Cobbler Union Visit - New "Affordable Luxury" shoes
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- čas přidán 23. 06. 2019
- This visit explains and documents a quick trip I made to Cobbler Union Shoemakers' only US studio in Ponce City Market in Altanta, Georgia (USA). I happened to be in Atlanta on a business trip, and was able to meet one of the Operating Partners, Daniel, and see their stunning dress shoes and boots in person. I've never seen anyone else offer a Goodyear Welted Oxford with features like Museum Calf (that marbled finish), and a sole with hidden channel stitching with a narrowed Fiddleback waist for under $400! Look out Allen Edmonds, there's a new player in town!
*UPDATE 6/2022* I went BACK to Cubbler Union in Atlanta and BOUGHT a pair of their shoes!! Here is a link to the 2022 fitting video:
"Cobbler Union Shoe Fitting for my WIDE feet?"
• Cobbler Union Shoe Fit...
0:40: A funny anecdote
2:25: Explaining the setup of the trip & this video
5:15: Who is Cobbler Union?
8:29: The actual Cobbler Union store visit
Other related videos:
"New Cobbler Union Shoes Unboxing & Review"
• New Cobbler Union Shoe...
"Know Your Shoes : the Oxford" by Hugo Jacomet & Sonya Glyn Nicholson of Sartorial Talks
• Know Your Shoes : the ...
"Know Your Shoes : the Derby" by Hugo Jacomet & Sonya Glyn Nicholson of Sartorial Talks
• Know Your Shoes : the ...
"The Best Shoe Brands in 2019 (part 1)" by Hugo Jacomet & Sonya Glyn Nicholson of Sartorial Talks
• The Best Shoe Brands ...
"Shoe Showcase: Ferragamo with beveled waist!"
• Shoe Showcase: Ferraga...
"Horween Leather! Why is Good Leather More Expensive?"
• Horween Leather! Why i...
Music Credit:
"So Smooth" by Danny Kean & Doug Maxwell from CZcams Audio Library - Jak na to + styl
Ladies & Gentleman, when I first released the video yesterday, I apologize, I neglected to link in the description the pertinent Sartorial Talks videos that I said I would. They are now linked in the description below the video. My apologies!
Robert Powers thanks for replying, IM subscribe to your channel for a couple of years now. You helped me to sand some leather cracks on my Fratelli Rossetti tassel loafers, very expensive shoes around $700, and today Im going to finish the process of applying the dye and final polish, I hope I get a decent result
Excellent video Robert. YES, you were like a kid in a candy store! 😂
Once I saw cobbler Union on here and Hugo Jacomet, i knew this brand was worth it
Your enthusiasm is infectious. Well done. It would have been good if you asked the man in the store how they are able to do what they do.
Rev. James C - Yes, I wish I had been able to put some forethought into it and take an additional 30 minutes!
Bob your a national treasure and a role model father, thanks for all you do!
Wow, you're too kind! FYI, I have a trip to Atlanta coming up at the end of June 2022... there is a chance I may buy a pair of Cobbler Unions while I'm there! Of course it will be documented if I can make it happen.
Wonderfilly done spontaneous video, Robert. Your enthusiasm is palpable and makes the report a joy to watch.
Arthur Kurtz 🙏🏼 thank you! Yes, I was kind of flipping out. The friend I was having lunch with is not a shoe person at all, but knew from some of my social media posts that I was.
Very interesting discovery. Thank you for sharing 👞👍
wow, glad i stumbles upon this video!
The bigger you get the more you must cut corners because of the small players coming in who do not cut corners because their operating costs are less and they want to produce the best. Congrats to Cobblers Union and making the Americian dream stay alive . Good Job Robert
Amazing review! The contouring on the sole is amazing, and the heal padding in the interior looks luxurious. Looking forward to getting a pair for my birthday!
