In one corner we have the G.H. Bass made in the USA loafer available for $280 and in the other a similar Sebago interpretation for $130. Aside from everyone weighing in on what obviously looks better (i.e. Sebago's shoe coming in a bunch of colorways), anyone care to rationalize the $150 domestic manufacturing markup? Have at it kids.
G.H. Bass & Company Classic Gordon Weejuns
vs.
Sebago Classic Beef-Roll Penny Moc
-L.A.S
[Editor's note: Mr. Schenck of Mister Crew alerted me to a pair of RL made in the USA beef-roll penny's for $150. These seem like the best option of the bunch.]
[Editor's note: Mr. Schenck of Mister Crew alerted me to a pair of RL made in the USA beef-roll penny's for $150. These seem like the best option of the bunch.]
Posts
very good point, homie. i figured you'd need to be speaking to an economist to find a "true" answer. but if i may--i think it's more of a question about principles and what the buyer PERSONALLY vaules the most. do they value looks or status or price or whatever? i personally prefer quality over everything. if the better shoe is made in the USA then i'll pay the mark up. if not then i guess i've answered your question.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for USA made shoes. keepin' it real
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love the Sebago loafer. I've been debating about getting a pair of regular Weejuns, but seeing them so squeaky clean isn't appealing. The Sebago version is much more casual, which I like. On the other hand, the JCrew version is also a bit more casual, but the mark-up is a killer. Personally, I'd rather save some cash and go for the Sebago.
ReplyDeletei'm sorry, but those shoes are WACK! the colors, shape are banal to say the least... they look dated(probably dope in the 80s) there's nothing remotely cool about those. they look like someone with absolutely no style and a victim of fashion would wear.
ReplyDeleteLOL 2022 things have changed
DeleteThe white Sebagos are the freshest. Them + summer suiting = class.
ReplyDeleteI would probably go with the Sebagos. The Bass for J.Crew model looks much better, but I wear penny loafers sockless and they get pretty beat up, so I can't really see the point of paying any more than I have to.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think no matter which ones you get they look best after you've worn them in and put your own stamp on them. Those RL loafers are super nice for the price though.
ReplyDeleteSebago. Shoes of this style are popular in my neck of the woods; the pre-driving loafer shoe of choice. NO socks.
ReplyDeleteThe more beat up, the better. They get polished once a year - almost like a 'reset' button for the leather.
My vote is for the Sebagos as well. JRS nails it with the casualness of them, they're supposed to be beat to hell.
ReplyDelete