Custom Made Shoes - Have you had a pair made?

[FedoraGent]

Folks,

I was speaking with a friend of mine who used to make custom shoes during the Nuevo Swing era of the 90s. He got out of the business because all of the older cobblers that he had working for him were aging and eventually died out. Now, I'm figuring that this was just his situation here in San Francisco, but I was curious to what Loungers have had custom shoes made. He made shoes that were vintage inspired like Remix does...so the question is...

Have you ever had a custom shoe made to a vintage style? I've wanted to try it, but one, I don't have a source and two...the prospect sounds expensive.

FG.

 

[cookie]

Folks,

I was speaking with a friend of mine who used to make custom shoes during the Nuevo Swing era of the 90s. He got out of the business because all of the older cobblers that he had working for him were aging and eventually died out. Now, I'm figuring that this was just his situation here in San Francisco, but I was curious to what Loungers have had custom shoes made. He made shoes that were vintage inspired like Remix does...so the question is...

Have you ever had a custom shoe made to a vintage style? I've wanted to try it, but one, I don't have a source and two...the prospect sounds expensive.

FG.

Magnoli can help you!

 

[RondoHatton]

Had a pair of these made without the back strap & buckle or logo. Have worn and worn out a few pairs over many miles - good old school boots from Bates Leathers, California.

Saw this episode: (quote from Huell's site)
Visiting...With Huell Howser #1506 - WILLIE'S SHOE SHOP
Huell visits with Willie Rivera and Raul Ojeda at Willie’s Shop in Hollywood to learn about how shoes are repaired in the old fashioned way. This is a hands lesson in craftsmanship.
Willie’s Shoe Shop
801 North Cahuenga Blvd.
323-463-5011
So I paid a visit. A row of old theatre seats for waiting. Vintage hollywood star photo/autographs grace the walls - Grable? Tracy? Shoes can be made to order here - for a price. Cash only! Raul treated me patiently and politely with my questions. Check them out if you can.

 

[FedoraGent]

Magnoli can help you!

I know he can, but I want to see what luck other people have had.

FG.

 

[Will]

Vintage style is much the same as contemporary when it comes to shoes. Stitched cap oxfords, quarter brogues and semi-brogues are all the same as they were.

There are a handful of quality makers remining in the U.S. Most of the men working are in Europe.

 

[cookie]

I know he can, but I want to see what luck other people have had.

FG.

check his site where there are various customer comments.

 

[Jovan]

I'd really like to see people who've had experience with bespoke shoes before chime in, however.

 

[Feraud]

Last Christmas my wife ordered for me a pair of custom Indy Magnoli Spectators in chocolate and tan. These are a well made and extremely comfortable pair of shoes.
I can wear these all day and not think about my feet.

 

[K.D. Lightner]

I don't have any custom made shoes, but do have several pairs of custom made cowboy boots. Some have flowery designs, a la Gene Autry and Roy Rogers style.

I also have a pair of those nerdy looking Z-coil shoes, the type with the coiled spring on the heel. They look weird but make my knees and legs and bones feel better. Hardly custom, but they might as well be....

karol

 

[The Shooman]

Yeah, i've had quite a few customs pairs made. Unfortunately, in Australia the shoo makers aren't that good so i've been forced to sack every shoo maker and repairer i've ever used.

 

[Jovan]

Shoo? It's spelled "shoe."

 

[FedoraGent]

Shoo? It's spelled "shoe."

Shoo in Australia means a completely different thing...and being that it isn't too polite...I'll refrain from the definition. I don't know if that was intentional, but it was funny on this end.

FG.

 

[Jovan]

Oh. You can always PM me what it means if it's too rude for this board.

 

[cookie]

Last Christmas my wife ordered for me a pair of custom Indy Magnoli Spectators in chocolate and tan. These are a well made and extremely comfortable pair of shoes.
I can wear these all day and not think about my feet.

That's the ultimate test right?

 

[Will]

I have several pair from Cleverley and Edward Green (made by Tony Gaziano), and a pair on the way from Gaziano & Girling that will be my first pair of brown bespoke. Timid me, they will be espresso in color.

 

[Feraud]

That's the ultimate test right?

I think so. No matter how great they look, what kind of leather, how old and prestigious the company is, etc. etc. if the shoe hurts your foot, game over!

 

[Jovan]

Last Christmas my wife ordered for me a pair of custom Indy Magnoli Spectators in chocolate and tan. These are a well made and extremely comfortable pair of shoes.
I can wear these all day and not think about my feet.

Ah, I nearly forgot to say thanks for the info. I need a good pair of calf leather brown brogues someday.