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

j ingevaldsson

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@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.

The Artista leather is spec slightly above main line TLB. Don’t know Carmina’s exact spec, the pairs I’ve had from them have been having good quality leather as well though, a bit depending on tannery. But it’s not the upper leather (even though also this is excellent for the price IMO) that really sets Artista apart from say Carmina, it’s the construction which is on a totally different level and material choices with for example leather heel stiffener.
It’s 1st grade Annonay hides, but of course for example Edward Green or Gaziano & Girling in general cut less pairs from the same hides.

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

Send me a DM and I help you out ?
 
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nevaeh

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

I hear you on not having to return. Fortunately, I haven't had to return anything with Skolyx yet. I worked closely with Emil online to get my proper sizing (measurements, etc.), and his guidance was spot on. If you're interested, I can DM you his email address--and I would suggest asking him about sizing and returns.
 
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vriche

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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.


Thanks for posting, fam!
 

patliean1

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Some visual observations I've noticed according to those pics. Granted I have not handled either brands in person nor do I know how many pairs each brand cut from the same hide. And isn't John Lobb catered more toward the older conservative business crowd? Their lasts leave something to be desired to me personally.

Anyway, it appears JL does not use fudging which is a shame. And the heel height is more flattering on the TLB pair which seems to make the toe spring sit more flush with the ground.
 

LThomsen

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Looks great. Can you let us all know how these shoes wear as time goes by?
I would be interested to hear how the leather uppers wear over time compared to Vass, enzo bonafe, etc
 

vriche

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Looks great. Can you let us all know how these shoes wear as time goes by?
I would be interested to hear how the leather uppers wear over time compared to Vass, enzo bonafe, etc
Thank you and I most definitely will!
 

shoesforever

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So I got the chance to handle and take some pictures of a pair of faux brogues from the TLB Artista Line with my phone.
 

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arturobelano

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I'm obviously biased, but if you just look at plain facts on construction (leaving out material since it's more complicated to compare, while think Weissenmenswear summarises it well above), comparing Carmina, TLB main line and TLB Artista, it would look something like this:

Heel stiffener material:
Carmina - Plastic
TLB - Leather board
TLB Artista - Real leather

Waist:
Carmina - Relatively narrow, slightly bevelled
TLB - Relatively narrow, slightly bevelled
TLB Artista - Very narrow, bevelled

Waist edges:
Carmina - Rounded inside, square outside, rubber soles not rounded
TLB - Rounded inside and outside, rubber soles rounded inside and outside
TLB Artista - Rounded inside and outside, rubber soles rounded inside and outside

Sanding sole and heel edges:
Carmina - Normal moderate, by machine
TLB - Normal moderate, by machine
TLB Artista - Fine, by machine and finished by hand

Heel cut towards upper:
Carmina - Normal
TLB - Normal
TLB Artista - Tight

Sole stitching:
Carmina - 6 spi (stitches per inch)
TLB - 6 spi
TLB Artista - 8 spi (6 spi for rubber)

RRP price (incl. VAT):
Carmina - €395
TLB - €365
TLB Artista - €425


Hi, I was wondering if by any chance you could compare TLB Mallorca with Cobbler Union?
Something like you did with Carmina would be amazing, but even if it's not as detailed, it would be great to see how you think the two brands compare to each other.
Thanks in advance!
 

j ingevaldsson

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I would put Cobbler Union below both Carmina, TLB standard range and TLB Artista, the upper leather quality is a bit behind and they are overall a bit less refined. Looking at the spec, see below:

Heel stiffener material:
Cobbler Union - Plastic
TLB - Leather board
TLB Artista - Real leather

Waist:
Cobbler Union - Narrow, bevelled, only cemented (so no stitching at the waist)
TLB - Relatively narrow, slightly bevelled, stitched all the way back to the heel
TLB Artista - Very narrow, bevelled, stitched all the way back to the heel

Waist edges:
Cobbler Union - Rounded inside and outside, rubber soles not rounded
TLB - Rounded inside and outside, rubber soles rounded inside and outside
TLB Artista - Rounded inside and outside, rubber soles rounded inside and outside

Sanding sole and heel edges:
Cobbler Union - Normal moderate, by machine
TLB - Normal moderate, by machine
TLB Artista - Fine, by machine and finished by hand

Heel cut towards upper:
Cobbler Union - Normal
TLB - Normal
TLB Artista - Tight

Sole stitching:
Cobbler Union - 6 spi (stitches per inch)
TLB - 6 spi
TLB Artista - 8 spi (6 spi for rubber)

RRP price (incl. VAT):
Cobbler Union - €360
TLB - €365
TLB Artista - €425
 

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