I could not agree with you more, Justin. Buy what you like and what you can afford and don't get lost in the details. I own over 250 pairs of shoes from $95.00 Cole Haan Amazon deals and Bostonian on the low end and bespoke alligator skin wing tip oxfords from Gaziano and Girling that cost in excess of $5,000.00 on the high end, with everything in between. If I had to pick my absolute favorite pairs of shoes they would have nothing to do with price, stitches per inch or construction method. It's about how they fit, how they look and memories associated with them. My 4 favorites are a pair of Dexter penny loafers in burnished burgundy that I got in 1989. They have had the soles and heels replaced twice. The uppers are in perfect condition and nobody ever believes me that I got them in 1989. (Shout out to Bedo's Leatherworks for the last recraft!). Another favorite is a pair of Beckett Simonon Beaumont bit loafers in Oak color. These are probably the most comfortable pair of non-athletic shoes I have, bar none. I love the bit style loafer and these shoes are near perfection for me. Another favorite is my Allen Edmonds Woven Strand oxfords. A tropical twist on a classic with the woven leather parts. Living i Florida, these shoes get a lot of wear. Finally, I have a pair of your loafers that I adore. I have the Washington loafers in Dark Sapphire Suede and I love those shoes as well. (Also have the Haller loafer and Wenatchee oxfords also in the blue suede). None of my favorites come anywhere near my more expensive pairs of shoes, but they are great in their own rights. Don't get hung up on the details and buy what you like. If I have a piece of advice to share, go with the classic styles that are timeless if you are going to spend huge amounts of money on high end shoes so you can wear them for decades and go for middle to low end for the trendy stuff that will go out of style in a couple of years. Who cares if they can't be recrafted if you won't be able to wear them after a year or two because they are out of style or your tastes change?

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing and could not agree more. Glad that you are enjoying the Washington loafers ;-)

A great video and this is the approach that makes me want to support you and to learn from you :). As someone who's just getting into shoes, I have really appreciated your videos, and love the shoes I have bought from you, as well as where you have helped to steer me in looking at other brands. You will certainly continue to have my support!

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you Simon! I appreciate it 🙏

First, my wife approved of the Saphire Suede Chukka boots I picked up when I visited the shop last week. I also love them. Your rant is spot on. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I'm always in awe of how you "thread the needle" when giving those of us that follow you an honest review of a shoe while balancing all the things you referneced in your blog post. Thanks for taking your limited time to blog, unblox, etc. I appreciate it.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Hey Michael, glad that you got the thumbs up. That always makes it easier ;-) and thanks for always sharing on my videos. The support is always appreciated!

@SimonChambers

8 ай бұрын

I bought those chukkas as well- love them!

Didn't even finish watching the video before I hit the like and subscribe button. Couldn't agree with the opening comments more! You can't be looking for a quality product and have such a narrow spectrum of $50-$100, even $200 in price differences. I am by no means wealthy. But when I decided Allen Edmond's quality had dropped below my expectations I realized I needed to expand my price range to get better quality. And I couldn't be like "ohh I get Alan Edmonds for $400 so who is better for $450?" lol

@theshoesnob_official

7 ай бұрын

Very well said and thank you for subscribing and for your support!

Great talk. This has been a massive issue for decades in the IT world too. The "best" is always subjective. Is a Cisco UCS server great. Yes, but wow the cost for everything is off the hook. Is it faster or better engineered than say a Dell or HP, or other. Possibly, but you need to pick and choose for yourself which are best fit for purpose. My shoe journey is the same. I've purchased local options available, online options and each has pros and cons. If it makes you happy, it's a great buy for you. Same can be said for a car. Which brand is best will always create a huge debate. Something else to consider. If you splash for an very high end brand, with great detail, what happens when you take it to a local cobbler for resoling. Is the work on par? What comes back. If you have hand welted soles, and your cobbler doesn't see them often, you may be disapointed. Sure you can always send them back for work, but your costs can get out of control quickly. Replacing a side mirror on a Porsche will always be huge compaired to a Honda.

@theshoesnob_official

7 ай бұрын

Very well said and thank you for sharing 🙏

Hey Justin. Impressed to see how your audio production has changed (I emailed you about it!) and thank you for this great piece of advice here. I just started my shoe journey and I can't tell you how much your content has helped me

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Hey Roy, thanks! And glad to have improved my sound. It was long overdue! Enjoy your journey and happy to help!

