Are Bespoke Shoes From China Good?! Wayman Bespoke Shoe Review
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- Опубликовано: 12 июл 2024
- In this video I review a pair of bespoke shoes made in China for me, by a company called Wayman Bespoke. Technically located in Germany, Wayman Bespoke actually has all of it's bespoke shoes handmade in China. After sending them my measurements, and having a trial shoe sent over, they finally finished my final shoes and so I decided to try them on and give you all my honest opinion.
See more from Wayman Bespoke here: www.waymanbespoke.com/
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Are Bespoke Shoes From China Good?! Wayman Bespoke Shoe Review
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Opening them up
01:21 Total Cost
02:21 Who is Wayman Bespoke?
04:12 First Review
05:30 The Shoe Tree
06:00 Inside the shoe
06:22 The Outsole
06:47 Who are these shoes for?
07:25 More difficult than they think
08:22 Wrong shape?
09:07 Trying them on
12:39 Final thoughts?
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It feels like the word "bespoke" should be banned unless the measurements and the fitting(s) are done in person. Along the lines of "champagne" and "single malt", the word itself should be specified.
EDIT: Thanks for the video and looking forward to the follow-up!
Hi Luka, I actually agree with you. I struggled with finding a fitting name for the program. It is certainly not full bespoke but also more than MTM (we actually make a last from scratch and the shoes are fully customizable). In the end I settles on "remote bespoke" wich I hoped would create its own category without stepping on anyones toes. Still polarizing I guess... but if you want to come to Germany, I am happy to do the measuring and fitting with you in person. Cheers! - Simon
I have a pair from Wayman just like yours but a different color. I agree with everything you said. I understand exactly what your saying in your minor criticisms. All in all, I'm happy with them.
Appreciate the honesty and fairness in the review!
Look forward to the next video in this series. Great content Kirby.
I've been waiting for this one!!!
Great review Kirby. I look forward to the followup
I feel like my life is exactly like the movie Overboard. I love high quality everything, but my reality is grim at best. One day I'll wake up and remember I'm actually the heir to old money. Until then, these videos will have to satisfy me.
Objective review. Looking forward to follow up - thats very fair approach. I had contact with Simon 12 to 18 months ago and he seems genuinely trying to produce good stuff although I didnt order as he was new at the time Good to see he is still around. Bespoke can never really be done remotely so they are MTM really, which is fine as I usually go MTM or MTO.
Very good video. Can't wait to see the in depth review
I think your comment about 2 to 3 shoes is spot on. My first pair of bespoke shoes were good, but not great. But by the third pair, my shoemaker and I were getting in sync and the fit was dramatically different than the first pair.
Amazing review. Thank you!
Very illuminating and honest review. Certainly the price point is a huge draw. When we see the follow up, I’d love to hear not just what you think of this pair compared to ‘heritage’ bespoke shoes-but also similarly priced off the rack shoes. After all $1400 is $1400, and I think it would be helpful to know if you believe the bespoke shoe still competes favorably against high quality factory produced shoes-i.e., does the bespoke difference make itself felt?
Hi John, this is Simon from Wayman Bespoke. Thanks for your comment! I agree with your sentiment. With Wayman Bespoke my goal was never to create something that is completely comparable with traditional bespoke. As Kirby said in the beginning... I wanted to democratize well fitting shoes, as I have been personally struggling with this all my life. Not everyone has the means to A) afford a pair of British/ Italian made bespoke shoes and B) travel there multiple times for the fittings. With the remote process and more accessible pricing (especially if you don't go for the partially machine sewn outsole, which is 250€ less) I think I opened the door for more people while not alienating the customer of traditional bespoke. So yes, in a way my offering caters more toward clients who would usually buy high ende RTW but have difficult feet and are looking for a better construction & finishing.
@@waymanbespoke Simon, thanks for the courtesy of a response-much appreciated. The accessibility you mentioned is not lost on me, far from it. The key seems to lie in getting the measurements right. Is there good instruction and or a video on that? Thanks again-I’ll visit your site.
