Real Men Real Style Since i had a pair of *Alessandro Démesure* bought for me by an Italian couple, i can no longer look much past *Italian shoes!* The lace-up shoes made from a single piece of leather, using the Blake stitch are just exquisite and have gained me many compliments. P.S. Keep up the awesome job you're doing... Because life's too short not to be stylish!
Italy as a way of lifestyle and a quality which is simply on another level when it comes to clothes and food. No one can compete with Italy on these two businesses.
this is not true. You are making the mistake of thinking at Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada ecc. But italy is MUCH MUCH MORE than that tiny little fraction. The vast majority of italian style is NOT AT ALL in those brands. Go in Florence, Rome or even Parma, Bologna, Verona, Trento, and you will find artisanal shop and super fine tailors that do the REAL italian style. If you think GUCCI or else is really representative of the italian style you are almost completely wrong. Gucci in Italy is very expensive too. But go in italian shops and you will find lots of incredible things of much better quality than Gucci at a super lower price.
The Italians have an incredible flair for design. Everything they do is with elegance. Not just clothes and food, but eyeglasses, cars, motorcycles, architecture, anything they do just has to be beautiful or they won't do it.
When it comes to fashion and more forward styles, it's hands down Italian. Should you desire a more reserved style, it is in the US / British corner. Depending on the look I desire for the day, will dictate whether I choose Italian or British as I do not currently have any US shoes. Either way your look and style are a personal choice.
Nice job, Antonio. My grandfather was a sicilian shoemaker and went to New York to make it. Shoes are part of my life. That is why I love them and take care.
I think it depends on the person. For me, I weigh 265 lbs with broad shoulders and a stocky build throughout. Italian shoes and Italian clothes were never made for my body type. They were made for slimmer men (in every sense) and when you don't fit that mold, they just don't work for you. With American products, they are designed around having a bit of muscle/fat/bone structure. So, like I said, to each their own but the Italian styles look good on those it was designed for.
I absolutely loved this video. Great job working humor into it and loved the "boxing match" scenerio. Personally, I love Italian dress shoes, but that's mostly due to appearance, which I've found comes at a cost of slightly inferior durability. In general, I prefer American or English dress shoes just because they generally last a bit longer with the same amount of care given to them. Again, great video, and thank you very much.
Real Men Real Style Various grades of calf skin, properties of the cordovan leather, steelshank of the american style. Seems silly, but I usually feel I neglect these points while focusing the most on the welt and style of the shoe. Will try to do better now! :)
You mean English shoes ;). Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland aren't well known for their heritage of shoe making. Plenty of other things but no, English shoes, mostly from Northampton.
When it comes to style italian shoes are second to none. It comes from their culture whether it's cars like Ferrari, lambo or clothes from Versace, Armani or furniture design, shoes or anything really, they all look like a piece of art. When it comes to smart practical and durability then it is the brits follower by american
Top-tier Italians will use goodyear welting as well (or hand-welting, e.g. bonafe, meccariello), so it's not really a draw. Sorry, acemarks doesn't quite qualify. Overall though, based on all the brands available and overall craftmanship, British probably edges out both Italian and American. And then there's the Japanese ...
You gotta love the guy. He knows his shit and knows how to make it fun. Im born and raised in Naples Italy ( tailors family ) and this guys knows style.
"Shoes that are stitched together are simply going to hold together longer and they can be resold. That's a big one!" Wow! So there's a pre-owned market for quality shoes? Oh, RESOLED.
Jake is 100% correct. In the realm of boots, America beats Italy handily. That isn't to say there aren't Italian cobblers that can make boots. Saying across the world, American-made boots are more well known. Then again, I only own 3 pairs of shoes, I wear boots more often day-to-day. The practicality, the reliability, and the confidence will always be higher in a pair of boots than slipping around in a pair of dress shoes.
i hardly doubt you own any real Italian shoes. There is no comparison on any kind of realm. Unless you want to consider how cheap and style-less they look as a factor
You "hardly doubt" or highly doubt? Might look into Grammerly or something because what you said and what you probably meant to say are complete opposites. I have owned Italian handmade shoes, I lived 45min outside of Rome for almost a year, and one of the first things I did was do the cliche get a custom-made suit and Italian shoes. It worked fine for the time being, but having came from and going back to Belgium with all the inclement weather. All it takes is one day of getting caught in the rain and the water is seeping through the soles and getting your socks and feet wet....been there, done that. The fashion and comfort is there, but not once wet. The practicality of boots have always served me best being from Upper Michigan and then living in Northern Europe for quite a while. Most that wear boots, wear them for a reason because the reality is that you can't get anything done in a pair of Italian shoes aside from going out to eat, shopping etc. You're not going to want to change a flat. You're not going to want to take your kid to soccer practice when its 42deg. You're not going to want to walk anywhere where there's water, snow or ice. Basically you're limited to being a prissy metrosexual that can't do a whole lot of much except look good. Also, even walking around a city like Rome is a bad idea in a pair of Italian-made dress shoes. You'll destroy them, or kill your feet, or both.
