The Beauty of Bespoke Shoemaking

Custom-made shoes are the ultimate luxury item. In a nutshell, they are uniquely crafted to fit your foot, style, and preference. With bespoke tailoring, men can get shoes that are specifically crafted to their unique specifications. Unlike ready-to-wear shoes, custom shoes provide men with a range of benefits and a higher level of satisfaction.

One of the primary advantages of custom-made shoes is that they provide a superior level of comfort. Mass-produced shoes are designed to fit the average person’s foot, but there is no such thing as an average foot. A custom-made shoe is created to fit the individual’s foot, taking into account its unique shape and size.

High-Quality Materials and Attention to Detail

Bespoke shoes are one of a kind, and beautiful!

Custom-made shoes are also made from high-quality materials. The bespoke shoemaker selects the best materials for each shoe, ensuring that they are both durable and comfortable. This means that custom shoes last longer than mass-produced shoes, which are often made from lower-quality materials.

In addition to being more comfortable and durable, custom-made shoes are also more stylish. Bespoke shoemakers can create shoes that are unique to the individual, incorporating details and elements that cannot be found in off-the-rack shoes.

Repair and Maintenance Services for Longevity

Another advantage of custom-made shoes is that they can be repaired and maintained over time. Mass-produced shoes are often designed to be disposable, with little consideration given to repair and maintenance. Custom-made shoes, on the other hand, are crafted to last, and the bespoke shoemaker will often offer repair and maintenance services to ensure that the shoes continue to look and feel great for years to come.

Personalization at Every Step

The process of getting a custom-made shoe is also special. Bespoke shoemakers take the time to understand the individual’s needs and preferences, and they work with them to create a design that meets those needs. This means that the individual has a say in every aspect of the shoe’s design, from the type of leather used to the color of the stitching.

Making a Statement with Custom Shoes

Custom-made shoes are special because they are uniquely crafted to fit the individual’s foot, style, and preference. When you go to a bespoke shoemaker, they take your measurements and work with you to create a design that complements your individual style. This is in contrast to buying off-the-rack shoes, where you have to settle for a design that may not be exactly what you are looking for.

What To Look For When Choosing Business Casual Shoes

Custom men’s shoes are not a luxury; they’re a necessity. Sneaker and hoodie guys sometimes have to suit up, and opportunity favors the prepared.

Using this guide, you will be able to make more informed shoe-purchasing decisions by learning about all the types of custom mens shoes available. If you understand the available options, you’re already halfway to looking your best.

Type of Dress Shoes

Oxfords

Start by wearing Oxfords, which are the most basic and timeless dress shoes. As a versatile shoe, the Oxford can be dressed up or down for both formal and casual occasions.

In 1800, these shoes became popular among university students, especially at Oxford University, due to their comfort. During the turn of the century, students deemed the traditional half-boot style of Oxonian shoes out of date and desired a low-top version.

How to Wear the Oxford Shoe

Because of their minimalism and ability to go with anything, oxfords are so popular.

Both leather and suede come in a wide range of colors to suit every occasion, from brown to blue to dark red to green. You will gain extra style points when you wear a bright, colorful sock with your outfit.

Dark brown, cordovan, English tan, and black leather are the best choices for business attire. Wear darker socks to keep this look classic.

The best Oxfords to pair with formal wear, such as a tuxedo, are those made of black patent leather.

The Derby

It is similar to the Oxford, but it is a dress shoe that is more casual in style. During the 1850s, the Derby shoe, also known as the Gibson or the blucher, was a style of hunting boots used for sporting activities and hunting. They became appropriate for going out into the city at the turn of the 20th century when they became more popular.

How to Wear Derbys

Derby shoes can be worn and styled similarly to Oxfords. Derby shoes are typically more casual, so you wouldn’t wear them with a formal suit. This cool and collected look will be complete with chinos or rolled jeans and some derby-inspired socks!

The Monk Strap

Like an Oxford, a Monk Strap has a wide swath of leather fastened across the front instead of an eyelet closure. A single or double buckle secures this wide strap.

How to Wear Monk Straps

If you want to add a touch of panache to any outfit, these shoes are a great alternative to laced dress shoes.