@@TheGrandPoohPaw you’re absolutely right! This was indeed the most difficult to get right prior to even working with clients. Took me almost 2 1/2 years to get reliable results remotely and to be able to go to market but now things are going quite smoothly especially due to the fitting shoes, which will catch any major errors before it’s too late. Here’s the video: ruclips.net/video/SVTBc21GaYk/видео.html
Asian bespoke shoes tend to be fit people who has the flat feet much better
For me these are way better than factory made shoes like G&G and John lobb
I doubt there are many people who will fit a standard RTW GG better than a MTM/Bespoke shoe like this.
Very Good! I like your content sharing! Look forward to the next video in this series!!!
I am exited to see the follow up. I've been eyeing Wayman Bespoke for a long time. On Simon's Instagram, his shoes are always stunning and is quick to answer your questions when you DM him.
I agree that the shoes are quite a compelling price, but also too expensive to get wrong. However, isn't that the beauty of bespoke though (or more like semi-bespoke)? You can't expect perfection in the beginning, so you make another pair and over time the last is close to perfected.
It's not a Cleverly, Lobb, or certainly a Casey, but the price for someone to have a personalised last and shoe that is fully customisable for ~$1,500-$2,000 is, in my opinion, a steal if you can afford a mto G&G Deco for example.
You’re telling me these Chinese shoes cost $1500? Bespoke or not, that’s ridiculous pricing.
Hi Will, thanks for your comment! What you are saying is exactly my goal with this company. Not to be compared with the big bespoke makers, but to create a niche for well fitting, well made shoes at an accessible (while not cheap) price point. - Simon
@@benjamins7229 Found the racist.
Thanks for video.
Very true statement about "once you have had your last".
I've watched a lot of your videos. Your work is great! Thank you very much for what you are doing. It would be very interesting to see in the future your visit to Turnbull & Asser, Swaine Adeney Brigg and Globe-Trotter (bespoke luggage)!
I appreciate Kirby's honest opinion. I would rather save my money for a year and buy a bespoke Gaziano & Girling, or John Lobb than these Made in China bespoke shoes. I would be happy to spend $5000+ and be 100 % satisfied, than cutting corners and getting a $1400 China shoe and feel like a duped sucker!
And let’s not forget that the British makers will adjust, and if necessary readjust, the shoes after you’ve worn them a few times to remedy any poor fit or discomfort, then tweak and preserve your individual last accordingly so that those changes are recorded for your next shoe. I’d rather save up and get it right , than cut corners and end up with yet another pair I wish I hadn’t bought after all.
Thanks for your comment! I am not trying to compete with these makers. My offering is aimed at people who cannot and don't want to afford 5k plus multiple trips to the UK and want something well made and well fitting for a fraction of the cost. I think me and Lobb have very different customers. Will the shoes be the same as a 5k bespoke shoe - maybe not. But that's also not the goal. I wouldn't say we are cutting corners, but we are simply broadening the market with a remote bespoke option that is a bit more accessible, helping more people into well fitting shoes. - Simon
@@waymanbespoke Do not take these comments to heart. these shoes are gorgeous and affordable. I dont think they look any less than G&G bespoke for a fraction of the price but these dude had to feel superior somehow. There are a lot of Asian hate when it comes to this but I can garantee that the majority of these dudes talking shit's shoes do not look any where near this nice
Found the racist.
Face it your shoes are GARBAGE JUST LIKE ALL CHINA PRODUCTS LOW QUALITY
Many industries have been outsourced to China and India, which always results in American and European master craftsman to go out of business, and in the end the Chinese makers drop the quality because they now control the industry, ultimately resulting in the death of the craft.
Makers in the west charges 10X the price but can only deliver 2X the quality. Consumers no matter where they from prefers goods with higher CP value.
