Kirby, thank you for the high level of educational information you are providing gentlemen that value and enjoy quality craftsmanship and subtle but immensely fulfilling luxury that comes with it. Perhaps as important if not more, you are also helping the industry to survive and thrive. We can’t allow these priceless artists and their art to go extinct. Cheers to you, Sir!
Very kind of you to say. But you are right, it is vital that we help these incredible artisans reach customers, to ensure they can survive and compete with the huge retail brands
Studio note: this is a re-export of yesterday's video. Unfortunately, some graphics export issues passed our QC and made it into the final version uploaded to RU-vid. They have been corrected in this version of the video. Enjoy!
but not to mention....all the GRANDmasters in Japan.......Saion Ginza Tokyo, Guild of Craft Asakusa Tokyo, MISAWAS Workshop Tokyo,Koji Suzuki.......the list goes on and on.......................
I think it's fantastic when a craftsperson such as a shoe maker, tailor, or violinmaker can hone their expertise and reputation to a point where their work commands a high price. I, alas, will not personally be in a position to be a customer of one these fine shoe makers in the foreseeable future, but I wish them success.
I have another meeting George Cleverley at their next trunk in large part thanks to Kirby Allison’s shoe videos that I consumed during the early days of the Pandemic. I would love to see a similar video on bespoke offerings from other parts of Europe such as Corthay. Alternatively a price point on MTO shoes would be outstanding.
It is all relative to income, some would say the same about spending £100. Depends how much disposable income one has and how much you are prepared to pay
Do you get that upset when you see people using MacBooks or iPhones, or when you see nice art on someone’s wall? There is certainly a level of luxury to the upper-end of bespoke shoemaking. But at least you’re supporting an actual individual’s livelihood and passion for excellence. I’d argue to say purchasing everything from Wal-mart is more offensive.
Yeah I agree Flaumo, the only people who would spend $8 000 on shoes these days are pretentious snobs who are out of touch with reality and do live in a parallel universe
Yes, full bespoke are incredibly expensive, but put them on and your feet are dressed like a king. These are the Ferraris and Rolls Royces of the shoe world. Look after them, get them properly resoled and they will last a lifetime, which then equates to a low price per wear and better value than a cheap pair. And if you don’t want to go to that price point, take a look at Gaziano & Girling who understand that not everyone can afford bespoke, so they do incredibly beautiful ready to wear and made to order ranges at a fraction of these prices.
Thanks for all this great information! I have been studying bespoke shoemaking, and I love what you are doing with your channel! Do you have plans to do a roundup of other shoemakers in other areas of the world? I studied with Moriyuki Misawa in Tokyo in 2019, and there are so many amazing shoemakers in Tokyo.
Shoe collecting and gun collecting -- 2 of the most useless hobbies one can have. Take that $$ and go travel, kids. Memories are forever... foppish purchases, not so much.
Love the idea of bespoke shoes but with these prices and my priorities in life right now I’ve got better use of my disposable income elsewhere. Maybe when the kids have left home! Kudos to those who indulge in such shoe wear though!
You should have a look at Clarks they have a good variety are comfortable and with a good entry price point for those who might soon be collecting their giro. Asda (George) also have a 2 for 1 offer on at selected boutiques.
I acquired a pair of brown leather boots from the well-renowned designer Florence & Fred from the clothing and footwear department of the quality greengrocers, "Tesco", located within the United Kingdom. Their prices start in the region of £20 or $25 US. For this, you will be able to choose from a selection of their "pieces" and they can be customised with a choice of insole at extra cost. Shoe trees NOT included. I strongly recommend this company.
Hi Kirby, thanks for all of your work. Im a big follower of your channel. This video came just in time when I’m thinking to commission my first bespoke shoe due to my wide, high instep feet and its challenges over the years. I have not finalized the shoemaker yet but ill be visiting Gaziano and girling chicago trunkshow next week. So, I thought to request you about some of tips which I should remember while going with first shoe. I’m still unsure about whether to go with their optimum line or bespoke mainly due to high price point. Any advice will be helpful.
I was expecting the shoes to start out at about 500 - 600 USD!!! I appreciate the video but these products are not for the common man. Good video though!!
Wonderful and detailed video. I’m inspired by your videos. Perhaps one day I will take the plunge, so to speak, and have a pair of bespoke shoes commissioned. Thank you again for the great content and look into the world of being a well dressed gentleman.
