Shoes for different sized feet

[Vintage Gent]

Every so often I pose this question, in the vague hope that one of our cognoscenti will know of a resource that I can turn to.

In a nutshell, here's my dilemma: due to action to correct a club foot in childhood, my feet are different sizes. And by a fair margin. The right is a 9.5D and the left is an 8E (U.S. sizes).

Up to now, I've had two choices:

(1) Buy 9.5Ds; I'm fortunate that my feet are essentially the same width, so length is the only disadvantage to this approach, causing a bit more creasing on the left shoe.

(2) Buy shoes from Nordstrom, which has a policy, if the customer's feet are at least 1.5 sizes different, of selling the correct sized shoe for each foot, at the cost of a single pair of shoes. Wonderful policy. The drawback is selection. Nordstrom's best shoes are AEs (whose styling I find unappealing, although the new line looks more promising), or lower level Santonis or Ferragamos, neither of which represents a particularly good value.

So are there other retailers who follow Nordstrom's lead? Or perhaps my doppelganger is out there somewhere, with a 9.5D left foot and an 8E right foot.

 

[kiLLscaLLion]

I don't know what your budget is, but bespoke seems like the only option.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by kiLLscaLLion

bespoke seems like the only option.
How about MTO?

 

[Tarmac]

If you have asked before, I might have posted the same answer, apologies if this is the case.

I'm guessing anyone who is willing to work with you will be close to the manufacturer and thus will at least charge retail.

That said, I would try Alden, Crockett and Jones, Tricker's etc. These types of makers can usually get you one degree of separation away from speaking to someone in the factory. I would think that Alden in SF could sell you the odd shoes from different pairs, and be able to order the odd shoes from the factory to re-make their sets.

I could totally be wrong though.

 

[Vintage Gent]

Originally Posted by kiLLscaLLion

I don't know what your budget is, but bespoke seems like the only option.

Originally Posted by Tomasso

How about MTO?

Bespoke's probably out of my range for now, but made to order might work. I could probably swing a bit more than $1,000 for a pair (and maybe get a couple of pairs for now, but this would probably mean forgoing my next Chan purchase). Anyone know of MTO options in the Houston area?

Originally Posted by Tarmac

That said, I would try Alden, Crockett and Jones, Tricker's etc. These types of makers can usually get you one degree of separation away from speaking to someone in the factory. I would think that Alden in SF could sell you the odd shoes from different pairs, and be able to order the odd shoes from the factory to re-make their sets.

If memory serves, Alden was willing to do this, but for a $100 premium over retail. I haven't explored C&J, though.

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

Bespoke's probably out of my range for now, but made to order might work. I could probably swing a bit more than $1,000 for a pair (and maybe get a couple of pairs for now, but this would probably mean forgoing my next Chan purchase). Anyone know of MTO options in the Houston area?



If memory serves, Alden was willing to do this, but for a $100 premium over retail. I haven't explored C&J, though.

Sounds like the standard "Special Order" price for Aldens. I would guess CJ would do similarly, but also 20% over their retail. It would get close to $800

 

[RanMan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent
If memory serves, Alden was willing to do this, but for a $100 premium over retail. I haven't explored C&J, though.
Yeah, in spite of the premium, you'll probably have the best luck just talking directly with manufacturers.

 

[Vintage Gent]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

Anyone know of MTO options in the Houston area?

Before this thread goes too far into the Style Forum's dusty virtual annals, does anyone know of MTO shoe options in the Houston--visiting artisans, perhaps?