I recommend ACME foot wear for the best chinese handmade shoes
Thank you for the video
Good to see some more exposure and visibility around some of the less recognized names. I’m curious what you mean when saying supposedly the same craftsmanship, and the statement about not being able to see the handwelting. Are you suspect of whether it is what they say it is, or are you speaking to how skilled and how well they executed the construction?
Obviously you can’t or don’t see the actual welt stitching on a pair of GG or others unless you’re there while they’re doing it. I’m sure if you ask Simon he could share photos of the interior construction. Looking forward to your reply! 🙏🏻
Many years ago I tried getting bespoke suits from Asia. Never again. Even if saves some money, you end with a product that only gets 80% of the way, and in the long term, buying this stuff from Asia will kill the craft in Europe. I'll stick with my local, even if its costs more.
Do try with some tailors in HK like The Anthology and WW Chan as they have really raised the bar in terms of quality. HK bespoke should not be defined by the cheap and honestly crap quality of a lot of local tailors that promises 24hr turnarounds...
"will kill the craft in Europe", lol you're delusional. I wouldn't be surprised that you're a closeted racist too.
Check out Bridlen shoes from India and you will be more than pleasantly surprised. It's a fantastic entry level Goodyear welted shoe to rival the best in the segment, with some superb add ons. My brown brogues are on order from them currently.
It's not WHERE it's made that matters, but HOW it's made.
Usually where it's made is indicative of the quality or lack there is.
And by WHOM. A lowly paid work slave.
@@iansoutryer3189 exactly.
@@iansoutryer3189 Like anything Nike.
The best Chinese shoemaker is in city of Shenyang who name Huang Niu. He is not only the best shoemaker in China but an artist in shoe making. The technical and design are amazing, same quality with John Lobb bespoke.
How much do they pay the Chinese shoemaker?
Wow! The most I have paid for shoes was from Allen Edmunds and those were on sale ($325 on sale from $395), but I am really interested since I wear dress shoes for work daily. This will really take a commitment, but I am seriously considering this. Maybe not from Wayman, but something Bespoke from the USA. Perhaps it would cost even more than from Wayman. Thanks for this review!
Bespoke only last forever if you have many pairs. If you wear them every day they won't last long
Will you keep them? Great shoes
As a layman I seem to notice small inconsistencies in the finish of the color or the shoe and the heel . Nice to know I may be closer to a bespoke pair than I thought. Be well . I like the way you danced on the sword during ur review . Good work brother.
I think Kirby hits upon an important point and that's the 3D quality of shoemaking. It's a sculptural approach to get a shoe to fit. I honestly don't think you can achieve this with a 2D drawing and measurements of the circumference of the feet. For that reason, I'm skeptical of "remote bespoke".
Furthermore, there are a number of imperfections. At 5:25 for example you can see a black mark or smudge that has bled into the burgundy heel. There are a few minor and smaller issues, too. Such as the break between the sole and heel, but these are mostly aesthetics. And at that price point, I think you can and need to accept that this will happen.
As for the leather, I am curious whether they source it from say, Annonay, Weinheimer, Puy, and other established European tanneries. The burgundy does look nice.
Hi Bart, thanks for your comment! Yes - it took me 2 1/2 years to develop the program as it stands and get reliably fitting shoes from the measurements. Is it comparable with in person bespoke? No. But is it a good alternative to high end RTW for those who struggle with finding a pair of shoes that fit and don't want to travel to the UK or Europe multiple times for fittings...? I personally think so. I agree the black mark shouldn't be there... might be black wax from shining the heels. The break between sole and heel is actually intentional and quite difficult to achieve. The leather is Annoany box calf. Cheers! - Simon
@@waymanbespoke Thanks for taking the time to reply, Simon! Very insightful.
Dear Kirby, thank you for doing reviews of these Chinese shoes. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do a comparison with some of the other more established English or Italian brands to see how far these Chinese makers have come. Thank you.
Very interesting!
I would love to see a review on Bondeno bespoke shoes. They take a mold of your foot from home and make a last from that mold.
