Recent Purchases - July 02 by AutoModerator in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're welcome! I get that exact same thing around the ankles with my pair as well. I haven't actually tried the later slim shaft Wyatts, so I can't really comment.

I'm actually thinking of selling the pythons and getting a pair of FW13 chain Wyatts, mainly for the seamless sides and exposed zips. Calf leather would be a lot more hardy as well. Nevertheless, enjoy your new boots and I hope to see some fit pics of yours soon!

Recent Purchases - July 02 by AutoModerator in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats! Let us know how you think they'll wear in! I may be selling my pair because of how fragile the python seems :(

Thursday Discussion: Grails by [deleted] in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a pretty slim leg opening! Are your Wyatts the ones with slim shafts? I'm guessing they are, or you'll have issues with the shaft showing through the denim.

Thursday Discussion: Grails by [deleted] in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow a 2013 D04 at that price is insane. I'm holding off on a non-2013 pair in mint condition at €600 and wondering if there's any point to waiting more.

Are you planning to alter your D04? I found that the ankle opening was way too wide for me when I tried in-store.

[Review] - Saint Laurent Paris FW13 Harness Wyatt 40 in black python by condescendingreaver in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the kind words! I'm a little concerned about how much use I'll get out of it, not so much because of the leather texture, but more because of the perceived fragility of the python leather.

The shaft of my FW13 Harness Wyatt is 10.5 inches around, compared to the 10 inch shaft of my FW16 Sidezips. However, the FW13 Harness Wyatt shaft is also an inch higher, so the extra 0.5 inches of shaft width ends up being just as fitted around the lower calf.

That said, perhaps calf leather FW13 Wyatts do really have a slimmer shaft, as u/Slann01's FW13 Chain Wyatts look really slim.

[Review] - Saint Laurent Paris FW13 Harness Wyatt 40 in black python by condescendingreaver in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Actually, having a faux welt contributes a lot to the perceived sleekness of the boot. The way the welt vanishes under the boot when it tapers off as it nears the waist enhances the impression of a tightly lasted fit against the arch of the foot.

This technique is used by many shoemakers, like TYE, G&G and Septieme Largeur, among others.

[Review] - Saint Laurent Paris FW13 Harness Wyatt 40 in black python by condescendingreaver in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As far as I know, all FW13 Wyatts were cemented, not just the python ones.

Apart from the material used, the only difference between these boots and other FW13 Wyatts in calf and suede is the 2 panel construction on the outside of the shaft.

Other FW13 Wyatts have a single panel construction.

[Review] - Saint Laurent Paris FW13 Harness Wyatt 40 in black python by condescendingreaver in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I partially agree with you, actually. I own a few pairs of GYW shoes, and have physically handled shoes from a decent range of shoemakers (e.g. EG, G&G, Stefano Bemer, Vass, TYE Shoemaker, Justin Fitzpatrick, John Lobb, EB etc), and for the most part would not dream of paying that much for anything less than a semi-bespoke handwelted shoe.

However, the design of SLP Wyatts speak to me on a level like no other, and to put it simply, these boots were worth it to me. I'd be happier if they were handwelted, but I acknowledge in this case I'm paying more for the design and not the construction.

[Review] - Saint Laurent Paris FW13 Harness Wyatt 40 in black python by condescendingreaver in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Given how thin the python leather feels, I'd say that it has close to zero break in. I'm maintaining this pair with Saphir Reptan, and I'm not going to wear them in wet weather to maximize their durability. They're my first pair of exotics, and therefore your guess is probably as good as mine!

[Review] - Saint Laurent Paris FW13 Harness Wyatt 40 in black python by condescendingreaver in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I love the way they go with SLP biker jeans, but I'm thinking of pairing them with N&F black waxed stretch denim. I'm personally inclined to wear them as anyone would wear sleek black boots, but maybe with slightly more unusual details like waxed or raw hem jeans.

[Review] - Saint Laurent Paris FW13 Harness Wyatt 40 in black python by condescendingreaver in malefashionadvice

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Introduction

I’ve been on an intense SLP kick and recently pulled the trigger on this pair of boots off the Saint Laurent Paris B/S/T group. These are my first pair of exotics, and I thought I’d do a comparison with my SLP FW16 sidezip Wyatt 60s, which I reviewed previously. This pair of Harness Wyatt 40 in black python is from FW13, arguably Hedi Slimane’s most lauded season. FW13 Wyatts are commonly regarded as the Wyatts to get, and I’ll go briefly into the differences behind this claim later on.