As a result, the monk strap has become increasingly popular as a very versatile shoe that can be worn with cuffed jeans or the most dapper suit.

There is no denying that monk straps attract attention and can at times become the focal point of a piece of clothing. Leather or suede monk strap shoes are usually made from leather, but they may also have decorative brogueing on them as well.

The Loafer

Loafers were originally made for King George VI of England as casual house slippers. It wasn’t recognized or popular as a casual shoe until the 1930s. Loafers were first worn with suits by American businessmen and lawyers in the 1960s.

Gucci introduced the bit loafer in 1966, which features a metal strap (in the shape of a horse’s bit) across the instep. The loafer’s status as formal footwear was further elevated by Gucci’s innovation – or at least the fact that it was not strictly casual was established.

It is not uncommon for loafers to have a saddle – a decoration that could be a plain strap, a strap with a slit (as with penny loafers), or a metal ornament. A kiltie or tassel might hang from a saddle, while the minimalist loafer (the Venetian) has an exposed vamp without embellishment.

The toe seam on loafers (especially those that are more akin to a moccasin than a regal slipper) is a hallmark characteristic that distinguishes them from other slippers.

The Dress Boot

Dress boots are lace-up boots that have a short shaft. In terms of construction, it is similar to an Oxford, but it has a longer shaft than an Oxford.

Men had limited footwear options during the Victorian era when this shoe style originated. Dress boots quickly became a popular choice for formal daywear, and they remain an attractive alternative to standard custom men’s shoes.

How do you know when a boot is dressy enough to be worn with a suit?  If the boot is designed to be a high-top dress shoe, it should be sleek, not too chunky, and have thinner laces, and the soles should instantly distinguish the boot as a high-top dress shoe. In most cases, lug soles and commando soles will not be appropriate (but there are some exceptions to this rule).

As long as the boots are made of fine leather, they can be either brown or black, or almost any other color, so long as they complement the suit.

If you aren’t a styling expert, assume suede dress boots are a contradiction (though they don’t have to be).

In the event that you are in search of custom men’s shoes, you’ve come to the right place with BBespoke. It is possible for you to bring in your own designs and we can make it for you, or we can provide you with a selection of pre-designed options to help inspire you. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than a perfect fit when it comes to your footwear. Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our custom-shoe design process and to speak with one of our representatives.

Having a superb pair of dress shoes is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Even sneaker and hoodie guys will occasionally need to suit up, and opportunity favors the prepared.

This guide will help you make wiser shoe purchasing decisions by sharing all of the types of dress shoes for men. Once you understand the available options, you’re already halfway there toward looking your best at any event.

Type of Dress Shoes

Oxfords

Oxfords, the most basic and timeless of dress shoes, are an excellent starting point. The versatile Oxford shoe can be dressed up or down for formal and daily wear.

These shoes gained popularity in 1800 among college students, particularly at Oxford University. At the century’s turn, students wanted a modern low-top version of the shoe, as they deemed the half-boot style of traditional Oxonian shoes outdated.

How to Wear the Oxford Shoe

Oxfords are chiefly popular because of their minimalism and their ability to pair with any outfit.

• For everyday wear, there’s a wide range of colors from brown to blue to dark red to green, in both leather and suede. Pair with a bright, colorful sock for bonus style points.
• For business attire, dark brown, cordovan, English tan, and black leather are your safest choices. Keep this look classic with a darker pair of socks.
• If you’ll be pairing Oxfords with a tuxedo or other formal wear, black patent leather is your best bet.

The Derby

The Derby is similar to the Oxford, but it’s a more casual dress shoe. The Derby shoe, also known as the Gibson or the blucher, was a sporting and hunting boot circa the 1850s. At the turn of the 20th century, they became appropriate for going out into town.

How to Wear Derbys

You can wear and style Derby shoes the way you would Oxfords. However, Derbys are typically more casual, so you wouldn’t want to wear them with a formal suit. Chinos or rolled jeans with some derby-inspired socks will complete this cool and collected look!

The Monk Strap

A Monk Strap is similar in shape and construction to an Oxford, but instead of an eyelet closure, it has a wide swath of leather fastened across the front of the shoe. This wide strap is fastened with either a single or double-buckle closure.