I really like the aesthetic shape of the toe box. I don't know if it's just me or but it somewhat reminds me of earlier Allen Edmonds. It has that thick slightly roundish look to it.
Thanks for your video
Beautiful burgundy colour bespoke shoes, but the shoelaces looks kinda different actually with the other shoes you own
These are flat waxed laces. Maybe that's what looks different to you. Luckily Kirby is sitting at the source and can switch to any laces he likes! - Simon
Whoa I really didn't expect of getting a reply, From the shoe maker wayman bespoke anyways thank you for the information 👍🏾
The shoes look great, but I would still probably go for Gaziano&Girling.
I agree 💯
Hi Amadej, thanks for your comment! May I ask why that is? Always curious in what is missing in our shoes and where we might need to improve. - Simon
@@waymanbespoke Hello Simon, I am not saying that there is anything missing in your shoes (I said that they look great), it is just that I like to to enter the store, see the shoes in person, feel the leather, which is impossible with your brand. But it is true, that you are specialised in remote bespoke shoes and you do not have stores all around major cities. And that is perfectly fine, because there are a lot of benefits in this remote bespoke program. It is just that I like to go around the city, visit the stores, see the shoes.
And again, your shoes (I went on your internet site and browse a bit) look realy nice and I will definetely reccomend you to my friends and people who are into quality bespoke shoes.
Best regards,
Amadej
@@amadejpesko That makes total sense. Thanks for your explanation and I am fully with you on this. Nothing better than seeing and feeling everything in person. Thank you my friend! - Simon
How could it be a “bespoke” if there’s no “being spoken” process between shoemaker and customer during the process 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Is it me or the cap toe on the right shoe is way lower than the left one ? I mean if you look both shoes from the front you'll notice one of the shoes cap toe is higher than the other one.
Id love to see more stuff comming out of developing nations
Of course, because they're "cheap". Which means that there is always someone else who pays the bill - the slave worker in the [shoe] factory - vulgo "sweat shop".
Great review 🙂 I'm definitely interested in cheaper , good quality items
4:13 "So this is the pair of shoes that Simon made for me..." Except, he didn't. He didn't make them for you. They were made in China by someone else.
You're absolutely right. Some slave worker...in some sweat shop...
Simon is the only one *making* money. I bet the real production costs aree €100-200 and the rest goes into Simon's pocket.
not bad, ı think worth it
ACME shoemaker might be something you want to try
to me, the leather looks a bit weird ( not bad, just less than GG or CJ): a bit of weird creasing and not really visible pore structure but that might be the video. and thoughts?
Hi Roderik, thanks for your comment! Leather is from French tannery Annonay and full grain box calf. Same leather most European tanneries use as well. - Simon
It would be interesting to see if someone could make use of Face ID or Lidar on the iPhone to take a 3D model of feet for bespoke footwear
Been wondering this kind of thing myself. 3D image capturing has to be the next stage of bespoke shoe making. Would think that one of the newer entrants into the space will be the pioneer of such a method
@@joshuasteele4498 absolutely, it could be any 3D scanning, I was thinking of something a fair majority of people have already - the possibilities of accurate remote fitting are pretty good
That’s how custom hockey skates are made these days. You go to a local shop and they use an iPad to scan your feet. No need to travel to New York, you can get it done in any city.
It's my understanding Bespoke means the shoe horn for the shoe is made from a cast or a wooden replica of your own foot and can only be done in person
I can't seem to find dress shoe that fit properly. I am a 12 D. The problem is standard fit too narrow on the width and too much volume in the forefoot everytime. It does matter what style of shoe either. I have tried derbies and oxfords. It does not matter. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds Drake derbies. They do not fit that great either. This could be an option.
Would be interesting to know what Dominic thinks.
Ooh I think that would be an awesome idea. Kirby is undoubtedly knowledgeable about shoes but a bespoke shoemaker perspective would be downright insightful!
I wonder if they would do a trail shoe? Most of the bespoke makers I've read on have been doing that. Almost everyone I've seen get a bespoke pair have at least done two fitting.
