For those of you who get bespoke shoes, do you still buy RTW?

[chatty]

Question for you guys who get bespoke shoes. Do you find that you only get bespoke now, or do you still buy RTW shoes as well?

I know lots of guys who only do bespoke shirts / suits, but I don't know anyone that has bespoke shoes.

I ask because I just ordered my first pair of bespoke G&G's (will post pics when I get them, but won't be for another year almost since I'm in NY)...but am considering buying some RTW from the Leather Soul sale. But if you bespoke supporters say you stopped getting RTW, then maybe I'm better off saving up for another bespoke.

Thoughts?

 

[ajv]

I am buying less and less RTW shoes, but shoes are like air for me. Yes call me compulsive on this issue, but I still surrender to some RTW a few times a year.

Adrian

 

[chatty]

One more question, do you also use the same bespoke maker...or dabble in a few different brands?

Thanks again!

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by chatty

Do you find that you only get bespoke now, or do you still buy RTW shoes as well?

stopped buying rtw shoes many years ago, but didn't stop thrifting. so, i buy some...

 

[ajv]

Originally Posted by chatty

One more question, do you also use the same bespoke maker...or dabble in a few different brands?

Thanks again!

I have shoes from different makers, but the first ones were made by larger houses, and once the craftsman responsible for my shoes left, so did I.
I use the same maker for quite some years now.
I think that once you found a good bespoke maker, that understands your wishes, it is good to stay with him.

Adrian

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by ajv

I think that once you found a good bespoke maker, that understands your wishes, it is good to stay with him.

Adrian

good strategy. imo, it's important, like you said, to build up a relationship with the maker...

 

[sw20]

Depends upon one's fit issues and opportunity costs

Am an easy fit and have too much ADD for multiple visits (esp to other cities) to obtain bespoke anything

But prefer to choose own detailing, swatches, buttons, linings, etc...and obtain a new garment or shoes not tried on by others, so have opted for MTM suits/shirts/casual clothes for many yrs (and haven't bought or worn OTR clothes in ages)

Recently converted to EG MTO for all my daily-wear shoes and have relegated my prior RTW blk loafers to rainy day fleet, until first fleet of EGs ages enough to face similar fate...but am done buying RTW shoes ever again

 

[Master-Classter]

do you guys who do mostly MTM or bespoke ever miss the experience of just "'shopping", ie spending a day walking around to various stores, trying things on and seeing what fits/doesn't, hoping for that great score/deal, etc?

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

do you guys who do mostly MTM or bespoke ever miss the experience of just "'shopping", ie spending a day walking around to various stores, trying things on and seeing what fits/doesn't, hoping for that great score/deal, etc?

yes, it's a waste of time.

 

[lasbar]

I have a good RTW and Bespoke collection now...

I don't plan to buy any shoes for the next 10 years...

 

[alliswell]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

do you guys who do mostly MTM or bespoke ever miss the experience of just "'shopping", ie spending a day walking around to various stores, trying things on and seeing what fits/doesn't, hoping for that great score/deal, etc?

No. And I live in New York. I can shop on one block and go around the corner for alterations. (OK, I'll got to Press for ties.) Everything else is mtm.

 

[edmorel]

I think Vox still occasionally dabbles in some Allen Edmonds (seconds).

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

do you guys who do mostly MTM or bespoke ever miss the experience of just "'shopping", ie spending a day walking around to various stores, trying things on and seeing what fits/doesn't, hoping for that great score/deal, etc?

Nope, not at all.

I don't buy RTW shoes any longer. Not because I believe bespoke shoes are meaninfully superior to RTW shoes (as bespoke shirts and suits are), but because I buy so few shoes now that I prefer to spend the $ on a pair that is exactly how I want it.

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

do you guys who do mostly MTM or bespoke ever miss the experience of just "'shopping", ie spending a day walking around to various stores, trying things on and seeing what fits/doesn't, hoping for that great score/deal, etc?

Swatches are much more fun. Plus, you get to sit in a chair to flip through them and have drinks brought to you. There are no crowds. And craftsmen are much more interesting to talk to than salespeople. I wish I could afford to get nothing but bespoke.

 

[yfyf]

I have a mix of bespoke and RTW footwear these days and I'm still happy with my RTW. In fact, my favourite pair of shoes are RTW, at least until I get those bespoke kinks worked out.