Post: #1

As I am looking for ideas for 2014 travels I am looking at getting some custom shoes and boots made while I'm there. However, I don't know of many other than the obvious ones in London and Italy (neither of which I plan on going to). I would also prefer not to be paying $1000+ a pair and I remember seeing somewhere on this forum of lesser known shoemakers being able to make a pair for about the same price as a high quality stock size shoe (maybe $500-800). My interests are mainly in Europe, but any in North America could be useful for me too.

I also have a question for those that have had shoes made before. I have never gotten custom shoes made. Beyond getting measured on site and whatnot, is it necessary for a fitting or any further interaction? I would be on location for about a week so if a fitting is necessary beyond that I'd be SOL.

Post: #2

Vass in Hungary might be that cheap. Check style forum

Post: #3

allen edmonds good handcrafted made to order shoes.

Post: #4

(12-26-2013 05:14 PM)WestIndianArchie Wrote:  Vass in Hungary might be that cheap. Check style forum

They used to offer a class I think, where you got to make your own shoes. Vass is pretty fucking sweet.

Post: #5

What is the reasoning for custom-made shoes? Comfort?

I can see the value in a bespoke suit/shirt but shoes...not so much. Am I missing something?

Post: #6

(12-26-2013 10:37 PM)dreambig Wrote:  What is the reasoning for custom-made shoes? Comfort?

I can see the value in a bespoke suit/shirt but shoes...not so much. Am I missing something?

Perfect fit and comfort, plus options that you might not get otherwise.

These are just made to order

http://www.handmadebrogues.com/#!gallery-aw/c1uam

http://www.scarpedibianco.com/in-stock

Now imagine them perfectly designed for your assymmetrical feet.

WIA

Post: #7

Damn those shoes are pimp. Especially the Vass ones.

Found this article that seems to indicate the bespoke process is not so simple for shoes:

http://www.permanentstyle.co.uk/2009/06/...r0bd_RdU8w

Has anyone actually done this?

Post: #8

I did last year. Here is a write up I did on the process.

Post: #9

Does anyone have experience with handmade brogues.com? I didn't find any reviews on styleforum. I'd prefer not to get MTM, but it could suffice for the time being.

Post: #10

Why do you want to get these? Do you have a wide foot or narrow foot!

Have you looked at Church's shoes, Jones the boot maker or Crockett and Jones?

They make some amazing looking shoes.

Don't get me wrong, I like the whole custom thing but there are so many good shoe companies out there.

Post: #11

I definitely like the custom shoe idea but I'd be so scared to walk in these shoes if they're $500-1000 anywhere but in the office.

would be crying buckets if I got a dent/scuff/ stepped in gum etc.

Post: #12

Your not going to get (real) bespoke shoes for $1,000. Your best shot is to have a custom pair made from existing lasts, which will still run well over $1,000.

From my research, the cheaper bespoke makers (as in $3,000 vs $10,000) have waiting lists of years, which kind of puts them out of the picture.

Post: #13

(01-01-2014 09:37 PM)babelfish669 Wrote:  Your not going to get (real) bespoke shoes for $1,000. Your best shot is to have a custom pair made from existing lasts, which will still run well over $1,000.

From my research, the cheaper bespoke makers (as in $3,000 vs $10,000) have waiting lists of years, which kind of puts them out of the picture.

Good answer. I figured that was going to be the case. Didn't hurt to ask though.