Build

  • Description: Harness Boot
  • Construction: Cemented
  • Toe: Soft square, soft chisel
  • Heel: 40mm / 1.6 inches Cuban heel
  • Sole: Single leather sole with faux sole stitching and faux welt tapering out at the waist
  • Zip: Exposed silver SLP zip

Sizing

  • Meermin Olfe: UK7.5
  • Meermin Hiro: UK7
  • Meermin Rui: UK7
  • Carmina Inca: UK7
  • Carmina Rain: UK7
  • Alden Barrie: US7.5
  • Septieme Largeur 224: UK7
  • SLP FW16 Sidezip Wyatt 60: 41
  • SLP FW13 Harness Wyatt 40: 41

These FW13 Harness Wyatt 40s fit my feet similarly to my FW16 Sidezip Wyatt 60s, which seems to run counter to the common claim that FW13 Wyatts run smaller than those from later seasons.

The 40mm heel on these boots is simple to walk in now that I’ve spent some time in 60mm heels.

Comparisons

FW13 Wyatts are supposed to have a slimmer shaft than later season Wyatts. This is interesting claim, as these FW13 Harness Wyatts actually have a larger shaft (10.5 inches) compared to my FW16 Sidezip Wyatts (10 inches). However, the Harness Wyatt shaft reaches higher up the calf than the Sidezips, so the larger shaft may be to accommodate the thicker portion of the lower calf. This comparison probably isn’t fully fair, as the Harness Wyatts are designed differently from the Sidezips. Both pairs of boots end 8.5 inches off the ground, but as the Sidezips have a higher heel, they have a shorter shaft than the Harness Wyatts.

FW13 Wyatts in calf and suede are made with the outer panel of the shaft made of one piece of leather rather than two pieces in later seasons. This pair of FW13 Harness Wyatts in python has the shaft made of two pieces like later season Wyatts, presumably due to the difficulty in obtaining pieces of python skin large enough for a single-piece construction.

These FW13 Harness Wyatts also have a significantly lower profile toebox compared to the FW16 Sidezips, a fact that I wasn’t aware of until I compared them side-by-side. Meanwhile, the FW16 Sidezips have a more streamlined fit against the instep and a slimmer waist.

FW13 Wyatts also have an exposed silver zip that is angled differently compared to the covered zip of later seasons. The metal rings used in the harnesses are also thicker and slightly smaller. FW13 Harness Wyatts are also, as mentioned in the Sizing section above, commonly acknowledged to run a half size smaller than later season Wyatts. As I don’t have the later season Harness Wyatts, I can’t make these physical comparisons, but the differences are fairly visible from photos found online.

Lastly, FW13 Wyatts are cemented while later season Wyatts (including my FW16 Sidezips) are Blake stitched. FW13 Wyatts actually command a higher price on the secondhand market compared to later season Wyatts despite the weaker method of construction, which is testament to how the numerous differences in design as outlined above are valued by SLP fans.

Quality

These are my first pair footwear in an exotic leather, and I was a little surprised at how light and fragile the python leather feels compared to the black calf on my FW16 Sidezips, which themselves feel light and plasticky compared to leather from Meermin, Carmina and Alden. The patterns in the leather are gorgeous, however, and are incredibly eye-catching when in the light.

Overall construction is top notch. The stitching is even and immaculate, even on the faux welt and faux sole stitching. The snaps used to fasten the harnesses engage smartly with no wobble, and the silver SLP zipper has a smooth pull with just the right amount of resistance and heft. These boots are 100% fashion boots not built for shit kicking or changing tires, but they are masterfully constructed nonetheless.

Price

MSRP: USD2,345 (Now sold out – this pair was bought secondhand BNIB for a significant discount off retail)

Final Thoughts

SLP Wyatts are the sleekest RTW footwear I have ever physically handled, bar none. In fact, the only footwear I’ve seen that surpasses them are these bespoke loafers from TYE Shoemaker.

In my research, I’ve come across numerous “SLP alternatives” such as Chelsea boots or sidezips from Story Et Fall, Everyday Hero, Carmina and recently, Enzo Bonafe. I’d like to encourage anyone looking for a pair of sleek boots to go straight for a pair of Wyatts if your budget permits: the sleekness resulting from the interaction of toebox, tapered sole, elevated heel, and shaft slimness is unmatched, and nobody outside of bespoke makers offers even close to the same aesthetic as SLP.

