Anyone know of a good clicker/closer shop?

[Joedatesta]

Hi All,

I'd like to build my first pair of shoes and have located suppliers for most of the materials and tools, but I wonder if anyone can recommend a shop to create the uppers for me. Does anyone even know if such a setup exists?

 

[Joedatesta]

Does Minke do this?

 

[shoefan]

Here is one company I've found:

http://www.sterlinguppercompany.co.uk/

Don't know anything about them.

Do be aware that, as a general matter, you'll need to either make a pattern based on your last or, alternatively, supply the last to the closer for them to make a pattern.

Both Marcell/koronya and, IIRC, Carreducker sell uppers. However, personally, I wouldn't recommend buying a 'whole cut' oxford, as lasting it will be very difficult.

There are also some outworkers in London who could conceivably do this for you, and perhaps some shoemakers here in the US would consider doing it as well. Send me a PM if this is something you would be interested in pursuing.

FWIW, I wouldn't sweat the details of the upper too much; your first few efforts are likely to be fairly rough, particularly if you aren't receiving expert, hands-on guidance.

Look forward to seeing the fruits of your labors.