Gulun is a Chinese brand which installs unbelievable specification for a wonderful price. It is 95% handmade with only upper stitched by sewing machine, handwelted and handstitched. I visited its workshop in Chongqing, southwest of China.
Let us have a look of this pair.
Single monk, and the price is 1698 RMB, around 230 USD.
Last
Small square chisel toe, when we describe a last with these words, last TG73 from Gaziano & Girling comes to mind, however this one is obviously more elongated.
The profile told this last is quite sculptural and the outside of forefoot is low rise, and the sharp line is more exquisite.
Pattern
The pattern is quite interesting and innovative as plain toe excludes most disturbance on the upper, all the decoration suddenly appears on the monk strap and opening, I love this skippy feeling.
Construction
I think Gulun shoes have a signature and I can tell it from other brands simply by watching the welt. The signature is the strong contrast between stitch density and fudge fineness. Because the outsole is handstitched and the price should indicate that they would make the most exquisite shoes in the world, so the density is quite low, I would say it may be a little lower than Vass. In the other hand, the fudge is super fine and narrow.
You can tell under this strong light, the stitches are quite obvious and coarse, which by itself is not a good thing, however, to match the decorative brogue on the strap is perfect.
Waist is rounded and seems very harmonious.
Outsole
Slightly bevelled waist and painted to purple, rare.
Toe plate and rubber were attached. Rubber edge is round and sticked with copper nails, all the feeling is marvelous.
Toe nails run in parallel with the outline of Triumph toe plate, great details.
Leather
This pair is made with box calf from French tannery Annonay, creases are fine however the coating is blurred.
I am satisfied with the leather quality.
Conclusion
Everyone can have his own judgement whether the shoes worth the price, my answer is a big YES.