How many of you are into shoes... (Dress Shoes)?

[kbailey]

Love looking through all the pages of boots and shoes on here. Interesting to see the change from pre-covid to post in office attire. My experience is similar in that I hardly get to wear my nicer leather dress shoes and everything is more casual. I still enjoy nicer leather or suede dress sneakers. With that I am looking to get a pair of nice boots and would love some feedback. I was recently on vacation in London and popped into church’s and John Lobb. I didn’t have enough time to properly shop and ended up coming home empty handed. I liked the John Lobb Alder boots but felt rushed and didn’t pull the trigger. Anyone have experience purchasing online as there isn’t a John Lobb store in WA state?

I’m looking for some classic brown boots that can be dressed up or down and that will last a lot of years. Kind of a buy once cry once purchase. I’m open to other suggestions if anyone has a similar manufacturer to look at that has some good looking boots. Not overly shiny, dressy or decorative. I don’t like an overly chunky sole, but am looking for a cleaner look. Love some guidance from those in the know!

[superavenger]

Viberg service boots, Nicks whites. They have more “logger” style and then heritage style. I enjoy cap toe service boots, and moc toe boots from nicks. Depending on where you are in WA I would just go to Nicks and see what they have and can make. Viberg stocks stuff and others are mto/built


I was going to post links but it won’t let me.

[kbailey]

Originally Posted by superavenger

Viberg service boots, Nicks whites. They have more “logger” style and then heritage style. I enjoy cap toe service boots, and moc toe boots from nicks. Depending on where you are in WA I would just go to Nicks and see what they have and can make. Viberg stocks stuff and others are mto/built


I was going to post links but it won’t let me.

Thanks… I’ll take a look at nicks.

[flyinghell34]

Picked up these new Crockett & Jones split toe dark brown hatch grain shoes for the fall.

[BNA/LION]

Just got these...

[boa2]

Originally Posted by kbailey

Love looking through all the pages of boots and shoes on here. Interesting to see the change from pre-covid to post in office attire. My experience is similar in that I hardly get to wear my nicer leather dress shoes and everything is more casual. I still enjoy nicer leather or suede dress sneakers. With that I am looking to get a pair of nice boots and would love some feedback. I was recently on vacation in London and popped into church’s and John Lobb. I didn’t have enough time to properly shop and ended up coming home empty handed. I liked the John Lobb Alder boots but felt rushed and didn’t pull the trigger. Anyone have experience purchasing online as there isn’t a John Lobb store in WA state?

I’m looking for some classic brown boots that can be dressed up or down and that will last a lot of years. Kind of a buy once cry once purchase. I’m open to other suggestions if anyone has a similar manufacturer to look at that has some good looking boots. Not overly shiny, dressy or decorative. I don’t like an overly chunky sole, but am looking for a cleaner look. Love some guidance from those in the know!

Depending upon your desire to invest time into this--or not--I would consider a trip to LA or NY for some made-to-order shoes. I have a couple pair of Lobb shoes, and wear them for special occasions. I also had a couple of Saint Crispin boots that are made-to-measure, and the difference in the fit and comfort is hard to even quantify. I can walk in the Saint Crispin all day. There are other made-to-measure brands that I have heard are excellent--Gaziano and Girling, for example--but I have been extremely happy with the Saint Crispin and can't think of a more comfortable, long-term option than a pair of boots made for your feet.

Just my 2 cents.

[kbailey]

Originally Posted by boa2

Depending upon your desire to invest time into this--or not--I would consider a trip to LA or NY for some made-to-order shoes. I have a couple pair of Lobb shoes, and wear them for special occasions. I also had a couple of Saint Crispin boots that are made-to-measure, and the difference in the fit and comfort is hard to even quantify. I can walk in the Saint Crispin all day. There are other made-to-measure brands that I have heard are excellent--Gaziano and Girling, for example--but I have been extremely happy with the Saint Crispin and can't think of a more comfortable, long-term option than a pair of boots made for your feet.

Just my 2 cents.

That’s great feedback… I’ll look into saint crispin and the others. Doesn’t have to be JL, just looking for something that will last and be comfortable. Ideally I can do something in Seattle or Vancouver BC.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by kbailey

That’s great feedback… I’ll look into saint crispin and the others. Doesn’t have to be JL, just looking for something that will last and be comfortable. Ideally I can do something in Seattle or Vancouver BC.

