Happy New Year Everyone. I sincerely wish you all a wonderful day, week, month, and year as we begin 2024. 2023 may have been rough, though the sun will continue to rise for all of us in 2024 and ahead. \\\ 🌍 Companies Mentioned \\\ C.N.E.S. - www.cnes.co/products/harrison-w-oxfords?variant=42506580885694 Bridlen - bridlen.com/?ktk=d1Zkc05OLTA2ODdmMGQxOWEy BLKBRD - www.blkbrdshoemaker.com/?ktk=d1Zkc05OLTNmNzZjYjcyNjBk Skolyx - www.skolyx.se/en/oxfords/494-skolyx-dark-brown-plain-cap-toe-oxford.html Meermin - meermin.com/?ktk=d1Zkc05OLTgwODFjZTU0YjIx Beckett Simonon - www.beckettsimonon.com/products/dean-oxford?rfsn=7785546.5a1e2d& Thursday Boot Co. - thursdayboots.com/products/mens-dress-shoe-executive-tan-chestnut
@Anonymousgentleman20047 ай бұрын
This channel is one hundered percent going to explode in populiraty. The only thing it needs is for you to keep making videos. DO not let low view counts stop you, and im sure you wont because you wouldnt make videos this good unless you enjoyed the process.
@haleyhyde7 ай бұрын
I couldn’t agree more!
@mtbokor19697 ай бұрын
I love the videos so far. The one about Yearn shoes gave me great insight on Arterton, the london based retailed who carries them. I could do with less of the production to the videos. I think it takes awat from the great information
@ricardorgomez7 ай бұрын
I learn more from his short videos than from others which are much longer. And still, Chris's videos has great info. that others don't. This channel will definitely explode this year!
@damnjustassignmeone7 ай бұрын
Completely agree with this.
@tomdevitt44553 ай бұрын
Agreed!!!
@ax50494 ай бұрын
Your videos have f*cking great overall quality. Can’t believe you have less than 2k subs, it doesn’t make sense. Now I have a question for you, where did you hide your mic?
@DressWell.Madaras4 ай бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate that! Inside, it is boomed just above my head. Outside, I use a Lav mic. All my primary gear is listed in the description for reference.
@prabhdeepdhahan1147Ай бұрын
This information is gold @ (14:03)!
@damnjustassignmeone7 ай бұрын
Best video beginning of 2024. The competition is over after less than a day. Who knew.
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate all of your support!
@ahoneyman4 ай бұрын
Becket Simonon have a several month waiting list. Wasn't very impressed with Thursday boots. Allen Edmonds seemed to have nicer leather.
@Chris-ft3qn4 күн бұрын
As someone who has purchased a Blake Stitched Oxford from Bridlen, let me tell you that it sucks, big time. I chose the blake stitch specifically to check the quality of their craftsmanship before buying the expensive ones as they do not have a return policy. 1. The leather is extremely stiff and very uncomfortable. 2. The leather sole was uneven and they would rock if you pushed on one side of the shoe. 3. They looked nothing like they did on the website.
@DressWell.Madaras4 күн бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experience. #2 Is an issue Bridlen seems to have consistently, though I myself have not been too concerned about it given the affordable price. I'll keep #1 in mind, though. Do you have pictures you could share to elaborate more on #3? You are welcome to email them to me, DressWell.Madaras@gmail.com, if you would like.
@YwY-ct5yqАй бұрын
For anyone in the Philippines, for sourcing shoes, certain brands from malls are good but even better is to go directly to Marikina Shoe Stores... But if you really cant go, I recommend Bristol (Online or Mall), Marquina (Online or In-Shop), Hushpuppies (Online or Mall), Balthazar (Online), or Blackwing (Online or In-shop) for quality stitch construction and leather all under 150 dollars. (All are local Marikina rooted brands except for HP) Another time tested brand that is also mid ranged price is Gibi, they dont offer stitched construction and leather is ambiguously 'genuine leather' but for some reason their products last usually almost a decade and possibly even more. I think their tanning process is still actually good and that is why their shoes last relatively long still. MARQUINA does custom Oxfords
@DressWell.Madaras29 күн бұрын
Thank you for sharing this!
