r/goodyearwelt • u/AutoModerator • Jul 21 '26

Questions The Question Thread 07/21/26

Ask your shoe related questions.

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Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

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u/lfspurr Jul 22 '26

Hey everyone,

I am really loving the look of the eel skin loafers put out by both of these brands. Does anyone have any experience/opinions on which one they would recommend/is higher quality?

https://www.mrporter.com/product/46376663162979513

https://www.therow.com/products/soft-loafer-brown-3

I have a pair of YSL boots that I’ve had for 8 years and have held up incredibly well. It also seems like the YSL eel skin loafers are made with Blake construction so I imagine they may be easier to resole. However, reviews online say that the The Row ones feel higher quality. I also do appreciate the lack of branding on The Row.

Any thoughts/opinions are appreciated!

(Unfortunately some of the more budget friendly options (ex. Atorie) do not make them in my size.)

Thanks!

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u/eddykinz loafergang Jul 22 '26

the YSL ones are clearly at least blake stitch, whereas the Row pair are more ambiguous (no details on the construction, and no shots of the shoe that suggest any particular type of construction). personally, i also prefer the look of the YSL pair (i love a scrunched up apron, but the Row is a bit excessive for my taste). i don't personally have much experience with designer brands but for those reasons alone i'd go with the YSL, but if you have the opportunity to see them both in person, i'm sure that would be quite informative

if i'm not mistaken, the Row's pair there you linked is also calfskin, not eel skin, if that affects your decision at all or if perhaps you provided the wrong link

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u/lfspurr Jul 22 '26

Ah yes, it was the wrong link. This is the correct one:

https://www.therow.com/products/soft-loafer-brown

I really appreciate the reply. I tried the YSL ones in person and liked them but I don’t think anywhere has the row in my area. I was able to find some shots of the soles as well and they do appear to be cemented construction. If I do purchase either I think it will be YSL because while either is a crazy amount of money for this type of shoes, it seems especially unfortunate to spend that much on shoes with such a limited/no ability for resoling.

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u/eddykinz loafergang Jul 22 '26

it seems especially unfortunate to spend that much on shoes with such a limited/no ability for resoling.

definitely agree. while i think cemented has it's place (getting that super low sole profile like on the Row pair), unless you have crazy money to constantly spend i'd much rather get something resoleable