I agree that from the previous photo comparison that seems to be the case. However, here's another closeup of a crockett and Jones machine welted shoe, pretty close to the upper.
Not sure about the stitch count but manufacturing a hand welted shoe for sure takes much longer than making a machine welted shoe and quality and longevity of a shoe depends on quality of materials used and skills of the artisan.
Thnx, now we know
So a handwelted shoe is basically identical in construction to a machine made Goodyear welted shoe. Only difference is that its done by hand which allows for more precision.
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style.
Yep, this blog is really interesting for shoe enthusiasts.It seems pretty accurate, I remember showing pictures to a professional and he could immediately tell if it was hand welted or not. It seems indeed to be an aesthetic consideration that is clearly visible if you know what you are looking for.
Good ressource to read through, thanks!
I agree that for high end shoes/boots, quality of materials used and skill of the artisan is probably higher. However, i don't think it makes any difference in terms of longevity. Even though handmade, I do 't think a Rolls-Royce is more durable than a Mercedes Benz. Now back.to shoes
Beyond a certain level, You're also paying for materials which are waisted: if you only use parts of a hide which are 100% flawless, you can only manage to cut the leather needed to make one pair of shoes from 1 hide, instead of two pairs if your would accept minor flaws.I agree that for high end shoes/boots, quality of materials used and skill of the artisan is probably higher. However, i don't think it makes any difference in terms of longevity. Even though handmade, I do 't think a Rolls-Royce is more durable than a Mercedes Benz. Now back.to shoes
Marc are you sure that Edward Greens are hadn welted (ignore their price)? I've read in many sources they are goodyear welted and the only video I found seems to prove it (around 2.12)
At the time I bought these shoes, I just liked the idea of having something handmade. I just had to try it, thinking they would have some magic qualities to them. Now I know. Yes they are great shoes and I've found out that the 82 last fits perfectly, almost like it's bespoke. But does it justify two times the price? I would say no.
Yes, I meant 4.12, excuses!
According the guide you shared, handwelt is the same as Goodyear welt, only done by hand:
yep, I stop!