I'm sure you get this all the time...but can you do some content on American tailors and shoemakers? I get that London is great, but not everyone has the time to travel just for a trunk show, etc but still may be interested in exploring the bespoke world. Thanks.
Kirby thanks for this extremely informative video, details I always wanted to hear. Any follow up video on French / Italian bespoke shoe makers ans another one on suits?
That is something I am very keen to do. That is why we created the Patreon account though. For us to be able to venture over to Japan and Korea and film with some of the exceptional makers over there, we need help. Unfortunately taking a whole crew is not cheap or easy!
The problem with Japanese bespoke makers is that a lot of them don’t really travel to the US with a couple of minor exceptions. You pretty much have to go to Japan multiple times to complete an order.
A lots of those bepoke technique is taught from father to son. It is hard for outsider without great help to make perfect shoes. And even if he make good shoes, say a black man in chicago with no history, is unlikely to attract enough prestigious white costumers to make his bussiness economically viable.
To each his or her own. I am not belittling Mr. Allison. I find his programs interesting and informative. However, while I can afford anything I want, and I wear well-fitting but non bespoke quality clothing and shoes, I would never pay those prices for shoes. I prefer to give significantly to worthy causes in education and medicine vs. aggrandizing myself. But again, to each his or her own.
It really has little to do with money and everything to do with culture, in which your external appearance honestly communicates your internal self as a highly civilized individual of the Western Standard. The self-aggrandizement only occurs when it is an act of appropriation. If it is genuine, then prioritizing charity comes naturally, among many other virtues of the highly civilized.
Wow wow wow.... Templeman approachable?...... 3k for a pair of bespoke shoes what planet are thses guys on?....... I was thinking £300 - £500..... You can buy amazing shoes at this price point...... Omg anyone who pays 3k+ for shoes either has cash to burn..... Or mental health issues.....
This subject matter here is obviously for well-financed men.. I was in Beverly Hills limo driver, in my limo were many times billionaires. and Movie stars. I can't ever recall seeing a pair of shoes that impress me. I guess being from the hood I don't know value..when I see it.. I often got comments for my $400 off-the-rack shoes. from them..
Someone on original video mentioned that you can get this or similar bespoke shoe quality in eastern Europe for a fraction of a price, well I am really interested in this because I am from eastern eu so if you know some quality shoemakers please inform me in comment...
@@sibusisomogashoa6088 I looked and those are great options, thank you again! But I have one more question, do you know some good bespoke tailors also, to go with these great shoes?
What's with the english ? Apart from broques they really don't wear anything else apart from dirty sneakers! Seriously look to the French from S. Jimenez to Gardians. More style more gregarious designs
All jokes aside. My grandpa, may he RIP was a Taylor. It's a shame that such trades are becoming a thing of the past! Taylor made things are of much greater quality than factory made stuff!
Off subject somewhat ... I am interested if you have any opinion/thoughts on the Yearn Shoemakers Co. While not bespoke, I understand they believe their shoes are on par with John Lobb even though the shoes are made in China. I came across these shoes while watching a RU-vid channel, Tring Shoe Repair and Key Shop, based in the UK.
The last is the wooden block that is shaped into the shoe shape, so that the leather can be formed around it. We actually have a great video with John Lobb coming soon that details this process, however until that comes out, I suggest you watch our previous video with Dominic Casey, who is an excellent last maker: How Bespoke Shoe Lasts are Made | By Dominic Casey ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1DAw4sJT-r4.html
Visit meileaf next time you go to London for pinnacle tea I heard they have exceptional tea I’d like to watch you try some at the tea shop for a video idea
Well Kirby this is very informative. Do tell us your favourite and why the difference in the price point. Is it the brand or the craftmanship that accounts For the price difference
Why not try showing how to dress well on a limited budget? Anyone with reasonable taste and intelligence can dress well if they are always going to bespoke tailoring or shoemaking. I appreciate you are highlighting high craft in fashion, but frankly one learns very little about good dress sense by always dealing in high end merchandise.
There is no doubt that middle class individuals really can't afford these magnificent shoes. These shoes are only for high class individuals that are willing to spend thousands of dollars ( more like spending $400 or $500 to them). Nevertheless these are absolutely great shoes, but non-reachable for a hard working middle class Joe.
No mention of Trickers, the oldest established shoemaker in England. In answer to your original reply, yes they have been making bespoke shoes since 1829!
