Review Series: Bridlen-Classic Styles, Modern Flairs, Made in India.

[@jcrewjim]

It looks like you can select Triumph toe taps at no extra charge in the Founders collection. That is a steal.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Awesome! Thanks for letting us know I hadn’t noticed

[@rejathr9578]

It's a paid option now and a pretty expensive one too.

[@milkymodi6264]

I just want to say although this is part of your ‘review’ playlist.. and I’ve watch those multiple times each. This was extremely helpful. I personally noticed that the mirror gloss goes first. But it was just so re assuring to hear you and see you do it, in fact you helped me improve my technique because I would use too much wet wax, and also the pressure adjustment ANDD THE ORDER OF PROCESS was immensely helpful too! I think I speak for all the gentleman and ladies who enjoy your content when I say, thank you Preston!

[@furiousninja133]

Was looking for Birdlen reviews but not many reviews are there on KZbin, started watching your channel for mirror shine and voila you reviewed these karma has rewarded me. Btw I'm from India and addicted to your content.

[@metalstreet13]

I own a Blake Stitch constructed Double Monks from Bridlen.. I must say its the best shoes I own in my collection. Preston did a wonderful job in doing this review. Thank You, Preston. Love from India..

[@philclinton9430]

are the shoes true to size in your experience?

[@metalstreet13]

@@philclinton9430 indeed.. 👍

[@jeffhreid]

I tried on a pair of brogues on the Rui last at the NYC super trunk show on sat oct 14th and was shocked how well made and comfortable they were. I’m sold, very good value. And the gentleman there representing the company was extremely nice and helpful. I’m looking forward to getting a pair of plain oxfords in black to fill a formal gap in my wardrobe

[@arindambasu9850]

Man I am so happy that you finally reviewed this lesser known but superb quality brand from India. I just ordered a brown semi brogue from them . It is made to order and will take couple of weeks. Eagerly waiting! Cheers from Bangalore, India.

[@user-vo9vz5hn4v]

is it true that you guys shit on the street

[@arindambasu9850]

@@user-vo9vz5hn4vyou mean much like how you don't clean your behinds after?

[@Electron101]

@@arindambasu9850 how are the shoes might i ask in terms of fit/comfort? :)

[@arindambasu9850]

@@Electron101 pretty good. Have worn my Oxfords a few times and I find them to be quite comfortable and built well, especially for the price.

[@NasaWorld69]

Hy bro I also love to see all my fvt styles 😊❤

[@MichaelCarmichael]

Thanks fior thius excellent introduction to Bridlen. Itt is high time for the world of shoe design & craftsmanship to wake up to the fact that some truly outstanding shoes come from India and Pakistan.

[@jcutey]

Mr.Carmichael, I've personally visited India and Pakistan and disagree with you. In that part of the world, the shoe makers consider genuine leather to be supreme form of leather. I visited a shop in Lahore called Boots and when I asked the salesman the type of leather they used, he replied proudly that they only use genuine leather. Of course, I didn't venture to argue with him.

[@dianeruiz0721]

Beautiful shoes and very well made! The value, quality and attention to detail of this brand is unbeatable!! ❤ I love the Adelaide also with the subtle highlights of color variations! Stunning

[@scottyb.8710]

Given the pandemic I’ve not been allowed back in my office for the past 16 months. For the foreseeable future, we’ll be back working from the office around only twice per month. I actually miss wearing my well cared for Allen Edmonds…

[@jamesletsch775]

Thank you for your videos. I just shinned a 26+ year old pair of Cole Haan Wade’s. I’ve always kept them polished and one would never know they are that old. Using your techniques and instructions they have the best shine of their life. I could not achieve a mirror toe with Kiwi products and will have to get some Saphir products, but for a guy missing 3 fingers on my dominant hand I’m really glad I tried to mirror gloss my toe. Practice practice practice. I look forward to future videos and product reviews.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Hey James! Thanks for your comment man. I appreciate the support and hope you have continued success in shining. If you ever need anything let me know.

