the.chikor
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2007
- Messages
- 786
- Reaction score
- 5
Gentlemen,
I recently returned from a successful trip to Vienna.
While there, I picked up a pair of bespoke "Monk Strap" ankle boots made by Lucian Maftei. The pictures are attached to satisfy anyone's curiosity.
The entire Maftei Family is a pleasure to deal with. They are very friendly and accomodating with their time, day and location for meeting (as they have two stores). They work fast!
I showed up for a fitting and my shoes were done-much to my surprise and approval! I tried them on and mentioned the alterations that were needed; they were done by the next evening! The fit was absolutely perfect and I mean perfect! Which is the most important thing for me. The style and asthetics were everything that I asked for.
The materials and craftsmanship were outstanding. The only thing that I had to do was apply a coat of polish and edge dressing. I chose the pegged sole when I placed the order-merely because I had never actually seen it done before and it looked different than the standard sewn welt.
After I placed the order when in Vienna about a month prior to this visit, I came home and perused the internet to find a wide variety of opinions on the pegged or Holzgenagelt style of shoe construction. I read one article or thread ( I don't recall where) that said the pegged shoe was best reserved for work boots, unless one wanted blisters and calluses.
When I arrived this time to Vienna, I was actually contemplating having Maftei change the shoe to a traditional sewn welt construction.
However, I had the pleasure of meeting with fritzl, fellow forum member, who opined that the pegged sole would not blister my feet and put my mind at ease. Fritzl is a true gentleman who, in my opinion, is a treasure trove of knowledge in the field.
Fritzl was correct. I hardly noticed the the difference with regards to stiffness in the shoe when walking. After a few days, I notice no difference at all; which is a huge relief.
I am satisfied with my selection.
Anyways, enough of my tangent diatribe. Bottom line up front-I can highly recommend Maftei bespoke shoes.
I recently returned from a successful trip to Vienna.
The entire Maftei Family is a pleasure to deal with. They are very friendly and accomodating with their time, day and location for meeting (as they have two stores). They work fast!
I showed up for a fitting and my shoes were done-much to my surprise and approval! I tried them on and mentioned the alterations that were needed; they were done by the next evening! The fit was absolutely perfect and I mean perfect! Which is the most important thing for me. The style and asthetics were everything that I asked for.
The materials and craftsmanship were outstanding. The only thing that I had to do was apply a coat of polish and edge dressing. I chose the pegged sole when I placed the order-merely because I had never actually seen it done before and it looked different than the standard sewn welt.
After I placed the order when in Vienna about a month prior to this visit, I came home and perused the internet to find a wide variety of opinions on the pegged or Holzgenagelt style of shoe construction. I read one article or thread ( I don't recall where) that said the pegged shoe was best reserved for work boots, unless one wanted blisters and calluses.
However, I had the pleasure of meeting with fritzl, fellow forum member, who opined that the pegged sole would not blister my feet and put my mind at ease. Fritzl is a true gentleman who, in my opinion, is a treasure trove of knowledge in the field.
Fritzl was correct. I hardly noticed the the difference with regards to stiffness in the shoe when walking. After a few days, I notice no difference at all; which is a huge relief.
Anyways, enough of my tangent diatribe. Bottom line up front-I can highly recommend Maftei bespoke shoes.