Zee's Leatherware & Shoe Co.

[Penfold]

No way on earth of finding shoes to fit my 12.5UK feet here in Hong Kong so gave Zee's a spin. Perfectly satisfied for the price - 1600 HKD still for suede and 1700 HKD for calf - and given the impossibility of buying anything else in my size. That said these will never deceive anyone who knows what a good shoe is and who could inspect them for more than 5 seconds. Nearest comparison I guess to a major brand for quality etc would be Loakes.

The last they used for these must have been immensely long since the shoes are far longer than my RTW Trickers full brogues.

 

[ThinkDerm]



Just got my 2nd pair of shoes from Zee's.

Like my first pair, they are comfortable and fit well.  Darkest brown calf w/ matching suede.  Goodyear welted.

I've read that goodyear welted shoes are extremely stiff and take some time getting broken in, but these already have pretty good flex and I don't feel will need a lot of time to break in.  

Nice job Zee's.

Best pair of Zee's I've seen

 

[Viktri]



So I picked up a pair of black semi-brogues two weeks ago. I will post photos when I get the chance.

...

The bad is that they are really stiff. Have worn them about four days so far. After the first two, I was suffering severe "toe crunch" (where the upper folds just above the toe box when you walk and pushes down hard on your big toe) so I applied a generous amount of Saphir dubbin graisse and left them for several days. They are now noticeably softer - the toe crunch effect is still there but less severe, I am hoping it will pass with time.

I have the same problem with my first pair of shoes (I previously ordered only boots). The first time I did extensive walking with the shoe (around 4 hours) I got a blister on top of my big toe joint of one of my feet. I'm wondering whether this problem will go away, or whether the shoe simply doesn't fit.

 

[blackers]

I have the same problem with my first pair of shoes (I previously ordered only boots). The first time I did extensive walking with the shoe (around 4 hours) I got a blister on top of my big toe joint of one of my feet. I'm wondering whether this problem will go away, or whether the shoe simply doesn't fit.

The Dubbin lessened the problem but it was still uncomfortable so I took the shoe back to be stretched and that fixed the problem completely. If you're still in HK take it back to Zee's and they'll do it for free in a couple of days, otherwise I'm sure any decent cobbler will do this for a fee. And Zee's must have slightly adjusted the size on my pattern because subsequent pairs have not had this problem.

 

[pogiguy]

Thanks ThinkDerm.

I wore those shoes to work yesterday and then walked across town to a dinner. They look good, fit well and are comfortable.

I have 2 pairs of Zees shoes and I say their service, fair prices and good quality are an excellent value.

 

[baromatic]

Following up with my satorial adventure this month left me with great results working with David & Zee at Zee's Leather.

Sharing my loafers (goodyear welt), and the awesome results:

(please! excuse my starch looking ankles ;-))

 

[Penfold]

Nice - think I might get some funky coloured suede (dark red) loafers made soon.

 

[baromatic]

Thanx! I see you're loving the suede Penfold.... On my list are some dark navy dainite suede chukkas but may wait till fall.

 

[baromatic]

YAY OR NAY??Just want to get everyone's opinion on this Double Monk with a square toe.

Originally my though thoughts were you wouldn't catch me with a square toe but was wonder what is the consensus out there ??

 

[TheTukker]

I am with your original thoughts...

 

[Penfold]

Square toes make baby Jesus cry.

 

[urban]

I have the same shoes in black calf.

 

[baromatic]

That's quite funny Penfold.
Well, feeling my gut telling me the square shape will make me eventually break down and cry I brought it back to Zee's.
Without any expectation, they transformed the toe box and molded it alike the round toe it was most desired to be. Not a bad result, definitely wearable... Zee's story.

 

[urban]

Amazing result. I should have done that. But i am not in Hong Kong that frequently.

 

[baromatic]

Well not really amazing looking. I would have liked it if they got it right the first time.
Even with a photo of a round toe, and confirming it, the workshop still produces a square toe.

I'm sure they can do it anytime you are back. All there is to do is set the shoe on the last and pound away.