[@BootlegJackSparrow]

It's good to see how they featured your review in their website. I really liked their Oxfords.

[@darkshade567]

I had ordered their wing tip from the bespoke line in burgundy last week and I'm expecting it to be delivered soon - very happy to see it so positively reviewed! Thank you!

[@philclinton9430]

how do they fit?

[@darkshade567]

@@philclinton9430 I've ordered 4 shoes from them so far - 3 of these fit true to size. Whereas an their unlined loafer ("kiso" on the website) was larger by a size. You could email them to discuss your concerns with fit.

[@modificationnation73]

So, I love your channel and have learned a LOT. Just burnished my first pair of shoes and wore them yesterday. I got a lot of compliments. Keep it up, brother.

[@josebarahona3359]

This channel is just too amazing!!! Thanks for taking time for making videos and sharing!

[@TheElegantOxford]

My pleasure Jose!

[@NTXSER]

What a great review. Those look amazing, and your attention to detail was eye opening... keep up the great work.

[@garthwright6308]

A ball of cotton will give you a better shine than the cloth. When I was in the military, that's how I was tought to shine shoes. Press the cotton slightly into the polish to get the oil. The oil from the polish is what creates the shine.

[@DigitalQ1988]

I’m a woman who just loves this channel so much. It’s kinda of Asmr with words. It’s so relaxing. Cool to see the transformation. And I learn so much. I wonder if I can use some tips on woman’s handbags since I resell woman’s fashion online. Great work my friend. I shops those that need this video find you. Absolutely amazing

[@abeonmars]

he has a video where he restores a leather bag that was in terrible shape and i think another one where he shines a coach bag, scroll through his videos im sure theres some value you can get from it.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thanks Quay! I appreciate the support. For women’s bags, any gentle conditioner is great. I like Saphir Cream Universal. I have a video where I redye a woman’s purse if you want to see it too

[@vim1471]

Pretty impressive for shoes made in India however for me being in England, i wouldn't be saving much compared to something like Loake Export Grade made in Northampton especially when I add in 20% customs tax i get hit with.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Loake is great. Just worked on a pair and I really liked what I saw.

[@shyampurii4788]

I have 16 pairs of Bridlen shoes. Their quality is exceptional. If you compare them with Allen Edmonds (Which I also have in my collection) the quality of Bridlen is way above. The stitch density is insanely tight even in their mainline. Also the 360 degree goodyear welt is so tight that it seems 270 from a distance. Though I have nothing against Allen Edmonds as I also enjoy their Strand shoe in walnut color but what they are giving in return is no where near to this young brand. In my experience, I feel that a good shoe making company can be identified from the characteristics which company like Bridlen shows. Like, they would tell the customer that from where they have sourced their leather. Also they would have niche style like Austerity oxford, Melbourne or Adelaide . Other than this a good pair of shoe can be recognized by their tight stitch density and the close channel stitch offerings. Allen Edmonds is considered to be a classic shoe making company but it's funny that even though they offer classic shoes but along with that they offer styles like “Franken-Shoes” (Dress-Shoe/Sneaker Hybrids) which is a serious crime to wear in my opinion.

[@briang3598]

Have you encountered any issues with misalignment between the heel, throat, and toe box of any of them? I've had that issue (and always on the left shoe) with all 3 pairs of Allen Edmonds I've tried, a pair of Meermins, a pair of Aldens, and a pair of Beckett Simonons, altogether making up about 80% of the shoes I've purchased in the past 2-3 years, and I'm getting pretty tired of it.

[@henrywest7217]

The color of the Melbourne is striking to me.

[@TheElegantOxford]

I really like it too, Henry. Thanks for watching

[@adityadcosta1260]

I am actually planning on visiting their factory to make my choice of shoes. Fingers crossed find my right fit

[@tianyugao5550]

adelaides do not necessarily have brogue elements. Adelaide's definition comes with it's upper pieces: a single piece of leather going from vamp to all the way back. There is no quarter in a pair of Adelaides, and the facing has stitches upwards; the way the stitches go are the same way broguing goes in the video. Another style Balmoral is similar to Adelaides, which has a vamp hugs around, but the facing and quarter piece also goes around, defined by horizontal stiches that follows the vamp.

