Craftsmanship Over Cost: When a $90 Shoe Outshines Luxury Bags
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Time to read: 7 min
People often ask if I hesitate or feel bad about cutting very expensive luxury items. Well, the answer is no, for the most part. I see value beyond the price tag. Whether it's a $7,000 bag or a $500 wallet, I approach my dissections with a commitment to uncovering what truly makes a leather product worth its cost—or not. However, sometimes, I do come across items that have so much value to me that I can't bring my hands to the scissors. Not because of their high price, but because of the craftsmanship and the value they offer. Two weeks ago, I encountered one of these special items: a pair of leather shoes that I knew would stay far from my scissors.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- How do I determine the true value of leather products, and why do I believe craftsmanship can sometimes outweigh luxury brand pricing?
- What makes my $90 Cetti shoes stand out compared to the luxury bags I’ve reviewed, and why do I refuse to cut them for evaluation?
- What lesson does my discovery of the Cetti shoes offer to leather enthusiasts about finding high-quality products without the luxury markup?
Discovering an Unexpected Gem in Paris
I was preparing for a red carpet event at Paris Fashion Week and had been on the hunt for the perfect pair of patent leather shoes. Out of the blue, I stumbled upon something that grabbed my attention—a sporty sneaker design crafted with incredibly unique leather. It wasn’t your ordinary leather shoe; it featured inside-out leather, giving it a raw and authentic look that’s rarely seen in the world of sneakers. As a leather enthusiast, I couldn't help but inspect it thoroughly. The leather felt incredible to the touch, and the craftsmanship was on par with some of the finest brands I’ve evaluated.
But here’s the kicker—when I checked the price tag, I was floored. It was only about €80, roughly $90. I had been mentally prepared to splurge on a quality piece for Paris Fashion Week, but this shoe felt like it offered the value of a much more expensive product. I bought it immediately.
The True Value: When Craftsmanship Outshines the Price
The more I wear these shoes, the more I realize just how special they are. I’ve worn them every day since, and they've quickly become my go-to pair. From the streets of Paris to casual meet-ups, these shoes not only look great but feel incredibly comfortable. I’ve received dozens of compliments, and when people ask about them, they can hardly believe the shoes cost under $100.
It’s not often you find a piece like this that blends artistry with affordability. That’s why, to me, this $90 pair of shoes holds more value than many of the $7,000 bags I’ve dissected. The bags may be meticulously crafted, using premium materials, and adorned with luxury logos, but the value is often driven by the brand's prestige rather than the inherent qualities of the leather and craftsmanship.
@tanner.leatherstein Why an €80 shoe can mean more to me than a $7000 bag… 🤔 #affordablefashion #madeinspain #leathershoes #shoestok #tiktokfashion #cetti #tannerleatherstein ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
A Mission to Find Hidden Gems in the Leatherverse
One of the most frequent questions I get is, "Which brands are worth it? What should we buy?" The leather goods industry can be overwhelming, with an endless array of brands, products, and price points. My content aims to help leather enthusiasts navigate this landscape, exploring new and upcoming brands that offer immense value without the luxury markups. This recent find is a perfect example.
To my surprise, this brand was completely new to me. I had never heard of them before, and when I looked them up, I found out they are based in Spain. They don’t even sell online, making it all the more exciting to have discovered them. It’s the kind of hidden gem that you might only come across by chance, and I’m grateful for that serendipitous moment. I don’t know who’s behind the brand, but I thank them for creating a shoe that doesn’t just meet but exceeds expectations. I’ll definitely be a returning customer, and I highly recommend you check them out if you can find their products. The brand's name is Cetti.
Why I Won’t Cut These Shoes
Now, if you're wondering whether I’ll cut these shoes to evaluate their construction and quality, my answer is an emphatic, "Hell, no!" It would be like ripping my heart out. I’ve formed an emotional connection with these shoes because they’ve already given me so much joy and comfort. When a leather product resonates with you on a personal level, it transcends its role as just a functional item—it becomes a part of your story. I plan to wear these shoes until they’re absolutely worn out. Only then, when they’ve reached the end of their life, might I consider cutting them for the sake of analysis. Until that day, they’ll remain untouched by my scissors.
What This Means for Leather Enthusiasts
There’s a lesson here for all leather lovers: true value isn’t always found in the most expensive items. In my line of work, I've dissected products that cost thousands of dollars and found them lacking in terms of material quality, craftsmanship, or both. On the other hand, I've also come across more affordable items that exhibit exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials.
This isn’t an advertisement; I’m simply sharing my excitement about a gem I found. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected, lesser-known brands that surprise you with something remarkable. It’s proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high-quality leather product—you just need to know where to look and what to look for.
Conclusion
My journey with leather continues to be full of surprises, and I’m committed to sharing these experiences with you. Whether I’m dissecting a luxury bag or raving about a $90 shoe, I’ll keep exploring, discovering, and sharing my insights. So, until next time, stay leathertained, and remember: the true worth of a leather item lies in its craftsmanship, not its price tag.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
How can I suggest a brand for review?
You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.
The consultation process includes:
- A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.
- A 30-minute follow-up call to review findings and gather feedback on your objectives.
- A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.
If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.
Is Tanner available for media interviews?
Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.
- Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.
- Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).
- No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.
- Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.
- Video Fee: A $1,000 production fee covers review, filming, and editing costs. This is separate from the product reimbursement.
- Transparency: The video will be marked as "paid collaboration" to ensure honesty.
Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!
NEXT STEPS:
If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
