I knew that for my first dome I needed something g I could wear to formal work settings as well as being comfortable enough for travel and extended wear. I had recently had a pair of penny loafers that I destroyed and was looking for a new pair of shoes to replace them. I came across this small brand from my hometown and thought it would be perfect. Loved the colour and shape of them. They’re sleek and stylish while remaining understated and sensible
Maker gave me guidance based on other brands size of shoes I already owned
Ordered online, wasn’t sure about sizing so I emailed them. To my surprise, the owner emailed me back promptly and helped me choose the perfect size. They were then made to order and delivered right in time for the dome
I’ve had to travel quite a lot for work this year and they held up in rain and snow, mud , gravel, crazy Italian mountain sides, stone quarries, beach walks, 60+ flights and associated airport experiences. I have a history of wearing shoes out, breaking uppers, wearing clean through soles. While these guys are about ready for new heal rubber, everything else is holding up extremely well. Nearly constant daily ware, no problem. I occasionally cleaned and brushed them as needed and recently had them shined. I plan on wearing them for many years to come. First dome great success
Man, I don’t know what magic this is but it’s basically chromexel. It’s supple and beautiful and has held up extremely well. It definitely takes a beating and shows it but somehow with a little brush looks right as rain. I used sapphire crème a couple of times and regularly brushed them to clean them. The leather bent in the right places and just looks so good in person. Can’t wait to see what they look like in 5 years.
I normally wear a 13 or 14 in US sizes. That being said, the 12.5 was a tiny bit tight when I first got them in volume but within a couple days felt perfect and have just improved with time. They are extremely comfortable with or without socks, I only wear relatively thin socks with them. I have stood for 9 hours straight in them many times without my feet hurting more than normal, the thin leather insole moulded to my feet and is perfect. Top top notch comfort for leather shoes. I don’t know what to call it but the way the shoes bend when walking is perfect too. The shoe moves with my foot and feels like a perfect second skin. It is flexible but strong. The Vibram soles are excellent and have held up way better than dainite in a similar time period on different shoes a couple years ago. The heel needs improvement. The rubber on the heel was much softer which made them very slip resistant but the leather bit on the heel is too thin and cracking and splitting all over the place. Will most likely have to replace the heel soon.
The construction and stitching is good in general. My one gripe is with the lining, there is a loose stitch where it is held together and the lining leather had a few cuts (?) or holes in it. Hasn’t been much of an issue but a subtle quality control thing. There are also some marks on the exterior of one of the shoes from the stitching machine but I think it gives it a bit of character. The design is excellent. The silhouette is in my opinion a more usable slipper/loafer than any of t others in the market. It is elegant and refined while not being delicate. It also works well in my relatively large size.
Would absolutely recommend these. It’s a small company run by passionate people. The shoes are super comfortable and look fantastic. The value is insane