@SimonChambers7 ай бұрын
Two brands I've had really good luck with in about the $300 range are Justin Fitzpatrick and Septième Largeur, both of which make their shoes in Spain. Justin is based in the US, so if you're American, he's a great option.
@fransenfiets7 ай бұрын
I have a good range of high quality menswear and shoes, and I’m thisss far from getting those Marceau II balmoral boots from 7L. So sleek, pegged waist, and great leather. Have yet to dive into that brand, but it looks great!
@SimonChambers7 ай бұрын
@@fransenfiets I visited their Geneva location last year and bought a pair of loafers from 7L that I absolutely love (I wore them for 36 hours of travel from Toronto to Indonesia over the weekend) :). Highly recommended!
@gustafrenstrom8549Ай бұрын
i totally agree about blake stitching it is absolutely nothing wrong with it and they can also be resoled albeit not as many times as a goodyear welted shoe. also i love that you have the deadly premonition theme in the video.
@brickchains16 ай бұрын
i want to give you an honest opinion - i don't think the shorts are working
@dparis21726 ай бұрын
But he’s outside. Up in the mountains.
@jc26047 ай бұрын
Wow what a video! Love the content, humor and editing. This is some seriously quality stuff right here.
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it!
@SALTINECRACKUH7 ай бұрын
Cobbler Union is another good one if you live in the USA
@robo26067 ай бұрын
I own loafers, boots and oxfords from Meermin. And these 3 pairs were not stiff at all. Greetings from Belgium 🇧🇪
@ricardorgomez7 ай бұрын
I own two boots and oxfords. Same. No break-in issues. Again, it's just this echo chamber that Chris talked about that is regurgitating old information...
@aaroncervantesflores55926 ай бұрын
Same here, bought a pair of Suede loafers (Ron last) in 2023 and no break in period. Just some minor details (quality) but overall great pair.
@darkshade5677 ай бұрын
Great video! I own an inordinate number of shoes from bridlen, and their value for money is exceptional. But I believe their Blake line uppers are cut from leather produced by tanneries within India, unlike their GYW lines where the uppers are from more reputed international tanneries.
@JiffyBiff7 ай бұрын
I don't even NEED D.B.C.T.O.I.C.W.X.Y&Z. shoes in the slightest, but watched this video, and subscribed because it was informative, and fun. Good job !
@tentimetex7 ай бұрын
Mephisto is a good option, the Marlon or the Melchior in their GY welted category, for those for whom most dress shoes are too narrow around the toes. They're more comfortable to wear the whole day, plus they have a cushioning system.
@bawalmagisip12 ай бұрын
awesome video. Thank you for holding our hands as we step into nice dress shoes.
@DressWell.Madaras2 ай бұрын
Any time!
@wheelchairflyАй бұрын
The suited up Iron Snail? I'm in! Thanks, algorithm!
@mateofenn7 ай бұрын
I disagree with having multiple Blake shoes over one Goodyear. I've never had a Blake shoe I found comfortable. I know they may look the same but if my feet hurt everyday I don't care about a little extra cost.
@tennsockguy64797 ай бұрын
Honestly, the opposite for me. My Goodyear welt were uncomfortable and I like the sleekness of my Blake stitch.
@ramonovazquez43517 ай бұрын
I have a pair of black oxfords from Meermin that look awesome and fit pretty good, a pair of Durant oxford in borbeaux that are super comfortable from Beckett S. I also own two pairs of shoes from Thursday's but they are not as comfortable as advertise, they are both chisel-toe. Recently order another pair from Beckett S. - brown cap toe oxfords. Your recommendations are excellent. After buying shoes from these companies, there is no way I will be buying from department stores. I am a dock supervisor for auto and industrial part delivery company far from top management and headquarter office environment but need and like good budget-friendly shoe options. Keep these videos coming. I enjoy your kind of humor and good information you provide.