Buy lots of shoes of different brands an make up your own mind,… this is what I took away from this video & really aspire to do. Just bought my first pair of Crocket&Jones and Carlos Santos. Loving the journey 🙏💪👍

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Nice one! Love to hear it and was exactly what I was saying. People get so caught up they forget to just enjoy it.

I think some people are trying to make purchasing decisions and because they can only purchase many of these brands online, they are trying to make informed purchase decisions. Maybe I'm speaking for myself. Maybe not.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

100% for many that will be the case. But if that is the reasoning they should be more specific as the idea of being 'better' so subjective that they might get an answer they don't agree with in the long run

Love and respect your honest opinions Justin. As you said, there's no such thing as the best in the world it is all subjective. But from sports to tech and fashion there's always a war raging for the coveted 'GOAT' prize. Not sure you remember, but I visited your shop earlier in the month when I was in NY to meet you and had a nice little chat with you. Your fan from 'Straya!

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you my friend. I do appreciate it! 🙏🙏

Great video, Justin! I'm always comparing and trying to find who's "better". I waste way too much time doing this. My two problems now are finding ways to try on multiple brands without living near stores and finding out who uses the same grades of leather.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Dont get hung up on grades of leather to be honest. Its all nonsense. Sometimes I feel my economic leather has less issues than my 1st grade leather and am sure other makers will agree. Nothing is perfect anyway and searching for it is like finding a unicorn. Glad that you enjoyed it though

So wise in your response! Who cannot understand this. I have come to this point in many things. There is the main thing no one else cares about!

@theshoesnob_official

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Glad that you enjoyed

Thanks fkr your great sharing and honest opinion, Justin. Can't agree more with you, it's pointless to compare and choose which brand is the best or No 1 shoemaker. If the shoes does not fit you, or the price is too high, the ranking and others opinion are just pointless. Have been a while into the quality shoe world, and my favourite pair is still my second pair, a pair from Meermin, which some 'experts' claimed it's a so so brand. Love the fit and comfort of it 😊 Always salute you for being honest and open when come to shoe knowledge sharing

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing. Glad that you enjoyed it!

That last statement is the best bit of advice. Buy what you like.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you. Glad that you enjoyed

So well said, I have tried many brands, my favourites.... the ones that fit best and suit my lifestyle, the quality of finishing, detailing etc fades into insigniifcance..... Yes I do admire the artisan in the designs, but that's an appreciation of the craft and art not what is best for me .... I do gravitate towards English shoes as I am English, that's part of my value set, I want to support my local industry........................... what is better is personal and only I can determine that, no one else!

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Exactly!

5:35 - "Best but Cheapest". Exactly; it's a contradictory concept. As Ben Franklin famously quipped : 'The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.' I don't take this to mean you can't find value within price tiers, but rather that all-in-all, you get what you pay for, BROADLY speaking. Surely, I could search for shoes that are slightly cheaper than JF's with, potentially, similar quality, but frankly....for me there is so much more to the experience of purchasing shoes (cars, attire, etc). Things like the way the business owner comports him/herself, the level of professionalism experienced at the point of sale, a willingness to showcase competitors' products. In essence, this is how brand loyalty is achieved over time. Obviously I own other shoes and different prince points, but I like the way I FEEL when I put a JF pair, partly bc of what I remember about the purchasing experience, among other factors. SO for me, buying from a big box retailer or designer simply wouldn't' be the same. Obviously we all fall within certain price tiers, since money is finite for 99% of us, but search for an experience and a feel that you love, and you can not go wrong!

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

I appreciate your sharing and for your kind words. Thank you my friend!

Great post Justin. Thank you for shearing.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you JM! 🙏

I agree. I’ve worn nice shoes for 25 years now. I’ve found what styles I like and what works best for my feet.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing 🙏

Once I discoved shell cordovan, calfskin became pointless to me. When will you start using that material to make shoes and boots?

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Probably never to be honest. But if you supply it I can do MTO for you ;-)

Good day Justin, please could you recommend retail shops where i can buy quality leather materials for shoe making.

@theshoesnob_official

7 ай бұрын

Yup, answered in your other comment

Justin- Look good and feel good- It took far to long for me to understand, great advice thanks-

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

My pleasure and thank you for sharing!

I am one of them:)) great video Justin. very good points.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you my friend 🙏

Hello Justin, Can you explain a little about the practical benefits of very narrow waists in dress shoes- such as better arch support, or perhaps it enables a snugger fit around the foot? Or is it mostly just cosmetic ie a sign of expensiveness? Thank you :)

@theshoesnob_official

7 ай бұрын

Cosmetic sign of hand work. The only thing that gives better arch support is the last shape and fully extended leather arch stiffeners.