Hi there! Yes, we actually provide a fitting shoe to each first time customer. If necessary, we sometimes make a second fitting shoe. These are made with scrap leather so they don't need to be sent back. In the case of Kirby, we probably should've done a second fitting but I wanted to get these done for him as quickly as possible... lesson learned! Let me know if you have any further questions. - Simon
@@waymanbespoke Oh really well thats pretty interesting thanks for your response
@@waymanbespoke Hey a follow up on that. Would a second fitting be an extra cost? Would the fitting shoe be an extra cost? Is the fitting shoe similar to a trial shoe where you could wear it around for a day? Or is it an unfinished product meant for a try on before sending back that couldn't be walked in?
@@lapizza7206 yes, for first time clients there is an extra fee to make the lasts as well as one pair of fitting shoes (shipping etc. included). If a second pair of fitting shoes is needed, the client needs to pay for it, though it’s just to cover the cost of material as well as shipping. A second fitting is necessary in 2-3 out of 10 cases I would say. The fitting shoes are a fully made shoe from scrap leather and with thin cemented rubber outsoles and wooden heel block that you can walk on for a few hours around the house. The client then provides feedback and keeps the fitting shoes, no need to send them back. Unfortunately Kirby didn’t show his fitting shoes but I can send you some more photos via Instagram dm @waymanbespoke or email if you like. - Simon
Good job sir
I think there is a market for these shoes. They look like great high quality shoes. I would love to hear what Dominic Casey or Nicholas Templeman think of distance bespoke shoes and the chinese craftsmanship.
Here's the thing...we are all too focused on the particular 'race' of the makers or workers, rather than the talented human hands that produce them. China has a far older history of extremely fine arts and was closed off to the world for so very long until our modern history. Italy and England are yes, filled with artisans as a way of life but in the end, human hands are equal, period. This is coming from a person who worked with the worlds highest end luxury brands from Europe for 17 years.
In the age of digital scanning technology and five axis CNC routing, isn't hand made lasting a thing of the past? Making the custom last was the most expensive part of bespoke shoes because that was the art. Is that what we are seeing here?
I think Chinese shoes don't have good quality but they look good, handmade shoes always are ok, the cost is not bad, thanks for the video Kirby
Elegant shoes
Now we need an underwear with a high stitch density next.
Unfortunately China do not have a great reputation like the Western and European shoe makers. It would be very interesting to visit the eastern craftsmen and be able to verify their legitimacy and techniques.
Yeah, the only thing Asian manufacturers lack is a story to tell.
3:26 Ahhhh Kirby, Hong Kong is China.
You're just wasting your time.
@@muffemod It’s ok, education is important.
Looks like they took Lee Millers word from your boot measurement video & made it narrow & long. 🙂
As the legend said. When not sure ,go narrow & long.
Try a pair from ACME
It’s all first impression. Right from the start. The shoe tree hinge most certainly should have been recessed, not fastened to the top of the wood. Why you ask, attention to detail.
In comparison to the shoe, which is more complex to craft and assemble, if they cut corners on a shoe tree where else did they cut corners. The only way to tell is to cut the shoe in half.
As a retired commissioned fine furniture maker, that would not leave my shop.
I am sure Kirby if you were to give those shoes to Rose Anvil here on RUclips , he will be more than happy to cut the shoe in half to reveal the real quality of the container ship shoe.
Hi Patrick, thanks for your comment! I actually agree with you. The shoe trees are the only part that I have had to outsource. Since Kirby received his shoes, I switched to a Spanish tree maker. While the trees aren't as hallowed out, the finishing you mention is nicer and more even. Feel free to email me (swegmann@waymanbespoke.com) and I can send you some photos of the new trees... I am sure I can learn a few things from you and maybe improve the build! - Simon
So the concept is to sell shoes that cost over 1000 euros, yet admit to deliberately choosing to make them in a place where they don’t have to pay workers well?