There are some excellent options out there. Edward Green is another. HD Russell in Vancouver looks quite nice as well, in the Nicks / Viberg being. Best of luck. I’m sure you will find something that meets all your wishes.


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[1William]

Originally Posted by boa2

Depending upon your desire to invest time into this--or not--I would consider a trip to LA or NY for some made-to-order shoes. I have a couple pair of Lobb shoes, and wear them for special occasions. I also had a couple of Saint Crispin boots that are made-to-measure, and the difference in the fit and comfort is hard to even quantify. I can walk in the Saint Crispin all day. There are other made-to-measure brands that I have heard are excellent--Gaziano and Girling, for example--but I have been extremely happy with the Saint Crispin and can't think of a more comfortable, long-term option than a pair of boots made for your feet.

Just my 2 cents.

I have had shoes made before and they are fine but expensive for what they are, shoes. I have a normal size foot with no issues and have found that premade shoes work the best for the balance of cost and wearability.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by 1William

I have had shoes made before and they are fine but expensive for what they are, shoes. I have a normal size foot with no issues and have found that premade shoes work the best for the balance of cost and wearability.

It depends what you want. I have several pairs of JL and G&G shoes on their standard lasts, and a couple MTO's. But if you really want to be expressive, bespoke is the way to go. Is it worth my money? Probably not. But for others it's worth it to have exactly what you want.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by kbailey

That’s great feedback… I’ll look into saint crispin and the others. Doesn’t have to be JL, just looking for something that will last and be comfortable. Ideally I can do something in Seattle or Vancouver BC.

If ever in NY, try out JM Weston as well at their Madison Ave boutique. It's an overlooked brand, IMO. You can buy them online as well. Everything made in house, even the leather tanning. They have a made-to-measure option as well.

They are very good looking and are an excellent all-weather boot. They're made in France--where they cost a bit less--and they wear as tough as anything I've owned.

Nordstrom sells them online. Maybe they carry some in-store.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by Maleg

It depends what you want. I have several pairs of JL and G&G shoes on their standard lasts, and a couple MTO's. But if you really want to be expressive, bespoke is the way to go. Is it worth my money? Probably not. But for others it's worth it to have exactly what you want.

I have several pairs JL Paris bespoke shoes. Are they really worth the $7k+ I paid for it? Probably not but I get a lot of enjoyment wearing them plus the service with the JL boutique in NYC is top notch. Bespoke shoemakers treat you way better than a Rolex watch AD that's for sure.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by texasmade

I have several pairs JL Paris bespoke shoes. Are they really worth the $7k+ I paid for it? Probably not but I get a lot of enjoyment wearing them plus the service with the JL boutique in NYC is top notch. Bespoke shoemakers treat you way better than a Rolex watch AD that's for sure.

You are right about the retail experience at JL. They make a Rolex AD look like Walmart (except the Walmart greeter is friendlier). JL clearly wants and appreciates both your business and your attendence in their store.

[boa2]

I just ordered a pair of boots today. I blame all of you.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by boa2

I just ordered a pair of boots today. I blame all of you.

Congrats! Can't wait to see pictures.

[kbailey]

I don’t know that I would realize the benefit of made to order yet and would be fine ordering from many of these manufacturers off the shelf, if that was an option. Though most would be online or when traveling to these destinations. I really like several boots offered by Edward Green. Also HD Russell has good looking stuff and Vancouver from Seattle would be easy enough.
A couple of rookie questions if I may… if going custom is it a single measuring and fitting needed? Would the mold or measurements be good for future orders in different shoes/styles?

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by kbailey

I don’t know that I would realize the benefit of made to order yet and would be fine ordering from many of these manufacturers off the shelf, if that was an option. Though most would be online or when traveling to these destinations. I really like several boots offered by Edward Green. Also HD Russell has good looking stuff and Vancouver from Seattle would be easy enough.
A couple of rookie questions if I may… if going custom is it a single measuring and fitting needed? Would the mold or measurements be good for future orders in different shoes/styles?

Bespoke shoes take some effort on your part. There are several fittings. If you don't live in the city where the boutique is you need to plan for several trips. Once your last is built it is good for many years.

MTO is a great way to get bespoke like results on a standard last. If the maker has a last that fits you well you can get the custom look you want without the additional expense and inconvenience of bespoke. I have four MTO's from G&G that get the leather combinations perfect for me and a specatator MTO from JL in textile and leather. It's not that much more expensive to have a design that is uniquely you.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Bespoke shoes take some effort on your part. There are several fittings. If you don't live in the city where the boutique is you need to plan for several trips. Once your last is built it is good for many years.