@gemasboy

7 ай бұрын

@@theshoesnob_official thank you so much

@theshoesnob_official

7 ай бұрын

@@gemasboy my pleasure

RESPECT!!!!!!!!

@theshoesnob_official

3 ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

I greatly appreciate your post. It is quite bold for we as online consumers to demand you disclose who is the best and want to pay the least...and to expect YOU to definitively tell us for FREE....its a bit much (yep I went there)! HOWEVER, we do recognize that you do benefit from our loyalty and our clicks, likes, subs help your bottom line, so its not too much that we want you to help arm us with distinctive information that will help us determine what is best for us......and we cannot do that without you comparing brands. As online shoppers, the majority of us don't live in locations nor have the finances or the access to shoemakers (sending us shoes to review) to be able to make informed decisions about shoes from Vietnam, Singapore, China, Japan, England, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the list goes on. If every good shoemaker had offices in the US we could visit, we'd have less of an excuse, but they don't, and yet we are supposed to shell out hundreds of dollars sight unseen, for something that may or may not work while you get to protect your friendships. I get your perspective as a designer, as a shoemaker, but don't forget our perspective from where we sit. You don't have to say who is best, but certainly you can say these are the qualities I appreciate in this shoe (brand) and compare the same qualities in another shoe from a different brand. If you're here to just pontificate about what you like....I'll pass, but if you want to help us, then help us differentiate what separates one brand from another and then we can better decide which is best for us! #onerantdeservesanother

@theshoesnob_official

4 ай бұрын

Lol. "We want you to help us and cannot do so without you comparing brands". Really? So no one has their own opinion? They need mine to make their own decisions? Please 🤦‍♂. I give all of the necessary information for people to discern for themselves what they should buy based on THEIR values. My opinion is just an opinion. It is not fact. I value shoe design and the last shape. Someone else might value finishing skill and price. So if I tell them my opinion based on MY values yet THEIR values are way different how does that help them decide who is better for THEM? It would appear that you do not actually watch my videos as I give all of the information that you are claiming someone needs. I don't at all "pontificate about what I like" as that would be a waste of time. I describe all of the details people look for when buying shoes and how that translates in value to the brand's price-point. Considering 'you went there' let's discuss a few more points as you appear new here. My bottom line is not helped by youtube. I may make $100/month from the ads. No one pays me to show their shoes. They just send them. I show them and then maybe in the future I sell them for a fraction of their cost. If you calculate the time spent versus what I make here, I lose money. I will always appreciate my real supporters. The ones who value what I do and can see the work I put in for them. But the guy who just comments for me to compare x vs y is the same guy that just comments 'Price' expecting you to do all of the work for them. I don't need nor really want those types of followers so your ideas about 'me needing' anything is not accurate. I appreciate the support from those who appreciate what I do. People who expect/demand more at the threat of unsubscribing or bad-mouthing me on Reddit can do me the favor of forgetting my page. #wecanrantallday

@charles6724

4 ай бұрын

@@theshoesnob_official clearly you've learned how to cherrypick (cut and paste) while skipping over relevant info that provides meaningful context. The part you intentionally left out of the quote actually matters. The full thought is: "we want you to help arm us with distinctive information that will help us determine what is best for us......and we cannot do that without you comparing brands." You can give your opinion without comparative analysis; its a free country. But it is ridiculous to expect online consumers who want to purchase products but can't access them any other way, to not factor comparative analysis into the equation. Though as self-proclaimed snob, I am confident you do comparative analysis when making serious purchases...beyond shoes. News flash, the online consumers of shoes need it as well. Its common sense, which for whatever reason isn't as common as it used to be. If you're losing money sir, that's a personal issue, but I laugh out loud at any attempt at coming across as if you are sacrificing yourself for the cause. Like I said I appreciated the post because clearly some consumers ask and expect the world for little or nothing. But when YOU are the consumer, you cannot tell me comparing x to y is not invaluable, that dog will never hunt. Maybe your youtube profit margins would change if you kept consumers' sentiments in mind as you offer your opinion. Its not a coincidence that those influencers on social media who are willing to tell us how they really feel about a product and how it compares to others generate sizable followings and earnings. #ipassedthecutandpasteclass

@theshoesnob_official

4 ай бұрын

@@charles6724 lol. No need for me to even respond here. Clearly you domt actually listen to the videos or have a clue what I do. I dont lose money because I dont do it for money. Keep it pushing if you dont intend to listem but at least entertain yourself at reading all of the comments of the people who actually listen and value the information they receive 🤙🤙

@charles6724

4 ай бұрын

@@theshoesnob_official actually I've watched over 10 shoe snob videos from beginning to end. I only commented because on this last one, while you made some decent points, you ranted on consumers who desire comparative analysis as if we shouldn't even ask lest you endanger your friendships with shoemakers/friends. Your rant proves I'm not the only one who sees the value in highlighting distinctions between brands. Cheers!

