How do you rate Koronya shoes?

BespokeShoes · Jan 30, 2008

What do you think of Koronya and how do they compare?

londonboy · Feb 13, 2008

May I bump this please? I may be passing by Budapest, and wonder whether I should get Vass RTW, Vass MTO, or try Koronya. I have a good rotation so am open to bespoke at this point. However, periodic travel to Budapest will not be easy for me, so I would prefer a maker who can work with me from abroad after my first visit.

Italian makers are also an option, but I do not have enough information about the logistics of these choices.

More independent appraisals of Koronya quality would be very welcome.

dopey · Feb 13, 2008

I am aware of one person who has gotten a pair of Kronya bespoke and posted about it here on Styleforum. he seemed happy with them and the shoes looked nice. Do a search.

Fabro · Feb 14, 2008

I'm in the process of having a pair of bespoke Budapests made by Marcell at Koronya. I wrote up the first post describing the experience here. I have the test show now and should have this write up done later this week, so stay tuned. So far everything has gone very well.

londonboy · Feb 14, 2008

Originally Posted by dopey

I am aware of one person who has gotten a pair of Kronya bespoke and posted about it here on Styleforum. he seemed happy with them and the shoes looked nice. Do a search.
I am afraid that your reply is far from informative. Fabro posted a description of his initial visit and measurement, and I infer he felt he was not qualified to comment on the shoes' actual construction compared to, say, Vass. Nor has Fabro actually received his shoes, hence I am at a loss as to how the shoes can be nice when they do not yet exist.

Regarding Fabro's post, now that it has been mentioned, my understanding is that Koronya has a number of commercial lasts from Italy and that the bespoke process involves modifying these and not making a personalized last. Would this thus be MTO and not bespoke? If so, is there any disadvantage over bespoke as often discussed here?

Based on the reply to my other thread, I infer that only the shoemaker Janne Melkersson might be in a position to comment, if his Koronya shoes have been delivered. Given the investment a bespoke pair of shoes represents, I am trying to find at least a comparison to Vass RTW and MTO, which is the known quantity in Budapest. I hope others understand my circumstances, and there is simply a dearth of information on bespoke outside the USA and Western Europe.

dopey · Feb 14, 2008

Originally Posted by londonboy

I am afraid that your reply is far from informative. Fabro posted a description of his initial visit and measurement, and I infer he felt he was not qualified to comment on the shoes' actual construction compared to, say, Vass. Nor has Fabro actually received his shoes, hence I am at a loss as to how the shoes can be nice when they do not yet exist.

Regarding Fabro's post, now that it has been mentioned, my understanding is that Koronya has a number of commercial lasts from Italy and that the bespoke process involves modifying these and not making a personalized last. Would this thus be MTO and not bespoke? If so, is there any disadvantage over bespoke as often discussed here?

Based on the reply to my other thread, I infer that only the shoemaker Janne Melkersson might be in a position to comment, if his Koronya shoes have been delivered. Given the investment a bespoke pair of shoes represents, I am trying to find at least a comparison to Vass RTW and MTO, which is the known quantity in Budapest. I hope others understand my circumstances, and there is simply a dearth of information on bespoke outside the USA and Western Europe.

In another thread Fabro wrote that he is happy but hasn't had time to post a follow up to his first post. I can't recall if he has received the final product yet.

londonboy · Feb 14, 2008

I would respectfully request that you stay your fingers until you are in a position to contribute more than condescension and excess hormones.

Eustace Tilley · Feb 14, 2008

Originally Posted by londonboy

I would respectfully request that you stay your fingers until you are in a position to contribute more than condescension and excess hormones.

Funny...I was going to reply the same to your post

I don't see anything wrong with dopey's reply.

Fabro · Feb 14, 2008

Here's where I am in the process. I have the test shoes now. I've been wearing them for a couple of weeks, and have been corresponding with Marcell via email with my impressions. I've also sent a number of close up pictures of each shoe back to Marcell so he could look at the wear patterns. The first was close enough first try, and the pictures detailed enough, that Marcell and I decided it wasn't worth shipping them back to Hungary. He's altered the last, and is starting work on the finished product.

I'll post the whole story, with pictures, in a few days.

Marcell has 2 different programs. The MTO uses standard lasts and several basic designs which allow minor variations, and so is accordingly less expensive than bespoke. The bespoke program--which I am involved in--is definitely bespoke. The lasts are carved to your foot measurements, and he keeps these for three years. Everything can be done to your design. Exotic skins, special nailing patterns, antiquing--it's all open. You want one shoe red and one blue, with bells? Knock yourself out.

Eustace Tilley · Feb 14, 2008

Originally Posted by Fabro

Here's where I am in the process. I have the test shoes now. I've been wearing them for a couple of weeks, and have been corresponding with Marcell via email with my impressions. I've also sent a number of close up pictures of each shoe back to Marcell so he could look at the wear patterns. The first was close enough first try, and the pictures detailed enough, that Marcell and I decided it wasn't worth shipping them back to Hungary. He's altered the last, and is starting work on the finished product.

I'll post the whole story, with pictures, in a few days.

Marcell has 2 different programs. The MTO uses standard lasts and several basic designs which allow minor variations, and so is accordingly less expensive than bespoke. The bespoke program--which I am involved in--is definitely bespoke. The lasts are carved to your foot measurements, and he keeps these for three years. Everything can be done to your design. Exotic skins, special nailing patterns, antiquing--it's all open. You want one shoe red and one blue, with bells? Knock yourself out.

Nice - I look forward to this post.

londonboy · Feb 14, 2008

Originally Posted by Fabro

Marcell has 2 different programs. The MTO uses standard lasts and several basic designs which allow minor variations, and so is accordingly less expensive than bespoke. The bespoke program--which I am involved in--is definitely bespoke. The lasts are carved to your foot measurements, and he keeps these for three years.
Fabro, I apologize as it appears I misread your post. I am very curious about Marcell because it appears he is very good at communicating with customers who are not in Budapest and whose work precludes even infrequent visits.

Might you be able to offer some informed opinion regarding construction? I have browsed several old threads in this forum, and am alarmed by old stories regarding Darren Beaman and Carlo Franco. I understand that both Darren and Carlo posted excellent material and photos regarding suits and ties, but relationships with them ended bitterly.

I apologize if I overreacted to dopey, but in browsing old threads, I noticed a number of his old posts. I also understand that being told to do a search is quite an insult on this forum.

bengal-stripe · Feb 14, 2008

There are very few things in life that are dead-certain; well, death is.

Marcell is relative newcomer to this forum and the international scene, although he might be long-established in the Hungarian shoe scene. How can you expect people in this forum to give you sceptre and verse, when nobody (as far as I know) hasn't had a completed pair?

Go to Budapest, go to Vass, go to Koronya, go to other shoemakers in the provinces and make up your mind. Give your commission to the firm you feel most comfortable with. If you cannot find someone in Hungary, hop on the train and go to Vienna or even go right through to Warsaw. (Do not forget to order extra strong shoes, that will withstand your foot stamping temper tantrums.)

Do not expect any forum member to make the decision for you. It concerns your feet, your money and your shoes.

Dedalus · Feb 14, 2008

Originally Posted by londonboy

I also understand that being told to do a search is quite an insult on this forum.

I searched your mom last night.

gdl203 · Feb 14, 2008

Originally Posted by londonboy

I also understand that being told to do a search is quite an insult on this forum.
You misunderstood.

teddieriley · Feb 14, 2008

It's not an insult to tell someone to search. It means, "do a search."

How do you rate Koronya shoes?

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