Acme Shoemaker vs Oct Tenth - Is the Shoe Snob right that a brand that costs 3x less just as good?

The Shoe Snob, Justin Fitzpatrick, is a renowned, knowledgeable personality in high end mens footwear, on top of owning his own brand. He has been long outstated in his own opinions, which many people, myself included, pay close attention to and consider hugely valuable. Recently, he made a bold statement that Chinese Maker Oct Tenth, consider among a burgeoning group of reasonably cost handwelted makers emerging, was just as good as the renowned Acme Shoemaker, now considered one of the world's best makers. In this video, we compare one model from each shoe maker and peer into the details more closely to see if he's right, at least in my opinion. So Acme vs Oct 10th. Who wins? Watch to find out. And please leave a comment to share your own opinion.

[@mtbokor1969]

I just received a pair of Ghurka in a purple patina and they are even more impressive in person. I am considering ordering a pair of Acme

[@WeltedWare]

You won't be disappointed with acme. Your wallet may take a hit, but these shoes are brillaint

[@teenoso4069]

Acme Shoemaker vs Winson review would be interesting given price points

[@WeltedWare]

Great idea. I’ll work on it soon!

[@mtbokor1969]

I have a pair of Thunder boots on order. I'd argue that Winson is closer to OCT 1o in price than Acme

[@WeltedWare]

@@mtbokor1969 Great boot! And yes, a Winson vs Oct 10 comparison based on price comparison would be wise to do as well

[@mtbokor1969]

I just received my ACME shoes and I am blown away. Not sure the 2x cost vs Oct10 is justified? Even Yearn does an amazing job for ~500 USD. I am the only one who will know the details of the finish work.

[@Shellvedge]

Yep. Hit the hammer on the nail! Or nailed the hammer with the head!
Many can implement details that are emblematic of bespoke shoes, few can seamlessly integrate all of those details into most functional package, not just as a feature dump, but as a truly well proportioned, elegant and proper execution of them all.
But that is exactly why higher end shoes are priced the way they are. It’s not a mark up but a representation of the detail execution that you cannot get at the entry level price point.

[@makiostar199127]

I think you missed few points which Justin probably ignored to state as they are non-relatable to the general audience, but shoe connoisseurs care about.
Leather selection (no veins), leather toe and heel stiffener, clicking and skieving, fudging along to stitches, heel stacking etc
These things add to the price point difference I believe.

[@WeltedWare]

Talked about heel stacking and clicking . Less so but did speak some on fudging but not fudging matching outsole stitching . I didn’t have info on leather vs synthetic stiffeners but did cut it out since I didn’t want to postulate