Toe shape is a very defining feature of shoes. People definitely notice this part of your feet, so it is important to consider which shape works best. I will highlight a few styles and compare them. Almond Toes Almond-toe shoes are very classic of English style and one many Japanese shoemakers have emulated. How round … Continue reading Toe Shapes
Inclement weather can best be handled with proper shoe soles. It's best to choose your type according to functionality and aesthetic, with the former being more important. Most high-end soles are made of leather, as shown below. They are slightly water repellant because they have been burnished (i.e. sealed through rubbing), but are not immune … Continue reading It's Raining, It's Soling
Socks aren't very exciting compared to shoes or jackets. But I do like wearing knee-high socks and seeing the colors harmonizing with my trousers. The first question perhaps is how many socks to own. In this exceptional case, more is better -- as long as you don't wear out your socks with constant use. At … Continue reading Socks…What Colors?
For those ready to consider footwear beyond made-to-order (MTO) and ready-to-wear shoes (RTW) , made-to-measure (MTM) and bespoke shoes are the next step. The major difference between made-to-measure and bespoke shoes is that MTM shoes are created from a base last. That last is not made from scratch. It was not created to suit your … Continue reading Differences Between MTM and Bespoke Shoes
Customizing your trouser waists is one way to vary your look. Before considering your design, first consider how functional it is. Decide if you're willing to work with that extra belt loop or buckle. Beautiful design, but more finicky to put on or remove Trouser waists are more noticeable if you remove your jacket. In … Continue reading Trouser Waists
Shoemakers and cobblers use machines if they choose to. Most factory-made shoe companies use machines because it's efficient and less time consuming. I wouldn't necessarily say machines compromise quality unless they malfunction or feed incorrectly. Personally, i'm fine with machines as long as the shoemaker hand-sews the welt. Some shoe purists prefer "hand-made shoes". While … Continue reading Machines in Shoemaking
My obsession for the last two years has been searching for the perfect almond-toe Japanese shoe. A lot of shoemakers use sharp angles or too-round proportions. That's just their style. Han. Shoemaker at Atelier Rikka doesn't make shoes in crazy styles or colors, at least on his Instagram. The designs are simple. I wanted something … Continue reading Han. Shoemaker – Beautiful Almond-toe Shoes
I bought this bag about a year and half ago, and have used it quite frequently for weekend travel. The designs between Lotuff and Frank Clegg are similar but I thought the Bridle Duffle Travel Bag looked much more structured and handsome than the Harness Belting Leather bag by Clegg. Lotuff was also an inch … Continue reading Lotuff Bridle Duffle Travel Bag: Review
A few months have passed since I covered Levi's Lot 1. This is a follow-up review of their bespoke service. Levi's bespoke jeans start at $750 or $950 (excluding tax) depending on your customization. During the summer in northern California, I had the opportunity to commission Levi's Lot 1 in San Francisco. I had read … Continue reading Levi’s Lot 1 Bespoke Jeans: Review
Pictured above is the sole of my derby shoe that has reached its demise. And only just after one year of wear. What's wrong with them? The toes have worn out. Almost completely. Shoe heads can also tell that the sole's blind-stitch is exposed. It's the little flap sticking out. I expected that sooner or … Continue reading Quick Tip: Toe Taps
