Bespoke shoes in UK - a more affordable option?

[aristoi bcn]

The issue is that the shoe you get is very different depending on who you comission from. From what I've seen, there is no resemblance from Cleverley to Foster. They are very different in terms of the lasts, Cleverley lasts are rather squared while Foster's are more rounded. Personally, if the budget is not decisive, I would try Cleverley first and then Foster. Both houses have very talented lastmakers.Though probably nowadays I would go the route of Nicholas, as he's at the same level of those two and I think the whole experience would be more pleasant and less expensive.

Cleverley bespoke, note the sharp last.



Foster bespoke, something different.



By the way, what are the prices from Nicholas nowadays?

 

[culverwood]

One name that has not been mentioned is CarreDucker. I see their classical work as less successful than the standard makers but they are more prepared to make an unusual style. I have only had the RTW Winkers so cannot comment from experience..

 

[atia2]

Elias & Grandsons in London W4 make handsewn bespoke shoes for £650. They use last modification rather than turning a fresh last from wood. Samples are on display in store. I haven't used them yet for anything other than repairs (which have been excellent) but I'm thinking of commissioning a pair soon.

They have a Twitter feed but apparently no website: https://mobile.twitter.com/eliasgrandsons

 

[bengal-stripe]



They have a Twitter feed but apparently no website

But they do have an Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/eliasandgrandsons/

 

[atia2]

^ Good spot. I'm showing my age.

From what I've seen in store, they do the basics well. There's a certain lack of precision in the finer details, which I rather like because the shoes look handmade. Therefore, I wouldn't commission a complicated pair from them, at least not to start with. Don't expect a pair of Templemans at this price point, but I'd be very happy with these plain toe derbies: