[Flanderian]

Recently I engaged briefly in a discussion of the burgeoning quality footwear being made in China and other Asian countries than Japan. Can't be certain if it was a stand alone thread, or part of a broader discussion, but a search could not yield this thread.

I've come across some interesting material concerning this discussion, and would like to include it with the existing discussion rather than starting a new thread. If anyone could direct me to the thread in question, I'll delete this one, and post the material there.

Much thanks!

 

[winghus]

I don't recall it here but TOF has several threads about high-end Chinese shoemakers, along with the threads about Japanese shoemakers.

 

[challer]

Funny I tried to find that thread as well and could not

 

[Flanderian]

Oh, well!

I'll just post it in this thread, and if anyone finds the older one, I'll link them.

As I recall the gist of the discussion the comment was made that there's no reason China, despite it's unfortunate reputation for shoddy goods, shouldn't be able to become a source for fine men's footwear. I agree, and pointed out that there was already some makes coming out of China to enter this market, as well as there being other countries in Asia that have been, such as Japan, or are begging to establish such an industry. And I specifically mentioned India as one such source.

While India has long made significant quantities of cheap footwear, the know-how exists there to also make fine quality. I pointed out that a number of English makes evidently now have lines manufactured or partially made there.

Several days ago I cam across a sartorial video from a firm that offers shoe care products and patination of client's shoes. They demonstrate this on a make I'd never heard of; Bridlen. Bridlen shoes are designed in Japan and made in India, and targets a wide range of different price markets of men's shoes, intending to offer good quality at more attractive prices.

The first 6 1/2 minutes of the video is largely a tutorial on the method and products the video producer uses to shine shoes, but the remaining 9+ minutes is a pretty good review of the Bridlen make, covering most relevant points. And frankly, they do past the eyeball test with classic styles, and the more classic lasts that I prefer.

The video focuses on two ranges; one selling for the mid $200's and the top of the make in the low $300's. These ranges employ a 360 welt like Allen Edmonds. I know many love these, though I personally may prefer a more conventional 3/4 welt. The work looks very fine for the prices, and what may impress me most is that use Annonay calf for their uppers, which is a premium quality hide.

Below are the video and the makers website. Take a look, and I'd be interested in learning your impression. As always, I have no involvement with any of these firms.

https://bridlen.com/

 

[StephenRG]

Several days ago I cam across a sartorial video from a firm that offers shoe care products and patination of client's shoes. They demonstrate this on a make I'd never heard of; Bridlen. Bridlen shoes are designed in Japan and made in India, and targets a wide range of different price markets of men's shoes, intending to offer good quality at more attractive prices.

I checked out Bridlen shoes. They do not appear to have heard of narrow feet.

 

[Flanderian]

I checked out Bridlen shoes. They do not appear to have heard of narrow feet.

Who has narrow feet?

I'm fortunate in being a pretty standard U.S. D, with most makes accommodating me well. What's your width? And have you actually tried on any of these?

Pity I have too many shoes. They really use very nice materials for these prices such as Stead calf suede and Annonay box calf. And the workmanship appears solid as well. While I know photos can be deceiving, I'd suggest they're likely the quality leader at the various prices for their lines.

 

[eagle2250]

Who has narrow feet?

I'm fortunate in being a pretty standard U.S. D, with most makes accommodating me well. What's your width? And have you actually tried on any of these?

Pity I have too many shoes. They really use very nice materials for these prices such as Stead calf suede and Annonay box calf. And the workmanship appears solid as well. While I know photos can be deceiving, I'd suggest they're likely the quality leader at the various prices for their lines.

View attachment 61217

Alas, it is a pity, but I fear I too may have purchased my last new pair of shoes, as well. Although, every time I get a new email from Lucchese, I start to hyperventilate! I guess we will just have to wait and see. LOL.

 

[JLibourel]

"Who has narrow feet?" My brother-in-law, for one. Poor bastard takes a size 17AA shoe! And yeah, you read it right: 17AA.

When I was young, many shoe lines ended with size 12. I'm glad I ended up with a 13D foot, shoddings for which are, of course, readily available.

 

[Flanderian]

"Who has narrow feet?" My brother-in-law, for one. Poor bastard takes a size 17AA shoe! And yeah, you read it right: 17AA.

When I was young, many shoe lines ended with size 12. I'm glad I ended up with a 13D foot, shoddings for which are, of course, readily available.

At least he gets to save a lot of money on skis!