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

[yoniman]

Thank you. Was thinking of a Paul Parkman. Made in USA

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by yoniman

Thank you. Was thinking of a Paul Parkman. Made in USA

You might try “Made in Northampton”. You won’t be disappointed.

[yoniman]

Agree 100%

My Cheaney (bought by Churchs Shoes) are Made in England. Northampton.

cheers

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

You might try “Made in Northampton”. You won’t be disappointed.

You can say that again. There are a few made in the USA but Northampton beats the USA when it comes mens shoes.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by dddrees

You can say that again. There are a few made in the USA but Northampton beats the USA when it comes mens shoes.

Not quite Northampton (Kettering), but pretty close.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Not quite Northampton (Kettering), but pretty close.

Awesome!!!!

Hmm, I think I recognize those.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Awesome!!!!

Hmm, I think I recognize those.

Gotta like a nice pair of spectators.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Gotta like a nice pair of spectators.

Yes, and I have some of those as well. Not those but others and suede and calf are some of my favorites.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Not quite Northampton (Kettering), but pretty close.

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Gotta like a nice pair of spectators.

Nice shoes!

[Wesley Crusher]

By the way, what’s the difference between John Lobb and John Lobb Bootmaker? JL owned by Hermès and JLB is independent? Do they both make bespoke shoes or only JLB?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

By the way, what’s the difference between John Lobb and John Lobb Bootmaker? JL owned by Hermès and JLB is independent? Do they both make bespoke shoes or only JLB?

A quick look at the websites and it appears JLB is strictly Bespoke where the other offers off the shelf with an option to go Bespoke,

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

By the way, what’s the difference between John Lobb and John Lobb Bootmaker? JL owned by Hermès and JLB is independent? Do they both make bespoke shoes or only JLB?

When Hermès bought JL they didn’t get the bespoke JLB shop in London (where Prince Charles buys his shoes). It’s an independent that still makes the finest shoes in the world.

The Hermès owned JL bespoke shop is in Paris. The JL factory is still Northampton, where most of the JL shoes you see are made. IIRC, JL also has a factory in Italy for non-GYW shoes.

[Wesley Crusher]

Thanks.

JLB seems like the nicer brand between the two, but if they both offer bespoke, I wonder why somebody would choose JL over JLB? Since JL is Hermès, I wonder if they offer a broader selection in terms of styles and leathers.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Thanks.

JLB seems like the nicer brand between the two, but if they both offer bespoke, I wonder why somebody would choose JL over JLB? Since JL is Hermès, I wonder if they offer a broader selection in terms of styles and leathers.

I think JLB is the best shoe money can buy. But the wait list is longer and you’ll spend a lot of money (SkyD money and higher). It takes about a year to make your first pair.

I looked into them last year. Anything you can imagine they can create.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

I think JLB is the best shoe money can buy. But the wait list is longer and you’ll spend a lot of money (SkyD money and higher). It takes about a year to make your first pair.

I looked into them last year. Anything you can imagine they can create.

SkyD money for shoes? Damn, I got into the wrong business...

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

SkyD money for shoes? Damn, I got into the wrong business...

They make the shoes several times to test the fit of your last before they build the final pair. Each time represents hundreds of man hours from the finest craftsmen in the world. The labor costs add up quickly. Then factor in the finest materials money can buy.

I have a friend in DXB that bought a pair thinking he had an ultimate grail. Then found the experience to be addictive and now has three pair. The quality is amazing. Far better than my G&Gs or JLs.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Thanks.

JLB seems like the nicer brand between the two, but if they both offer bespoke, I wonder why somebody would choose JL over JLB? Since JL is Hermès, I wonder if they offer a broader selection in terms of styles and leathers.

JL really has some great classic shoes and the last I looked Hermès still hadn’t ruined those. the Phillip II, The City II, the Williams I and II, and the Chappel. Their latest designs however are terrible.

Besides anything Bespoke is going to cost a good bit more.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

They make the shoes several times to test the fit of your last before they build the final pair. Each time represents hundreds of man hours from the finest craftsmen in the world. The labor costs add up quickly. Then factor in the finest materials money can buy.

I have a friend in DXB that bought a pair thinking he had an ultimate grail. Then found the experience to be addictive and now has three pair. The quality is amazing. Far better than my G&Gs or JLs.

It's not that I don't understand it, they are works of art and I really appreciate the fact that there are people still willing to pay more for fine craftsmanship.

By the way, I have a really good internship with a potential career opening in the near future. Starting in November So I just might take a look in that EG store.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

SkyD money for shoes? Damn, I got into the wrong business...

The first pair will always cost you more because that’s the one where they get you Last down. You might just have to factor in flights depending where you live and whether you just happen to travel on business like I’m sure most try to do. The type of leather can be a major factor. I think Alligator tends to always be one of the more expensive.

But generally it’s best when going Bespoke not to stop at one so you can spread out the initial cost of that Last.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It's not that I don't understand it, they are works of art and I really appreciate the fact that there are people still willing to pay more for fine craftsmanship.

By the way, I have a really good internship with a potential career opening in the near future. Starting in November So I just might take a look in that EG store.

Instead of just one maker it really would be best to get a good idea as to what all is out there especially if you already looking top tier. Don’t disregard the others.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Instead of just one maker it really would be best to get a good idea as to what all is out there especially if you already looking top tier. Don’t disregard the others.

I am incapable of getting the rosewood calf (English grain?) Galways out of my head.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I am incapable of getting the rosewood calf (English grain?) Galways out of my head.

Yeah, your hooked. However don’t disregard antiqued calf.

Style will speak to you, however fit is the most important thing.


Size as many Lasts as possible. End of the day and in the appropriate socks that you would wear with that shoe or boot.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I am incapable of getting the rosewood calf (English grain?) Galways out of my head.

Oh, by the way Zug is much much better. Believe me, and the color is actually fairly close.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Oh, by the way Zug is much much better. Believe me, and the color is actually fairly close.

Is Zug the model or is it a submodel of Galway?

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Is Zug the model or is it a submodel of Galway?

Material

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Is Zug the model or is it a submodel of Galway?

It’s a fairly thick, waxy, and extremely water resistant leather. Did you notice how well Wes’s boots recovered after cleaning. Man, those looked like brand new boots.

Too bad now a days you would have to special order those and just hope EG would make them for you. And yes to special order them they would charge a fee.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by dddrees

It’s a fairly thick, waxy, and extremely water resistant leather. Did you notice how well Wes’s boots recovered after cleaning. Man, those looked like brand new boots.

Too bad now a days you would have to special order those and just hope EG would make them for you. And yes to special order them they would charge a fee.

Last I looked EG MTOs were an extra 500 pounds.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Last I looked EG MTOs were an extra 500 pounds.

Well thats not going to happen, I mean 1125 pounds for boots is already crazy for me, and I really need to do some serious considering before dropping that on boots.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SearChart

SkyD money for shoes? Damn, I got into the wrong business...

No kidding. I can’t see myself spending that much anytime soon. I am a lowly peon at my company so I can’t afford such things.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Well thats not going to happen, I mean 1125 pounds for boots is already crazy for me, and I really need to do some serious considering before dropping that on boots.

They will last 30 years. Which is only 5 pounds a month to own killer boots.