Background:
I ordered these through the Shoe Healer GMTO that recently took place. I think these were ordered sometime in February and I received these on Tuesday the 26th, and I’m pretty sure I was one of if not the first to get these shipped which is sweet.
Here’s the old thread to see the make up details and what not. Listing them anyways for the lazy:
• Model: Robert
• Leather: black Comipel shell cordovan
• Last: W2298 last
• Welt: natural storm welt
• Sole: Dainite
• Eyelets: blind eyelets
• Lining: natural calf lining
• Laces: black laces
• Welt Stitching: white welt stitching
• Other: midsole (natural)
Impressions:
This model is my favorite that Tricker’s does so I was eager to jump on them when the GMTO came around. It’s my first shell footwear and I have a feeling it will have another shell friend soon, because as most of you know, shell is wicked cool. They look and feel fantastic and have a solid amount of weight to them… or maybe I’m just too used to wearing sneakers. Either way they’ll be great to kick around in as I’m planning on not babying these in the slightest. I’ve only worn them once and they look damn good. The only way I’d be happier is if I had the right size.
Sizing:
Sizing for these was a total disaster although I have to give Richard props for dealing with me and emailing back and forth with me to figure it out. At my most recent Brannock sizing at an AE store I ended up with my left foot just a hair shy (lengthwise) of 11.5B/C and right 10.5D. I also have a low foot volume, flat arches, and overall just stupid/weirdly shaped feet. Richard suggested I do half size down from each for the UK sizing landing me a UK 11 left and UK 10 right. This was very incorrect. They don’t even come close to fitting without the insoles I put in, it’s so bad it’s almost funny. My feet are literally swimming in these. I have a suspicion that this last is not compatible with my feet as I think the length fits well for each but the ankle is way too wide. Then I have my left pinky toe fitting snug but the rest of the shoe needs to be narrower, so nothing makes sense.
I looked into insoles and stumbled across Superfeet who seem to make decent insoles with a variety of fits. I ended up choosing the Copper which are low profile and high volume. The reason I chose these is because I didn’t want a high profile insert that would lift my heel/arches too much and give me even more heel slip than I have. The low profile helps to keep my foot as low as possible, and the high volume (thickness through the fore foot) makes them a more snug fit in the fore foot region which was much needed. I have only worn these with thin or no socks and they seem to fit good enough with these inserts, a heel slip pad, and a tongue pad for the left shoe.
Note that the left insole is too small with gaps at the sides that I can feel when they’re being worn. Also the arch is too close to my heel and I can feel it after walking around for minutes. I called up Superfeet and for a 5 dollar up charge they sent me split sized insoles (left F and right E, XL and L respectively). Those should be coming in sometime this week and I will update how the larger size works. Here’s the correct fit for the right foot. It doesn’t fit exactly flush with the sides of the shoe but it is supposed to be that way to work with the normal movement of your foot. It sits flat as well, where the left one can rock a bit. The right one feels normal/comfortable while the left one is noticeably off when worn. Really hope the larger size works for the left foot.
I’m confident these are the biggest hack job you’ve seen to get a shoe to fit right. I’ll never buy another pair of shoes I can’t size for in person first, it’s not worth the trouble to me. Lesson learned.
Construction/Flaws:
I don’t really feel like I need to go into construction since we all know about it, but these are GYW constructed with a storm welt. These have a few flaws such as some knicks and a slightly pronounced gap at the toe. There is also a dent and some polished over blemish in the shell (another welt mark in the corner). With the exception of these, and the the worst laces on the planet, there isn’t any glaring issue. Thankfully these being black helps drown out how noticeable everything is.
Conclusion:
These are a goddamn sexy pair of shoes. Once I got over my dislike of the Tricker’s storm welt I immediately fell in love with this make up. Plus the fit pics I saw really made it an easy decision when the GMTO happened. It may be the best casual black blucher out there and I think it will work very well with the style I have/clothes I wear. These are going to be put through some serious abuse and I’m rather lazy with cleaning and care so I’m interested to see how they hold up. Dainite is the perfect sole choice here which will give it a main spot in my winter rotation.
I was initially really upset with how far off the sizing is (and I still sort of am because it just doesn’t seem close at all), but the insoles and other additions have made them wearable for me. If that wasn’t the case, and if the larger insole doesn’t work, I may see if I could order an opposite split sized pair and try to sell them as a normal UK 11 pair and a normal UK 10 pair. Then I’d do the exact make up from AE with a MTO. That would be a ton of money, trouble, and stress to deal with so I really hope it doesn’t come to that, but we shall see.
Bottom line: I love these and I am so happy I was able to snag a pair. I am impressed with Tricker’s quality and for the price these were worth it. The sizing isn’t the end of the world but I’m managing it and making it work. Still worth it.
Which laces do we like better?. Not sure if the difference in thickness is really that noticeable, but I’m leaning towards the waxed and shorter ones.
Source by Micrafone_AssAssin
Mens Hair Styles 2015
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