I’d call that unethical. Either do this and make the shoes cost about €300, or more preferably PAY YOUR WORKERS FAIRLY.
Hi Daniel, actually the workers are paid very well and the cost of making the shoes is similar to making the shoes in Spain or Italy, especially since we source the same raw materials as any high end shoemaker. Have a look on here as to why we proudly make our shoes in China: www.waymanbespoke.com/why-wayman-bespoke-are-proudly-made-in-china/ - Simon
Why do high end dress shoes have these really high heels on the back of the shoe. They look almost twice as thick as a normal dress shoe....
Always something off with Chinese shoes; the heel and sole are always overly bulky in an unflattering way. The uppers seem ok and only wear can answer the question of the leather quality, but with respect to aesthetics, I cannot get over the heel and sole being "weirdly thick" to my eye. All the Chinese shoes have this same look to me, as compared to the Japanese makers. I'd rather add the extra $500 and get a pair of G&G or ST Crispin's or Stefano Bemers - not bespoke, but beautiful as long as you get a good fit, which I do.
I’d rather continue to save for a pair of bespoke Stefano Bemer
If you get a good fit out of RTW, all power to you! For me, RTW was never an option as I have extremely difficult to fit feet. Hence my attempt at making bespoke more accessible. Maybe you can explain more what exactly you mean you don't like in terms of aesthetics... these things can certainly be changed depending on the clients taste as every pair is made by hand for each client. Thanks! - Simon
ACME is the exception. They make amazing shoes. Period.
As Simon said, different clients have different tastes. Some people would prefer Chinese shoes, it cannot be said that Chinese chose are not beautiful.
The quote gesture makes skeptical
U gotta go with CNES shoes from Vietnam.
Stick with history and the manufacturers with experience. To many companies are just trying to dilute the crafts while using the language that has raised the bar and built the emotions of artisan and exclusive hand work. Stick with the history and live with the costs. Once the initial shock of the cost is accepted the enjoyment of the product lives and pays itself back to you over time and wearing.
Typo ... Too many companies :)
The classical case of not right not wrong. Personally I think, unless someone does not find a good fitting shoe of the rack, I would not buy them. Even though, the shoes have features of classical bespoke shoes, they lack refinement and elegance. From my personal experience, if you want fit, refinement and elegance you have to spend at least 4K, give or take a view hundred bucks. not only in the UK also Spain and Italy.
Hi Anton, thanks for your comment! Of course, if you can spend 4k for a pair of bespoke shoes - I am all for it. My program is not aimed at customers who go for traditional bespoke. It is supposed to democratize well fitting shoes for those who struggle with RTW (like myself). Our shoes are in no way cheap, but in my opinion, an unbeatable value compared to anything else on the market. Whether or not they lack refinement and elegance is difficult to judge from a video I would say. - Simon
American /European Made only for me!
I agree. Support our countries, not the virus makers.
@@robfulano2552 Very True that! No support for the virus/counterfeit products maker!
@@chiefexecutiveofficerofyoutube
For me it’s Northampton only.
You know Kirby, these are for sure high quality shoes people will be able to afford for a much lower price than most handmade shoes. Keep in mind though that you are also contributing to the fact that this "quality, craftsmanship and tradition" is going away.
This may be a lower priced shoe, it is also an unfair price, pushing everybody down. Wayman himself is not interested in making these shoes more affordable. He's interested in being more competitive than other brands thus making money through low labor costs. This has been killing us. It will keep on doing so.
What? So if something is coming out of China it is killing quality, craftsmanship and tradition? Why can't quality come out of Asia? This is not killing anybody or anything, just elitism and superiority complex. Manufacturing moving to countries with lower cost of living and therefore labour cost has always been a thing, the phone you are using to type this comment most likely came from China as well. Also the purpose of a company is to make money for the shareholders, you can't blame a company for willing to make money.
