Proper leather shoes

I bet you're right about that

Well no sooner had I taken the plunge to wear them, this happened. Second time I’ve bought and returned Yuketens and thought the build quality was a bit too ‘artisanal’, never again.

1 Attachment

All my yuketens have been rock solid so that’s a shame. Probs for the best though bc if they’re starting a little too big they will only get bigger. I wear almost 2 sizes down!

I lied! Checked my emails and it was Quoddy’s I had poor QC issues, Yuketen you are forgiven. Noted on the size though, these are already one size down!

2 Attachments

That is shit, you pay a premium and should expect quality in addition to style.

The style was debatable and my wife hated the colour :) Pasty skin like mine should avoid yellows, reds and pale leather shoes apparently.

I’m that shade as well, I break all those rules and FTP

I'm a bit late here but I've spoken to Yuki about the potential for stretch on his woven shoes. There is essentially none. So good job that they broken and are being returned. But that's disappointing.

Unfortunately Yuketen's QC on their MiUSA moc style/welted shoes is significantly higher than anything else I've owned from them - basically all of their MiMexico offerings. I've been through four pairs of their sandals - all purchased at about 10% of retail price thankfully - outside of one which I did pay retail for - and man they fuckin' suck. Whereas a Birk can last for a decade, a Yuk Arizonian lasts for a few months of daily wear. Would not recommend to my worst enemy. Sizing is weird and inconsistent, insole is horribly sweaty, they're not comfortable... truly rubbish. When I bought my Arizonian sandals, they were $180 retail. Granted that was four years ago, but they're now $407! Along with other Meg Company products from the likes of Monitaly and Epperson Mountaineering, their prices have gone through the roof. I used to be a big big Meg Co customer but there's no way their products are worth their asking price now IMO.

I still stan their MiUSA moc type shoes though and am happy I have two really beautiful pairs that cost less than $600 all in, but I'd be hard pressed to buy any more unless they’re heavily discounted.

Look nice, mind you.

1 Attachment

That's interesting. Was considering upgrading my birkenstocks but after reading this... nope

considering upgrading my birkenstocks

I always thought Birkenstocks were the benchmark?

Yeah I reckon they are, but look at the yuketens!

Looks super comfy. But if QC is shit, I'm out

I’ve had my Arizonas for almost ten years. Continuous wear in desert and tropical climate and I honestly think they’ll last me another ten. Best thirty quid I’ve ever spent

Just backing it up with some evidence, too. Genuinely didn’t even wear them that much. I remember my dad having the same pair of Birkenstocks from when I was like 4 all the way to 15.

4 Attachments

Wow that looks terrible. Birks are great, why even look for alternatives? I bought some rip-off arizonas from next but not as good as my OG milans. Leather is not as thick.

Extra bonus points because Birkenstock told supreme to do one when they approached them for another pointless collab.

Like supporting small businesses, I like Yuki Matsuda and I like making pointless esoteric choices 🤷🏻‍♂️ also three of the four pairs literally cost me $20 at a Monitaly/Yuketen sample sale.

I get that and respect your choices. It looks like the leather is really good quality, sole issues which is a shame.

I have something that I have to attend this summer that is listed as “smart casual” - checking further this seems to be a suit and shirt but no tie.

I have purchased some (in)appropriately beige linen on eBay that miraculously sort of fits. But is there too much texture going on if I go with suede shoes (Oxfords)?

I think that would be fine assuming they’re an understated suede and not one with those orange/white soles

Options are very plain, either a crepe sole or a more formal leather sole

I’ve had my Birkenstocks for about 3 years. Had to get them resoled by a local cobbler. The new sole is better than the original.

Will look great, both smarter and more interesting than a half undressed man-in-a-grey-lounge-suit. Better to be deliberately smart-casual than wear a formal outfit and subtract tie/jacket/cuff links/etc until it has sufficient casual

I think a crepe sole would look quite nice (assuming the weather permits!) - I'm considering wearing suede espadrilles for a wedding this weekend...

I’m definitely crepe inclined and, being July, accept that weather may make it a bit Russian roulette but who dates and all that.

Right, on to watch choice….

https://youtu.be/HQa_vjHVSEk