I have never had the actual pleasure of owning a Bontoni shoe, but I have also never heard bad things about them and of all of the times that I have seen or held one in person, they always looked beautiful and felt well constructed. In America, they are quite popular with the higher-end boutiques that carry the $3000-$5000 suits and considering that Bontoni’s themselves are never retailing below $900, I guess that it makes sense that you would find them there. What is strange though, is that I have never seen them in Europe, particularly in Italy. Apparently because of all of the other options that you find in Europe, it’s hard to be a top contender. But because of their beauty and the fact that they feel like a great shoe (construction and comfort wise), I have always been curious about owning a pair, but never curious enough to make that kind of investment. As I become more affluent though, I just might have to take a dive, especially since they are so intriguing!
Bontoni only offers made-to-measure and custom in Italy. They sell for more than $900 there. My friend in London, who swears by John Lobb bespoke, visited the Bontoni workshop in Italy for a bespoke shoe. He said the experience was amazing.
Andrew — Good to know, thanks for the info and thanks for reading!!
These shoes are just so beautiful. Truly a work of art !
They aren’t meant to be worn! If I had a pair, I would put them on my mantel or donate them to the local museum.