Vass RTW Shoes

[TVD]

Have one pair of Reiter boots: Juchtenleder, rubber sole on a leather frame. A rugged winter shoe, although for a boot, the last is quite elegant. I do not know whether they offer different lasts, but most of their shoes appear considerably more rustic than mine.

Quality is nowhere near JL Paris (the only RTW manufacturer I have recently bought from). And yes, they were initially killing my feet, unti they adjusted (the feet, not the shoes).

But what shall one do when facing salty slush in winter.

[aportnoy]

Having fairly deep experience with Vass, EG, JL and C&J handgrades, I am quite comfortable saying that Vass is quite easily their equal, perhaps even superior. To pigeon-hole Vass as inelegant or rakish is wholly unfounded. They have different lasts to suit different tastes and purposes. The U, P2 and F lasts are quite dashing to my eye while the more traditional lasts are just that, traditional. Whatever the last, Vass shoes are beautifully constructed and exceptionally comfortable (for my foot at least).

[uppercase]

They make some very nice looking shoes from what I can tell from their site.

Who sells Vass in London?

[BenedictSpinola]

They make some very nice looking shoes from what I can tell from their site.

Who sells Vass in London?

Nobody, to my knowledge.

[Concordia]

You could fly to Budapest and save the overhead they would have been paying on Bond Street.

[aportnoy]

You could fly to Budapest and save the overhead they would have been paying on Bond Street.

There are also several sellers in Germany and Austria who will happily ship to the US and I'm sure the UK too.

[Arpey]

What are your opinions of these shoes? In a group of forumers steeped in the tradition of fine British shoes, how would you evaluate these U-last Vass shoes in terms of style. In this respect, how do they compare with EG and JLobb RTW shoes?

Personally, I lust for the U-lasted Brown Suede Cap Toe.

Suedes are rakish shoes to begin with but I find the English ones stodgy in comparison to the Vass. Having recently purchased Vass’ book, I am in the process of convincing the wife to take an overnight side trip from Vienna to Budapest, (a couple hour ride by train), to hopefully buy a pair.

On a side note, I have written Gabor about retailers and prices but he has not responded. Does anyone have leads?

[AlexanderKabbaz]

In the United States it is only Bergdorf. Gabor is working to bring on more outlets, but for now that is your only option.

[Arpey]

In the United States it is only Bergdorf. Gabor is working to bring on more outlets, but for now that is your only option.

What about Western Europe, and France in particular?

[Richard3]

What about Western Europe, and France in particular?

In case you haven`t seen my post:

The AAAC topic also raised my interest in Vass shoes and they`ll defintely be my next pair to buy. Reasearching on the Internet I found a German seller who also delivers to the US. They only have a few pairs on their website but they told me they could deliver any model on any last:

Just click "KONTAKT" if you want further information:

http://www.budapester-schuhe.de/index.p ... ee&PAGE=17

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[TVD]

Well, the webside of the German importer states that they only stock the traditional "Budapester" models, and only the odd sample of other lasts. It seems that Vass's more elegant shoes are a rare breed indeed.

[Arpey]

In case you haven`t seen my post:

Thanks, but I have an aversion buying shoes built on an unknown fitting last sight unseen. Do you know of anyretailers in Paris where I could see, sit, and try on a pair of Vass'?

[Richard3]

Well, the webside of the German importer states that they only stock the traditional "Budapester" models, and only the odd sample of other lasts. It seems that Vass's more elegant shoes are a rare breed indeed.

I contacted them per phone and they told me that they have shoes on different lasts in their shop and can order every model on every last. They even sent me a beautiful online catalogue.

[SouthPender]

Having fairly deep experience with Vass, EG, JL and C&J handgrades, I am quite comfortable saying that Vass is quite easily their equal, perhaps even superior. To pigeon-hole Vass as inelegant or rakish is wholly unfounded. They have different lasts to suit different tastes and purposes. The U, P2 and F lasts are quite dashing to my eye while the more traditional lasts are just that, traditional. Whatever the last, Vass shoes are beautifully constructed and exceptionally comfortable (for my foot at least).

Aportnoy, where can we see examples of the new F last--either a picture of the last itself (which are provided for some of the other lasts) or, more probably and better, shoes made on it?

[aportnoy]

Having fairly deep experience with Vass, EG, JL and C&J handgrades, I am quite comfortable saying that Vass is quite easily their equal, perhaps even superior. To pigeon-hole Vass as inelegant or rakish is wholly unfounded. They have different lasts to suit different tastes and purposes. The U, P2 and F lasts are quite dashing to my eye while the more traditional lasts are just that, traditional. Whatever the last, Vass shoes are beautifully constructed and exceptionally comfortable (for my foot at least).

Aportnoy, where can we see examples of the new F last--either a picture of the last itself (which are provided for some of the other lasts) or, more probably and better, shoes made on it?

Happy to oblige SouthPender

Here are some glorious wingtip boots on the F last courtesy of J. Cusey: