocks for them to stretch back out. Maybe it's the goyser welt holding the shape more tightly than a flat welt would.

 

[peppercorn78]

I agree with @Notch we can't expect the same customer experience as with a large factory house like Crocket and Jones or Allen Edmonds. It's an entirely different scale of operation, AND an entirely different level of skilled artisanship.

Even with Mr. Kuti, sometimes it took a little while to get answers, but patience was always rewarded.

 

[rogejo321]

Quick question for anyone who owns or has tried on both the U and K last... any difference in fit? They looks somewhat similar, but just trying to figure out if one might be slightly more narrow or lower on the instep. I’ve looked at multiple pictures, but feel like they are giving me inconsistent eyeball measurements.

 

[TtownMD]

Quick question for anyone who owns or has tried on both the U and K last... any difference in fit? They looks somewhat similar, but just trying to figure out if one might be slightly more narrow or lower on the instep. I’ve looked at multiple pictures, but feel like they are giving me inconsistent eyeball measurements.

For what it’s worth I take same size on U & K last. And instep & width is identical for both last at least for me. Hope this helps !!

 

[ericgereghty]

Lol got excited there. Thanks for clarifying.

Wishful thinking, to be sure lol.

 

[jokb]

Wanted to share the new Garnett Shell from Vass.

 

[peppercorn78]

Speaking of shell cordovan, I am wearing my Valways:

 

[stephenaf2003]

In regard to Notch's post.

I absolutely love every pair I have from them, and treasure the idea of getting more. But, I'm also willing to be patient, because like peppercorn said it is always rewarded. Looking forward to my next visit to their Budapest store and putting in a few new orders with that Garnett shell!