Very informative. Great video Antonio!! I am just following you for 2 weeks since I decided to change my wear style. Your advices are helping me a lot.
Please try to get a hold to Meermin shoes. They are well made shoes! I have three pairs of Allen Edmonds and one pair of Meermin and the latter's built quality seem on par with the former.
Nice comparison video.I have never rated America when it comes to formal leather shoe making as much as their boot making which is excellent.Maybe my bias is coming from having roots in the manufactering shoe capital of England. If one tries to be objective -CHURCH make the best leather shoes from the UK and Grenson comes 2nd. Out of all the 3 nations, Berluti's Italian heritage still tops it for style -wise
I had a pair of Ferragamo dress shoes. Very nice to look at but we're uncomfortable for me. I gave them to a Greek friend. He loved them. My feet feel better in Church's shoes and Sperry canvas shoes Thank you for the video
Hi Antonio, I wonder if you've made a video already or are planning to make one JUST on shoe maintenance. Thing I wanna learn about are: 1. Disinfecting and deodorizing the inside of dress boots or dress shoes --> only cuz I dont wanna introduce any strange chemicals that I don't know about 2. Any tips and products on properly cleaning the exterior...like how to tell which Protectant sprays or leather cleaners suit best and don't discolor your shoes BTW great video and it's helping me piece together how to best update my wardrobe!
Hey Antonio. Good light hearted video. I find it interesting to see the amount of polarized comments. As with my suits I like to mix it up, I have mine made because I like certain aspects of the American, English and Italian suit styles. Shoes are the same. While I have a couple of pairs made by Jose Luis Rocha (Latino/American influence), and boots by Sendra, I also have six pairs made by a company called Mr. Angel Shoes, designed by an Italian guy here in Australia, but made in Florida. But don't count out that I love my faithful pair of Dr. Martin's Cherry Reds! Now I'm in love with a couple of styles from Paul Evans. Nice!
I have a couple pair of Mezlan (Spanish) oxford style shoes that I really like. I also have a pair of Allen Edmonds (American) tassel loafers. I bought all three pair more than ten years ago. I am 70, they will last me the rest of my life and look good while serving me well.
I've owned Italian, British, and American shoes. The American(Alden, Allen Edmunds, Raincourt, and old ET Wright) and British(Churchs) shoes were durable and repairable. The Italian shoes look, but the durability wasn't there.
Fred Calabrese AE for the win! The Independence collection is my favorite. I rock my black Jefferson 2.0’s 2 days out of the week. Have a few other pairs of AEs and a pair of AE boots too. Can’t do better when buying American in my opinion.
I know people from other countries, including Italy and UK, who prefer AE. It's a hard to beat AE for the price; this is especially apparent if you have narrow or very wide feet. Most of my shoes were purchased when I was considerably heavier; these shoes are now too wide, and some (the less roubust ones) are unusable. I passed the AEs to someone who can wear them.
Antonio you need to check the portuguese shoes, some years ago many italian and british shoes were secretly made in Portugal but now the portuguese shoe industry is known worldwide by it's quality and style while the price is highly competitive.
A draw on goodyear welt vs. blake stitch!?!?!? Come on, let's be honest here, goodyear welt is superior and so are American and British shoes vs Italian. Also, that Allen Edmonds shoe pictured and is calfskin and not cow hide. I love your videos but this turned into an Acemark commercial. I'd take ANY shoe out of the Allen Edmonds, Alden or Crockett and Jones site over Acemarks everyday. I just do not like Acemarks designs and profiles. The Strand and McCallister are much better designs compared to the Acemarks wingtip brogues. Just MY opinion though.
Thank you. I don't actually like Italian shoes. The lasts (especially for loafers) are just too... weird. Too pointy. I much prefer the American and British shoes and lasts. Most timeless designs (in general) come out from the Yanks and Tommies. Italian stuff is so fetishised nowadays, it's rubbish.
Goodyear welt is more durable, and is great. However Blake rapid is not worse just different. Blake rapid allows shoes to be lighter, softer, and yes less durable. Italians are all about style and freedom, so yes Goodyear welt shoes will last longer but Italian Blake rapid are usually more stylish and lighter. Each to is own.
