[iam.mike]

In cooperation with @RogerP and Tony Gorga, we've updated our Ready to Wear Shoes Pyramid article!

Originally written by John Cursey, one of Ask Andy's original forum moderators, our Ready to Wear Shoe Pyramid article has been updated for 2020!

5 Tiers. 38 RTW Shoe brand examples.

Tier 1 is least expensive ready to wear shoes
Tier 5 is most expensive ready to wear shoes

If you'd like to share any other brands, or information about the article, please share it with us here!

 

[StephenRG]

Surely Justin Fitzpatrick warrants a mention?

 

[iam.mike]

@StephenRG - thanks! What Tier would you put Justin Fitzpatrick footwear into?

 

[RogerP]

Surely Justin Fitzpatrick warrants a mention?

As mentioned at the outset of the article: "Second, not all manufacturers and brands are represented - there are simply too many - though an effort has been made to reference a cross-section of the market for each tier."

A great many manufacturers and brands are not mentioned - and it is not because they didn't merit inclusion. But as @mikel suggests - it would be very interesting to see where you and others feel that such brands would fit in the pyramid. :beer:

 

[StephenRG]

@StephenRG - thanks! What Tier would you put Justin Fitzpatrick footwear into?

high Tier 1 or low Tier 2. They're better than all the Tier 1 but I'd hesitate to put them up with Carmina or C&J in Tier 2. Let the forum speak! The tie-breaker may be the quality of the design, which is deffo Tier 2.

 

[momsdoc]

What happened to the Japanese?

 

[RogerP]

high Tier 1 or low Tier 2. They're better than all the Tier 1 but I'd hesitate to put them up with Carmina or C&J in Tier 2. Let the forum speak! The tie-breaker may be the quality of the design, which is deffo Tier 2.

I wouldn't argue with lower tier 2 for Justin and Lof & Tung as well.

 

[iam.mike]

What happened to the Japanese?

Tell us your favorites, and what tier you would put them in!

 

[CLTesquire]

The only thing I would mention is that pricing on Meccariello shoes is not Tier 5 level. Their quality may be Tier 5 however (I’ve never had a pair so I can’t comment). Their standard Argentum line is cheaper than the Tier 4 shoes by a fair amount and the Aurum line is about the same in price, while being a “superior” shoe in the eyes of most. If one can figure out the sizing and the lasts, they appear to be a tremendous value.

 

[momsdoc]

I could never dream of owning any Japanese shoes both due to the pricing and the inability to try them on.

But the stying and construction makes them true works of art. They belong in Teir 6. Those on the forum who have handled them heap praise on them, and Justin Fitzpatrick bows down to Yohei Fukuda as The master . The shoes are not just artwork, but engineering marvels with their wasp like waist. In addition, I think McCarthy, Joe, and Tye produce lovely elegant shoes.

If I had 3 Grand to plop down on a pair, and a couple of weeks in Japan, I would be hard pressed not to purchase a pair. I would be hard pressed to remove them from their showcase display I would need to instal and actually wear them. They should come with a Hari Cari knife for one to use should they be subjected to the slightest scuff, toe box wrinkle, or even a mark on the soles.

 

[CLTesquire]

Yohei Fukuda does make a RTW line so they could be in the pyramid if we’re looking to add a Japanese maker. Tier 5 for sure with Fukuda.

 

[RogerP]

The only thing I would mention is that pricing on Meccariello shoes is not Tier 5 level. Their quality may be Tier 5 however (I've never had a pair so I can't comment). Their standard Argentum line is cheaper than the Tier 4 shoes by a fair amount and the Aurum line is about the same in price, while being a "superior" shoe in the eyes of most. If one can figure out the sizing and the lasts, they appear to be a tremendous value.

Quality is a more important factor than price in the tier ranking. Otherwise Prada would be top tier.

I could never dream of owning any Japanese shoes both due to the pricing and the inability to try them on.

But the stying and construction makes them true works of art. They belong in Teir 6. Those on the forum who have handled them heap praise on them, and Justin Fitzpatrick bows down to Yohei Fukuda as The master . The shoes are not just artwork, but engineering marvels with their wasp like waist. In addition, I think McCarthy, Joe, and Tye produce lovely elegant shoes.

If I had 3 Grand to plop down on a pair, and a couple of weeks in Japan, I would be hard pressed not to purchase a pair. I would be hard pressed to remove them from their showcase display I would need to instal and actually wear them. They should come with a Hari Cari knife for one to use should they be subjected to the slightest scuff, toe box wrinkle, or even a mark on the soles.

What Japanese RTW brands surpass Meccariello and St. Crispin?

 

[JBierly]

Quality is a more important factor than price in the tier ranking. Otherwise Prada would be toer

What Japanese RTW brands surpass Meccariello and St. Crispin?

I own RTW Fukuda, Meccariello, and St. Crispin. The Meccariello are the value play for certain. Beautiful shoe. The Fukuda is in a league of it's own (not knocking the others).

 

[momsdoc]

Quality is a more important factor than price in the tier ranking. Otherwise Prada would be toer

What Japanese RTW brands surpass Meccariello and St. Crispin?

I can't comment on personal experience, only from what I've read about their high quality. But my favorable impression of Fukuda is based on J. Fitzpatricks praise and all of Flanderian pics. St. nd Meccariello make gorgeous shoes, and St C's personal last tweaking is a great feature. But Fukuda's shoes are beyond breathtaking in their styling.

 

[Cassadine]

Great article, well done. However..... lol. I would edit the comparison of Lobb to Rolex. Lobb is much more akin to Vacheron, Patek, or Blancpain.