Stay Dull

The recent chatter surrounding the Bass Weejun as it stands today has drawn quite a bit of criticism to say the least.  It seems that the majority of people's problem or issue with the modern Weejun is the corrected grain leather, which gives the shoes a shiny, lacquered and ultimately cheap appearance.  I personally have two pairs of Bass Dovers and understand where everyone is coming from.  While the shoes age moderately well they seem to hold onto some of their shine no matter how broken in they get.  Make no mistake about it, this is a deal breaker for some folks.  It should be noted that Bass does sell a Weejun, their Gilman model specifically, with a Vegano leather upper that appears much more natural and less machine processed, if you will, than the other members of the Weejun family.  And if you're really an intense orthodox Trad and your issues go beyond merely the look of the leather, Bass also sells their Jeffery model which is the last made in the U.S.A. Weejun as far as I can tell (not including collaborations with other designers and brands such as Mark McNairy and J. Crew).  I know I wasn't alive in the hey day of the made in the states Weejuns that dominated college campuses up and down the east coast, but a lot of these concerns are just as important to a new generation of Weejun fans.  If you have since given up on Bass based on what you've been reading across the blogosphere it might do you some good to check out a pair in person and decide for yourself.  Just sayin'.

-L.A.S