Haha, awesome fun video Antonio!! The "Leather Grade" info was the most useful thing I learned from this video!! Its too bad you don't have the graphic about the different Leather Grades included in your article b/c its a very efficient way to communicate that information. Thank You for sharing your Knowledge!! As for Ace Marks, I took a look at their current KickStarter Campaign and I'm excited about their Henry Monkstrap w/ the Patina option. It looks absolutely phenomenal -- too bad I will need to wait ~6x months to get it!!
I don't have a preference , but the shoes should be comfortable and last. Lasting with the way I walk, fast and I live in surroundings where shoes wear fast, Seldom they last me more than a year.I think it also depends different shoes for different occasions. When outdoors you need different kind of shoes, more practical and sturdy then when you go out.
This comparison is odd. You are basically comparing one specific shoe from one specific brand to another, rather than comparing the general characteristics that distinguish italian shoes from americans such as style etc. This is not to mention to the big plug for Ace Marks to the point of equating blake stitching with goodyear welt...
I am Dutch and we have Van Bommel shoes. Top quality and high durability but no style. They look tacky and slow. I prefer ITALIAN shoes. Want them, love them, buy them😀😀😀😀 a lot!!!
Man, Antonio, about to bust out of that suit jacket. Maybe a video idea on how to get things tailored that are a little too small. Of things that can’t be tailored that way.
Lol, that was silly, fun, but most of all, quite informative. I guess, since I don't need shoes for anything but walking in fair climates, I'd go with the Italian shoes.
Wow. I love your videos normally. However Allen Edmonds uppers are calf skin. Not cow hide. Also is the stitching blake or blake rapid. The major difference is that it is very difficult to repair a blake stitch shoe because you need a blake machine. Many cobblers don't have these. However a Blake rapid is a combination of the 2 and can be repaired by most cobblers. So these are important points. Honestly generally speaking a goodyear welt is better, though not always. I just am calling bias on this one.l because ace marks is a sponser. I would pick the legacy, history amd customer service of Allen Edmonds over a newer startup which has not proven itself yet.
Seppi Luthold especially consider you can purchase many of the styles from Allen Edmonds around $200-250 on a good day, sometimes less depending on the clearance or sale.
Great video Antonio. Fun and informative. Have you made a video on how to properly take care of shoes. I am confused with so many shoe products, when to use them and on what types of leather. Thanks.
I just received my kick starter ace marks. I'm very happy, however, you get what you pay for. Their was some blemishes in the leather and the suede looked like it had moth bites in it. Some discoloration but other then that for the price their great.
I will take Goodyear Welt over Blake stitch...durability outranks style...Italians shoes sacrifice style over durability...Italian shoe are more stylish...but the durability trade off is not worth the style trade off between the two!
That was a fun video, Antonio. I loved the humor. I learned alot today. For one thing, I didn't realize about the grading for shoes. I'm curious, can you please do a video on clothes sizing? I went into a store to buy a nice shirt. Instead of finding size "large", I found a bunch of numbers. It confused me.
Jp Jp Was it like 16/34-35? If so, most use this for neck size and sleeve length. How big the shoulders, chest and waist are is based on the brand and the fit aka slim, tailored, classic etc.
bontoni is one of the few RTW good italian shoes that uses goodyear welted. that being said. john lobb/gaziano.and girling/edward green/Crockett and jones are way better build than anu italian shoe. but like i said the bontoni has for me an amazing designed shoes that some are perfect for me
I normally enjoy RMRS videos because they are straight forward and informative. This video gets a little campy, being promoted as a "fight". Think you'd be more effective with less theatrics. Nothing personal - still a fan!
I can't wait until I'm in a financial situation where a pair of shoes like these are a good and obtainable investment. Do you have any reccomendations for men with plus size shoes? Mine run 14-15 in US sizes. Thanks! Great video!
Hey Antonio, I got the same blue suede Luke´s from the latest Kickstarter campaign :D :D They will arrive any day now. I can´t wait! They´re soo beautiful.
Italian shoes besides Lattanzi, Bemer, Bontoni and maybe Santoni. Blake is favored over Goodyear often. But most Italian shoes you think of are from the high end fashion houses that spend too much in marketing. If you think Versace and Armani makes good shoes I suggest reading "Hand Made Shoes" by Lazslo Vass. France makes shoes more along the lines of what most would think a Italian shoe is; colorful patinas and modern cuts.. Aubercy and Corthay come to mind. English shoes (My preference) maybe more conservative, long history, very well made. All the gold standards in which shoes are compared to are mostly British; Lobb, EG, GG, Anthony Cleverley etc. America is the runt of the litter. I think Alden is the best US has to offer unless some small boutique stores popped up like in Japan. Nobody "Needs" a $1000+ shoe. The same as not "Needing" a Rolex or Rolls. So if you dont have that itch I always recommend people to check out Meermin for the price it cant be beat. A little step up would be Septieme Largeur. But a lot of Sutor Mantellassi (blue sole) can be picked up on eBay for like 70% off its retail.