MTO is a great way to get bespoke like results on a standard last. If the maker has a last that fits you well you can get the custom look you want without the additional expense and inconvenience of bespoke. I have four MTO's from G&G that get the leather combinations perfect for me and a specatator MTO from JL in textile and leather. It's not that much more expensive to have a design that is uniquely you.

Originally Posted by kbailey

I don’t know that I would realize the benefit of made to order yet and would be fine ordering from many of these manufacturers off the shelf, if that was an option. Though most would be online or when traveling to these destinations. I really like several boots offered by Edward Green. Also HD Russell has good looking stuff and Vancouver from Seattle would be easy enough.
A couple of rookie questions if I may… if going custom is it a single measuring and fitting needed? Would the mold or measurements be good for future orders in different shoes/styles?

Definitely worth a drive up to Vancouver to try them out.

Maleg covers it well. I happened to go to a trunk show years ago with the owner of Saint Crispins in the early days of the company. He took measurements and then made an inexpensive pair of unfinished shoes (a mocked up model, so to speak) so I could try them and give feedback before making the first pair.

He told me then that as far as the fit goes we would be 90-92% on the first pair, 96-98% by the second and 100% on the third. The second was definitely a tiny bit better because of my feedback, but frankly the first pair fits beautifully. They are Chelsea boots that I can wear, and walk in, all day long.

I wouldn't have made that statement when I was in my 20s or 30s but as I am now older, the viable options for comfort are far fewer. I can no longer wear my Alden shoes, for example, as they aren't comfortable for me.

I didn't think there would be much difference between off the shelf and made-to-measure, but for me it's night and day. On the other hand, if you find a boot off the shelf that fits great, you can call it good and enjoy them.

The Edward Green boots sure are stunning.

[White Collar Boy]

Originally Posted by flyinghell34

Picked up these new Crockett & Jones split toe dark brown hatch grain shoes for the fall.

Those look good!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by kbailey

That’s great feedback… I’ll look into saint crispin and the others. Doesn’t have to be JL, just looking for something that will last and be comfortable. Ideally I can do something in Seattle or Vancouver BC.

More important than anything else is how well they fit your feet. The best thing you can possibly do is get the chance to try as many lasts on in person as possible. Lucky for me Edward Greens 82 Last is the best fitting Last I own. That just so happens to translate real well when it comes to Gaziano &Girling and I just happen to really like the way they finish their shoes as well. So although there are a good number of other shoes and boots that I own, they happen to have a good bit that I like anyway. It doesn’t matter who made them and how they look, if they don’t fit you’re not going to wear them. There’s a big difference between being able to put on a pair of footwear and putting on something that really fits your not going well.

Personally there are a number of reasons why I would probably never go the Bespoke route, but the fact I get such a good fit with some standard Lasts makes that even less necessary. I know there are other reasons to still do that, it’s just not that desirable to me.

Frankly I think there are a couple things that served me real well when getting the shoes and boots that I have. Having a pair of fairly average size feet, spending a good bit of time on Styleforum, establishing my sizes in some fairly popular Lasts, and physically trying on as many Lasts from those shoemakers I wanted whenever possible, and finally familiarizing myself with as many of the options that are out there. Oh, and buying most of my Edward Greens and Gaziano & Girlings when group MTOs were still possible.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by kbailey

I don’t know that I would realize the benefit of made to order yet and would be fine ordering from many of these manufacturers off the shelf, if that was an option. Though most would be online or when traveling to these destinations. I really like several boots offered by Edward Green. Also HD Russell has good looking stuff and Vancouver from Seattle would be easy enough.
A couple of rookie questions if I may… if going custom is it a single measuring and fitting needed? Would the mold or measurements be good for future orders in different shoes/styles?

The more you know and the more your taste evolves the more you will understand and appreciate a MTO. Frankly it doesn’t take that long to understand that off the shelf doesn’t always do the trick and really once you start spending some more time looking around and seeing what’s possible you are bound to find a combination you can’t always get when buying something of the shelf. Sometimes it’s simply color, or leather, or leathers, and sometimes it can simply be the sole.

[rand8086]

I got into classic menswear and shoes just before watches. I came across a pair of Edward Green oxfords in their Dark Oak color at Saks and that's what got me started. Shortly afterward Saks stopped carrying EG so I've been ordering them from the factory every since.