EG v. Vass

For a basic work shoe which would you prefer and why?
They seem to be around the same price.

E.G., but you won't regret purchasing either.

I like EG, partly for the styling and partly because trying them on didn't involve international shipping.

personally i would get a mixture of both - as both make great shoes why settle for one? it is not a marriage

Well, I'm going to start with one.

E.G.: Apples
L. Vass: Oranges

If you're keen on higher quality => Vass, being hand welted.
Want a more prestigious brand? Buy Goodyear welted Green.

Vass: better quality, workmanship and value

Originally Posted by agoldf

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For a basic work shoe which would you prefer and why?
They seem to be around the same price.

It comes down to preference. Both artisans should be in a man's wardrobe.

if i could only buy one shoe from the 2 makers, it would be a Vass in the U-last. then later on i would build my collection of EG's around that one Vass

The consensus seems to be that Vass are better value, because of the handwork. However at this (very high) level of quality I would just decide on the basis of aesthetics and fit.

Originally Posted by radicaldog

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The consensus seems to be that Vass are better value, because of the handwork. However at this (very high) level of quality I would just decide on the basis of aesthetics and fit.

I'd say Vass are better value b/c they charge less for a shoe of comparable quality. Absolute quality in aggregate IMO is about the same, although as others mention, this is a bit like comparing apples and oranges - construction, edge to Vass, finishing (specifically the antiquing of the leathers), edge to EG. Design is in the eye of the beholder - EG is good to excellent IMO across the entire line, Vass has two superb lasts (U and F, although U last can be a tough fit for wider feet), but I really dislike some of Vass' more traditional styles (clunky clunky clunky - I know that there are others who really like the authenticity of those styles, I personally think they make the wearer look like frankenstein - I will say, those styles are quite regionally specific). I'd also mention customer service here - EG is what you would expect of a relatively larger operation - professional, if perhaps not exactly efficient, make fewer mistakes. Vass' service is, ah, artisinal - sometimes you get what you asked for, sometimes you don't, and delivery is almost always later than promised. That said, they will fix any mistakes they make, in my experience.

In short - get both, but I'd vote to start with EG if you are only going to buy one.

I like the 888 last from EG which I have seen (and tried on) in person. Vass is more tricky as far as sizing and I can't check out the lasts in person.

Originally Posted by agoldf

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I like the 888 last from EG which I have seen (and tried on) in person. Vass is more tricky as far as sizing and I can't check out the lasts in person.

If that is the case, go with the EG first. Sizing on Vass is a bit tricky depending on the last. Once you gained more confidence (perhaps do a search in the forum) in terms of sizes, move onto to Vass.

I have a number of both EG and Vass and I agree with most posters that you cannot go wrong with either. It is truly a personal decision. If the decision is solely based on price, Vass is hard to beat. However, if it comes down to style, lasts, finish, choices, etc. EG is the winner in my opinion.

Strictly for me, based solely on my opinion of wearing both, I prefer EG. I love the U and F lasts that Vass has, but the fit of the EG 888, 606 and 82 just fit my foot better and as my criteria is fit is more important than price, I choose EG.

Either way you can't go wrong, but I would strongly encourage you to try on both, especially the Vass if you are thinking about the U last. It can be tricky for certain types of feet.

My concern about fit leads me to limit myself to the F last as first try. So the question comes down to the EG888 or the Vass F. Style wise I think the 888 has the edge but again I've never seen the F in person. Now the U, if it fits, seems to compare well to the 888.