Section: Men's Footwear - Blog
Once upon a time, no self-respecting gentleman would have worn anything but custom made shoes and boots. But, the availability of inexpensive footwear relegated custom shoes to the background. However, the well-dressed gent knows that just like nothing feels as good as a custom made suit, nothing makes your feet feel better than custom made shoes.
If you commission a pair of bespoke shoes, expect them to be costly. Handcrafted shoes are expensive because modern artisans use only the finest materials. Further, since the number of these artisans has dwindled over the years, there are very few remaining who handcraft shoes.
The work is time and labour intensive; waiting periods of two to three years for a pair of custom shoes is not uncommon. For these reasons, bespoke shoes are high-priced and relatively unpopular but well worth both the price and the wait.
Once you commission a pair of bespoke shoes to match your tailor made men's suit, the shoemaker examines your foot carefully. He will advise you on the best style and design for your body – in addition to other professional requirements.
Additionally, he'll build lasts (replicas of your feet) around which the shoes are built. Thereafter, he will:
As you can tell, this detailed, meticulous process means shoemakers spend at least ten weeks in handcrafting a single pair of bespoke boots, hence the higher price.
Most modern men do not buy bespoke boots and shoes because of the cost. While all shoes used to be custom made, mass-manufactured, comfortable footwear is a modern-day luxury, which is affordable for most.
In the past, a man's status was determined by his footwear. Given this, there were many artisans who crafted shoes one at a time – unlike the mass manufactured shoes available now. Today, however, the art of hand-making footwear rests with only a small number of artisans across the world.
While bespoke shoes may cost more, just likecustom made suits that fit you like a glove, nothing compares to the feel of a shoe that has been hand made to fit your foot - not some anonymous foot model.
If you've never treated yourself to the luxury of custom made clothing or shoes, now may be a good time to start. Call orstop by our showroom to set up a free consultation with one of our expert clothiers. You'll be glad you did!
Image Credits © Ender Cilgin | Dreamstime.com © Robertprzybysz | Dreamstime.com © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com © Lisa F. Young | Dreamstime.com
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Named in GQ Magazine's "Best Tailors" list, and the highest reviewed tailor on Google, Montagio has paved the way for discerning men to get suited up with style. We offer a truly personalised experience, specialising in custom designed, perfectly fitted suits, shirts, coats, and shoes for for business, weddings, formal and casual events. Our showrooms are visually packed with designs that inspire plus thousands of fabric options, making it easy for you to get the look you want. Our expert stylists will advise and professionally fit you and frankly won’t let you walk out until we’ve tailored your perfect garment. Since 2010, we have custom tailored looks for thousands of happy customers. To experience the same red-carpet service, book your personal appointment today.
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