[@chris5k132]

Good to see an Indian made shoe here. Being an Indian myself I'll be sure to check them out

[@rinshita1395]

Nubeno Mens Formal Shoes www.amazon.in/dp/B07VWPHPS6/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_glt_fabc_KATN799WAQSTJ2FAXQZQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@scottyb.8710]

Preston, hope the family and the little guy are doing well!

[@Electron101]

it seems theyve now added a fiddleback waist to their shoes, another feature for no added price. id wait for reviews though to see how much exactly do they add, either way, im very excited for what they might provide for the next year or 2

[@reginaldgooden3495]

Bridlwn is a great shoe brand. I have a pair ans will order others.

[@pravinpandya3033]

Proudly Made in India ❤

[@july3810]

Wish to find nice Oxford shoes for women, it looks so elegant and clean and add a realy nice touch to the final look, here in Brazil it's not so common to see this. btw I like to do my english listening sessions hearing your videos haha.

[@thatxonexguy5438]

I saw they have blake stitched shores for $97 on their websites. Thats insane if theyre actually decent quality.

[@arindambasu9850]

Indeed, they are of very good quality and very comparable to a normal Blake stiched shoe around 150-200 USD you would find in the US for instance. Value for the price is very good.

[@toobalkain]

having been shining shoes for a while now with various Saphir and Boot Black products I'm finding that the real challenge isn't real the mirror shine, through trial and error one figures that out, the real difficulty is achieving a deep, rich matt shine in areas you don't want to be glossy, which is pretty much everywhere but the cap. It would appear that as soon as any wax is applied, it gets too glossy, as least for my taste. The guy from that new shoecare brand Paul Brunngard says it's about brushing right after applying the cream and using a coarser horsehair brush.

[@asdfjkl981]

i received mine yesterday. melbourne in burgundy. Unfortunately the colour of mine is not as red as the pair in this video. mine are more like Angelus Cordovan. But they are still great and just as versatile. They do not come with JR soles anymore since they do not longer exist but the got J&FJ Baker wich is equal. and they got a very sharp fiddleback now. just awsome.

[@Electron101]

I just ordered a pair of austerity brogues in burgundy, is it just a darker red in general?

[@asdfjkl981]

@@Electron101 i would not call it red, mine are more dark brown with more of red than grey or yellow in it. when i take pictures of them they look much more red no matter what i do to the white balance. but there are some things to mention, the colour changes over time as you wear and care, and colour shades vary with every shoe that is fullgrain and not black. that is just the way nature works.

[@saulstunned744]

Can you do the Blake Line from Bridlen? They are the cheapest option from Bridlen but the only ones I can afford, unfortunately.

[@touchtonsclc]

Will you review the Blake line? They look nice.

[@markmilan01]

Very impressed with the new line of shoes!

[@Popinjay87]

I buy all my shoes from Asia. Full grain all leather including soles for $150. Handmade and custom for me.

[@berringtonfox5628]

Very intrigued. Please me extra information. Thank you. Best regards .

[@jeromesboard756]

How do you tie the shoelaces?

[@arindambasu9850]

I noticed that these are size 7 UK. What is your US size on the Brannock? Do these fit true to size?

[@dmitryaksenov9166]

Hey! 4:10 Can I use vodka as an alcohol/water mixture? Or by rubbing alcohol You mean specifically isopropyl alcohol?

[@vivekkulkarni1287]

I am pleased to know you loved this brand and their honest work. I have bought 4 pairs from them including founders line, they are truly fantastic shoes.. The insoles are channelled for upper stitching instead of regular rib pasting. Looking at your review, I am falling in love with these again.

[@TheElegantOxford]

I’m glad you like your Bridlens. Thanks for watching

[@Kartikwcs]

@Vivek Kulkarni... Me pan vichar karat hoto he buy karnya sathi... Thanks for the info man

[@vivekkulkarni1287]

Hi, Bridlen do make really good shoes in India… Opt for Goodyear welted shoes IMO for your favourite style..