@@FPSYut Sorry to hurt your feelings. I haven't said quality couldn't come out of China, have I ? I am just talking about the consequences of these manufacturing choices. Did I choose to rely on Chinese manufactured products ? No. Everything's made in China. I wouldn't have a phone or a microwave if I had to rely upon goods that weren't made in Asia. It doesn't make any sense to blame consumers not to try and keep making sure they source every single shit from countries that do not produce what they're looking for. This is none of my responsibility that economical regulation has just permited that. I live in a country that used to be able to craft about anything. Now it's gone for good.
You just don't figure what offshored production is responsible for. It sure appeals to the consumer since the only things one can see is price and quality. I am not blaming them. Nothing to do with some kind of complex or elitism. Please don't take it so personally.
You think it's fair that a company's goal is to make money for shareholders. You think using low labor costs abroad has always been a "thing" so that's no problem. You think the price Kirby got these shoes at is fair. Good for you. I think it is a problem. Because it's been one hell of a problem here. And for long.
Now sorry for caring about the fact I'd like to let Edward Green, Paolo Scafora, JM Weston, John Lobb, Carmina, Church's, Paraboot, Corthay, Alden, Allen Edmonds,... and all the shoe brands that you like breath away from this kind of unfair competition. China's got the right to manufacture whatever they want. European and American countries might like to manufacture as well, and that's fair too. Don't you think ?
I don't think China was mentioned explicitly by Flo. To answer to Theodore & Flo, there are seriously skilled craftsmen working in China, too. When it comes to shoemaking, ACME comes to mind. Their design and finishing are, from what I can judge, superlative. Of course, style-wise they are heavily inspired by Europe, mostly Aubercy in ACME's case. Still, it does show that craftsmanship is available everywhere. And ACME's prices are up to par with European shoemakers of similar calibre.
@@flogau4069 You can't blame people for choosing a cheaper product, you can't blame China for having lower cost of living, then what can you do about it? The companies are not gonna stop making money. Those brands imo are also not going anywhere, for example Allen Edmonds makes its American Heritage a pretty significant part of their marketing, and you have to admit it has its appeal, so i don't see the problem, same for the English and Italian brands. The competition in my opinion is not unfair at all, in a free market these kind of things happen all the time, either the market gets regulated or those brands must adapt to the new market, if you can't compete or adapt it is only natural that your company will fail. In the end it all benefits the consumer, this is the principle the current economy relies on.
To make you an example, Japanese beef production could not compete with American beef in price when they arrived in the Japanese market, Japanese farmers therefore shifted from quantity to focusing on quality, the tradition and quality of the japanese beef industry although having smaller production is still thriving today and produces the best beef in the world.
@@bartderuyck Yeah Bart, that's for sure. I do love the craft put into these shoes regardless of the country. Though I doubt prices are up to par with European shoemakers for a similar shoe, quality-wise, since this is the whole point of manufacturing in China. Take Gaziano & Girling for instance. They offer a bespoke-like MTO program which features a similar extent of handcraft to Wayman. If I remember correctly, Kirby said these costed more than 3 grands. The Waymans are just above 1 grand.
Where is he getting his suits out of Hong Kong?
Divij.com
I am not very fan from chinese shoes,are the Video is great.
Bespoke or Bebroke #TeamCleverlyForLife
Some comments are very naive. You can't avoid China nowadays. Even if it says "made in US/UK/Europe", the craftsman and the owner of this company can be Chinese. Be open-minded and wise.
Be "open minded and wise": is that a euphemism for "Buy Chinese!" I don’t buy Chinese if I can help it. I understand it’s unavoidable, but I stay away from Chinese products any chance I get. I don't feel like supporting an authoritarian regime with zero respect for human rights.
Smart comment, most people dont realise a lot of things are made in China (even if its for a certain percentage), like watches for example. This is not a bad thing imo. Im pretty sure all these brands like Hugo Boss, Armani etc make things in China..
