Bespoke FooShoe?

[TheFoo]

So, I'm turning 30 at the end of this year. As mortifying and depressing as that is, I'm somewhat consoled by the fact that my wife wants to get me an indulgent birthday gift. Options include: (1) a Leica MP, (2) a new jacket or suit, or (3) a pair of bespoke shoes.

Assuming bespoke shoes are the pick: what should I get? And from where? I know little to nothing about the bespoke shoe world.

My first inclination is to go English, probably Cleverly. G&G is a bit too slick for me, and I'm prioritizing fit over design. Lobb London/Paris are way too pricey. What else is there? Fosters?

The Italian shoemakers seem more difficult to deal with, as they generally don't travel to NYC. Same deal with the French. Though, I'm happy to hear suggestions. RJman, where are you when I need you?

Design-wise, I'll probably get something very simple and boring, like a punch-cap balmoral, in some shade of brown.

No, this will not replace the OneShoe, which shall remain my staple.

 

[emptym]

How about American?: Ercolino. I don't know if he travels to NY, but it wouldn't be tough for you to travel to Phily. There's even a Chinatown bus, which I love.

 

[Despos]

(1) a Leica MP

The obvious choice since a suit from despos wasn't on the short list

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by emptym

How about American?: Ercolino.

I have an unpatriotic bias against American bespoke. I have an exotic inner spirit.

 

[DerekS]

Cleverly. I really like their lasts. If I were going bespoke, thats probably what id go for.

 

[Icehawk]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

No, this will not replace the OneShoe, which shall remain my staple.

30? Time for a motorcycle my friend:

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Despos

(1) a Leica MP

The obvious choice since a suit from despos wasn't on the short list

Ha--Leica MP is probably still the frontrunner. But I'd have to get a lens, which is incredibly expensive. Maybe I'll just buy the body and play pretend with it.

 

[cronicmole]

*waits for luk-cha and fritzl*

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

I have an unpatriotic bias against American bespoke. I have an exotic inner spirit.

You have an exotic outer spirit as well.

I would go with Fosters bespoke.

 

[Despos]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Ha--Leica MP is probably still the frontrunner. But I'd have to get a lens, which is incredibly expensive. Maybe I'll just buy the body and play pretend with it.

Your only 30 once.

Oh yeah, Happy Birthday

 

[onix]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Lobb London/Paris are way too pricey. What else is there? Fosters?

Wow! What? this is from the Foo?

 

[wEstSidE]

don't buy a leica

 

[TRINI]

I detest that Cleverly square-round toe hybrid.

Get a new suit/jacket.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Despos

Your only 30 once.

Oh yeah, Happy Birthday

Thanks--but not yet! Nine months to go.

Originally Posted by onix

Wow! What? this is from the Foo?

I don't value shoes as highly as I value suits/jackets; I can wear RTW shoes just fine.

 

[mmkn]

I'm ordering my next shoes from JLP this month. Maybe you can swing by and give me some advice.

- M