TLB Mallorca: Comparing the Artista to the Main line. Which is the best value?

This is the first segment of Shoe Talk with the ShoeDoc. Here we will compare and contrast the Artista line to the main line for TLB Mallorca. Let me just say that both are amazing shoes and there is really no wrong decision here but hopefully this comparison will help you determine which is right for you.
If you haven't explored this brand already then what are you waiting for!
www.tlbmallorca.com/
I hope you will find this informative. Please let me know your thoughts and comment down below. And share this video with anyone you know that may be interested in learning more about this impressive brand.

[@mtbokor1969]

I own a few off the Artista line. Best value for money brand, hands down.

[@TheRealFeechLaManna]

Exactly the info I was looking for, thank you!

[@mbshoedoc]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@Grandeur023]

I’ve been purchasing their shoes for years now. Definitely my go to shoe brand at this point. I’d say just pay the $60 more and get exactly what you want at a slightly higher quality imo. Additionally, most people only buy a handful of dress shoes so spend the little bit extra and get some high quality shoes. TLB has the best shoes under $700 without question. The fact that you can get them for under $500 is incredible value.

[@mbshoedoc]

Yes they offer a great value. I did a review on their shell cordovan shoes too. Check that video out too 👍

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Wonderful analysis and description; it confirms my ideas about "TLB Mallorca", the finest shoes under U$S 1000. Terrific value for your money. Arriba España! 😁😁😁

[@mbshoedoc]

Thanks and I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@thelawlegacy2616]

Excellent review! Helped me decide on my next pair of shoes. The artista in museum calf won me over

[@mbshoedoc]

Its a great choice my friend. I absolutely love this adelaide in museum. I'm strongly considering another pair from that line in the burgundy museum.

[@roscoeward1476]

Great video as always.

[@mbshoedoc]

I really appreciate it. I hope it will be beneficial to everyone wanting to explore TLB Mallorca 👍

[@FaronPharo]

Perfect! Answered a lot of my questions, and for $60 more I think the sleeker more modern styling alone is worth it

[@mbshoedoc]

This Picasso last is really nice. There are a few other lasts from each line that I haven't seen yet but everything they do is impressive. Glad this video helped! 🙏

[@nodieusa]

Thank you for the review! Hoping to pick up a MTO pair of Adelaides in light brown suede on Black Friday ;)

[@mbshoedoc]

I have not yet seen their suede in person but I have no doubt that it will be as impressive as the leather. Their attention to detail is really impressive. I want to see them when you get them!

[@nodieusa]

@@mbshoedoc I got the inspiration from Carlos' Carminas. I'll most likely film the unboxing :)

[@mbshoedoc]

@@nodieusa I'll be sure to check it out 👌👍

[@ts1977of]

Thank you for the comparison! One little suggestion: it would be great if you could link or mention the exact shoes in the review. For instance, I wonder which color the artista line model is. Keep up the great work!

[@mbshoedoc]

Glad you liked it. The end of the video has a link to the unboxing videos for each but I will also add the link in the description. The Artista is the brown museum and I did mention the model...thought I said the color too but may have missed it. I know for the main I mentioned the Marron medio. 👍

[@anangelshero0410]

I think the leather heel stiffener conforming to my foot, and waist providing stiffer support are distinctly better features that will affect the overall experience and justify the extra cost.

[@mbshoedoc]

Definitely rare features generally found on shoes costing much more.

[@pedrocols]

TLB shoes are such a great shoe that I can't justify spend more money (including Carmina which I also own) for any other shoe.

[@mbshoedoc]

I understand that completely. I have some Carmina and love them but even those don't have some of the finer details found in TLB.

[@pedrocols]

@silent sir Carmina is more expensive making TLB a better value.

[@pedrocols]

@silent sir I didn't say TLB was better but better value and I own both. I would recommend TLB over Carmina for starting a basic shoe collection.

[@mbshoedoc]

@silent sir I think I have heard the opposite. I have 3 Carminas and 2 TLB. I have not actually taken out a measuring tape but I will and report back. But to be honest even if Carmina has a higher sole stitch density that isn't a clear win. You could compare upper stitch density, waist width, how tight the heel is, leather quality, leather options, size and width availability cost etc etc. Basically I feel both are exceptional shoes and it comes down to personal choice but there are no losers between those two.

[@mbshoedoc]

@silent sir There is no right and wrong here my friend. They are both amazing companies. I own both and love both. If someone thinks Carmina is better that is not a problem to me, if someone likes TLB better again no problem. 👌

[@user-lp6dd3gb5x]

Hi great video. Amazing company. I wanted to ask if there are any differences in the size of the regular line compared to the Artista?

[@mbshoedoc]

Good question and none that I can tell. I got the Artista in 7.5 but it was a tad loose so got the other in a 7 which fit perfect. So I can't compare directly but I feel if the Artista had been a 7 it would also be perfect. Also remember there are a few other lasts that I haven't tried yet either which could fit different.

[@tongchen9956]

Hi just wondering is the museum calf the "brown" version or the "medio brown" lighter version? thank you !

[@mbshoedoc]

These are the brown. The medio is just a touch lighter.

[@AitorAlopez]

Thank you for the comparison, can you please tell me how they fit? If you compare them to Carmina, Meermin, and Carlos Santos, thanks again.

