Lobb or Cleverley

I will be going to London in January. I would like to have a pair of bespoke shoes made mostly because I have flat feet and need some arch support. I am trying to decide between Lobb and Cleverley. Regardless of price are there advantages to one shoe over the other? I plan to have a black oxford made.

Originally Posted by Xiaogou

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I will be going to London in January. I would like to have a pair of bespoke shoes made mostly because I have flat feet and need some arch support. I am trying to decide between Lobb and Cleverley. Regardless of price are there advantages to one shoe over the other? I plan to have a black oxford made.

Which Lobb?

The original establishment ie non- Hermes owned (St. James). I am a novice at this so you will have to forgive me. Is one Lobb better than the other?

Originally Posted by Xiaogou

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The original establishment ie non- Hermes owned (St. James). I am a novice at this so you will have to forgive me. Is one Lobb better than the other?
Different styling, I'd say. Both very expensive. I have used neither though have seen the final products of both. They are nice, as is Cleverley. The reputation is that Cleverley isn't as finely finished but has great fit. It's also cheaper. They specialize in a more chiseled last but can do anything that is requested. Lobb St. James is more traditional/round toe in its "house style".

Of those two, I would definitely choose Cleverley. You will pay a lot less. The shoe is likely to fit much better, and have a much more pleasing shape. It may not be finished quite as finely, but the other factors matter more.

Having now tried a pair from Lobb, I'm happy with it but not so much that I'd pay the difference all the time. Cleverley really does fit better for maybe 60% of the price, and I like the last shape they cooked up for most applications. On the other hand, there are a few models where Lobb's aesthetic really does rule the day. If that's what you want, go get it.

WS Foster.

Cleverly costs more than Fosters or Gaziano & Girling

Don't exclude either of these two

Originally Posted by Michael Ay329

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Cleverly costs more than Fosters or Gaziano & Girling

Don't exclude either of these two


I have my heart set on either Lobb or Cleverley. Right now, fit and comfort are the most important factors. When my grandfather served in WWII (Europe) he had shoes made by both houses. I have fond memories of him talking about the shoes and how they are made. For now I will go with Cleverley since the consensus is they fit very well. Later on when I have the funds to spare, I will get a pair of Lobbs.

In 1991 after my graduation from High School, I went to Brooks Brothers and purchased a pair of shoes from them. I don't know who made them but they were the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever worn in my life. The only thing comfortable about those shoes was the price!

On a side note, I have a pair of Chestnut colored Brackley's from Lobb Paris. They fit just fine but are stiff as hell. The most comfortable shoe I have ever worn was made by AE.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Hello,

I have not tried Lobb, but have used Cleverley, James Taylor, and G & G.

I have similar issues with flat feet and have used Cleverley. They put in arch supports for me and I cannot recommend Cleverley enough. The shoes fit like gloves and are light. The supports do not pinch or feel odd in any way.

After one month with my new Cleverley shoes, I returned and ordered two more pairs. I am now a customer for life and will return next month to pick up a nice pair of dark brown chukkas.
Enjoy the bespoke experience and finding the best shoemaker for you.

Cheers.

Jupiter, would you mind sharing with us your bespoke experiences through James Taylor and G&G...and how did they compare to Cleverley?

Isn't the latter more exclusive: they only sell through their single London shop?

Originally Posted by Britalian

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Isn't the latter more exclusive: they only sell through their single London shop?

By that definition G&G is the most exclusive. They don't have a shop.

Originally Posted by Will

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By that definition G&G is the most exclusive. They don't have a shop.

I'm the most exclusive. I don't even make shoes.

Originally Posted by Michael Ay329

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Jupiter, would you mind sharing with us your bespoke experiences through James Taylor and G&G...and how did they compare to Cleverley?

My first bespoke experience was with James Taylor. I had a pair of shoes made and my motivation to use them was that they are specialists in problem feet. The end product did not fit well at all and I regret using them. There was major heal slippage to the point that my heel would pop out with every stride and so much excess width that my foot would slide sideways. My experience with Taylor left me feeling that they are not interested in making a quality product. Additionally, it is difficult to get a true one-to-one experience as the shop is constantly busy with other customers and it is the proprietor, not the lastmaker, who takes the measurements. I hope others have had better experiences with Taylor than I did.

How do they compare to the Cleverley's? They are not even in the same league. Any problems I have are corrected by Cleverley's ability to make an excellent shoe that conforms to the actual shape of my foot and is extremely comfortable all day long. In comparison, the shoes from James Taylor are like wearing Kleenex boxes on my feet.

I had a much different and better experience with Tony from G & G. He was recommended to me by many members here and I arranged to meet him on Savile Row. He was very flexible regarding timings. Tony takes the measurements, makes an excellent shoe and is a committed professional. The shoes he made for me are very elegant, and when I wore them to my tailors I received a very nice "those are very nice shoes, Sir".

Tony's shoes are better finished than my Cleverley's (and many I saw in the shop) and he can accomodate many requests. I found him to be very personable.

The decision of whether to continue with Cleverley or G & G came down to very finite points. I found both to be extremely professional and committed (Teemu from Cleverley) to making me the best shoe possible and a real one-to one experience with people who live and breathe shoes. I do not think you can go wrong with either.

I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to send me a message if you require more detail.

To the OP: enjoy the experience.