Where Has The Shoe Industry Gone? This is a blog post that I wrote in 2018. It is amazing to see the foresight (not trying to pat my own back here) that I had
What Makes a Good Shoe? Fit and Quality Explained
Figuring out what makes a good shoe isn’t always straightforward. It’s a highly personal question with subjective answers. But from years of experience in the
Why Brand History Shouldn’t Dictate Shoe Pricing
Brand History and Shoe Pricing: What You Should Know In recent years, I've been highlighting newer shoemakers from China — such as Yim Shoemaker, Yearn
Are Cedar Shoe Trees the Best?
Are Cedar Shoe Trees the Best? Let’s Break Down the Myth. If you've ever shopped for shoe trees in the U.S., chances are someone has told you that cedar shoe
Penny Loafers: Classic Round Toe vs. Modern Elongated Toe
The penny loafer is a timeless staple in men’s footwear, appreciated for its slip-on convenience, versatility, and enduring style. But when it comes to penny
5 Clear Signs Your Expensive Shoes Aren’t Worth the Price
There’s never been more hype—and more lies—around footwear than there is today. Brands love to toss around terms like “handmade” and “heritage”, all while
US Tariffs & What They Mean For You | The Podcast | Ep. 14
The US Tariffs are on everyone's mind right now. Most of us don't know what to think, and that is okay. We are not economists, nor can we see the future. At the
Shoemakers vs. Cobblers: Understanding the Difference
For centuries, shoemakers and cobblers have played vital roles in the world of footwear. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they actually
The Most Comfortable Men’s Dress Shoes
If you ask Google what the most comfortable men's dress shoes are, you get a list of brands that either spend a lot of money on advertising, are great at using
Spats vs Button Boots
We often mix up terminology in the shoe world and one of the biggest mix-ups is the idea of spats vs button boots, where spats are often referred to as button
The Ultimate Guide to Shoe Trees: Types, Benefits, and Best Picks
Shoe trees are an essential tool for maintaining the shape, longevity, and freshness of your footwear. Whether you own dress shoes, sneakers, or boots, the
The Best Affordable Goodyear-Welted Dress Shoes
Finding the perfect pair of dress shoes can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a budget. Fortunately, looking sharp doesn’t have to come at a steep
A Guide To Leather
Many different types of leather are used in footwear these days. In this leather guide, we will also explain the many different styles of the same type of
Ten Shoe Tips Everyone Should Know
When we are new to high-end shoes we often spend a lot of time overthinking many things that in the end don't matter. Or we often don't realize many things that
Dress Shoe Price vs Quality
The dress shoe price vs quality ratio is not always easily understood. You have cheap shoes that appear flawless and expensive shoes that appear flawed. Why is
Are Toe Taps Necessary?
Are toe taps necessary? This is a question many will ask themselves when entering the world of fine footwear. Prior to this, the idea of the toe tap probably
The Podcast, Ep. 13 – What Does Dressing Up Mean To You?
What does dressing up mean to you? What does dressing up mean to me is a question we should all evaluate and ask ourselves. For me, dressing up means
The Expert Blogger – Why You Need Them
Lately, many individuals have shifted their 'search of knowledge' to forums instead of seeking it from trusted experts who have their own sites and usually a
Lasted Shoe Trees Are A Pain
Lasted shoe trees are a pain for those not truly experienced with them. If you got bothered by the title of the post, please read on to understand better. I
The Differences in Suede
Like most leathers, suede can be complex, inconsistent, and vary greatly from hide to hide. Let us take a look at a very simple example of this with two pairs
Why Does MTO Take So Long?
Most of us hate to wait for anything. We have been so spoiled with instant gratification that the idea of waiting for your special product to be made, no longer
How To Spot A Cheap Shoe
How to spot a cheap shoe is not always easy. There are a lot of posers in the industry that try to pass off as a good quality product but it is really just a
The Delusion of the Uncreased Leather
Believing in the delusion of the uncreased leather is akin to believing in unicorns. It's incredible how many people apparently believe in unicorns these days.
Recommended Shoe Cobblers
My Recommended Shoe Cobblers Shoe cobblers are having a revival thanks to social media. Their skills are finally being spread in real-time videos thanks to