@jgb00172 ай бұрын
Thanks for making the point about blake-stitched shoes. I’ve been buying and wearing nice, well-made shoes for over 20 years. As someone who lives in miserably hot and humid weather six months per year, I have always loved blake-stitched shoes-especially for loafers. Most of my loafers are blake-stitched. Of my two pairs of summer boots, one is blake and the other is blake-rapid. They may not be “waterproof,” but it’s not like they fill up with rain. And seriously, who’s going to search for a puddle to tromp in with loafers? Great videos, btw, and great energy. Keep it up!!!
@Joseloga02977 ай бұрын
Just leaving my comment here hoping it helps with the algorithm and more people find your channel. You are absolutely amazing. Thank you
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
It helps so much! Thank you!
@BeezerWashingbeard3 ай бұрын
Your channel is amazing. Great takes that are well thought through.
@ricardorgomez7 ай бұрын
Happy New Year buddy! Glad you got these other side-hustles going! New York style! I'm actually putting out a blog article on budget style. You are right: people shouldn't listen to the echo chamber that is the Internet as much to make decisions. Especially when on a tigher budget. Because according to many, you should only get a bespoke suit. Which is absolutely silly. You can look fantastic and professional with a suit from Macy's when done right. And I did a blog article on that. It's just a suit for use during more formal photography gigs. I don't want to put a more expensive suit through the wringer.... Even my even-cheaper Alfani suit, which I bought for use for photography gigs, looks great on me. And I've had it for 3 years.... I feel the cheapness but it looks professional. I agree 100% with your shoe selection. I own a few Meermins and they are absolutely fantastic. I haven't noticed break-in issues. And I've had zero issues with customer service too. Also, you CAN get Blake-stitched shoes resoled. Multiple times. But you can't resole them as many times as a Goodyear--stitched shoe. But then again, the resoling is going to cost as much as the shoe.... Probably. I also want to try Bridlen. Saw a trunk show they were at in NYC and the price and styles are NICE. I think the last GREAT pair of Allen Edmonds I bought were back in the early 90s. After that, totally over-priced (even on sale) for the quality you get. But they are a marketing machine and they get into people's heads who don't know better. I gave them one last chance a few months ago and it was just..... Bad. No. Horrible. Glad you touched on shoe care. I have a few pairs of Clark's shoes (which are leftovers from my financially broke period) but love them (super comfortable and stylish) and keep them in great shape. Conditioner and sometimes polish. I get SO MANY compliments on them. People never think I spent only $60 on them.... Sorry for the long post. Budget style is a subject near and dear to my heart. Great video and best wishes!
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
Happy New Year Ricardo! These are all such great thoughts. Yes, practicality and value are so important to not overlook. I am just as excited by an accessible - but still well-made - budget shoe than an ultra-high end, expensive one. Both serve important purposes. And nobody should feel like they have to spend many hundreds on shoes or thousands on suits just to cover the basics of looking sharp. I grew up in southern Connecticut! Not a week goes by, literally, without me experiencing primal cravings for a dollar slice. Can't get one for less than $4 out here!
@reggiewoods18634 ай бұрын
This was very helpful. Going into a new industry and was totally lost. Thanks so much!
@DressWell.Madaras2 ай бұрын
You're so welcome!
@mtbokor19697 ай бұрын
Your video is great education for someone about to buy their first dress shoe.A few things to add. 1. Don't buy shoes that aren't returnable, exchangable. CNES are great shoes but yhou can't return. Just because shoes are the right size doesn't mean they fit. 2. I'd avoid blake stitched shoes if I only owned a single pair. GY welted are more comfortable due to the cork layer. Blake Stitched should be less expensive than GY but isnt worth the trade off in this use case.
@ABC-rh7zc7 ай бұрын
Nice humor and good advice. Happy new year, Chris!
@mickeyauau3 ай бұрын
All chance you will make a bridlen shoe review? It’s recommended by a few other channels as top quality but no one has made a video on them
@DressWell.Madaras3 ай бұрын
At some point, yes. I am familiar with Bridlen and recommend it highly. Very good for its price point.
