Which boots to keep? Mantellassi or Lidfort

[lifersfc]

First, apologies for my poor shoe photography. It's tough to shoot proper shoe Appreciation when there's a plastic tie connecting the shoes.

For a while I've been looking for some casual suede ankle boots for the fall that I could wear with jeans and maybe the occasional chino.

I stopped by FB today and managed to find some pretty good deals. First, a pair of Lidfort for Barneys leather-soled boots in a light brown color. They appear to be goodyear welted, although I'm not sure, and the tag said they retailed for $1059, although that sounds quite overpriced to me. They fit my feet like a glove.

Originally they had no price tag so I walked to the desk where they paged a manager who informed me that they cost $100.

Next I came accross a pair of Sutor Mantellasi boots in a dark chocolate brown color. They have a rubber sole and I'm guessing they are blake-stitched underneath the rubber. They are a little roomy and maybe a half size too big, but not too bad. Retail was $350 on these and I paid $150.

So here's my dilemma. The Sutor's are a nice, conservative boot and will go with almost anything. On the other hand, the Lidfort boots are less expensive, fit better, and appear to have better construction, but are a bit more fashion forward and likely won't match with as many things.

Which pair should I keep?!?!

 

[kitonbrioni]

No question, the tan boots are the best.

 

[chorse123]

Are you a size 9.5? If so, you should keep neither. And forget about returning them to Filene's, just sell them to me.

Or if they're larger, I'm sure edmorel will take them off your hands! I'd keep the ones that fit better. Actually, I'd keep both, but....

 

[gdl203]

The apron on the tan ones looks just way to odd. I would not wear these.
The last on the chocolate ones is not ideal (very very round toe) so I don't love them.

Between the two, I would likely get the Mantellassi

 

[A Harris]

Lidfort!

 

[Soph]

I'm not feeling either, but I like style of the dark brown over the ta

n one.

 

[Tomasso]

...........If some tweaking(inserts,thick socks, etc..) can make the Mantellassi fit.

 

[rnoldh]

Both are nice and very good deals indeed. Hooray FB!!! I would keep both. If you only want one, go for the Lidforts. They are better constructed and will go with jeans too.

If either is an 11D and you don't want to keep either, PM me!

 

[lifersfc]

Given that I only have about 6 pairs of shoes (10 if you include trainers and sandals), I don't think I can justify keeping both.

I'm really leaning toward the Lidfort. Even if the apron is "way too odd," I'm young and I figure I can get away with it. Hell, most of my friends are wearing Kenneth Cole or Ecco, and that's on a good day!

The Mantellassi's are an 11 moldh, so if I don't keep them, I might just send them your way!

Probably will be another day or two before I decide. Any other comments?

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by chorse123

Or if they're larger, I'm sure edmorel will take them off your hands!


Just got in and yes, I'll take them!!!!!

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by edmorel

Just got in and yes, I'll take them!!!!!


Somehow, when I read this, I pictured Norm bursting through the door of the bar...

I'd keep the Lidforts. They fit better, they're cheaper, and they're the better bargain.

Woo hoo. New smileys...

EDIT: Does the welting on the Lidforts look more like Norwegian than Goodyear, or do I not know what the f--- I'm talking about?

 

[lifersfc]

Originally Posted by grimslade

EDIT: Does the welting on the Lidforts look more like Norwegian than Goodyear, or do I not know what the f--- I'm talking about?

No, I think it is me that has no clue what the f--- he is talking about. They could very well be Norwegian welted.

 

[norcaltransplant]

The Lidforts look to be Norwegian, which is a common construction for their 1k retail shoes. I'd go with the Lidforts. The stiching is probably more attractive when the boots are tied.

 

[Nick M]

Lidforts.

 

[Chris "Italia"]

Sutor Mantellassi.



Don't get me wrong, the Lidforts are very well made shoes, but, I would take the Mantellassi.