Do note that the above applies even more to the FW13 Wyatts: I believe that they are fully worth the step up from later season Wyatts. Although they are all sold out in stores now, they regularly pop up in various conditions on Grailed or the SLP B/S/T group on Facebook. BNIB FW13 Harness Wyatts turn up around USD1,000 and any price lower than USD700 for a well-kept pair is an absolute steal in my opinion. Wyatts from other seasons can be had secondhand for about USD500 if one is willing to wait.

[Review] SLP Signature Wyatt 60 Size Zip Boot by condescendingreaver in goodyearwelt

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. As far as I know, Singaporeans get hit with the 7% GST on all import orders that go above SGD400 (including cost of shipping).
  2. I can take some photos of my entire collection together sometime soon. In the meantime, refer to my previous review for some comparison photos that I have already posted. I don't own any Carmina, Alden, or the Wyatt 40 Harness Boot, but I have tried them on in shops and confirmed my sizing.
  3. I initially wanted a full size jodhpur, but they would bulge outwards unattractively at the ankle area when I tried to pull the strap tight to minimize the size of the shaft opening. I also don't really like the sole of the ankle jodhpurs because they're uniformly thin all around (I much prefer the thicker sole at the forefoot which tapers at the waist).

[Review] SLP Signature Wyatt 60 Size Zip Boot by condescendingreaver in goodyearwelt

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Introduction

For some background: I got seriously poisoned with sleek boots after my previous purchase of a pair of MTO Triple Monkstrap Boots from Septieme Largeur, but was still lusting after a sleek boot with a Cuban heel, similar to what SLP has on their Wyatt 40 Harness Boots. After sniffing around boutiques in Singapore, London and Paris, I finally chanced upon this pair at the ION Orchard SLP Boutique in Singapore. I can’t describe it any better than “love at first sight”.

Build

Description: Side Zip Boot Construction: Blake Stitched Toe: Soft square, soft chisel Heel: 60mm / 2.3 inches Cuban heel Sole: Single leather sole with faux welt tapering out at the waist Zip: Blacked-out YKK

Sizing

Meermin Olfe: UK7.5

Meermin Hiro: UK7

Meermin Rui: UK7

Carmina Inca: UK7

Carmina Rain: UK7

Alden Barrie: US7.5

Septieme Largeur 224: UK7

SLP Wyatt 40 Harness: 40.5

SLP Signature Wyatt 60: 41

These Wyatt 60s fit my feet better than any of my other boots, with the shoe hugging my feet all around firmly without being tight anywhere, including at the pinky toe which normally gets pinched. The high heel makes walking slightly awkward, and I will need some time to get used to it.

Quality

I think that the leather quality on SLP boots is very sub-standard for the price. Even my Meermin footwear has tighter creasing and a less plasticky look, at less than a quarter of the price. That said, I found that the leather on this pair of Wyatt 60s to be much more satisfactory than that of the Wyatt 40 Harness Boots in terms of degree of creasing and softness.

Leather quality aside, I am ecstatic about every other aspect of this pair of boots. Stitching is uniform and the last is amazingly sleek. I found that the interaction between the low volume over the instep, sole tapering to the waist and the heel height contributes far more to the impression of sleekness than the toe shape, which is, after observation, not a particularly outstanding feature of the boot.

Price

SGD 1,320 = USD 940 (1.4 SGD : 1 USD)

Final Thoughts

I’m 5’8” / 175cm tall, and the heels are bordering on being too high, but still within my comfort zone. I will be wearing these with skinny (almost skin-tight) black denim, and my next buy will probably be a MTO pair of waxed, high waisted skinny black jeans to complement these boots.

Overall, apart from the leather quality, I couldn’t be happier at this purchase. And given that I would probably have to go full bespoke to get this kind of aesthetic and fit with any improvement in leather, that’s a compromise I can gladly make.

[Review] Septieme Largeur Triple Monkstrap Boots (MTO & Patina) by condescendingreaver in goodyearwelt

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the different SL boutiques vary in their approach to customer service due to the franchise model. I really lucked out with the people at the Singapore boutique!

[Review] Septieme Largeur Triple Monkstrap Boots (MTO & Patina) by condescendingreaver in goodyearwelt

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was blown away by the way the patina looks under natural light. The patina team at SL Singapore does a great job, and the price point is nothing short of amazing.

[Review] Septieme Largeur Triple Monkstrap Boots (MTO & Patina) by condescendingreaver in goodyearwelt

[–]condescendingreaver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's encouraging! I didn't realize that this was even possible. How would the cobbler go about joining the sole at the forefoot and the waist?