Historically I've been an avid buyer of Ferragamo and Bally ( especially bcuz of availability of extra wide widths, I'm a 8.5 ee). But last yr I "went rogue" and tried a pair of Allen Edmunds saddle tan classic toe lace ups I ordered online. As soon as I looked at the shoes after they arrived at my house, I noticed the burnishing between the shoes was very uneven. The right and left shoe looked mismatched as a result. I was very disappointed considering they cost almost $400. I sent them back for a full refund. I think I'll stick with Ferragamo and Bally......
So I'm really stuck and need advice! My husband needs a dress shoe that can work with his dress pants/dress shirt and blazer. He wears a bit of a mix and match type items and sometimes wears a tie. The problem he has is has to fly and only wants to travel with a carry on suit case. He walks for long periods through the airport so it must be comfortable, not too flat, nice cushion, light weight and breathable Stylish and affordable! Praying I kind find something around 200 bucks or less but I might be dreaming! What shoes should he buy and what color?
Although the mix of colours and suede and leather in one of the shoes you showed in the video is interesting and different (though not that to my taste) some of the British shoemakers are really doing new things with shoes, using traditional methods but upping the style massively. Loake styles have got a lot more interesting of late and for really "out there" originality and superb styling check Jeffery West shoes
Personally I love British and American shoes but to me its more about being cordavan, goodyear welted, reacraftable, durable for tough weather, and beautiful so whoever makes that kind of shoe is aces in my book.
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American vs Italian - which shoe style is your favorite?
Real Men Real Style obviously Italian
That was a great video!
Thank you Allama! Which style do you prefer?
I like Italian! Also I think you should do a video about the different types of leather quality and grades, that would be very interesting👍
Real Men Real Style
Since i had a pair of *Alessandro Démesure* bought for me by an Italian couple, i can no longer look much past *Italian shoes!*
The lace-up shoes made from a single piece of leather, using the Blake stitch are just exquisite and have gained me many compliments.
P.S.
Keep up the awesome job you're doing...
Because life's too short not to be stylish!
Italy just has it in the DNA. Great video Antonio 💪
Boys play with action figures, Antonio plays with dress shoes.
That's because Antonio has already kicked ass as a US Marine. They don't get any tougher
Italy as a way of lifestyle and a quality which is simply on another level when it comes to clothes and food. No one can compete with Italy on these two businesses.
Good point.
ı think in food they can however style bussines thats italian thing
this is not true.
You are making the mistake of thinking at Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada ecc.
But italy is MUCH MUCH MORE than that tiny little fraction. The vast majority of italian style is NOT AT ALL in those brands. Go in Florence, Rome or even Parma, Bologna, Verona, Trento, and you will find artisanal shop and super fine tailors that do the REAL italian style.
If you think GUCCI or else is really representative of the italian style you are almost completely wrong.
Gucci in Italy is very expensive too.
But go in italian shops and you will find lots of incredible things of much better quality than Gucci at a super lower price.
Thank you very much for these compliment, my friend.
The Italians have an incredible flair for design. Everything they do is with elegance. Not just clothes and food, but eyeglasses, cars, motorcycles, architecture, anything they do just has to be beautiful or they won't do it.
When it comes to fashion and more forward styles, it's hands down Italian. Should you desire a more reserved style, it is in the US / British corner. Depending on the look I desire for the day, will dictate whether I choose Italian or British as I do not currently have any US shoes. Either way your look and style are a personal choice.
Nice job, Antonio. My grandfather was a sicilian shoemaker and went to New York to make it. Shoes are part of my life. That is why I love them and take care.
I like both styles but honesty, Italians have a better style.
I think it depends on the person. For me, I weigh 265 lbs with broad shoulders and a stocky build throughout. Italian shoes and Italian clothes were never made for my body type. They were made for slimmer men (in every sense) and when you don't fit that mold, they just don't work for you. With American products, they are designed around having a bit of muscle/fat/bone structure. So, like I said, to each their own but the Italian styles look good on those it was designed for.
Kodjo Dagba slightly.
Italians have a more exotic and flamboyant style, US/British shoes are more conservative. I prefer the more conservative style.
I absolutely loved this video. Great job working humor into it and loved the "boxing match" scenerio. Personally, I love Italian dress shoes, but that's mostly due to appearance, which I've found comes at a cost of slightly inferior durability. In general, I prefer American or English dress shoes just because they generally last a bit longer with the same amount of care given to them. Again, great video, and thank you very much.
"No scuffing below the *-belt-* *welt* ."
Fixed it for yah.
This video had a really fun twist.