@BLohr7076 ай бұрын
I like your style man appreciate all the advice! Thank can see you blowing up. Peace and blessings, and bread
@DressWell.Madaras6 ай бұрын
🍞
@shootatsquare3 ай бұрын
Just discovered the channel. Love it!!!!
@byN917 ай бұрын
Support from Philippines ❤
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
Thank you 💚
@treydee84426 ай бұрын
😂😂😂 that intro 🔥
@MarioLopez-ms3wu6 ай бұрын
Any shoes recommendations for Las Vegas
@DressWell.Madaras6 ай бұрын
Oxfords will be great all-around, though for something more tailored - I'd go with either Loafers to deal with the Vegas heat, or Monk Straps if indoors, which may be more fitting for the Vegas flair.
@kwamedzorgbenyuie67143 ай бұрын
This is edutainment😂😍. Absolutely love this. Sub for life!
@KaireMl6 ай бұрын
awesome video, very educative, you are good doing what you do. great job!
@DressWell.Madaras6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@mitchelk.368214 күн бұрын
You are probably saving your feet most of all
@silasmoser3017 ай бұрын
Thank you.
@beijingbikinibottom7 ай бұрын
I think he’s a little harsh on department stores. I’ll admit the staff aren’t as knowledgeable as specialty stores or a manufacturer’s customer service. However, good quality department stores carry well reputable brands and have good sales. I found a pair of Crocket & Jones chelsea boots for $430 USD at a department store in Nagoya Japan.
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
Great to hear! I'm speaking as an American, though perhaps Japan's are better. I hope to visit one day!
@leminhtri84227 ай бұрын
Love it!
@youtubetv48567 ай бұрын
fun vid! hurts to see the hare on AE’s though. I have wide feet and my 4 pair are the most comfortable among my Blkbrd, Thursday, TLB, CNES, and Loake. Never paid more than $300 for my AE’s.. just gotta wait for the sale or consider factory 2nd’s which I’ve been lucky with. Also B.S. has a 3 month wait and still no wide sizes. Anyone considering their first pair(s) of nice oxfords or loafers should not pass on AE’s! especially if you’re in the States!
@mickeyauau4 ай бұрын
2:53 are these beckett Simonon cohen loafers? Did you take this photo?
@DressWell.Madaras4 ай бұрын
Yes and yes!
@mickeyauau4 ай бұрын
@@DressWell.Madaras love those loafers and excellent photo!
@justinleemiller9 күн бұрын
Do any of these brands carry wide sizes?
@thesheepthemightythecrazy3 ай бұрын
Guys, which brands got the best arch support?
@jP-nw7nm4 ай бұрын
This channel is 🔥
@benschulze44125 ай бұрын
what is your opinion about firms like etiql, Haws & Curtis or Charles Tyrwhitt?
@pedrojorge27417 ай бұрын
One big disagreement I have is on the style of shoe to get. I think derbies or monk straps are far more versatile than oxfords, as I don't think oxfords (specially in a smooth grain calfskin) go well with anything other than full suits. My recomendation for a first shoe would be a dark brown calfskin plain toe derby, and then a black cap toe oxford as a second shoe if requiring something more formal, or a medium brown penny loafer if requiring something more casual.
@pedrojorge27417 ай бұрын
Also a note on blkbrdshoemakers, they may only show the captoe in black but they do custom requests in any color or type of leather they offer, at no adittional price if it's the same quality of leather.
@mtbokor19697 ай бұрын
BLKBRD is awesome. Agree that they will do custom requests on their RTW without charging more.@@pedrojorge2741
@abcxyz75297 ай бұрын
Indeed, everyone's first shoe should be a pair of derbies, so that they deeply understand never to buy derbies again. It's not casual enough for shorts, yet it's way too sloppy for business casual or suits. The only place they actually fit in is military parades. Monks on the other hand, are pretty cool. But not everyone can pull it off.
@dparis21726 ай бұрын
@@abcxyz7529Way too narrow minded perspective on derbies. There are levels of dress between shorts and business casual - and derbies go just fine with BC. Even with a full suit in some situations.