Hey Bob, What a lucky coincidence that you were able to shoot the video at the Cobbler Union Store with little to no advance set up time. I believe you mentioned that Hugo Jacomet of Sartorial Talks thinks highly of Cobbler Union. It jogged my memory and you are absolutely correct as Hugo produced two videos identifying the best shoe makers of 2019 Worldwide. As it turns out Hugo, did in fact list Cobbler Union at # 5 on its list of the Best Shoe Makers of 2019. I remember watching Hugo’s videos and was quite interested as I was unfamiliar with Cobbler Union until watching Hugo’s videos. My point is that you are spot on correct in your comments and thoughts about the quality of the Cobbler Unions’s shoes, at least per Hugo’s expert opinion, which I respect. Bottom line: Another top notch video Bob which I enjoyed very much. You pointed out some of the inherent quality design and production features of the Cobbler Union shoes. Keep up the good work Bob!! Thanks...Ed
I enjoy the vids; Salute to you for always putting out good content!
Great "on the fly" video. One little thing. I studied with Hugo Jacomet. At 13:46 you point out a "Derby". That , friend, is actually a blucher. The distinguishing characteristic is the piece of leather that runs front to back hugging the sole all the way back, open lacing system like a derby, but look at the thickness of the sole- thicker than a derby. Also the lacing leather is more narrow(smaller proportionately) on the blucher than derby. By the way- I can prove what I say. Towards the end of the video, you pick up a brouged shoe with Norwegian stitching and you commented, " ... the sole is thicker..." - notice the leather that runs front to back hugging the sole all the way. That is another blucher! Very enjoyable video.
Maybe I’m wrong, but my understanding is that a Blucher is a type (a subset of) a Derby. Again, I could be wrong.
I really enjoy your reviews
Thank you very much, I was researching the brand and you popped up, you have a new subscriber
They seem like great people! I wish they made wide widths!
thanks for posting
Surprised your channel hasn’t blown up a ton. Love what I see. Keep it going bob!
John Raiden 🙏🏼
Thank you Sir! I wear a 12C in the MacNeil from AE and they are not going to make it any more or allow the custom last of a C width. So, after wearing these since 1976 I am forced to find a new shoe maker. Think I will plan a trip to Atlanta.. 😀👍🙏👏
Great video man! Cobbler Union is a great good year welted construction shoe! 👍🏼🌟👞❤️
Love this channel because it’s about the passion of shoes and taking care of the things you enjoy. Those shoes are absolutely gorgeous, Robert. I hope you agree with me here, they are more attractive than AE. I recently had a business trip to GA but was disappointed because I couldn’t find time to check out this store. Keep up the good work!
I’d also feel like a kid at a candy store. Great video, Robert.
🙏🏼 thank you!
Absolutely beautiful shoes. Looks like they have shoe polishes on the table with the shoes. I'd love to try the polishes and get a pair of shoes. Thanks always.
Ive been wanting a pair of double monk straps for a while, and I checked theirs out... WOW! I like the simplicity of not having the medallion on the toe, and that fiddleback waist makes me drool. I'll definitely check them out in the future when Im ready to purchase. Great Video Cobbler Bob! Thank you :)
Very Cool!
This video was recorded 3 years ago... I went BACK summer of 2022 and bought a pair! That video should be linked in the video description!
It was great video thanks a lot.
Great video Bob!!!! That's a brand I have kept an eye on but have yet to pull the trigger. Also congrats on starting to live the life of the famous
😂
Just found your channel love it!
Very informative
Nice! I just found your channel. Signed up on their website. Some nice shoes.
Yes! This video was shot 3 yrs ago. MAK sure to check out my recent video documenting a fitting at that same store! I bought a pair of their shoes. They should be in at the end of this month. I’ll do an unboxing video when I get them in.
Robert Celebrity Powers! Congrats!
Haha!!! 😂
Great video 🤗
Beuteful shoestor, Wat a great selection they have.
