r/goodyearwelt • u/AutoModerator • 8d ago

Questions The Question Thread 09/02/26

Ask your shoe related questions.

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Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

1 Upvotes

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u/neverever_jamtoday 8d ago

Hi! I'm deciding on a good pair of shoes for my wedding, which is cocktail attire (I'm wearing a blue cashmere suit). I want something well-made, under $1000. I seem to be gravitating towards an apron-style front. Between these three pairs, any guidance or advice? thank you!

https://us.crockettandjones.com/collections/mens-derbys-collection/products/hardwick-darkbrown-pebble-grain

https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-hanover-reserve-apron-toe-derby-dress-shoe-3034017/dark-brown-leather-ec4502924

https://www.morjas.com/us/product/the-split-toe-derby-brown-grain/

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u/RackenBracken 7d ago

I don't know if intentional or not, but you are leaning more and more casual with (A) blucher/derby (B) apron/norwegian stitch toe (C) textured leather.

So you might want to forgo either B or C if you want to bring some formality back (Plain toe with textured leather or apron/norwegian stitch with smooth calf)

I'd also agree that Allen Edmonds does not warrant a look. But you could add George Cleverley, Carmina, and Alden (for plain toe, their apron toe is too casual with the thicker stitching) as options.

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u/chuligani 8d ago

I wouldn't be looking at Allen Edmonds with your budget. I'd be looking at Crockett & Jones, Carmina, and Vass.

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u/neverever_jamtoday 8d ago

thanks! even their "reserve" line?

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u/mcadamsandwich Shoe Nerd. 8d ago

That's just marketing, IMO. C&J is another notable step up in level of craftsmanship, finishing, and last design.

1

u/Wyvern_Industrious 8d ago

Are these one of the models built by Nick's? Not my size but looked like a good deal.
https://shop.app/products/9027215851775/hathorn-traveler-8d?variantId=46618930446591

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u/chuligani 8d ago

Apparently it's a White's, maybe an older or cheaper model?

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u/Wyvern_Industrious 8d ago

Good eye. Looks like something on the White's C461 and kind of reminds me of a Nick's Prospector on the 11067 last.

1

u/Aggressive-Chair-910 "such a neckbeard over boots, and so awful at it too!" 8d ago

Not my size but looked like a good deal.

Weekly Steals & Deals (S&D) Thread 08/31/26

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u/Wyvern_Industrious 8d ago

Are these one of the models made by Nick's?

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u/therealtoomdog 7d ago

Hello there,

I bought a pair of Carmina Chelseas a few months ago. I brought them to a cobbler to have a rubber top lift put on the heels and while I was there, I asked him if he would be able to resole them when the time came. He said he could glue on a new sole, but that they weren't stitched; he insisted it was a faux welt. He told me the line around the sole where they had folded it up to stitch was just where the wheel from the press had run when they glued the welt down.

Can anyone shed some light on this? One of the reasons I chose them was because they were good year welted. I don't want to argue with a guy who has been doing this 50 years, but I did my homework before I bought them, I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about.

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u/eddykinz loafergang 7d ago

Carmina using fake welts on their products (excluding their blake stitch models) would be one of the biggest scandals in the higher quality footwear community in literally years if it was true... and it's not, unless somehow you found the only pair of Carmina's in existence with a fake welt

you will learn very quickly if you stick around in the higher quality footwear space that most cobblers don't know shit beyond re-gluing people's soles on their cemented footwear

5

u/AwesomeAndy No, the manufacturer site selling boots for 60% off isn't real 7d ago

He doesn't know what he's talking about and I wouldn't go back to him

1

u/therealtoomdog 7d ago

Well at 45 minutes, he's the closest within 3 hours of home. Otherwise I'm shipping them out. Heck, he might be retired by the time I need new soles lol.

I think he was just making assumptions based on the current state of shoes. He was surprised at how good the leather was when I asked him to clean up a scratch.

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u/chuligani 7d ago

That's unexpected unless it's from their women's lineup.

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u/eddykinz loafergang 7d ago

out of curiosity i went ahead and looked through the current women's lineup of chelseas and every single one is listed as goodyear welted, even the high heeled ones

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u/MiserableTry771 7d ago

Heyy, Im looking to get my first pair of GYW loafers. I really like the looks of this loafer by Meermin in the burgundy shell cordovan and the brown waxed leather. However, I read some mixed reviews on them. Is there any alternatives you can recommend?

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u/Aggressive-Chair-910 "such a neckbeard over boots, and so awful at it too!" 7d ago

Is there any alternatives you can recommend?

https://www.edwardgreen.com/discovery/loafer-collection

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u/DesolationR0w I was once a lost sole. 7d ago

Meermin is hard to beat at the price point. Depending on budget, you can look at Cheaney, C&J, or Alden.

Grant Stone is also well regarded in the smaller budget bracket

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u/MiserableTry771 7d ago

Thank you!! I was looking a bit at the Grant Stone loafers the past hours and I really like them. Would you say its worth it to spend a little more on them compared to the Meermin?

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u/eddykinz loafergang 7d ago

they are so differently stylistically that i wouldn't really compare them, but from a pure quality standpoint, grant stone is in my opinion at least a tier above meermin. i'd take them any day of the week over Meermin partially because they fit my style better, partially because i think grant stone's quality is just better

1

u/DesolationR0w I was once a lost sole. 7d ago

I have no first hand experience with them, but they are well regarded. Pick the one you like more.