Foster & Son

[whnay.]

I've decided to take the bespoke shoe plunge while in London over the holidays and have narrowed it down to a few makers based on what I've seen and heard. The one that I've been able to find the least information on is Foster & Son. I simply love Kuwana's beige beauties on his website and would look to possibly replicate his choice with a slightly different color. Question, have any of you guys tried the firms service? If not have you heard anything about them good, bad or otherwise? http://homepage2.nifty.com/cobblers-...unt100-top.htm

 

[jcusey]

Well, shoefan's sources in the industry insist that Terry Moore is the most talented lastmaker in London, so you should be in good hands. Two things to consider, though. First, you will need to have at least one fitting; and to the best of my knowledge, Terry Moore does not travel. That means at least two trips to London, not one. Second, my understanding is that Mr. Moore is already in semi-retirement. There are no guarantees about what will become of the firm when he goes into full retirement.

 

[Luc-Emmanuel]

I'm not sure I would go for pitched heels, though. But these shoes have some retro look I like.

!luc

 

[LabelKing]

Those are a particularly elegant pair.

 

[whnay.]

Originally Posted by jcusey

Well, shoefan's sources in the industry insist that Terry Moore is the most talented lastmaker in London, so you should be in good hands. Two things to consider, though. First, you will need to have at least one fitting; and to the best of my knowledge, Terry Moore does not travel. That means at least two trips to London, not one. Second, my understanding is that Mr. Moore is already in semi-retirement. There are no guarantees about what will become of the firm when he goes into full retirement.
Hrm, well this is somewhat troubling. I suspect this would be a one and done type deal so I might be alright. Is Tony G still planning on making trips to the states with his new venture?

 

[Concordia]

Originally Posted by whnay.

Is Tony G still planning on making trips to the states with his new venture?

Yes. Paul Davies (The London Shoemaker) also comes to NYC quarterly.

 

[shoefan]

My impression is that Foster & Sons is in no danger of disappearing; their owners seem committed to maintaining or growing the business. Also, once you have your last made, future shoes (with the same toe shape) could of course be made on the same lasts.

I also don't think Terry is going anywhere soon, although he is working only 2 days per week, I believe. So, if you are going to use Fosters, make sure to phone ahead and make an appointment to see Terry.

FWIW, Terry is the 'real deal.' He has been in the trade for 55 (!) years and has a very deep understanding of the entire shoemaking process, as well as a great knowledge of shoemaking history and methods. He even knows all about the selection, felling, and curing of trees/lumber for the production of last blanks.

Certainly, Tony G and Paul Davies are very capable as well, but if you want the Fosters' toe shape you reference, Terry would be a great choice.

 

[jcusey]

Originally Posted by Concordia

Yes. Paul Davies (The London Shoemaker) also comes to NYC quarterly.

And Cleverley comes over twice a year, and Lobb St. James is in NYC at least 4 times a year. And that's just the Brits.

Look at it this way, though, whnay: going with Foster's is a perfect excuse to book two trips to London.

 

[jcusey]

Originally Posted by shoefan

My impression is that Foster & Sons is in no danger of disappearing; their owners seem committed to maintaining or growing the business. Also, once you have your last made, future shoes (with the same toe shape) could of course be made on the same lasts.

I also don't think Terry is going anywhere soon, although he is working only 2 days per week, I believe. So, if you are going to use Fosters, make sure to phone ahead and make an appointment to see Terry.

Do you know if Terry has an assistant lastmaker working with him?

 

[iyorito]

Yes, Terry has an assistant last maker. Micky. Young talented guy.

 

[culverwood]

Micky Chaggar seems a very clued in fellow who makes his own lasts. After a problem with my wife's shoes which were made to a near finished state by one of the new people (without a fitting without a sole) he and Emiko both knew she would reject them and he is starting again in a completely different style.

Try to make sure you see Emiko or Micky rather than one of the newer people. It probably does not matter on a conventional shoe with a well shaped foot but for anything more complicated I'm pretty sure it does.

He is also charming especially with the girls.

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by Concordia

Yes. Paul Davies (The London Shoemaker) also comes to NYC quarterly.
I have used Davies with generally good results. I think I am out of the game for a while, but I would use him again if I weren't.