Since I have tried Italian-style shoes (courtesy of Ace Marks), there is no going back.
Absolutely!
It is hard to be educated and entertained at a hospital, but you sir made it possible! Great video!
Hey Konrad - Great seeing you here again! Which point hit you the most?
Real Men Real Style Various grades of calf skin, properties of the cordovan leather, steelshank of the american style. Seems silly, but I usually feel I neglect these points while focusing the most on the welt and style of the shoe. Will try to do better now! :)
British shoes are incredibly awesome as well
You mean English shoes ;). Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland aren't well known for their heritage of shoe making. Plenty of other things but no, English shoes, mostly from Northampton.
To be honest I love Italian sheos so much specially the classic sheos
When it comes to style italian shoes are second to none. It comes from their culture whether it's cars like Ferrari, lambo or clothes from Versace, Armani or furniture design, shoes or anything really, they all look like a piece of art.
When it comes to smart practical and durability then it is the brits follower by american
Italians are the best when it comes to Fashion 👞👢👟👖👕👗👜👚
Even as an American I'd have to agree that Italy makes the best shoes. hands down.
Next: British vs italian suit
You've probably missed it. Filmed it a year ago :) www.realmenrealstyle.com/british-italian-american-suits/
I side with the British. But both are great suits, it’s just a matter of taste.
Top-tier Italians will use goodyear welting as well (or hand-welting, e.g. bonafe, meccariello), so it's not really a draw. Sorry, acemarks doesn't quite qualify. Overall though, based on all the brands available and overall craftmanship, British probably edges out both Italian and American. And then there's the Japanese ...
You gotta love the guy. He knows his shit and knows how to make it fun. Im born and raised in Naples Italy ( tailors family ) and this guys knows style.
All of them are nice, especially the Italian style 😍
"Shoes that are stitched together are simply going to hold together longer and they can be resold. That's a big one!"
Wow! So there's a pre-owned market for quality shoes?
Oh, RESOLED.
Going with USA, particularly for AE shoes. They fit wonderfully, elegant and timeless styles and durable. Great customer service and made in America.
This video is very informative as well as entertaining.Great video. Thanks.
We'll have more coming :) Watch out for it.
I love this man's knowledge and choice of shoes.
Thank you Jimit!
The Italians are 100% better shoemakers than the Americans. The British are also exceptional show makers.
America may not make the most stylish dress shoes, but American shoes (and more importantly work boots) are built to last.
English too - Loakes make very good quality shoes which are also stylish
Jake is 100% correct. In the realm of boots, America beats Italy handily. That isn't to say there aren't Italian cobblers that can make boots. Saying across the world, American-made boots are more well known.
Then again, I only own 3 pairs of shoes, I wear boots more often day-to-day. The practicality, the reliability, and the confidence will always be higher in a pair of boots than slipping around in a pair of dress shoes.
i hardly doubt you own any real Italian shoes. There is no comparison on any kind of realm. Unless you want to consider how cheap and style-less they look as a factor
You "hardly doubt" or highly doubt? Might look into Grammerly or something because what you said and what you probably meant to say are complete opposites.
I have owned Italian handmade shoes, I lived 45min outside of Rome for almost a year, and one of the first things I did was do the cliche get a custom-made suit and Italian shoes. It worked fine for the time being, but having came from and going back to Belgium with all the inclement weather. All it takes is one day of getting caught in the rain and the water is seeping through the soles and getting your socks and feet wet....been there, done that. The fashion and comfort is there, but not once wet. The practicality of boots have always served me best being from Upper Michigan and then living in Northern Europe for quite a while. Most that wear boots, wear them for a reason because the reality is that you can't get anything done in a pair of Italian shoes aside from going out to eat, shopping etc. You're not going to want to change a flat. You're not going to want to take your kid to soccer practice when its 42deg. You're not going to want to walk anywhere where there's water, snow or ice. Basically you're limited to being a prissy metrosexual that can't do a whole lot of much except look good. Also, even walking around a city like Rome is a bad idea in a pair of Italian-made dress shoes. You'll destroy them, or kill your feet, or both.
I've Italian double monkstarp dress shoes it's really badass
Very informative.
Great video Antonio!!
I am just following you for 2 weeks since I decided to change my wear style. Your advices are helping me a lot.
Please try to get a hold to Meermin shoes. They are well made shoes! I have three pairs of Allen Edmonds and one pair of Meermin and the latter's built quality seem on par with the former.
Nice comparison video.I have never rated America when it comes to formal leather shoe making as much as their boot making which is excellent.Maybe my bias is coming from having roots in the manufactering shoe capital of England. If one tries to be objective -CHURCH make the best leather shoes from the UK and Grenson comes 2nd. Out of all the 3 nations, Berluti's Italian heritage still tops it for style -wise
I only take my italian shoes when its sunny outside.
