There are some new shoemakers in town and their name is Point de Paris. They have been a while on Instagram, building up their presence as their ecommerce site was being built. And now that it is done, it is time to share them to the world. Point de Paris consist of 4 friends who were big-time shoe aficionados that decided to undertake the grand gesture of starting their own line. With all of their experiences as customers, they felt that they had some details to give that would separate their brand from the next. Below we will explain those.
T
he shoes are goodyear welted and priced at €840. What is involved with this price:
1. Lasted Shoetrees – meaning they are made from the exact same shape as the shoes last shape, giving the best fit to maintain the shoes shape.
2. Fully Leather heel counters – this is unique and is usually only seen on Handwelted footwear/Bespoke footwear. A nice feature for a RTW Goodyear Welted shoes. Fully leather heel counters will break in faster and mold to your heels better than the typical celastic/leatherboard counterparts.
3. Leather Holdfasts as opposed to fabric gemming only. A big argument to the shoe world is that Gemming is inferior to the leather holdfast that is sewn and presents a stronger bond between the upper and the insole. It is reported that only one major factory in Europe does this on a goodyear welted production basis, and it is France, where they must have the shoes made. (Not including small artisan workshops that produce only their own shoes)
4. Wooden Shanks – most bespoke shoemakers will either use wood pieces (specifically shaped ones) or sole leather to make up the shank, the part of the shoe that is pretty much the structure of support between the insole and outsole.
They have started out with a very concise and classic range with one last available, the sharp chisel. There is a classic cap toe oxford in 5 colors and a unique 3 eyelet wholecut oxford, also in the same 5 colors. While this leaves much to desire it is a good start for an upcoming brand, testing the waters of the industry.
I can only imagine how nice it will be when they start to produce other models (boots/loafers), other lasts (something typically French in a round last), and other materials (suedes for sure but hopefully frabrics too?!). I am sure it is in the works so stay tuned! In the meanwhile, if you see something you like here don’t be afraid to show them some support with an order!
Looks quite nice, like “poor man Berlutis”, or perhaps “not super rich man” Berlutis
But I’m confused with what you write about the Goodyear welting without gemming, being only made here in France. You have on your blog twice written about other brands also doing it, searched and found quotes as well:
“Bridlen is a brand from India doing Goodyear welted shoes the old-school way without gemming, at an impressive price of around £210/€250.“
“ A part from their own range they also have a number of models from Antonio Meccariello’s own range, the Argentum Dux. These shoes have the same level of craftsmanship as many premium brands, and are made using the special Argentum welt technique which is machine stitched but directly to the leather insole, without the canvas rib called gemming.”
What is correct here, since you now write there’s only one factory in France doing it?
You are right. The Bridlen one I wouldnt have remembered as those were Jespers from Shoegazing words, as he write sthose posts for the Super Trunk Shows and I actually do not have any personal experience with that brand. As per Meccariello, this is tougher to argue as I dont consider him ‘a factory’ but rather an artisan workshop. He doesnt so much mass produce for other brands via Private Label. Maybe it would be more accurate to put “European Factories”. For me, when I use the term factory, I am thinking something that can produce more than 5000 pairs and/or does Private Label.
Just to note,since it’s a bit funny contemplating the above topic,is that you write”Fully Leather heel counters this is unique and is usually only seen on Handwelted footwear/Bespoke footwear. A nice feature for a RTW Goodyear Welted shoes”. TLB Artista has this as well (at half the price),a brand that you have been writing much about and I’m quite sure have mentioned yourself in both post and the unboxing video 🙂
“this is unique and is usually” were my exact words…hence the ‘usually’. TLB also having them doesn’t take away from my bullet point about this being a rare occurrence in a non-handwelted shoe. I am not here to write about only the best ‘value’ shoes, but all shoes that I find worthy of quality. It would appear as if you are trying to catch me out on something here but what I wrote stands and the point was that it is ‘rare’ to find this feature.
Berluti’s prestige is one thing, but in terms of quality, those ones have nothing to be ashamed of. I bought a pair 3 month ago at their first trunkshow in Paris, well I was really impressed by the general quality and instant comfort. And some details as the shape and the fudge wheel are just gorgeous. It reminds me the time when Corthay was selling his shoes for that price. I coudn’t miss the opportunity twice.
Thanks for sharing Pierre, I never understand why people compare apples and oranges so am happy that you chimed in
The shoes look amazing.
I noticed that their welts seem to be less than half welts. Are there pros and cons to having 270 degree welts vs 180 degree ones?
Also, what are the benefit of wooden shanks (say, vs a metal one?).
Finally, do you know if they toe stiffeners are made of leather as well?
Thanks