Hugs from Denmark 🇩🇰 🌹 🌺
Just found your channel! Another albeit younger shoe aficionado. Keep it up! New subscriber here
Abdullah S. Ahmad - thank you! 🙏🏼
Wow, I was having lunch in that mall last June . Never knew about the brand
Annoyingly was in the market to buy new shoes as we'll
Hey Bob,
Next time you're in Atlanta, let me know.! CU is where I get my Saphir products from. The selection at CU is fantastic. And they custom make their belts on your waist.! Enjoyed the video, right in the backyard, so to speak. Come on back, there's an AE store not too far from where you were.!
Great channel keep it up :)
Thank you! 🙏🏼
I WANT THOSE TWO TONE SHOES!!!!!!!
Great shoes at terrific prices. My third pair are on the way. The customer service and store in ATL are everything you would expect. I moved from Chattanooga (near ATL) to Austin, TX but will remain a repeat customer.
Hey Bob, a few months back I purchased a pair of Cobbler Union shoes (I learned about CU from your channel) in brown suede split toe on the spur of the moment due to a limited sale they had for $199 with free delivery and they are superb! Great comfort and build quality. This positive experience made me step up and I've just purchased a pair of their whole cuts in museum oxblood in the Miquel / Louvre model and these were full price $395 w/free delivery (2022), but I also got to pick a free matching belt which retails for $145 and I am waiting for these to arrive. I registered with CU website and I am finding that they are emailing me pretty regular discounts such as free matching belt, or $50 off, etc.. so I am pretty excited as I slowly build my shoe collection.
One thing with these, and that you mentioned in the video, many/all of the Cobbler Union lasts are very narrow and I can see where this would present a problem with someone like yourself with wide feet. I have the obverse issue with Allen Edmonds, but while AE has narrow sizes, I feel this throws off the 'balance' and look of the shoe at times. I know you have covered this issue of manufacturers using an upper cut for one size / last on different applications and it does throw the look of the show off IMHO.
Thanks again Bob and I love your website!!
That’s awesome! I’m glad it was a good experience! They really seemed like their hearts and attitudes are in the right place.
From Panama City, Panama 🇵🇦 I really admire your love and passion for shoe craftsmanship, this is a tradition, a culture not everybody understand. Keep the videos coming. Please do some videos about some heritage italian bespoke houses like Bestetti shoes; Stefano Bemer; Enzo Bonafe; A. Meccariello
Gian Famiglietti - thank you! Those subjects at this point would be harder for me to tackle without any firsthand experience, but I never know where this will lead me!
What's up Robert! great work with your videos. I have been Thrifting clothes for years but never shoes. I thought the idea of wearing someone else shoes were gross or nasty. Until I start checking your videos out about a year ago. Because of your knowledge I found a pair of shell cordovan Allen Edmond wingtip brogues for $10 ; and flip them on eBay for $210, after I spit shine them up! Plus I found a pair of Mezlan ankle boots that I decided to keep for twenty bucks, so Thrifty shoes is well worth it. Thanks again!
Nice! Aah, Shell Cordovan, The gold mine of shoe thrifting!
Never "spit shine" shell cordovan. Never shine shell cordovan. The leather is not conducive to a wax shine.
Cobbler union is outstanding. Closed channel stiching fiddleback waist goodyear welt storm welts full grain leather round toe dainite sole. I am about to go in.
great video!!Thanks for the info.Ive been hearing only good things about COBBLER UNION.Just invested in two pairs of Allen Edmonds and Paul Evans shoes.Ones an oxford semi brogue while the other is a derby full brougue.There are just so many brands you keep hearing about,cant possibly buy a new pair everytime you come across a good brand.Its very easy to get carried away though,very addictive.Have you done a video on 4 or 5 styles of shoes every guy should have in their wardrobe?🤔So im now aiming for a double monk.Please let me have your opinion on how important this shoe style is and whether one should have a pair in their wardrobe?Peace and God Bless.
