I recently just got my first pair of lace (balmoral, galosh) dress boots — which I have yet to show all of you — and I absolutely love them! And loving them has made me somewhat mad for the idea of getting a pair for each of the different colors in the shoe spectrum, yet something that will be difficult achieving, as boots of this nature are always in the upper echelons of the cost scale.
This brings me to the two above that I find stunning to say the least. They are by Septieme Largeur. The cleanliness of this particular model is precisely what appeals most to me. Something about that blank canvas of stitch free leather, coupled with the upper suede part just resonates in my brain as the definition of handsome and elegant. And to think that this used to be the shoe dominated by society in the early 1900’s, during Edwardian and Victorian times. It makes me think, ‘if it could be the go-to shoe then, it can become the go-to shoe now,’ and while I know that it won’t happen, it still gives me hope!
Pictures provided by: Septieme Largeur Blog
P.S. Sorry I have been late on replying to comments in these last days, I have been swamped but will answer all of them this weekend. Thanks to everyone who gave nice things to say about my 6th shoe. I appreciate the feedback!
Very nice boots indeed! I’ve been thinking about what combination of calf/suede I’m going to order for my own balmoral boots. Maybe they’ll be captoes, but I’m still undecided.
Reto – Who are you ordering from, G&G or Vass? I just got the Wigmore from G&G and they are amazing, so comfortable. I would have preferred more of a rounder toe, like the one’s above, but nonetheless, I love them! You will have to keep me posted on what you go with.
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
Great shoes Justin! Really love the pictures.
Could you please elaborate on the quality Markowski (Septieme Largeur)? It seems they are very reasonable priced being Goodyear welted with leather soles. Or what do you think? Are they comparable with Crockett & Jones Benchgrade?
I usually wear C&J last 348 (benchgrade) and 358 (handgrade). Do you think these lasts are similar to the Septieme Largeur boots pictured?
Keep up the good work!
Great shoes Justin! Really love the pictures.
Could you please elaborate on the quality Markowski (Septieme Largeur)? It seems they are very reasonable priced being Goodyear welted with leather soles. Or what do you think? Are they comparable with Crockett & Jones Benchgrade?
I usually wear C&J last 348 (benchgrade) and 358 (handgrade). Do you think these lasts are similar to the Septieme Largeur boots pictured?
Keep up the good work!
Hi Justin
I’m going for G&G but didn’t have any spare time these last days to actually think about it. The only reason I have time to read your blog now, is because I’m waiting something to come out of the printer which apparently doesn’t want to come out 😉
I’ll keep you posted.
Reto
PS: GG06 not round enough?
Andre – I cannot speak for C&J Benchgrade as I have never worn them. While I have handled them, I can say that they might use a better sole leather, the upper’s on Septieme Largeur seem to be nicer or at least comparable. It’s hard to tell because the C&J’s upper is a little bit stiffer while the Septieme Largeur is supple, as a French Calf would be but still durable. But then again, you are comparing apple’s to oranges, as their price points are different. For how much they cost, they are fantastic! I think that the last would not be far off, but the Septieme Largeur seem more sleek, in the sense that there are no sharp curves, everything is rounded. Hard to explain, but I hope that you get my drift. Best of luck.
Reto – My wigmore’s came in the TG73, they were not MTO or anything, just some leftover stock that I was able to claim. My favorite though is the DG70 which is what I will be getting next time!
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
Thank you for your answer Justin! I will buy a pair soon and try them out. I really should buy a pair of black shoes instead since I only have one pair, but what a hell, next time =)
If you have any recommendations for a clean black wholecut oxford with an elegant last it would be appreciated a lot. In general �600 is max what I can manage to spend. But I do not wear black shoes too often so it is of course nice to spend less.
Have a nice day!
Andr�, the Swede
Thank you for your answer Justin! I will buy a pair soon and try them out. I really should buy a pair of black shoes instead since I only have one pair, but what a hell, next time =)
If you have any recommendations for a clean black wholecut oxford with an elegant last it would be appreciated a lot. In general £600 is max what I can manage to spend. But I do not wear black shoes too often so it is of course nice to spend less.
Have a nice day!
André, the Swede
Andre – Here are a couple of options:
http://www.markowski-chausseur.fr/fiche-produit.php?page=1&prod=193&srub=33&titre=Chaussures%20Homme%20-%20%3CFONT%20SIZE=2%3E%3CI%3E%3Cfont%20color=
http://www.crockettandjones.co.uk/handgrade-weymou.html
The C&J’s look better in person.
http://www.gazianogirling.com/sinatra.html
Or there is always the Sinatra by Gaziano & Girling but those might set you back slightly more than 600 GBP, but they would be worth it. Let me know what you think of these. I would put the DG 70 last on it though, but that’s just me.
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob
Hi!
Thank you for great suggestions!
I really love the G&G Sinatra, but as u say, they are probably a bit over 600 GBP.
C&J is easy to get in Sweden because they have lots of retailers here. I read somewhere that beside the UK and Germany, Sweden buys most C&J shoes. It seems incredible but it might be true.
http://www.crockettandjones.co.uk/handgrade-rosemo.html
I have the Rosemoor in black already so the Weymout is somewhat too similar.
I might try out the Septieme Largeur shoe. It seems to be great value and a clean beautiful last.
Again, thank you for your input! Have a nice day!
Hi!
Thank you for great suggestions!
I really love the G&G Sinatra, but as u say, they are probably a bit over 600 GBP.
C&J is easy to get in Sweden because they have lots of retailers here. I read somewhere that beside the UK and Germany, Sweden buys most C&J shoes. It seems incredible but it might be true.
http://www.crockettandjones.co.uk/handgrade-rosemo.html
I have the Rosemoor in black already so the Weymout is somewhat too similar.
I might try out the Septieme Largeur shoe. It seems to be great value and a clean beautiful last.
Again, thank you for your input! Have a nice day!
Andre – No worries. Glad to have helped, let me know what you decided getting for sure. The Septieme Largeur does indeed have a nice shape.
Enjoy your weekend.
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
Thanks for a great post Justin,
The Septieme Largeur looks like great value and I agree that C&Js can feel a little stiff, but not as stiff as some.
Could you please compare the fit of the Septieme Largeur Last a similar C&J Last such as the 348 or 337.
cheers,
Dan (Australia)
Dan – Honestly, i have no idea as I have never owned nor wore a pair of C&J’s before. I have only handled them during my time polishing. But as I continuously get questions about them, I may just have to get a pair so that I can be in the loop. Sorry that I could not be of more help. For what it is worth, the Septieme Largeur fit on the narrow side.
All the best,
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”