For sure, Italia shoes the best !
I had a pair of Ferragamo dress shoes. Very nice to look at but we're uncomfortable for me. I gave them to a Greek friend. He loved them. My feet feel better in Church's shoes and Sperry canvas shoes Thank you for the video
Italian hands down. I’d put English shoes in second place and American shoes in a distended third in all categories!
Hi Antonio, I wonder if you've made a video already or are planning to make one JUST on shoe maintenance. Thing I wanna learn about are:
1. Disinfecting and deodorizing the inside of dress boots or dress shoes --> only cuz I dont wanna introduce any strange chemicals that I don't know about
2. Any tips and products on properly cleaning the exterior...like how to tell which Protectant sprays or leather cleaners suit best and don't discolor your shoes
BTW great video and it's helping me piece together how to best update my wardrobe!
Hey Antonio. Good light hearted video. I find it interesting to see the amount of polarized comments. As with my suits I like to mix it up, I have mine made because I like certain aspects of the American, English and Italian suit styles. Shoes are the same. While I have a couple of pairs made by Jose Luis Rocha (Latino/American influence), and boots by Sendra, I also have six pairs made by a company called Mr. Angel Shoes, designed by an Italian guy here in Australia, but made in Florida. But don't count out that I love my faithful pair of Dr. Martin's Cherry Reds! Now I'm in love with a couple of styles from Paul Evans. Nice!
I have a couple pair of Mezlan (Spanish) oxford style shoes that I really like. I also have a pair of Allen Edmonds (American) tassel loafers. I bought all three pair more than ten years ago. I am 70, they will last me the rest of my life and look good while serving me well.
I've owned Italian, British, and American shoes. The American(Alden, Allen Edmunds, Raincourt, and old ET Wright) and British(Churchs) shoes were durable and repairable. The Italian shoes look, but the durability wasn't there.
I am currently wearing that make, model and color @ 9:26 it's the Allen Edmunds MacNeil in Dark Chili.
Fred Calabrese AE for the win! The Independence collection is my favorite. I rock my black Jefferson 2.0’s 2 days out of the week. Have a few other pairs of AEs and a pair of AE boots too. Can’t do better when buying American in my opinion.
I know people from other countries, including Italy and UK, who prefer AE. It's a hard to beat AE for the price; this is especially apparent if you have narrow or very wide feet. Most of my shoes were purchased when I was considerably heavier; these shoes are now too wide, and some (the less roubust ones) are unusable. I passed the AEs to someone who can wear them.
Unexpected format.
But enjoyed regardless.
Glad to hear that. Which shoe style is better?
Real Men Real Style
Personally, I always loved the Italians shoes. The only American shoe I have is the Chuka boot.
Santoni
Amazing video Antonio. Obviously Italian are the better one in my opinion. Elegant and useful.
Indeed. Elegant and useful are the words to describe Italian shoes.
Antonio you need to check the portuguese shoes, some years ago many italian and british shoes were secretly made in Portugal but now the portuguese shoe industry is known worldwide by it's quality and style while the price is highly competitive.
I go with Italian suits and American shoes tbh
Proud of being italian!
How you choose the italian made , i am shocked but relieved.. hats off to you
A draw on goodyear welt vs. blake stitch!?!?!? Come on, let's be honest here, goodyear welt is superior and so are American and British shoes vs Italian. Also, that Allen Edmonds shoe pictured and is calfskin and not cow hide. I love your videos but this turned into an Acemark commercial. I'd take ANY shoe out of the Allen Edmonds, Alden or Crockett and Jones site over Acemarks everyday. I just do not like Acemarks designs and profiles. The Strand and McCallister are much better designs compared to the Acemarks wingtip brogues. Just MY opinion though.
I love Antonio's videos but I agree with you...
J SKI, I agree with you 100%.
Thank you. I don't actually like Italian shoes. The lasts (especially for loafers) are just too... weird. Too pointy. I much prefer the American and British shoes and lasts. Most timeless designs (in general) come out from the Yanks and Tommies. Italian stuff is so fetishised nowadays, it's rubbish.
Goodyear welt is more durable, and is great. However Blake rapid is not worse just different. Blake rapid allows shoes to be lighter, softer, and yes less durable. Italians are all about style and freedom, so yes Goodyear welt shoes will last longer but Italian Blake rapid are usually more stylish and lighter. Each to is own.
Great content.
Good animations.
Good energy.
Love it.
Thank you sir!
Great video. Super informational👌🏼
The only thing missing in this video would be a summarizing chart at the end showing which shoes won which round
I like your channel, they are fun to watch and learn a lot.
One of your best videos very informative .
