Considering, that it’s now been over a year since I have been blogging, I figured it was about time that I buy myself a camera and stop stealing my wife’s to take photos of myself. It actually works out great now, because I can just take pictures of my outfits for when I go to work and not have to lug around this great big camera that my wife enjoys taking ‘professional’ like pictures with. Now I have my slim, small, quick and easy camera to do all of my dirty work for the blog. That being, here is my first picture (below) taken with my new camera and my first pair of shoes that I made for myself.
You will noticed that in the title, I parenthesized the word ‘handmade’ because, in reality, these shoes were not bespoke, as the last that I used was not to my exact sizing. For my first pair, Stefano just gave me a ‘rejected’ upper and allowed me to use some last that looked as if it was around my foot size. Luckily it was, especially since I was making this lovely Prince Albert style slipper, which is hard to fit if you don’t get the size just right. The only issue is that it is just slightly wide, as I have a narrow foot, and I have to work to keep it from slipping. But since I don’t wear it often, it doesn’t bother me so much.The best thing about these Prince Albert style slipper shoes, is the fact that you get to be bold with your socks to add a little bit of fun to your outfit!
5 thoughts on “My Shoes #17 – My 1st Bespoke (Handmade) Pair”
Hey Justin-I look forward to the day I can make a pair of shoes for myself as well. The sense of accomplishment. I’m considering purchasing Tim Skyrme’s book, Bespoke Shoemaking as a starting point for myself. I’ve ordered The Art of Boot and Shoemaking by John Bedford Leno already. I thought I’d bone up on all there is to know from those who know.You know?
Henry V. – There is also Laszlo Vass’ book “Handmade Shoes,” which is what I read in the beginning. I really did not use it at all but it might help for those not able to undertake an apprenticeship. But in all honesty, the three blogs that I have posted under ‘shoemaking blog’ on the right side of this site, will show you everything you need to know, for the step-by-step processes of shoemaking.
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
I am sure we have bespoke shoe makers here in the US, but for the life of me I cant find any. Well I cant find any that fits my price point.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Hey Justin…I’ll check out those blogs and that other book,because….yeah,that Tim Skyrme book costs a pretty penny. Thanks for your 2 cents. (Pretty penny,2 cents…me being clever.Ha.)
GWH – Look at Craig Corvin listed on the right side of my blog, under shoemaking blogs. He is a bespoke shoemaker and probably costs less than the majority.
Henry V. – No worries, best of luck!
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”