@abcxyz75296 ай бұрын
@@dparis2172 No amount of nuance on the formality spectrum, other than the military, can make derbies look appropriate. It's the same as wearing jester shoes; dress it up or down however you like, you'll still look like a clown. But I'm open to the idea that people have different tastes.
@byN9122 күн бұрын
How do you make other shoe reviewer boring?
@scrap_donetsk7 ай бұрын
черпаем вдохновение для наших работ 🪡🧵👠на Вашем замечательном канале 🌿 с уважением, от коллег по обувному ремеслу 🔨✂ ✨ we draw inspiration for our work 🪡🧵👠on your wonderful channel 🌿 respect from collegues shoemakers 🔨✂
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
Thank you, friends 🌱 Спасибо вам, друзья
@scrap_donetsk7 ай бұрын
@@DressWell.Madaras my pleasure and thank you too 🌿
@therocketshow4 ай бұрын
Dang now I feel dumb for purchasing Stacy Adams from jc penny’s 😢
@DressWell.Madaras2 ай бұрын
My first pair of dress shoes were $30 Macy's. They were Alfani, which I believe is just Macy's' house brand that they call Alfani to make it seem ✨Italian✨ lmao. We all start somewhere!
@gormiksoc3 ай бұрын
Bridlen or TLB Mallorca? I want to enjoy wearing this shoe.
@DressWell.Madaras3 ай бұрын
TLBM if budget is no constraint. Bridlen is great at its price, though.
@gormiksoc3 ай бұрын
@@DressWell.Madaras in terms of quality. Does the difference in price close aligned to the improvement of quality/materials, or is this difference very marginal?
@DressWell.Madaras3 ай бұрын
@@gormiksoc The difference is substantial. I would consider them about equivalent in terms of value - that is, price:quality. The primary difference, which I would consider most important, is design and aesthetic. In this regard, TLB Mallorca really belongs in a class of shoe closer to $1,000. I think Bridlen's Main Line is their strongest proposition. For $250, not much else comes close, in my opinion. Maybe BLKBRD, though I am not intimately familiar with BLKBRD.
@gormiksoc3 ай бұрын
I'll go with TLB Mallorca then, I want an oxford. They seem to have too many choices, would you recommend any of their offering, I see some price variety but I assume the quality is top notch regardless.
@DressWell.Madaras3 ай бұрын
@@gormiksoc For something eternally classic and sharp, I suggest the Artista 198. I love mine. The simple aesthetic really showcases the last. They works of art. Here is my review on them, where you can see them discussed in detail: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y9OFf6eZqJa9aYk.html There is also a longer 60-minute review you can find on my page, from which the above is distilled, if you enjoy more meandering, podcast-esque discussion. Otherwise the Artista 113 in Brown is a nice option to have a little more broguing and color, lending to a bit more versatile of a shoe. The Goya last is also a bit more traditional, where the Van Gogh is more contemporary with the chiseled toe.
@aldobega2649Ай бұрын
Is the Bridlen one now $251.00? From $111.00 to $251.00 in 6 months?
@DressWell.MadarasАй бұрын
Bridlen's Main Line, which is GYW among other details, is ~$250: bridlen.com/collections/main-line-goodyear-welted Their Blake Line is $111: bridlen.com/collections/blake-shoes Prices fluctuate slightly with currency rates.
@aldobega2649Ай бұрын
@@DressWell.Madaras thanks for the return. They don’t make with different width? Can you tell me what brands offer different widths? I’d like a good alternative for Allen Edmonds. I’d like something more exciting in design than AE.
@DressWell.MadarasАй бұрын
Unfortunately I do not believe there really are many options for quality-made stuff in the under ~$400 price range. There may be, though not that I am aware of. In the higher range, Ichigo Ichie, TLB Mallorca MTO, and Cru Nonpareil are options. You could try BLKBRD for under $300. I am not sure if they do widths, but I do know they are very open to custom orders, generally for a very reasonable upcharge if any at all.
@aldobega2649Ай бұрын
@@DressWell.Madaras Thanks!
