Ranking Men's RTW Shoes over $500 (28 BEST & WORST Brands!)

Summary

In this video, the reviewer evaluates various high-end shoemakers, offering insightful grades and opinions on brands like Stubbs & Wootton, Grenson, Saint Laurent, Maison Corthay, Vass, Heinrich Dinkelacker, and Alfred Sargent. The focus is on craftsmanship, design, and value for money, with comparisons to other renowned shoemakers. The reviewer highlights the balance between style and quality, offering a mix of fashion-forward options and more traditional, well-crafted shoes. Ultimately, the video provides guidance on making informed shoe purchases, particularly in the high-end market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stubbs & Wootton offers a stylish design with leather lining but lacks high-quality construction, resulting in a B- or C+ rating.
• 😀 Grenson is criticized for being overpriced compared to other Northampton shoemakers like Crockett & Jones, earning a D or D+ rating.
• 😀 Saint Laurent shoes are fashionable but offer lower quality for their high price, earning a C rating.
• 😀 Maison Corthay shoes feature excellent craftsmanship, but their bold, fashion-forward designs (like the Arca) aren't to everyone's taste, earning a C rating.
• 😀 Vass Shoes are hand-welted with high craftsmanship and excellent value, earning an A rating due to their price-to-quality ratio.
• 😀 Heinrich Dinkelacker shoes, made in Hungary, have a rugged, distinctive style but are priced high, earning a C or C+ rating.
• 😀 Alfred Sargent transitioned from a budget brand to a more elegant line, offering shoes comparable in quality to Crockett & Jones' Hand Grade line, earning a B- rating.
• 😀 The reviewer's personal style includes a mix of green, brown, and orange tones, with a custom jacket, vintage sweater vest, and Altan monk strap shoes.
• 😀 The reviewer's outfit is carefully coordinated with color harmonies, including a pocket square that picks up the tones of the shirt and jacket.
• 😀 The reviewer encourages viewers to provide feedback on whether they'd like to see content focused on shoes in specific price ranges, such as $300 to $500, $300 to $800, or above $1,000.

Q & A

What is the speaker's opinion on Stubbs & Wootton shoes?

The speaker appreciates the design and leather lining of Stubbs & Wootton shoes but criticizes their high price tag and the fact that they are glued, rather than Goodyear welted. They rate them a B- or C+ due to concerns about craftsmanship and comfort.

How does the speaker compare Grenson shoes to other Northampton shoemakers?

The speaker believes that Grenson doesn't offer any significant advantages over other Northampton brands like Crockett & Jones. Despite being more expensive, Grenson's shoes lack better construction, nicer leathers, and more appealing lasts, leading to a rating of D or D+.

Why does the speaker dislike Saint Laurent shoes despite their popularity?

The speaker criticizes Saint Laurent shoes for focusing more on fashion and design rather than quality. While they appreciate the aesthetic, the speaker feels the shoes offer lower-end craftsmanship and high prices, resulting in a C rating.

What was the speaker's experience with Maison Corthay shoes?

The speaker had a positive initial impression of Maison Corthay's designs, particularly the Arca shoe. However, upon trying them on, they felt that the shape made them resemble cowboy boots, which created a mental block for wearing them. Despite high quality, they rate the shoes a C due to the price and personal style preference.

How are Vass shoes perceived by the speaker?

The speaker holds Vass shoes in high regard, praising their hand-welted craftsmanship and affordability. With a variety of lasts to choose from, Vass shoes are considered a phenomenal value, and they are rated an A for their quality and price.

What makes Heinrich Dinkelacker shoes stand out, according to the speaker?

Heinrich Dinkelacker shoes are distinctive for their rugged and bold design, inspired by the Austro-Hungarian look. The speaker appreciates their craftsmanship, particularly their winter boots, but notes their high price, which leads to a C or C+ rating.

What is the speaker's opinion on Alfred Sargent shoes?

The speaker notes that Alfred Sargent transitioned from a budget brand to a more upmarket one, resulting in shoes with elegant designs and good craftsmanship. The shoes are highly regarded, with the speaker rating them a B-, comparable to Crockett & Jones' Hand Grade line.

What are some common characteristics of Vass shoes that the speaker highlights?

Vass shoes are hand-welted and come in a variety of lasts, including the U-last for a more chiseled toe and the F-last for a rounded toe. They are made from high-quality leathers, and the speaker praises their value, offering a straight A rating for the brand.

Why does the speaker recommend Crockett & Jones over Grenson?

The speaker recommends Crockett & Jones over Grenson because Crockett & Jones offers better construction, superior lasts, and nicer leathers at a more reasonable price. They believe Grenson lacks these key qualities, leading to a lower rating for the brand.

What type of outfit is the speaker wearing in the video?

The speaker is wearing a custom jacket with beige and brown tones, paired with a green checked shirt, an oatmeal-colored sweater vest, and a tie with orange and red tones. The outfit is complemented by a pocket square from Fort Belvedere, two-tone solid socks, and green corduroys. The shoes are monk straps from Altan in Paris, with a custom brown patina.