New member seeking bespoke shoe advice

[12 Wide]

Hello all. I'm looking into my first bespoke shoe purchase and need some advise. I've been told I have high arches and was wondering if anyone can recommend a particular shoe maker who can address that issue while still creating a stylish dress shoe, or should I consider an orthopedic designer? It's not causing any health related problems, it's just that I have difficulty finding dress shoes that provide the proper support in that area. Thanks to all who answer.

 

[bengal-stripe]

A high arch shouldn't be a problem for any shoemaker worth his/her salt.

You might want to tell us where you are based and what expectations you have about the price.

 

[12 Wide]

I live in Florida and have tried AE and Santoni. Both are well made shoes and generally fit well but do not have the form fitting support I'm seeking. From what I've read, I can expect to pay from $3000 to $4000 for calfskin bespoke shoes. Are there any sources for this in the South Eastern US?

 

[Asian Afro]

Bespoke shoes in calfskin can be had for far less than $3,000, but I don't know whether there are sources for them in SE US.

Please see my thread on Jon Gray here. With regards to price, please see this post.

Jon takes long-distance orders and has lots of experience with orthopedic shoes. You might want to give him a try.

 

[12 Wide]

Thank you for the helpful information. Those are some nice looking shoes.

 

[jimmyshoe]

The two things to ask any bespoke shoemaker you approach about this are whether they will make a last for you specifically (rather than re-model an existing one) and whether they use foam impression boxes. If they don't I would avoid them.

You need a bespoke shoemaker who has an expert lastmaker and who will take foam impressions alongside the standard foot measurements.

Don't be tempted to scrimp on the cost and all in all it should be a long, but enjoyable process and you feet will be comfortable for may years to come.

 

[12 Wide]

Thank you for that tip JimmyShoe-I would have not known to ask about those things. I just assumed that every bespoke shoe maker would make a last that was entirely custom, based on my feet alone.
I tried on some more OTR shoes today from AE, Santoni and a few others...it was as if there was a gaping hole between my arches and the soles. Right now I wear 3/4 length inserts to compensate but it's just not comfortable at all.

 

[comrade]



Hello all. I'm looking into my first bespoke shoe purchase and need some advise. I've been told I have high arches and was wondering if anyone can recommend a particular shoe maker who can address that issue while still creating a stylish dress shoe, or should I consider an orthopedic designer? It's not causing any health related problems, it's just that I have difficulty finding dress shoes that provide the proper support in that area. Thanks to all who answer.

Vogel Boots/Shoes is probably in your price range.

Perry Ercolini is arguably the best bespoke maker in the US.
On a par with the best from Europe, from what I've read.

http://www.vogelboots.com/
http://www.perryercolino.com/

 

[PhiPsi32]

I can't help you with bespoke shoes, but for a high arch you may want to look at the Pedag Step. It's a stick on arch support for extreme feet. I use the slightly less aggressive "Balance" insert. But I scrape off the adhesive and use a pair of Velcro dots to attach them to the shoes. It might help until you find another shoe.

 

[12 Wide]

I don't know anyone on this forum and prefer not to get involved in conflcts between members.
The only concern I have about Mr.Ercolino's shoes is that his website states that the lasts are made for him in England, so I'd be unsure if they were custom made for my feet or modified from an existing last. Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[PhiloVance]

Nevermind.

 

[12 Wide]

I like the syle and quality of Santoni - do they make Made to Measure?

 

[Concordia]



I don't know anyone on this forum and prefer not to get involved in conflcts between members.
The only concern I have about Mr.Ercolino's shoes is that his website states that the lasts are made for him in England, so I'd be unsure if they were custom made for my feet or modified from an existing last. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Perry will do a completely bespoke last. He's not the only one who will do the lengthy measurement, foam impressions, gait analysis, etc., but he's the one of that bunch who has produced the best results for me. (There are other, lower-tech makers whose work I also like-- and who might do well for you also.)

Since you're already talking about travelling to see somebody, you might think about the London makers who come to NY (or other major US cities), or hop a flight for Vienna. You'll need as many as two visits to get the pattern right, but the up-front cost will be recouped on the back end. Prices in Central Europe are significantly lower than in London and NYC.

 

[12 Wide]

Does Perry do any shoes with an Italian style?

 

[Concordia]

Check his website-- that will have a sampling of what he does. For more info, you'll find that he's very responsive to phone or e-mail (if you remember that he's more or less his only employee).