How to Wear Monk Straps

This classic alternative to laced dress shoes adds a certain panache to any outfit.

• The monk strap is now regarded as a very versatile shoe that can be worn with cuffed jeans or the most dapper of suits.
• Monk straps attract attention and may at times become the focal point of an ensemble.
• Monk strap shoes are often crafted out of leather or suede and will sometimes have decorative brogueing.

The Loafer

The original loafer was a casual house slipper made for King George VI of England. It was neither acknowledged nor popular as a casual shoe until it came to the U.S. in the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that American businessmen and lawyers began wearing loafers with suits.

In 1966, Gucci introduced the bit loafer, which features a metal strap (in the shape of a horse’s bit) across the instep. Gucci’s innovation further elevated the loafer’s status as formal footwear — or at least confirmed that this was not strictly casual.

Loafers often have a saddle — a decoration that might be a plain strap, a strap with a slit (as with penny loafers), or a metal ornament. Tassels or a kiltie might hang from a saddle, while the minimalist loafer (the Venetian) has an exposed vamp without embellishment or ornamentation.

A signature characteristic of loafers (especially those more akin to a moccasin than a regal slipper) is an elevated seam that runs along the toe.

The Dress Boot

The dress boot is a short lace-up boot. It is constructed like an Oxford, but with a longer shaft.

This shoe style has roots in the Victorian era when men had limited footwear options. The dress boot quickly became an acceptable choice for formal daywear, and it still remains an attractive alternative to standard dress shoes today.

When is a boot dressy enough to be worn with a suit?  It should be sleek, not too chunky, have thinner laces, and its soles should immediately distinguish the boot as a high-top dress shoe. Lug soles and commando soles will rarely be appropriate (though there are exceptions.)

If the boots are made of fine leather, they can be brown or black or almost any other, so long as they complement the suit.

Unless you are a styling expert, assume that a suede dress boot is a contradiction (though it need not be).

If you’re looking for custom-made shoes, you’re in the right place with BBespoke. We have a selection of pre-designed options to help inspire you, or you can bring in your own designs and we can make it for you. Don’t settle for anything less than the best fit when it comes to your footwear. Speak to one of our agents today and learn more about our custom-shoe design process.

Are you aware that shoes can be custom-made? Not the way that medical-based shoes are made for orthotic patients, but rather, custom made shoes use fine leathers and other materials that are customized as a precise fit for your feet size. And no, this kind of customization is not meant only for the wealthy.

Back in the day, the average man used to visit a cobbler to get their shoes made, and the same practice is done now, though not as common.

Should You Be Wearing Bespoke Shoes?

If you’re not the type of person to pick a suit off the rack, do you really want to pick shoes the same way too? Ready-made shoes are mass-produced and will not always be the right fit. An ill-fitted shoe can make your entire day uncomfortable, even causing wounds to appear on the affected areas.

Just like with clothes, a person’s feet can be unique making ready-made shoes a chore to choose from. As such, getting shoes custom-made would be the best approach. For those looking to modernize the way they dress, bespoke shoes will also help add a touch more uniqueness to the ensemble.

There are many advantages to getting your shoes custom-made. In this article, we will be going through some of these benefits to help you decide if you should too.

Advantages Of Custom-Made Shoes

1.   You Can Choose The Design

While browsing through the scores of ready-made shoes at local shops you may have come across shoes that fit right but have design problems such as color or patterns that make you turn away. This makes searching for new shoes an extremely frustrating and time-consuming process.

With custom shoes, you can decide on the design of the shoe, the patterns, heel height, and color to match your look. We all have a signature “look” or type of wardrobe that we prefer. Rather than spending hours looking for shoes to match this look, getting shoes custom-made in any way you like is the solution.

2.   Improved Comfort

If your foot size is even slightly different from the industry standard, then off-the-rack shoes are never going to feel “just right.” Since a shoe is something you will probably use every day and for many hours a day, comfort is an important factor to consider. Cramps and pain in the legs are common and can lead to health implications in the long term.

When custom-made, the shoe will be constructed exactly to your feet’ dimensions and will fit like a glove. You can even add extra padding, or any other material where required to increase comfort to match your own unique needs.