Haha, awesome fun video Antonio!! The "Leather Grade" info was the most useful thing I learned from this video!! Its too bad you don't have the graphic about the different Leather Grades included in your article b/c its a very efficient way to communicate that information. Thank You for sharing your Knowledge!!
As for Ace Marks, I took a look at their current KickStarter Campaign and I'm excited about their Henry Monkstrap w/ the Patina option. It looks absolutely phenomenal -- too bad I will need to wait ~6x months to get it!!
I don't have a preference , but the shoes should be comfortable and last. Lasting with the way I walk, fast and I live in surroundings where shoes wear fast, Seldom they last me more than a year.I think it also depends different shoes for different occasions. When outdoors you need different kind of shoes, more practical and sturdy then when you go out.
Well done. You provide insightful content, and a couple laughs too.
I really appreciated this battle video, very funny to watch :)
This comparison is odd. You are basically comparing one specific shoe from one specific brand to another, rather than comparing the general characteristics that distinguish italian shoes from americans such as style etc. This is not to mention to the big plug for Ace Marks to the point of equating blake stitching with goodyear welt...
I am Dutch and we have Van Bommel shoes. Top quality and high durability but no style. They look tacky and slow. I prefer ITALIAN shoes. Want them, love them, buy them😀😀😀😀 a lot!!!
Man, Antonio, about to bust out of that suit jacket. Maybe a video idea on how to get things tailored that are a little too small. Of things that can’t be tailored that way.
Lol, that was silly, fun, but most of all, quite informative. I guess, since I don't need shoes for anything but walking in fair climates, I'd go with the Italian shoes.
Wow. I love your videos normally. However Allen Edmonds uppers are calf skin. Not cow hide. Also is the stitching blake or blake rapid. The major difference is that it is very difficult to repair a blake stitch shoe because you need a blake machine. Many cobblers don't have these. However a Blake rapid is a combination of the 2 and can be repaired by most cobblers. So these are important points. Honestly generally speaking a goodyear welt is better, though not always. I just am calling bias on this one.l because ace marks is a sponser. I would pick the legacy, history amd customer service of Allen Edmonds over a newer startup which has not proven itself yet.
Seppi Luthold especially consider you can purchase many of the styles from Allen Edmonds around $200-250 on a good day, sometimes less depending on the clearance or sale.
Great video Antonio. Fun and informative. Have you made a video on how to properly take care of shoes. I am confused with so many shoe products, when to use them and on what types of leather. Thanks.
I just received my kick starter ace marks. I'm very happy, however, you get what you pay for. Their was some blemishes in the leather and the suede looked like it had moth bites in it. Some discoloration but other then that for the price their great.
Conor Neupert Good to know. You should post a loud on the RMRS FB group.
Conor - did you reach out to the Ace marks team about it?
Real Men Real Style No. I figured that it was do to the rough rushed production and their very busy. It takes a while for them to respond.
Conor Neupert howmuch did you pay?
I will take Goodyear Welt over Blake stitch...durability outranks style...Italians shoes sacrifice style over durability...Italian shoe are more stylish...but the durability trade off is not worth the style trade off between the two!
Watch Reviews what it's been a running gag for years that most of the ferraris love like trash... but with the shoes your partially right
I have Italians shoes for over 10 years, and those are fine. So, I don't know what you are talking about ...
I love my Black Medallions from Ace Marks! I'm still waiting on a pair of shoe trees though.
American and (to a greater extent) British shoes for me ALL DAY LONG.
Great video. I like the style of the Italian shoes. SHARP.!!! But support my fellow country men an women.
That was a fun video, Antonio. I loved the humor.
I learned alot today. For one thing, I didn't realize about the grading for shoes.
I'm curious, can you please do a video on clothes sizing? I went into a store to buy a nice shirt. Instead of finding size "large", I found a bunch of numbers. It confused me.
Jp Jp Was it like 16/34-35? If so, most use this for neck size and sleeve length. How big the shoulders, chest and waist are is based on the brand and the fit aka slim, tailored, classic etc.
JpJp - I know what you mean. Check it out: www.realmenrealstyle.com/clothing-sizes-confusing/
Real Men Real Style
Thank you.
Nice video! I am Italian, so the result of the fight is fair! Hahah it was really fun and relaxing to watch this, well done ;)
Good to be light hearted...ONCE IN AWHILE. (Too often and you just seem silly). I think you have a good ratio from what I've seen
ANTONIO!! Loved the video. Great sense of humor along with the funny jokes!
Carlos! Thanks for watching :)
Omg i love the creativity in this video haha!
Amazing and original way of presenting the video really fine job.
