This is a first-impression review of the Madison I received recently after buying two pairs on sale. I have only checked feel and fitting so far. I researched other reviews first e.g. Styleforum and agree with what has been said.
Importantly, first, on the sizing...my feeling is they run about a half-size big, at least in this chisel toe last. I generally take all shoes in a 40, some boots in 41 to allow for thicker socks. My true size is 40.5. So if you are right on the lower borderline of a size, take the next size down as they suggest, otherwise stick with your regular size (as others have said too).
The workmanship and quality seem impeccable to me, as good as Cheaney's I own and probably better than a pair of Barker's I own. The leather used is indeed softer, as they say. Break-in won't be an issue, and this is perhaps another reason why getting a size down is likely to be comfortable - again, if you are normally right on the smaller end of a particular size.
Given the softness, I will be careful not to over-condition these to keep them in their lasted shape. Again, top quality in the feel of the leather. The blue leather sole is to die for, too, to my taste, and the Goodyear welt done perfectly. I'm not aware of another manufacturer that does soles in this colour, very fetching.
As to the colour, I also bought the Hudson (same chisel last). The photos on their website look like the models are different shades of brown, but they are both the same Chocolate, as described and as I expected. Basically a regular dark brown colour that you would probably already have on hand (Boot Black polish for the win, if you are still using Saphir or something else!). I might experiment with some different shades of brown in future to differentiate them a little from one another.
All in all, buy with confidence and be very happy at the value. Can't see why they don't deserve a higher profile given the style and the value. Look out for their promotions too. I agree with another reviewer, I would buy these over any Allen Edmonds I've seen as these look classier, and less functional...
The sizing is always the nerve-wracking thing about buying shoes on the internet. Thankfully dress shoes don't vary as much as others, so I'm always safe with a 40 even if a little tight at first on some shoes. But if you have 40s that are usually a little roomy after stretching, definitely go the next size down. Not sure about their soft round last but I imagine it would be the same.
Really looking forward to road testing these once quarantine is lifted! But there is everything to suggest here that these will be a killer, comfortable, and hardwearing pair of shoes when I do. Thanks Jonathan Abel!