3.   A Feeling Of Being Unique

When we make custom clothing, it’s because we want to make ourselves be unique. Some of us don’t like to follow trends and wear the same things that everyone else is. Our personality is our brand and we prefer to be authentic by bringing our own flair to our clothing.

Custom shoes are another way to add to that. In the modern-day, being unique is difficult because of the sheer number of products out there and the way they are advertised. People are constantly exposed to “unique products” that stop being unique once many people start purchasing them. Therefore, getting a custom design done with your personalized colors allows you to stand out from the crowd and wear something that is uniquely yours.

4.   You Can Set Your Budget

Shoes can be expensive depending on what you want out of them. Big brand names will always mark up their prices to keep up their brand, and shoes with additional features such as memory insoles will cost a pretty penny more. If you’re looking for a shoe with the good build quality, design, and comfort, you will be paying a premium price in the average market.

However, if you already know what you want out of a shoe, then getting it custom-made will be cheaper and worth your money. The shoe will fit right, look great, and have the added functionality such as arch support you need – within an expected price range.

If you’re looking for custom-made shoes, you’re in the right place with BBespoke. We have a selection of pre-designed options to help inspire you, or you can bring in your own designs and we can make it for you. Don’t settle for anything less than the best fit when it comes to your footwear. Speak to one of our agents today and learn more about our custom-shoe design process.

A pair of shoes can make or break an outfit, which is why it is so important to pay attention to footwear. Off-the-rack shoes may fit you well, but they are not even close in comparison to custom-made shoes. That’s because custom shoes are tailored to have the perfect fit for you alone.

There are several reasons to choose personalized shoes over the ones factories produce. While some people want to own a unique model, physical ailments can also cause people to go the custom way.

If you’ve experienced discomfort from high arches or painful joints, then you know that having a shoe made especially for you has the necessary benefits.

So, here are the reasons why you should consider buying custom shoes:

More Comfort

Just like mass-produced shirts or trousers, shoes that come off a factory line are for the masses. They are based on a generic design built to suit everyone, and the fit isn’t nearly as good as custom shoes. Everybody’s body is not the same. Similarly, shoes also have subtle variations that go a long way in determining comfort.

Since the master cobbler takes measurements of every little feature of your feet, you can expect unprecedented levels of comfort and wearability for your unique model. Specific shoes called orthotics can significantly make things easier and can stabilize your gait.

Increased Foot Support

Have you suffered from sore feet after a long day of walking? Custom shoes offer your feet a constantly rolling, soft surface to walk on, exactly the way things were meant to be. With this in mind, expect to get rid of sore feet with a pair of bespoke shoes.

Having footwear that compliments your features makes things easier on your foot and the ankle and knee joints. This gives your feet increased support right from the base, and you truly walk with a zip in your step.

Custom Design

Arguably the best part about making custom shoes is that you can have any design you want. This goes beyond the nuances of the look to the exterior. You can have any colors or accents you want to design a truly one-of-a-kind pair. Since these are premium products, cobblers pay close attention to every detail from material to texture, and you get everything you ask for

Cost-Effective

This might seem surprising to you since mass-produced shoes are on the market for cheap. However, considering the maintenance costs that go into them, having custom shoes is better in the long run since they are one-time investments. Additionally, having a premium product that is carefully design ensures that it is durable.

While you might end up paying more in the beginning, the costs over the long-term are virtually zero, whereas modifications on factory-produced shoes can often amount to the same or more.

With all these advantages, it might seem like you can blindly go for a custom-made shoe. That being said, there are a couple of drawbacks that you need to consider when deciding between the two kinds.

More Expensive

Depending on the cobbler that you choose to work with, you might have a product that costs anywhere between $500-$1500. The materials to make a custom leather shoe are expensive, and so is the labor. The amount of attention to detail that the shoemaker has to provide is extremely valuable and makes the product that much more expensive.

Keeping that in mind, it might be difficult for some people to pay that much money for shoe upfront. If you’re sticking to a budget, then it might not be the best idea to invest in a bespoke shoe.

Variations With Makers

Every shoemaker has their own way of designing a unique pair for their customers. No set design is considered, and these variations can often present a discrepancy between the product you expect and the one you get.

