Made in Spain Footwear, including TLB Mallorca, Cobbler Union, Yanko, Norman Vilalta, etc

[j ingevaldsson]

Does anyone have pictures of how comipel cordovan ages?

This pic is from a customer who ordered the double monk shown above. Only 6 months or so after he got them (and don’t know how often they are worn), but something:

 

[masernaut]

Not better, but not inferior either, it’s different. Some prefer Horween’s, which is more glossy and oily (depending on brand and finishing though, Horween’s can come out quite differently between brands as well), while some prefer Comipel, which is more velvety and smooth, looks less like patent leather.




As I write above, many would not at all agree with that, and many prefer Comipel.

My mistake, I confused Comipel and Rocado. I don't have experience with Comipel but it's Rocado that I do not like at all.

 

[frighter3]

Would seamless wholecut be make like StC???

 

[j ingevaldsson]

Would seamless wholecut be make like StC???

Not sure what you refer to here?

 

[frighter3]

Not sure what you refer to here?

What I mean is that, would TLB accepting order for making the seamless wholecut in MTO program same as Saint Crispin

 

[j ingevaldsson]

What I mean is that, would TLB accepting order for making the seamless wholecut in MTO program same as Saint Crispin

No, you have to last only by hand for that type of model, TLB and almost all other Goodyear welted shoe factories last with a mix of machine and hand lasting (usually toe and heel with machine, seat by hand, some premium brands last more by hand). Only know of one Goodyear factory offering seamless wholecuts, CNES in Vietnam, but then it costs like the St Crispin one (and that model is also hand welted, just that majority of shoes they make are Goodyear welted). Otherwise it’s mainly those who hand welt (StC, Enzo Bonafe, Meccariello etc) who regularly last all or a larger point by hand who offers it.

 

[blekit]

Artista on a rainy day.

 

[patliean1]

Artista on a rainy day.

Those look mighty fine. How would you compare sizing to other brands you wear?

 

[blekit]

Those look mighty fine. How would you compare sizing to other brands you wear?

I'd say they are true to size. Feel slightly roomier to half a size smaller Yanko on 915 last and Alfred Sargent on 724/109 lasts in the same size. I bought mine from Patine, I think they are able to answer questions about sizing in more detail.

 

[shoesforever]

Posting this video review of TLB Mallorca from the Artista line from our very own @vriche . Haven't been able handle any TLB shoes myself and there aren't that much info on TLB except in this thread and Jesper's blog. On the spec sheet, the Artista line do seem to be better than the competition, but I find it curious that almost no one feels the leather is better than Carmina being that the leather is first grade leather. I do also know that it can be hard to really evaluate the leather quality without going a couple a miles in the shoes though and that it's hard to compare since there are so many different types of leather.

 

[clee1982]

Anyone in the US stock TLB Artista line?

 

[nevaeh]

Anyone in the US stock TLB Artista line?

I'm unsure about whether there are stockists in the U.S. But I have purchased mine from Skolyx in Sweden, and I have had no issues with deliveries to the U.S. (I live in Chicago). Emil and Jesper's service is wonderful and the shipping has been fast. Besides, you save on the VAT!

 

[Proleet]

Posting this video review of TLB Mallorca from the Artista line from our very own @vriche . Haven't been able handle any TLB shoes myself and there aren't that much info on TLB except in this thread and Jesper's blog. On the spec sheet, the Artista line do seem to be better than the competition, but I find it curious that almost no one feels the leather is better than Carmina being that the leather is first grade leather. I do also know that it can be hard to really evaluate the leather quality without going a couple a miles in the shoes though and that it's hard to compare since there are so many different types of leather.

why would you expect the leather to be better? Carmina retails for the same amount so am not sure why you’d expect it to be better. I imagine both use similar first grade hides and probably cut about the same number of shoes from each.

 

[shoesforever]

@Proleet Well, I just figured that would be the case, since it is one of the selling points. Wouldn't you expect the leather to be better than their TLB main line? Carmina's leather is nothing special compared to the higher end of the mid range spectrum.

@j ingevaldsson Any thoughts on this? I know you are biased, but still good to get some insight.

 

[clee1982]

I'm unsure about whether there are stockists in the U.S. But I have purchased mine from Skolyx in Sweden, and I have had no issues with deliveries to the U.S. (I live in Chicago). Emil and Jesper's service is wonderful and the shipping has been fast. Besides, you save on the VAT!

ever had to return? I’m loath to try new sizing...