I am waiting someone of the big in the shoe business make a review of Antonio Meccariello, one of the Best shoe makers No one has Talking about yet… except for Hugo Jacomet
must say its fairly bold to take advantage of low labour rates in china and call it bespoke and "democratizing"! ...should'nt one main idea about bespoke, apart from fit, durability and style be to represent an alternative to crappy products shipped across the whole planet and that people are exploited for? I am a bespoke shoemaker myself. And i would say its a lot better to do cutbacks in the construction methods to achieve lower cost. You can make a machine-sewn/machine-finished construction and still have the same fit and come very close to handmade durability and looks... So I hope Wayman pays those people well nonetheless!
Just put the new insoles in the shoes.
🎩🥃
They do look very odd. The price may be attractive but it's a false economy.
Out source to none other than the PRC.
Kirby Allison: "Quality. Craftsmanship...... China."
Given the equal price, I'm sure Chinese stuff beat those of European.
What's so wrong with China?
Interesting. But looks like they used the wisdom from your boot measurement video.
Hi Mitch, interesting comment. May I ask what exactly you mean by this? Thanks! - Simon
I’ll pass
Im making 400 eur a month I dont even know why im watching this
No way...
There's something about these despite being handmade that still just look similar to a cheaper pair of mass produced factory made shoes.
All PC and Cell phones come from China and no one it’s complaining!!!
West is the best, I'd never spend money on an heirloom quality item that came from China.
China has grown because they copied and made it cheaper. Lightyears away from the bespoke philosophy. I would rather walk barefoot than wearing these shoes. Hong Kong though has inherited 90 years of British "savoir faire". The craftsmanship there is amazing, but expect the price to be at Bond street level.
There are no things as "cheap shoes". Because there's always someone else who pays the price for cheap shoes - and that's the slave worker in some sweat shop.
The Uyghurs won’t thank you. M.
I'm 2 minutes in and $1400 USD for Chinese made bespoke shoes? Wayman should be ashamed. Charge 2000+ and manufacture in Europe. What is with the dilution of brands these days? Does no one want a prestigious name that rings high quality products?
So right - Asian tailoring (and.apparently shoes) are always a bit off. Just spent $1400 (hopefully reimbursed) for a pair of dust gatherers...
Also, saw black ink on the shoe behind the heel (sloppy and unacceptable). Also, why doesnt the sole continue all the way to the heel of the shoe rather than being sloppily cut before the heel? This is a fail in so many ways.
Not to get political, but how can a patriotic American go out of his way to purchase made in China? Somethings are inevitable, sadly, but I rather buy from anywhere, but China if I can help it.
Please tone down your brainwashing.
@@Wimbold look around you bud, look at what the CCP has done to the world, look at what they do to their own people, and I am the brainwashed one because I voice my valid concern? lol ok.
@@valdencorr2861 It's not the CCP's shop, now is it?
I don’t buy Chinese if I can help it. I am not too keen on supporting an authoritarian regime.
@@Wimbold the whole country is the CCP's shop if you're not aware, let me be the first to tell you.
What’s with the tan suit? Biden wore a tan suit yesterday 🤣
These shoes don’t look good at all. For this price I’d rather buy ready to wear from George Cleverly
Interesting, Kirby. You know, it’s easy to knock prices down when your workforce could include forced labor and children. Nike and many other shoe companies have discovered this the hard way in China and it wouldn’t be surprising if all the “bespoke” stitching on those shoes was done by 12 year olds. Personally, I’d want to know what Chinese manufacturing plants these shoes are coming from before buying any. Sad fact of life over there.
CCP is laughing all the way to the bank; thanking the west for financing their military complex.
What's the difference when you walk in Walmart ( or any other retail outfit) do you ask the same question? In Vietnam it's even cheaper labor wise but the same situation can and probably will apply !
@@randymoran67 I don't buy my clothes at Walmart and, yes, I try to only buy from Ist world sources where the rule of law applies.
I'm torn. The shoes look well made and very nice, but I can't get over the fact they're chinese. Wayman would have to pay chinese taxes which supports the CCP and I can't bring myself to pretty much directly give my money to something so terrible.
No China products for this USA citizen.