Those are some fantastic shoes they sell there. You showed a quarter brogue to be precise, a semi brogue has a medallion.
👊🏼
Thanks for this video, Robert. Always nice to be recognized and appreciated for what you do.👍🏽😃 . Couple of things: 1) Get that a beveled waist is considered a mark of quality, but why exactly is that so? 2) Did you mention the prices/ price range (of the CU range)? If so, I missed it, will need to rewatch.
SORRY for missing your comment! The fiddleback/beveled waist is harder to do. 20 plus years ago, only a bespoke shoe would have those features. Today, it's still a more expensive and more difficult sole to make, so it's instantly associated with higher end shoes. The narrower the waist is, the harder it is to physically fasten it to the upper. The rounder the bottom is, also the more labor to make it work.
Robert, great content as always!
If you had to wager a bet, which ones do you think are a better made product;
Carmina or Cobbler Union?
(considering that both are Spanish)
blazinmark1 you’re the Second or third person to bring up Carmina recentl! I have no experience with them!
Nice shoes
Hey Bob I believe those were quarter brogues that you held, not semi brogue. Quarter brogue differs from the semi brogue in that it doesn't have the brogue medallion in the captoe. The semi brogue differs from the full brogue in that the full brogue, in that the semi brogue's captoe has a straight brogue line separating the captoe from the vamp, whereas the full brogues have wings (short wingtip full brogue, long wingtip full brogue.
I believe the one to its left (the monkstrap) is a bit more challenging to label.. But I believe it's also a quarter brogue because of its lack of medallion in the captoe. I have heard some give it the nickname 'austerity brogue' or 'austerity wingtip'.
I wear a 12EEE and finding fine shoes in my size is difficult at best. I will go to their site and see if they have added in superwide widths.
April 2020, I haven't seen any wide widths yet... =/
Casio you're from Georgia? Wow I've been following them too
Beautiful, Robert! Is there a website I can reach you over?
Joshua Rozario - no, but feel free to email me at robertpowers1972 (at) gmail.com though!
It's my birthday tomorrow and I was going to buy Carminas as my first pair of nice shoes. This is making me wonder which brand to buy! They both have closed channel 3/4 Goodyear welt. Any thoughts on the comparison?
Austin Archey - sorry my response is a month late. I would be hesitant to give you advice on this one as although I’ve heard great things about Carmina, I have not owned a pair. You may want to check out a new video I released... one of my shoe aficionado friends is more of an expert and talks about Carmina. Go to my Jan 2020 Shoe Talk video titled “Can Anykne Bear Allen Edmonds Value?”
czcams.com/video/4Kn_FRJx8sM/video.html
@Robert Powers I just came across this video. I'm a small man with small narrow feet. Does Cobblers Union offer the smaller sizes like AE? I would love to try those shoes for the price!
According to their website, they start at a size 6US! What they don't offer still is wide or narrow widths. I'm guessing narrow feet will be easier to accommodate than wide feet, because with narrow feet on a shoe with a relatively long toe bix, you can size a half size down.
Interesting that Hugo names only three brands from USA in list of 10 best shoes under $500. This is one choice, along with Alden and J Fitzpatrick. It is noteworthy that AE did NOT make the list.
We're all our own "expert'' on what shoes to buy, but thanks for spending the time to actually research and inform us.
It’s a 180 Goodyear welt, Allen Edmonds is a 360 also they don’t have any refurbishing services like Allen Edmonds either. I own a pair and they are very nice but I bought them when they had a $100 off special. I wouldn’t pay more than $300 for them to be honest.
C R - good point, I didn’t think about Re-crafting.
I’d love to try a pair. Sadly they have a poor size selection and I can’t buy what they don’t have
Many videos have not clarified that Cobbler Union has a stacked Leather heel. Yours has... Thanks 😃
I'm happy to help!
Bob how does the sizing run? When I look on the website their lasts look narrow.
jazzandcocktails7 - I didn’t have a chance to try them on. Also, as mentioned, I’m a 2e or 3E width, and they don’t have any wide widths yet.
