The Mario Bemer USA Shoe Review

Mario Bemer has been around for a long time. In fact, I have known Mario longer than anyone else in the shoe industry, 16 years to be exact. It’s wild to even say that. But it is true. When I was only 24, Mario helped not only teach me how to shine shoes but also about shoe box presentation, clicking (cutting the leather by hand), and how to bar-tie the shoe laces. This was all during the first two weeks of my one-year apprenticeship in bespoke shoemaking at Stefano Bemer from 2008 to 2009.

In this Mario Bemer USA shoe review, like in all reviews, we will look at the construction of the shoes, the fit, any flaws, and the overall value of the shoes.

Construction:

Mario Bemer USA shoes are all hand-welted for this RTW/MTO offering. His bespoke shoes are, of course, 100% handmade. These are an MTO shoe, so they are hand-welted. Not only were they hand-welted, but they also have a full leather arch stiffener to provide maximum support for your feet. This, however, can be a unique sensation for someone new to it. The shoes are solid and you feel it. They feel indestructible, but also flexible with a very soft forefoot.

The quality of the materials was top-notch. You could feel this not only when touching the shoes with your hands, but also when trying them on.

Fit:

The fit is a little bewildering in terms of size. I took a 39.5, which I have only ever been in Paul Parkman’s shoes. That is a full size down from my “normal” size. In terms of actual fit, the 39.5 feels great and just right. The last is on the shorter side, i.e. not elongated so it is a very close fit. But I like a close fit, in reality. I do not like overly elongated lasts.

They feel great too. The last fits comfortably and is supportive. That arch stiffener really cups your foot and makes you feel secure. When new to that sensation, it can be daunting at first. It is miles different to your average RTW shoe that lacks that support. Once it softens up though, you feel like you can wear them all day long without issue as you are getting the actual support your feet truly need.

Flaws:

I don’t really look at flaws like I used to, in all honesty. Not because I don’t think that they do not exist but think that you are looking for one, you will find it outside of shoes that are 100% bespoke and cost upward of $5,000. But for the sake of showing you how you can always find something if you look for it, which will most likely be inconsequential, the only thing I noticed was a heel joining. It was not 100% flawless, but in reality is nothing of importance. But I do know that some people like to complain about it, so there you go.

Overall:

I hope that you have enjoyed my Mario Bemer USA Shoe Review. The shoes are great, overall. They are solid, well-made, and feel great. And they look great! The price is on-point for hand-welted shoes made in Italy (circa ~$1300-$1400) and Mario takes extra special care to handle each shoe personally, which I love. That is the beauty of dealing directly with the artisan and not a large company. I know that Mario takes great pride in his work and it shows. Make sure to support him if you enjoy what you see.

Learn more: https://www.mariobemerusa.com/wp/

Read more posts about Mario Bemer USA here

—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob

Shop · Marketplace · J.FitzPatrick · Patreon