English Sneakers

When I finally got back into the office after a few days of illness, I had a package from Gaziano & Girling containing a pair of crepe soled bluchers that I'd requested in February. Let's see, that would be five months, right? Not too bad.

As you know, crepe is nothing more than natural rubber. The soles are about half an inch thick and the heels are another half inch, so the shoes wear like trainers. I wanted them for days of walking around museums and cathedrals in the Fall, particularly when it's wet.

The shoes are the Wells model in Chestnut pin grain, with G&G's signature defined waist and the soft square toe. I took Tony Gaziano's advice and ordered the same size that I wear in Edward Green's 888 last, and the fit is as good as anyone can expect of a shoe made on a standard last. They'll be great with corduroys, moleskins and tweed.

It's been nearly a year since the company launched its MTO line and G&G seems to have made solid progress, overcoming minor teething problems and delivering quality shoes. With the continued success of their bespoke shoes and a new line of boots and casual lace-ups scheduled for the end of the year, G&G's future looks bright to me.