The Ultimate "HARDCORE" Shoe Appreciation Thread (Bespoke only)

[RogerP]



I got it on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Bickmore-Bick...?ie=UTF8&qid=1426447280&sr=8-1&keywords=bick4

As far as I'm concerned this is the new miracle drug. A rec. from DW.

That's very informative.

 

[jerrybrowne]

Thank you. It is indeed a very informative link.

 

[add911_11]

BTW guys need some collective thoughts here.

As I will be going to London from 2nd to 10th Apr, this time I want to get a pair of gator bespoke done.

As I live in Hong Kong, I do need this brand to take up regular HK visit for my fittings.

Any suggestions from you guys of where I should go?

Price wise I want to keep it around 4500 pounds or less.

 

[jerrybrowne]



BTW guys need some collective thoughts here.

As I will be going to London from 2nd to 10th Apr, this time I want to get a pair of gator bespoke done.

As I live in Hong Kong, I do need this brand to take up regular HK visit for my fittings.

Any suggestions from you guys of where I should go?

Price wise I want to keep it around 4500 pounds or less.

Of the London makers that travel to Hong Kong, Cleverley will be your only bet at that pricepoint.

 

[jerrybrowne]



Of the London makers that travel to Hong Kong, Cleverley will be your only bet at that pricepoint.

Actually, I take that back. I don't know Gaziano and Girling pricing for croc, and they travel to Hong Kong. Anyone weigh in?

 

[add911_11]



Actually, I take that back. I don't know Gaziano and Girling pricing for croc, and they travel to Hong Kong. Anyone weigh in?

I have sent each of them an email for inquiry.

Which will you prefer? I am looking something with a quicker turn out rate and will travel to HK more...

I don't want to have fitting each in every 9 months.

 

[jerrybrowne]



I have sent each of them an email for inquiry.

Which will you prefer? I am looking something with a quicker turn out rate and will travel to HK more...

I don't want to have fitting each in every 9 months.

I've not used Gaziano and Girling, but have used John Lobb Saint James, Foster and Son and Cleverley. JLSJ will be way over budget (their croc prices are obscene) and Foster and Son less over budget, but this may be moot because I actually don't think they travel to HK, but I could be wrong. They've been expanding to other Asian cities recently.

I use Cleverley the most. They make a lighter shoe, are easy to work with, and have the most reasonable pricing. I don't know how often they travel to HK though, and they require two fittings the first time (in addition to being measured). JLSJ does not do fittings, so they will be the fastest. They make a heavier shoe, and some say a "blobby" shoe. I like JLSJ for certain styles. Their shoes are built to last.

To be honest I strongly suggest that you not use Croc for your first shoe with a bespoke maker. If they do not get your last shaped to the way you like, you'll have a very expensive disappointment.

 

[add911_11]



I've not used Gaziano and Girling, but have used John Lobb Saint James, Foster and Son and Cleverley. JLSJ will be way over budget (their croc prices are obscene) and Foster and Son less over budget, but this may be moot because I actually don't think they travel to HK, but I could be wrong. They've been expanding to other Asian cities recently.

I use Cleverley the most. They make a lighter shoe, are easy to work with, and have the most reasonable pricing. I don't know how often they travel to HK though, and they require two fittings the first time (in addition to being measured). JLSJ does not do fittings, so they will be the fastest. They make a heavier shoe, and some say a "blobby" shoe. I like JLSJ for certain styles. Their shoes are built to last.

To be honest I strongly suggest that you not use Croc for your first shoe with a bespoke maker. If they do not get your last shaped to the way you like, you'll have a very expensive disappointment.

Thx for your wise words.

Btw how you rate Foster and Son? I knew they do come to HK previously.

 

[bengal-stripe]



I want to get a pair of gator bespoke done........Price wise I want to keep it around 4500 pounds or less.

You might not be in luck with the price you want to pay.

John Lobb (London) charges for bespoke croc/gator £10,400 (without VAT)

The other West-End bespoke makers are likely to charge less, but probably not a great deal less. They also might be hesitant to make a pair of exotics as a first order. They like to start with a pair in calf, until they have nailed the last down.

John Lobb (Paris) charges for RTW (presumably made to order) between £6,300 and £7,300 (VAT included)

http://www.johnlobb.com/uk/models/precious-leather

P.S. I see that Jerry B. who is a regular customer of Cleverley's thinks the might be within your budget. Jerry ought to know Cleverley's prices better than I do.

Contact them and ask!

 

[add911_11]

Well at least I can fall back on Okuyama or Spigola since I have worked with them before.

Cleverley just returned to me and price is within my means.

Besides west end firms.. what other maker one can think of?

 

[jerrybrowne]



Thx for your wise words.

Btw how you rate Foster and Son? I knew they do come to HK previously.

So far so good. I have the least experience with them, but was very pleased with the shape and finish of the first pair. They also have alot of expertise in more casual shoes, which I like, but might not be your style. Will be using them more in the future.

Their pricing is in-between Cleverlely and JLSJ. Was disappointed that they charge extra for trees, but the pricing for these is reasonable.

 

[jerrybrowne]



Well at least I can fall back on Okuyama or Spigola since I have worked with them before.

We should switch houses for a year. I've been trying to get a pair made by Koji for a long time.

 

[VRaivio]



Besides west end firms.. what other maker one can think of?

Well, there is this new guy, Nicholas Templeman:

http://www.nicholastempleman.com

...but I've no info on his background.

Then there's Carré-Ducker:

http://carreducker.com

...but they don't have that prestige history and heritage some of us like.

Nicholas Cooper is cheaper:

http://stampshoes.com

...but if I recall, he has less handwork.

I'm sure there's a handful of others as well with websites.

 

[sstomcat]



I got it on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Bickmore-Bick...?ie=UTF8&qid=1426447280&sr=8-1&keywords=bick4

As far as I'm concerned this is the new miracle drug. A rec. from DW.

I have not used it, but have heard rave reviews, should just go ahead and give it a shot.
Just curious I'm quite happy with Saphir Creme Universelle, have you used this one?
thx

 

[j ingevaldsson]



Well, there is this new guy, Nicholas Templeman:

http://www.nicholastempleman.com

...but I've no info on his background.

Then there's Carré-Ducker:

http://carreducker.com

...but they don't have that prestige history and heritage some of us like.

Nicholas Cooper is cheaper:

http://stampshoes.com

...but if I recall, he has less handwork.

I'm sure there's a handful of others as well with websites.

Templeman used to work as lastmaker and fitter at John Lobb (London). Heard good things about him as such. I presume he's using freelancers for the making, but not sure, he might do that part as well nowadays.