Thank you - I had a lot of fun making this one!
bontoni is one of the few RTW good italian shoes that uses goodyear welted. that being said. john lobb/gaziano.and girling/edward green/Crockett and jones are way better build than anu italian shoe. but like i said the bontoni has for me an amazing designed shoes that some are perfect for me
Lol, awesome funny video . It’s great how u added some humor in there.
I normally enjoy RMRS videos because they are straight forward and informative. This video gets a little campy, being promoted as a "fight". Think you'd be more effective with less theatrics. Nothing personal - still a fan!
I own four pairs of Italian made shoes, my oldest pair is five years old....Italian shoe are well made.
PS your videos are the best
Very good video. Fun presentation with a valuable topic. Kudos
I can't wait until I'm in a financial situation where a pair of shoes like these are a good and obtainable investment. Do you have any reccomendations for men with plus size shoes? Mine run 14-15 in US sizes. Thanks! Great video!
Hey Antonio, I got the same blue suede Luke´s from the latest Kickstarter campaign :D :D They will arrive any day now. I can´t wait! They´re soo beautiful.
Nice!
I dont have any of them but the italian kinda good. Btw i laugh insane when u announce the winner on the first round😂😂
Haha!
That was a hilarious intro... Ok, the whole thing was hilarious!
But the best "American" shoes are made in Italy. This is a ridiculous comparison!
He is talking about the style. A US shoe made by US standard is still a US shoe. An Italian shoe made in Greece by Italian standard is Italian.
italy of course
I see the first two rounds Italians won.. But I don't understand those are given tie.
Are nailed sole considered high quality or stitched is better?
Italian shoes besides Lattanzi, Bemer, Bontoni and maybe Santoni. Blake is favored over Goodyear often. But most Italian shoes you think of are from the high end fashion houses that spend too much in marketing. If you think Versace and Armani makes good shoes I suggest reading "Hand Made Shoes" by Lazslo Vass. France makes shoes more along the lines of what most would think a Italian shoe is; colorful patinas and modern cuts.. Aubercy and Corthay come to mind. English shoes (My preference) maybe more conservative, long history, very well made. All the gold standards in which shoes are compared to are mostly British; Lobb, EG, GG, Anthony Cleverley etc. America is the runt of the litter. I think Alden is the best US has to offer unless some small boutique stores popped up like in Japan.
Nobody "Needs" a $1000+ shoe. The same as not "Needing" a Rolex or Rolls. So if you dont have that itch I always recommend people to check out Meermin for the price it cant be beat. A little step up would be Septieme Largeur. But a lot of Sutor Mantellassi (blue sole) can be picked up on eBay for like 70% off its retail.
Great video!! Love it
For me:
Style --- Italian
Comfort--- Draw
Durability --- USA/UK
Historically I've been an avid buyer of Ferragamo and Bally ( especially bcuz of availability of extra wide widths, I'm a 8.5 ee). But last yr I "went rogue" and tried a pair of Allen Edmunds saddle tan classic toe lace ups I ordered online. As soon as I looked at the shoes after they arrived at my house, I noticed the burnishing between the shoes was very uneven. The right and left shoe looked mismatched as a result. I was very disappointed considering they cost almost $400. I sent them back for a full refund. I think I'll stick with Ferragamo and Bally......
I support American businesses, but nothing wrong with other countries.
American shoes look solid and robust, Italian shoes look a bit flimsy, but nonetheless are high quality.
Another great video, Ace Marks makes such stylish shoes!
Thank you :)
So I'm really stuck and need advice! My husband needs a dress shoe that can work with his dress pants/dress shirt and blazer. He wears a bit of a mix and match type items and sometimes wears a tie. The problem he has is has to fly and only wants to travel with a carry on suit case. He walks for long periods through the airport so it must be comfortable, not too flat, nice cushion, light weight and breathable Stylish and affordable! Praying I kind find something around 200 bucks or less but I might be dreaming! What shoes should he buy and what color?
Although the mix of colours and suede and leather in one of the shoes you showed in
the video is interesting and different (though not that to my taste) some of the British shoemakers are really doing new things with shoes, using traditional methods but upping the style massively. Loake styles have got a lot more interesting of late and for really "out there" originality and superb styling check Jeffery West shoes
Great video Antonio! :D
Personally I love British and American shoes but to me its more about being cordavan, goodyear welted, reacraftable, durable for tough weather, and beautiful so whoever makes that kind of shoe is aces in my book.
Concealed infomercial. Great video concept, but then... "Fair" fight, yet with a final winner. Oh, it's the sponsor!
Great video! Can I ask you what brand and model is the american shoe you are holding around min. 6:40? Thanks!
is that suede or nubuck leather on both the chukkas and Italian oxfords?
What are the shoes at the 3:00 mark? I like that style
Great video.