@theshoesnob_official

4 ай бұрын

@@charles6724 you are clearly missing the point still. After this "rant" I wrote a post on my favorite maker killing the idea of who I "favor" but comparing apples and oranges serves no one, hence the video. Who is better "Camrina or TLB". There is NO "better" its all just opinion. And when asked I say what I favor in both makers but doesnt meam one is "better" than the other!

I think you are in somewhat of a unique position, given you know many of the makers. I also agree with you that saying a brand is 'Number 1' is very much a personal opinion. I mean, I would like to buy a pair of G&G shoes, or a pair of Oct 10th but, I can't afford to buy them - simple. I have lots of brands but I buy mostly on Ebay or 'lucky' charity shop /thrift store buys. I've really enjoyed my shoe journey and I enjoy well-made welted shoes - what can I say! I guess your point about the online client/blog readers/vlog watchers/shoe enthusiast being the ones trying to pin-point the 'best' brand is silly. Is this a guy thing? Maybe? Let's leave stitch density behind ;-) Thanks for taking the time to do these videos and for keeping it real. Regards Tony

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you as always for sharing Tony and putting in your valid two cents. Alwayals appreciate your support 🙏

Do you know makers that would source leather/build with a sourced leather? The ones I've considered don't currently have the design I'm looking for

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

For made to order or bespoke?

@prospect_joe9813

8 ай бұрын

@@theshoesnob_official Made to order.

I love your jacket Bro. Please let me know who your tailor is.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thank you! This one is by Oscar Jacobson ;-)

I think every brand you have showed are all excellent. They have their own style.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

100% and thank you for sharing 🙏

WELL SAID JUSTIN! That's why you're the authority on fine footwear, Cheers.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Thanks Rudy! 🙏

any opinion regarding Berwick shoes? they're made in Spain and most (or all) of them are goodyear welted at a reasonable price.

@theshoesnob_official

3 ай бұрын

Solid brand for sure

@goggo9

3 ай бұрын

@@theshoesnob_official thanks for the answer, they make some really classy tassel loafer

@theshoesnob_official

3 ай бұрын

@@goggo9 indeed and my pleasure!

Definitely agree

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

🙏

What's the watch you're wearing?

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

The Regent series by Rotary Watch Ltd

I've always found comparing brands to be a bit pointless, but there seems to be an insatiable desire among enthusiasts to set rigid tiers among brands and conclusively state that brand X is superior to brand Y. I don't buy brands, I buy shoes. For any given brand, there are specific offerrings that really appeal to me and some that really don't. I'm always interested in candid reviews of specific pairs of shoes, but I scroll past any brand debates, which invariably devolve into so much pointless noise.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Couldnt have said it better. I don't think its even the enthusiasts as I think you and I are considered those to a degree but rather the newbies versus the old school who have been around a few shoes and realize comparing tits for tats ends up in too much overthinking that amounts to nothing when wearing the shoes. Thanks for the input 😎

There’s a KZreadr I won’t name who cuts shoes in half and judges their quality. I’d be curious to see an episode where you discuss this type of dissection generally.

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

There's a few as it goes.

So you take shoes out of a box and give a review on them. You don’t ware them yet you review the comfort level of the shoe, yet you don’t wear them🤔🤔 You don’t keep them you sell them. It would seem that your reviews of footwear are useless. Why would any manufacturer send you a shoe from this point on??

@theshoesnob_official

8 ай бұрын

Lol. I try the shoes on. Been around long enough to know the comfort level from trying. I also do not talk about comfort in reality as it is subjetive and pointless. I talk about how the shoe fits. Its not rocket science. As per useless, clearly not. Read the comments and how appreciative people are to listen to the reviews and my thoughts on the shoes. If you find them useless, dont listen. Its that simple. And brands keep sending because clearly its valuable for them. Or maybe not. You would have to ask them why they continue. I do not ask anyone to send me shoes. They all offer despite all of them knowing I have my own brand of shoes and never show myself wearing other brands.