London bespoke shoemaker Foster & Son is wrapping up their semi-annual American trunk shoe this week, and I stopped by their suite in San Francisco to let them see how the shoes they made for me this year are wearing. After confirming that the fit is at least as good as these things get, Emma and Jon called attention to the Adelaide brogue in the photograph that was the most popular model for them this trip. The company's workshop is brilliant with color, and the sample is a distinctive red-brown.
And then of course I spotted another version of the spectator style shoe that have been a personal fixation this season, these a pair of squarish toed brogued oxfords in cream buckskin and brown calf. Self-discipline got the best of me for a change but you should order a pair.
I in turn will go back to writing about things other than shoes for a while.
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8 comments:
When you say "the fit is at least as good as these things get" it sounds like you're implying the fit isn't as good as it's cracked up to be. Is bespoke a hit and miss affair with shoes?
The shoes in question fit perfectly. Of ten pair from three makers, I have one that is a bit too long, one that fit after a year of remaking, and eight that were right from the start.
How do you get a realistic feel for the fit of the shoe at the first fitting when the sole is temporary and there's no welt? I assume that without the welt the shoe is a lot softer. Can the shoe be altered once the welt and sole are put on? Does the last need redoing and new tracings made of your feet?
I realize this is all a matter of taste but those square toes just don't get any rise out of me at all. Not sure why, but they don't.
You don't. You depend on the fitter's expertise.
If the fit is wrong once the sole is on the shoes have to be made again. Add a year.
They're just "suspiciously square".
Wow, complex procedure, especially for an Aussie... London is 24 hours away, Singapore 8 hours...
All very sleek.
Foster & Son also make one of the best heavy leather belts for jeans or casual pants that I've found. And, they come in a range of colors and finishes from classic tans and browns to red & green. A little something for anyone. : )
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