[@mbshoedoc]

It's very difficult to compare fits with all these manufacturers since they have various lasts that can fit very different within each maker. In general I find Meermin and Carmina to fit more true to size but that is with Meermin Hiro and Elton...the Rui I size down half. Carmina the Simpson fits extra snug and Rain is true but looser. In general I find TLB and Carlos Santos to both fit loose and I size down half in them for all the lasts I have tried. I hope that helps.

[@AitorAlopez]

@@mbshoedoc Definitely, thanks.

[@bradle4162]

I was actually considering getting a custom boot with rubber outsoles from TLB. Do you know if the leather quality is any different across the lines? I really want to try TLB Mallorca!

[@mbshoedoc]

I don't detect a quality different myself but these are somewhat dissimilar leathers on the two I have. I love both. And definitely give them a try 👌

[@bradle4162]

@@mbshoedoc Thanks! It's just decision making that I have to do. I really want to try my first jodphur boot. But I don't know if I'll like it or not. Thought about trying a used pair of jodphurs first. Learned first hand that I should avoid buying new until I know I like it. Found put I didn't like double monks and I paid the new price for it.

[@mbshoedoc]

@@bradle4162 I get that. I was hesitant on my first Jodhpur too but love it. That and Chelseas are the most comfortable ❤️

[@gyahahaandkyahaha1345]

what is the background music you are using here? Sounds familiar

[@mbshoedoc]

Sorry I don't really know. There was a large list of free download unlicensed music that I selected from. Any timestamp of one you particularly liked. I may be able to find the name and artist.

[@shoemanfu4715]

Aside from a few newer brands. like Robert Hui and your MD brand...TLB would get my money next.

[@mbshoedoc]

I'm honored that you would consider my brand! And absolutely TLB should be on your list 👌🙌.

[@shoemanfu4715]

@@mbshoedoc Mike, this is Bill Daniels. This is my channel that I haven't done anything with yet.

[@Raoh1st]

Nice video, how do they size?

[@mbshoedoc]

I took my normal UK size and they fit great.

[@Raoh1st]

@@mbshoedoc thank you

[@foodandbourbon7737]

May I ask what shoe trees you’re using?

[@mbshoedoc]

I think these are Woodlore, Nordstrom or Allen Edmonds. They are all basically made in the same factory from what I have heard. I just look for sales.

[@foodandbourbon7737]

Same, been using Stratton on Amazon. Seem to work well.

[@mbshoedoc]

@@foodandbourbon7737 yes I think I have a few of those as well. Honestly most brands work perfectly fine.

[@jicalzad]

newbie question: why would a slim waist be more desirable?

[@mbshoedoc]

Perfect question. It's partly for looks. Slimmer waist makes a more attractive shoe. It is more difficult to make and therefore indicates higher quality in craftsmanship and attention to detail. Beyond that I find it more comfortable too as the soft leather uppers hug my foot a little better with a slimmer sole. I noticed it especially around the instep of my foot.

[@smhne8]

The best thing about both pairs is the amazing mirror shine on the toe box 😆

[@mbshoedoc]

That's how I roll brother 😅👊

[@markdougherty1636]

Can shoes from the mainline be customized?

[@mbshoedoc]

Yes with their customization tool on the site you can get a model from main line in leathers from the Artista line etc.

[@markdougherty1636]

@@mbshoedoc Thank you.

[@Dusiek666]

These TLB are on the F last?

[@mbshoedoc]

No, I don't think TLB has an F last, only an F width which is their standard D width. The Artista is picasso last and The wingtip is on the Oliver last I believe. Both F width. Hope that helps.

[@Michael-4]

Great review. Ditch the music and speak faster. 👍

[@mbshoedoc]

I appreciate it. Check my more recent videos and see what you think. I think you may prefer them. Curious to hear your thoughts.

[@TheRacerRich]

I don't understand what this trend is of more expensive shoes getting narrower waists. Do they think the richer you are the higher your arch is? Wouldn't this have a big impact on fit?

[@mbshoedoc]

I don't think the narrow waist will have much of an impact on your arches. I think it is more of a design and cosmetic detail rather than something that really impacts fit and feel. I think it takes more effort and craftsmanship to make a shoe with a narrower waist. I think it's a sign of quality and attention to detail and that's why you will only see it on shoes costing a bit more. At a lower price point you couldn't take the time it expense to make the shoe this way. Again I think it is more cosmetic over from function. I do find the shoes to be comfortable but not more so compared to my Allen Edmonds or even my Johnston Murphy costing half as much.

[@TheRacerRich]

@@mbshoedoc Maybe it's just because I have a rigid flat foot, but I cannot wear narrow waisted shoes at all, but I have no idea what it's like for the normal-footed.

[@ahervert551]

Antonio Mecariello 1.9 inches , a little small waist than TLB.

[@mbshoedoc]

That sounds awesome. Not sure if it is somewhat size dependant too. Doubt the waist is the same on an 8 vs a 12. I love A. Mecc shoes but have yet to try one in person...on my wish list. Also not sure if all their waists are the same on their different lasts or not. Will definitely look to review one of those some day though.

[@ahervert551]

@@mbshoedoc I am 11UK, I have 3 oxfords and one pair of boots. So far the same waist. AM shoes are incredible. The only issue I see if there are not availabe, you need to wait around 5 months and sometimes communication (takes time to answer) is not AM forte.

[@mbshoedoc]

@@ahervert551 wow that's impressive on a UK 12. I really want to check that brand out sometime. Images I've seen all look incredible.

[@ahervert551]

@@mbshoedoc 11UK