@inlineskatewear79456 ай бұрын
Thursday boots is not good quality?
@DressWell.Madaras6 ай бұрын
Thursday is great quality. I love their boots and recommend them. The Oxfords are a good deal in terms of materials and construction, though I don't think the design is very attractive.
@les-chouans7 ай бұрын
hey you funny crazy Motherf++++, All your content is amazing! I wish you great success 2024 and will def. follow your journey. 👞👞👞👞👞👞
@Jomaxp3 күн бұрын
man im sorry but are you seriuosly recomending shoes made in china ?
@primegoalkeepertime96182 ай бұрын
To say leather quality of beckett simonon and Thursday is better than Allen Edmonds is insane lack of knowledge I’ve taken both to different cobblers and they all come to the same conclusion AE uses a higher quality leather.
@DressWell.Madaras2 ай бұрын
Did they explain why?
@primegoalkeepertime96182 ай бұрын
@@DressWell.Madaras Yes so from what I understood they are both good leather but the part of the hide on Allen Edmonds is a higher grade of the full grain leather. On the other hand B.S. uses the lower grade of the hide. Still good quality but not the same grade as Allen Edmonds. And you can definitely tell on how they crease and age. My BS shoes crease predominantly and are tough to get rid of. On the other hand the AE shoes crease but it’s a subtle crease.
@DressWell.Madaras2 ай бұрын
It matters little that it is cut from a preferable part of the hide if the hide itself is of lesser quality overall. In my experience, AE leather has a higher frequency of defects (scars, warping, imprints, discoloration, etc.) and those defects are of a greater magnitude than Beckett Simonon. I can't speak to much personal experience about BS vs AE creasing, though I have seen other comments, so there may be truth in that. Personally, I am not sure I am so concerned about how leather creases if the leather itself is of poor cosmetic quality overall. The industry of quality stitched leather footwear is very transparent when it comes to tanneries. It is no secret where the best leather in the world comes from and almost all companies market from what tannery they source as a point of pride and ethics. BS only uses a mid-tier tannery - which is fair for its price - and it still is very upfront and transparent about it. Allen Edmonds is notably opaque about where it sources much of its leather, which is concerning - if not telling - from both a quality and an ethics standpoint.
@primegoalkeepertime9618Ай бұрын
@@DressWell.Madaras I mean if you want cheaper leather that’s on you. I’ve talked to reputable cobblers and all have told me the same BS isn’t at the same quality as AE. Now I’m not saying they are bad or cheap shoes by any means. BS offers a good product for their price point, the same as Thursday boots. But to say they are better than AE I’m sorry that’s just plain wrong.
@Liquidrodents7 ай бұрын
Your production quality is top notch but all the forced comedic bursts don't blend well with formal menswear in my opinion. I've subbed since your first video and will continue supporting but that's just my take.
@DressWell.Madaras7 ай бұрын
Thank you for the candid feedback!
@jc26047 ай бұрын
Ridiculous comment. This man's humor is half the fun.
@dparis21726 ай бұрын
@@jc2604Your comment is ridiculous. The comedic elements are fun, but they can be overdone.
@jc26046 ай бұрын
@@dparis2172 This man is who he is. If you don't like it, get lost.
@dparis21726 ай бұрын
@@jc2604 If you don’t like my comment, you can get lost. See how that works?
@TheRealFeechLaManna4 ай бұрын
I love your channel, but I have to say three things: 1) Leather outersoles are vastly overrated and unsuitable for most people. They really are only good if you spend your entire day indoors (and they will still make you sound like the patriarchy on two legs, which is no good in todays female HR governed corporate world). Rubbersoles are much better in most cases. You do mention the issue, but I think it should be straight up advice! 2) Please stop being so USA centric. This is the internet, we are global. Americans can have shipping from anywhere without much punishment, so who cares about shipping to them? And many who would watch and follow a channel like yours are from Europe. Europeans like us can NOT just order from Singapore or India or Britain, as customs and taxes will add about 100% to prize. We can only buy from companies that have shipping from inside EU. 2) A Don doesn't wear shorts. You should know that.