The time you’ll have to invest in getting a unique model is much more than something off the rack. You also have to look out for the usage of cheap materials to cut costs.

Final Thoughts

So, is it advisable to buy custom-made shoes? The answer depends on your situation. If you have a medical condition that requires orthotics, investing in a personalized model will be better in the long run, even if it is a little more expensive.

However, if you’re operating a budget and can find what you’re looking for in a mass-produced model, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t go for it.

Imagine owning a shoe that is made with you in mind. Shoes often complete your appearance and overall persona, and bespoke-ordered shoes are not just a part of medical necessity or a luxury element (though they can be this). They also help you alleviate the pain and discomfort that you may experience for several foot problems and conditions.

Today, these shoes are becoming the new essentials towards healthy living and how.

Comfort Is The New Content

A Deloitte Consumer Review report had over 42 percent of global customers talking about the need to raise the bar of personalized footwear. While personalization was the heart of niche businesses, mass personalization in the footwear industry is picking up the pulse.

And, why not? Mass-produced shoes aren’t meant to fit your size. Instead, you need to fit it into the shoe.

No two feet are structurally similar. It’s why generic mass-produced footwear has a chance of increasing foot-related deformities like hammertoe or corns. These custom-made shoes perfectly amplify the specification of your foot, thereby curbing the hassles of an ill-fitted, mass-manufactured shoe. So, don’t fit in. Let the shoe fit you.

Is Customized For Your Needs

It’s no secret that a sore foot results out of daily stress build-up. Wearing a medicated shoe is not the perfect solution to all foot-related issues.

Instead, wearing custom-fit footwear that addresses the specific size and shape may help you better. A tailor-made shoe also regulates the blood flow in your body by properly accentuating the foot. So, if you are thinking of a quick, comfortable walk to elevate your health, walk-in style with a pair of customized footwear.  

Customization = Upgraded Style

Style is one element that blends well with a personal touch. How about having a shoe that not only fits well with comfort but also gives an extra edge of fashion? Mass-produced shoes are not just generic but also don’t have your persona.

A customized shoe will improve your health and revamp your fashion aesthetics. Additionally, those with slightly different foot shapes and sizes also get their hands on solutions with a customized craft.

Value For Money

Consumers generally don’t think about bespoke footwear nor think about the health aspect. The trend’s starting to change, though, as customers understand the depth of a customized shoe. 1 in every five customers says they are willing to pay approximately a 20 percent premium for custom-crafted footwear.  

Customer willingness to adapt mass personalization in the footwear industry is an interesting trend. You pay for what you exactly create and not for what is already created generically.  In return, you get more comfort and better health.

 Like any other lifestyle commodity, start paying your foot the attention that they deserve through footwear that rightfully accentuates and pays off the value for money.  

Fitting The Foot Right

Did you know that a well-fitted shoe cushions your body weight, and a custom-made shoe might just as well justify more than that one wonder? They fit you rightly according to your feet specification, shape, and size. Additionally, they help the foot muscles to have adequate support and blood flow, improving the overall leg and foot structure.

Plus, bespoke shoes are for all. Even in relatively healthy people, using an ill-fitted shoe raises the chance of foot pain or severe orthopedic conditions as well, like corns, blisters, and calluses.

Unparalleled Uniqueness 

Last but not least, when a shoe goes through so many specific detailing during its production, the craft comes out uniquely. Not just the design or the fit, but the overall aesthetics of wearing your footwear gets a modern makeover. A shoe that stands out amidst the crowd of branded and mass-made footwear.

Moreover, customization eases repairing the footwear when required without spending an extra amount on alternatives. A good, customized shoe fit crafts a sleek aura to your persona—the better the fit, the lesser the risk of the heels breaking down.

Bespoke shoe bundles all the goodness crafted in one.

If you’ve specific health-related concerns like diabetes, you can specify your requirements for your bespoke shoe. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t cost as much as you would think. It not only simplifies the art of comfortable walking but also helps avoid other foot problems.

If you want to find out more about bespoke shoe design, get in touch with our team today. We are professionals who have years of experience helping people get the perfect shoe fit for their feet and lifestyle, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.