Maftei is a Vienna based bespoke shoemaker, in fact it has no Ready to Wear offerings until I persuaded them to make some for me, so that Chinese shoe lovers can appreciate and try. The last was for a Japanese bespoke customers so it should fit our Asian feet, wide and high instep. I name their models with the famous historical figures from Austria, and this one may be well known to almost every, Schubert.
Let us have a look.
Unboxing
The black paper shoe box is prone to break in shipping.
Side sticker has limited information such as description of the model, Oxford Cap Toe, colour black and size 40.5. Maftei’s size caused a lot of trouble here.
Shoe bag is in a golden orange colour, quite rare and daring in contrast with the conservative black oxford.
Last
In my opinion this last manifest the aesthetics of Maftei to the highest level, square round toe with unfelt elongation. A great combination of power and elegance.
Pattern
A cap toe oxford, a pattern you can find from any shoemaker. The only noticeable thing is the line in the quarter, where it ends. It is not unique and not so beautiful in my eyes.
Construction
Maftei as a traditional bespoke shoemaker, its construction is handwelted and the sole is handstitched. So the fudge is not only for good looking, but a reference to make the stitches neat. The thread Maftei uses is not very thin, while the density is so, the stitches are not vertical with the fudge, but a 45 degree.
Out Sole
Slightly fiddle back waist.
Logo is handwritten in the ridge and this is a good design. Grouped in three copper nails on the heel.
Details
The lining is baby calf leather and whole cut. It is a very trivial detail but tells the shoes are of top notch quality.
Conclusion
If you want to try a pair of Austrian shoes without any sacrifice on craftsmanship, this model cannot be wrong.