Hey, have you heard of Qüero shoes? They have a similar story to Cobblers Union and they offer custom made shoes for a great price. Would love to hear from you on this.
Life Connoisseur - wow, no, I’ve never heard of them! I’ll check them out.
I always enjoy your channel. Unfortunately I have diabetes and I have neuropathy and have to wear a custom-made shoes I wonder if it's possible to have custom made luxury shoes for diabetics??
William findspennies - i’m honestly very clueless in that category, but I do know that AE has been still something with orthotics. As my father used to say though, “he who don’t ask, don’t get!“ I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a phone and call Cobbler Union.
Thanks
Do you get "diabetic" shoes from your podiatrist? They are not "luxury", but have been very beneficial to my wife who suffers likewise.
And its American. God bless America and this shoe maker!
I apologize for missing your comment. They're actually made in Spain FYI. PS, I went back and bought a pair in June of 2022, and they are supposed to come in next month, Feb 2023.
@@CobblerBob Do they have offices in the US then?
I just bought a pair of Cobbler Union John II boots,
Jon Walker how is the quality compared to Carmina?
@@julioc4978 I wish I could say I've never owned a pair of Carmina shoes. I've only worn the CU twice so I don't know how they will break in. But they appear very well constructed. I typically wear AE Dalton boots. I will keep you updated. JW
Please do update us!!
8:30 to start watching!!!!!!!
I have owned shoes made in Spain and although esthetically beautiful I have some reservation about the quality of the leather and craftsmanship when compared to British or Italian shoes. Are my concerns valid ? Also why are shoes made in Spain more affordable than British or Italian shoes. Is it the cost of labor ? Is it the quality or workmanship or are British and Italian shoes simply overpriced ? Appreciate any thoughts.
Nelson A. - excellent questions. I would guess that labor in Spain is either cheaper, and/or the type of skilled labor needed to produce shoes is more plentiful? I don’t know for sure. And as far as the (materials) quality, that’s an EXCELLENT question that I would love to hear a real connoisseur answer. I honestly don’t feel I am qualified to answer that!
Robert Powers thanks. Keep me posted if you learn anything along the way.
Hello Robert , recently I left a comment on one of your other video’s and believe I came across a bit critical. I apologize if did. On the matter at hand I have some interesting information on my previous comment about the quality of shoes made in Spain. If you recall I had some reservations when compared to British and Italian brands. I recently read that the Spanish shoe company meermin has there uppers made in China which begs the question , where do they manufacture there soles and assemble their shoes ? If the bulk of the process is done in China then there saying the shoes are from Spain is misleading to say the least. This could well explain why shoes from Spain sell for less than other European shoes. The only silver lining in the article I read about the meermin shoes ( sorry don’t have article right now but can probably find ) is that there leather is tanned in France. I hope this comment is of use to you. Let me know your thoughts especially if You think I got it all wrong on meermin. I would not want to Besmirch a brand if not justified. Best to you.
But no wide sizes. 😥
what’s the name of the shoe you were holding in the beginning???
Roma Vic - that’s the “Richard”. The material/ color is Museum Calf.
CONGRATZ
Sir is ok to ask you what brand to buy where I need shoe leather dye I will use it old leather shoes original color grey but it’s been used up needs to refresh again thanks more power God bless.
John Parker Zabala I have used and had very good luck with Fiebings. Check out their website, www.fiebings.com.
What an interesting video. I have a question, I was at a thrift store this morning and I found an Allen Edmonds suede jacket. It looked nice but I was suspicious when the care tag said Made in China, I didn't buy it thinking it may have been a counterfeit. Could it have been real of fake?
If the jacket was in good shape and of quality build and fits you.
fake A-E or not, buy it, thrift store price...
Wow, I honestly didn’t even know they made jackets. Since that’s not the core product, (I am just GUESSING here) it’s entirely possible they had some of those outsourced. Again, I have no real knowledge on this.