[@TheRemnantOfAnEraLongGone]

NOW WE’RE TALKING 🤩

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

The brown wingtips are superb. I do not understand why "The Bespoke Collection" is not made of the finest and most expensive shoes Bridlen offer (although for me they are, as I said, superb). The "Founders Collection" did not impress me and I do not like plain Oxfords, they are the most boring shoes ever designed, particularly the black ones. As always, a wonderful presentation. Thank you very much!

[@PuranDeepSingh]

First here! Love from India brother ❤❤

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thank you!

[@mosheyagen9390]

Hi! Great review! How do these compare to Meermin hand welted?

[@thomash.4530]

I am looking for a good quality pair of black Oxfords but I am on a rather tight budget. I was wondering if you had any recommendations?

[@zees9497]

Hi Preston, In one of your videos you used a heel dressing to provide a glossy look (It's an arts/craft product) For the life of me I can't find the video )-: - Pls help! - Thanks.

[@zees9497]

I found it - Mod Podge!! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6m7oKlnYpqXmpY

[@callummassey7623]

Must be said the quality of these shoes for their price is very impressive

[@TheElegantOxford]

Yeah I really think so! Thanks for watching

[@jthespiceoflife]

What is the ratio of the water and alcohol mixture?

[@AE1P]

Preston, I'm curious if you've tried Saphir Amiral Gloss? I started using it a few years ago because it was easier to find in my area than the MDO Mirror Gloss. Found the Mirror Gloss more recently and tried it out, but I have a hard time justifying the massive leap in price when I get basically the same results from Amiral. The difference likely comes down to the number of natural/organic ingredients and number of colour options, I would guess. I'm curious if you've ever done a comparison and if you've found much of a difference! (Or if you've tried any other dedicated hard wax glosses, for that matter!)

[@toobalkain]

they look good and the price is very competitive but it's India, I have a psychological barrier.

[@naazahs9045]

Psychological barrier ??

[@toobalkain]

@@naazahs9045 of course, there's a stigma attached to Indian products, or Chinese, it's hard to sell a Made in India high-end product while conversely, Made In Italy or Made in USA draws positive associations

[@orisykaln5706]

How does the fit of the founder's line compare to Allen Edmonds? If I wear a 10US in a pair of allen edmonds with a "D" last, can U get a 9.5UK for a pair of Melbournes from Bridlen? Thank you so much!

[@guillfort]

Would burnishing suède chelsea's or double monks a challenge for you?

[@teenoso4069]

Nice. Do you keep or return ?

[@eyyyalll]

Great review! How does the Founders Line compare to TLB Artista? I believe you mentioned leather board stiffeners here, but not sure. Also, how'd you find the 360 welt to affect the construction at the heel and the back of the shoe?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Hey Eyal. The founder’s line is more affordable at $335 US compared to TLB Artista, which don’t come with JR soles unless you do a custom order, which will put you into the $500 range. I’d say there’s definitely room for both in your closet but the founders line is a really great deal for the money although TLB is really built to a higher spec.

[@rinshita1395]

Love from India. ❤️❤️

[@cocciimperfecti]

What kind of alcohol to use?

[@mharmaansheikh6388]

I was just trying to buy a bridlen shoe thanks for this video man🥰

[@oshosanyamichael9589]

For whatever reason, I haven't seen your vidoes in a long time, it's time I used the bell.

[@hydroaegis6658]

Nice. Is there a line up of brands you'll be reviewing?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Hey Hydro. I have Yeossal up next and then Cobbler Union after that!

[@lewiswilliamsjr1190]

We would use zippo lighter fluid

[@lewiswilliamsjr1190]

#shine your shoes

[@dieumercikanyiki6486]

Nice review! how much are they?

[@grahamem438]

How about you put them on and tell us if they're comfortable or not also those souls are totally slippery on wet or shiny surfaces something you should mention.

