What makes footwear high-end??

[mr monty]

What's the required construction and materials needed to classify RTW footwear high-end?
Thanks,

 

[Phileas Fogg]

What’s your definition of high end?

 

[mr monty]

What’s your definition of high end?

I looking for definitions from folks more knowledgable than me

 

[classicalthunde]

Good aesthetics
Quality leather
Leather insoles
Cork midsole
Goodyear or hand welted
Good QA and customer service
A variety of well defined lasts

These are some of the things I would look at...

*there are other constructions that are high quality too, these are the ones I would just be on the look out for dress shoes

 

[JFWR]

Good aesthetics
Quality leather
Leather insoles
Cork midsole
Goodyear or hand welted
Good QA and customer service
A variety of well defined lasts

These are some of the things I would look at...

*there are other constructions that are high quality too, these are the ones I would just be on the look out for dress shoes

I agree here; however, "good aesthetics" is a bit subjective. Still, you're spot on.

My general idea for what a "high end" shoe is also the overall craftsmanship. Do they really go the extra mile in terms of their construction?

For instance, consider the difference between say an Allen Edmonds (an excellent shoe, but on the introductory end of high-end footwear) vs. John Lobb. You're going to notice things that Lobb does that AE does not, and that is going to distinguish them in that respect.

Nevertheless, I also would say that the difference between ultra high end and introductory high end is less than the difference between introductory high end and throwaway. That is because the basic elements of good shoe construction are definitely met by introductory high end, and the difference is really a matter of refinement rather than features between introductory high end and ultra high end.

I also have a somewhat strange relationship to ultra high end shoes, as I question whether it is worth it to buy a 2000 dollar shoe, when for 5000 I could get completely bespoke. Would I rather two pairs of ultra high RTW or one pair of amazing bespoke shoes? I dare say the latter, whereas I couldn't say that necessarily about 10 pairs of introductory high-end v. bespoke shoes.

The most important question about a shoe to determine whether it's in high quality land is this: Is it something you could see yourself owning for 20 years if you cared for it?

 

[classicalthunde]

I agree here; however, "good aesthetics" is a bit subjective. Still, you're spot on.

My general idea for what a "high end" shoe is also the overall craftsmanship. Do they really go the extra mile in terms of their construction?

For instance, consider the difference between say an Allen Edmonds (an excellent shoe, but on the introductory end of high-end footwear) vs. John Lobb. You're going to notice things that Lobb does that AE does not, and that is going to distinguish them in that respect.

Nevertheless, I also would say that the difference between ultra high end and introductory high end is less than the difference between introductory high end and throwaway. That is because the basic elements of good shoe construction are definitely met by introductory high end, and the difference is really a matter of refinement rather than features between introductory high end and ultra high end.

I also have a somewhat strange relationship to ultra high end shoes, as I question whether it is worth it to buy a 2000 dollar shoe, when for 5000 I could get completely bespoke. Would I rather two pairs of ultra high RTW or one pair of amazing bespoke shoes? I dare say the latter, whereas I couldn't say that necessarily about 10 pairs of introductory high-end v. bespoke shoes.

The most important question about a shoe to determine whether it's in high quality land is this: Is it something you could see yourself owning for 20 years if you cared for it?

Agreed, although I'm much more on the introductory end...currently going back on forth on if a pair of Alden shells are really worth it over calf skin

 

[dauster]

I looking for definitions from folks more knowledgable than me

it's fair question to ask but how do you have 7.2k posts and don't know what differentiates a high-end shoe?

 

[JFWR]

Agreed, although much more on the introductory end...currently going back on forth on if a pair of Alden shells are really worth it can calf skin

I have a pair of Aldens that I got second hand. They're in amazing condition and are extremely comfortable.

Alden makes some of the finest shell shoes in the world, but that's also as not every other maker does shell.

 

[Andy57]

What's the required construction and materials needed to classify RTW footwear high-end?
Thanks,

What’s your definition of high end?

Do the shoes come in a green box that says "Edward Green" on one end? If yes, then high-end. If no...

 

[DWFII]

Quite agree--the box is much more important than the contents.

 

[Andy57]

Quite agree--the box is much more important than the contents.

Exactly. I keep my Cole-Haans in Edward Green boxes and presto! High end shoes!

 

[DWFII]

Exactly. I keep my Cole-Haans in Edward Green boxes and presto! High end shoes!

Hey, you can just wear the boxes...as some on this forum have suggested.

 

[Andy57]

Hey, you can just wear the boxes...as some on this forum have suggested.

I do that, too. But only when it's not raining. Although I suppose I could use those rubber overshoe things. I forget what they're called.

 

[DWFII]

What's the required construction and materials needed to classify RTW footwear high-end?
Thanks,

For a serious answer, I don't think any RTW shoe should be classified as "high end". What does "high" mean? Best? Really really good? Compared to what?

What does "end" mean? That there is nothing that is better?

Given that there is literally no significant difference in the way a bottom tier rtw is constructed versus the way a cachet brand rtw is constructed, all that's left is the materials and there's a limit to the distinctions you can draw between calfskins, for instance...most of it superficial---in the finishing, IOW.

 

[dauster]

For a serious answer, I don't think any RTW shoe should be classified as "high end". What does "high" mean? Best? Really really good? Compared to what?

What does "end" mean? That there is nothing that is better?

Given that there is literally no significant difference in the way a bottom tier rtw is constructed versus the way a cachet brand rtw is constructed, all that's left is the materials and there's a limit to the distinctions you can draw between calfskins, for instance...most of it superficial---in the finishing, IOW.

don't let the EG fanboys see your posts