I went back to the store and luckily it was still there so I ended up buying it. I like that its a light jacked but the construction is good and the leather it nice quality. The suede looks clean and on the inside on the skin I can see some imperfections in the leather (like scars), could this mean that it's full grain?
Since suede is the roughed up inside of the hyde, I don’t think you can have full grain suede?
@@CobblerBob sorry that was not the right word, I ment to say something like a solid hide, I know on faux leather it is a thin layer glued to some other material.
Watch out AE hahaha
I always wondered how is their quality compared to Carmina
I can’t make any comments there, I’ve never touched a Carmina shoe!
@@CobblerBob how you found the quality compared to AEs?
I’m hesitant to say, because I only handled their showroom shoes, which would the the absolute best, but that being said:
1. The finish of the sole and heel edges was FAR superior to AE. Smoother finish, and more care on the shaping.
2. The bottom of the soles finishing was better. It was smooth like glass. Beautifully stained.
3. The stitch density of the Goodyear Welting is higher than AEs.
4. The fit and finish of the closing/stitching of the uppers was better. Neater and more precise.
Robert Powers I am assuming the shoes are 100% hand crafted to achieve that kinda precision and stitching
Thanks for all your comments.
I am so tempted to get a pair of these now
they don't have that much sollection for me
You should research film making principles to increase your production value. For instance, if you applied the rule of thirds by moving your eyes down to the top horizontal you would make it more natural to look in your eyes as you speak. Blessings.
Thanks for the tip! I also need better audio (mic the individuals).
That brown pebbled gunboat is the tits! Ponce City Market is across town from me... tempting. When I first went to this shop, I thought Hugo was the owner, because of that same video you mentioned.
Just looked up that shoe... it's the first one listed on the site... the Alex uR.... damn what a beauty!
Terrible experience with Cobbler Union. I bought a pair of oxfords and they were about a half size too small. Wore them in my living room for about five minutes, put them back in the box and sent them back for an exchange. The couple minutes I wore them in the house put some light creases in the vamp; I got an email back that this constituted them being “damaged” and ineligible for an exchange.
A couple takeaways: first, simply trying on the shoes will crease the leather and make them ineligible for an exchange or return. Second, you’re taking a big risk buying from this company without tryin on the shoes in store.
Wow... that sucks! You're absolutely right. I haven't purchased a pair myself, and you're right... especially having wide feet, not being able to try them on is almost a deal breaker.
Sir not Casio wrong typing sorry
Stop acting like goodyear welting is a big deal.
100 dollar johnson Murphys have it. No I am not saying JM are in the same category as these.
Plan on visiting this store soon.
60zeller - you have to go to the $179 Melton line before you get Goodyear welting. Even then, most of the Melton line has low quality insoles & cushioning, and corrected grain leather. There are a ton of shoes by J&M, Cole Haan, & Florsheim and others these days in the $100 or so price range with false welting from J&M. They have stitching on the welt and on the sole that’s not connected to anything. I have a recent video showing this in some detail.
They are just $5 under 400. Visit their web site a see. Just another Allen Edmond want to be.
MR BAZOOKA - I disagree! I AE certainly makes nothing with a narrowed waist, nor a fiddleback waist, and no hidden channel stitching. Cobbler Unions styling is different from AEs too. Also, have you purchased any new AE,s lately? They definitely have quality issues.
MR BAZOOKA I just got a pair of the William in cognac and I'm in love. Look great. Feel better. Everything is what I want. I own four pair of AE, which I also like. But, their style isn't on par with Cobbler Union in my opinion.
I had not seen this video of your before Robert. It was fun to see you were here in Atlanta. As you probably know they have closed the retail store now and just do the online sales. We go to Ponce City Market pretty often and I would always go in and plead that they start offering wide widths but, to date, it is still not something they do. They are great shoes, just nothing for us wide folks. :)