[@briansanchez1740]

Would love for you review Grant Stone Oxfords!!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Good idea! I am looking into them now and will probably compare them to Alden

[@briansanchez1740]

@@TheElegantOxford awesome yeah definitely the one with the toe brogue

[@Popinjay87]

I get all my shoes made custom for me in India all leather and Blake stitched for $150

[@renjuscreativeworld4037]

Love this video..... Love from India❤️

[@rinshita1395]

Looking forward for a giveaway ❤️ of shoe shine kit

[@anangelshero0410]

Really enjoyed the review, and I agree the adelaides were my favorite too. Still looking forward to you reviewing Vass. I tried unsuccessfully to contact you via email, messenger and IG.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Hey, Robert. I apologize for the delay but I’ve been overwhelmed with my current workload and have been focusing on what I need to finish. I’ll email you back soon

[@anangelshero0410]

@@TheElegantOxford all good. I'm ready whenever you have time.

[@karem9605]

Are they good for wide feet?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Hey Karem. They do sell a EEE last but you’d have to email and inquire about it.

[@lullemans72]

i'm surprised that preston hasn't been using mirror gloss until recently given that he knows kirby allison uses it all the time with great success.

[@jlozano2014]

He has, but now he sells it so he has to push it

[@abhinav0104]

They are not JR soles. They are JFJ Baker.

[@kristavthatsme3178]

Nice!!! ❤

[@fantastikfanatic1900]

Go India!!!

[@ghgjftythnhcfghdty]

Bess Poke line.

[@johnnymartinez7935]

That’s cool and all but next time shine your head ✨

[@TheElegantOxford]

Soon

[@toobalkain]

Kostas and Fitzpatrick trashed these shoes as replete with technical errors, unbalanced, bad proportions etc.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Two things to take away from that observation: 1. Justin and Kostas are profesional shoe makers and both studied/study under bespoke masters, so they will definitely know more than me, a layman. I specialize in shoe shines and patinas so I am not as well versed as they are here although I still stand by my assessment. 2. Justin and Kostas also dislike Allen Edmonds for the very same reasons, even though I think AE makes very good shoes for that range. We are simply going to disagree on certain things. I did not find any technical errors or bad proportions per se but I understand that quality control might differ from person to person. I think they are decent for the price range. This would be a different discussion if they were marketed at a higher price for sure.

[@toobalkain]

@@TheElegantOxford of course, but we're not talking quality control or bespoke features, we're talking the basics of shoe and last designing, a shoe being balanced and proportional (the height of the heel cup etc). please watch Kosta's video, he's quite technical about the shortcomings. This doesn't mean these shoes are bad value or that your take is wrong, it just shows that attention to detail matters and that Bridlen have room for improvement. We all have our area of expertise, you're amazingly talented in bringing out the best in leather, but you've probably never made a shoe in your life, those two have and notice things us laymen can't.

[@mattiasx4623]

Bespoke is pronounced /bɪˈspəʊk/

[@ArjunSharma-tj9oy]

While the quality of shoe construction and materials may be comparable to $300-$500 shoes, I’m skeptical whether if they uphold ethical labor and environmental laws. Since they’re made in India, the cost of labor is around $20/day(that’s how they’re able to provide steel toe caps at no cost to consumer). Additionally, I suspect their returns might be a little painful.

[@rozinant1237]

That leather looks like corrected grain to me.

[@TheElegantOxford]

It is definitely not corrected grain. It’s Annonay French Box Calf. The only prominent company that sells corrected grain is Church’s and they call it polished cobbler.

[@portal2walkthroughpc]

I love your channel, but i have to mention thiese points: As a Indian, in India, these shoes are really costly for a common man. For an IT professional, entry level salary of one month in around 22k INR (~300 USD) and that's the cost of these shoes. The Median salary of a person in India is 16k INR (~ 250 USD). So, ​ Dear @The Elegant Oxford , these shoes cannot be considered entry level shoes. These are luxury line of shoes for an Indian.

[@jcutey]

I like all your videos. However, I must say from experience, anything made in India or Pakistan is bound to be of inferior quality.