My custom-fitted Otabo oxfords

[adamgottschalk]

We are lucky enough to have an Otabo scanner here in Portland, care of master shoe maker Bill Crary (craryshoes.com). Realizing that a medical condition makes it difficult for me to walk in shoes that don't fit (I walk with trouble no matter what, but ill-fitting shoes make it much worse), I got my feet scanned and recently received these most-excellent plain-toe oxfords:

These have leather soles. They are very light. When on, it almost feels like I'm barefoot. Mr. Crary explained to me, when I arrived for scanning, that the Otabos are not truly custom shoes--just custom fitted, made from closest approximations based on scans. They're still made from pre-cast lasts. True custom shoes, the shoe maker makes an actual material, physical, 3D mold (last) of each foot. Nevertheless, I'm a believer in Otabo. I'll almost definitely get a pair of the wingtip spectators come spring. Highly recommended.

 

[moustache]

Nice

Very nice design and look.Glad that you found someone local to do this for you.
Kudos!

JD

 

[The Shooman]

Quite nice. l don't really like the colour though [but that's just me]. ls your heal a combination or rubber capped heal? What type of construction was used on your shoos?

 

[adamgottschalk]

Quite nice. l don't really like the colour though [but that's just me]. ls your heal a combination or rubber capped heal? What type of construction was used on your shoos?

I don't know how to answer either one of your questions. How do I inspect the heel and what should I look for? How do I tell what type of construction was used?

 

[Orgetorix]

I don't know how to answer either one of your questions. How do I inspect the heel and what should I look for? How do I tell what type of construction was used?

Rubber ("capped") heel:

Combination heel:

 

[adamgottschalk]

Rubber "capped" heels, which appear to have a more cushiony piece of rubber sandwiched under the hard rubber cap on the bottom. The main part of the leather sole is tacked on with small tacks, as so:

The uppers are double stitched throughout, as so:

 

[farnham54]

Very nice shoes!

May I inquire as to the cost of a pair of these?

Cheers
Craig

 

[adamgottschalk]

Very nice shoes!

May I inquire as to the cost of a pair of these?

Cheers
Craig

$415 base price, plus $50 for the leather sole, for $465 total.

 

[Tomasso]

The main part of the leather sole is tacked on with small tacks

The soles are laminated (glued) to the uppers.

 

[adamgottschalk]

The soles are laminated (glued) to the uppers.

So, are those little rivet-looking things at the edges purely decorative? Do they serve some purpose?

 

[Tomasso]

So, are those little rivet-looking things at the edges purely decorative? Do they serve some purpose?

Well, they could be functional, like the nails that are used in heels.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I really dislike those brass nails in the heels. As the heel wears down, the nailheads begin to get a bit rough, and scratch any wooden floor you happen to walk across. Also, they make the heels slippery on wet or waxed floors. I've nearly flipped backwards many times, thanks to the nails in the heels of my British shoes.


.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I stopped by Otabo when I was in Chicago hitting up the board of trade for some gold (you know they have samples of everything they trade) and had my feet scanned.

The leather didn't look as smooth as I would like though I did like ther styles... Prices run high and I think they can be lowered since their is less handwork than a standard custom shoe, though the idea and shoes from what I have seen is sound... the true test is in the years wear. I love my alden's and they have a last that suits me well though i may get an Otabo pair after i see more reviews.