Shoe Damage Report & Shoe P0rn Central - Part II

culverwood · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by Ich_Dien

Might you quickly describe why you have the affinity for Foster & Son, they always seem to provide great shoes for you, yet are not very popular here?

I think there are one or two people here who have a large number of shoes by a maker such as Cleverley or G&G and they give the appearance that other makers are less popular. I think the majority of bespoke shoe wearers have a small number of bespoke ones and many more non bespoke shoes. I also think most bespoke shoe wearers do not frequent styleforum or other web fashion sites.

I looked all the London bespoke makers and got on well with the craftspeople at Foster. I am not after a plain black captoe for my bespoke and their colouration when they get it right is in my limited experience better than the others. They are in central London and open on Saturdays which is convenient to me. Now my last is sorted I do not want to start somewhere else.

upnorth · Jun 2, 2010

Very nice, Culverwood. Are you a particularly difficult fit? Perhaps it's the angle but the left shoe appears wider.

I have a very common feet size that suits many regular RTW last reasonably well, I wonder if this would somewhat diminish the value of bespoke?

upnorth · Jun 2, 2010

The shoe I posted is indeed Grenson. I can't comment on whether they are masterpieces or not but they do seem to be samples made for export markets, specifically Japan.

They are definitely a step up from the Rose which I own. There is a similar version of this range made to Rose standards albeit for cheaper but I have been made to understand that they are not the same as these.

culverwood · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by upnorth

Very nice, Culverwood. Are you a particularly difficult fit? Perhaps it's the angle but the left shoe appears wider.

I have a very common feet size that suits many regular RTW last reasonably well, I wonder if this would somewhat diminish the value of bespoke?

The left shoe is visibly wider towards the front in the little toe area. On the other hand I do not have any trouble finding RTW shoes which I am not uncomfortable in. I think everyone's feet are different to some degree and RTW makers are clever at designing lasts which may fit neither foot exactly but which work as a pair. I do not buy bespoke because I have to but because I choose to spend my money this way.

Michael Ay329 · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by culverwood

Foster and Son - Bespoke.

Excellent choice. I saw these over a year ago when Foster & Son came to town. Is this your 2nd or 3rd commission with them?

Were any adjustments made to the last since your prior commission...which assisted in a better fit?

fritzl · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by culverwood

I think the majority of bespoke shoe wearers have a small number of bespoke ones and many more non bespoke shoes.

that's not the fact in my case...

culverwood · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by Michael Ay329

Excellent choice. I saw these over a year ago when Foster & Son came to town.

Were any adjustments made to the last since your prior commission...which assisted in a better fit?

There were some very small adjustments to my last made at a couple of points on each foot and so far at those points they seem to fit perfectly.

rebel222 · Jun 2, 2010

Foster's EG made stuff is nice as well:

Wes Bourne · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by upnorth

Originally Posted by ThinkDerm

wow

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

Upnorth, these are amazing. I would love to see them in action. Details please, and if possible, a side shot?

Originally Posted by Prince of Paisley

^^ Fab.

Originally Posted by ManofKent

Missed these. Very nice.

+1. upnorth, glad those turned out as you had hoped!

How's the sizing on those? Iirc, clintonf mentioned they might run .5 large. Do they fit in your usual UK size?

Son Of Saphir · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by kolecho

I would get them in shell anytime, but then I am a shell freak

Me like shell,
it silly monk.

Son Of Saphir · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by hst

Hi culverwood - really nice Foster & Son brogues you have there. Your photos are great. Is the medallion your custom design or what F&S already has in store for their bespoke shoes.

I just got a CJ Weymouth wholecut. It is my first CJ. Loving it.

lt look very good.

Michael Ay329 · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by rebel222

Foster's EG made stuff is nice as well:

I can not understand the allure of ordering an EG shoe from Fosters...especially for the slight upcharge. Although Fosters mentioned they have access to a few exclusive EG lasts...I did not see any unique designs and felt the lasts themselves were not to my tastes.

I asked if Fosters unique bespoke designs could be made by EG on some of EG's lasts...but was told it would almost cost as much as their bespoke shoes.

Perhaps if the Anthony Cleverley semi-bespoke range continues its success, Fosters might opt to incorporate their bespoke designs into a comparable semi-bespoke product.

As Rebel commented, the above picture is nice...but its just a cookie cutter style to me...not some special Fosters design.

rebel222 · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by Michael Ay329

I can not understand the allure of ordering an EG shoe from Fosters...especially for the slight upcharge. Although Fosters mentioned they have access to a few exclusive EG lasts...I did not see any unique designs and felt the lasts themselves were not to my tastes. I asked if Fosters unique bespoke designs could be made by EG on some of EG's lasts...but was told it would almost cost as much as their bespoke shoes. Perhaps if the Anthony Cleverley semi-bespoke range continues its success, Fosters might opt to incorporate their bespoke designs into a comparable semi-bespoke product. As Rebel commented, the above picture is nice...but its just a cookie cutter style to me...not some special Fosters design.
I agree. I didn't pay anywhere near the price for a pair of EGs. That's the only reason that I own a pair.

HORNS · Jun 2, 2010

Originally Posted by upnorth

ebay?

emptym · Jun 3, 2010

Originally Posted by Phat Guido

Could not decide until it started to rain again

Gorgeous pics.

Originally Posted by rebel222

Click to expand...

Foster's EG made stuff is nice as well:

I really like these.

Shoe Damage Report & Shoe P0rn Central - Part II

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