First shoes for bespoke
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:08 am
For some Chinese, today is regarded as the birthday of the God of Heaven.
Last year, I wore black tie for the first time and especially for the same occasion. So this year, I thought I could do better. So last night, at midnight, there I was, all dressed in white tie for the first time.
My experience tells me that the most appropriate shoes to be made bespoke are those which are not easily found when available off-the-rack to fit the feet. With regard to this point, most dress shoes suitable for business use, such as cap toes and wingtips, pose virtually no problem. It is the shoes which do not have laces or adjustable belted straps that can be quite cruelly tight, especially on the top part of the foot where laces are usually positioned, or too loose in width or slip off easily from the heels. This is especially the case for penny and other loafers where tightness is concerned and boat shoes where looseness is concerned.
But it is not a joke when pumps are too tight. Since the embarrasment caused were one to walk like a cripple or is unable to dance smoothly can be great, it is my opinion the first pair of shoes a gentleman should have bespoken is a pair of pumps. Since it takes several months for a bespoke order to be fulfilled, be warned and have it done as early as possible; not when you need them!
Last year, I wore black tie for the first time and especially for the same occasion. So this year, I thought I could do better. So last night, at midnight, there I was, all dressed in white tie for the first time.
My experience tells me that the most appropriate shoes to be made bespoke are those which are not easily found when available off-the-rack to fit the feet. With regard to this point, most dress shoes suitable for business use, such as cap toes and wingtips, pose virtually no problem. It is the shoes which do not have laces or adjustable belted straps that can be quite cruelly tight, especially on the top part of the foot where laces are usually positioned, or too loose in width or slip off easily from the heels. This is especially the case for penny and other loafers where tightness is concerned and boat shoes where looseness is concerned.
But it is not a joke when pumps are too tight. Since the embarrasment caused were one to walk like a cripple or is unable to dance smoothly can be great, it is my opinion the first pair of shoes a gentleman should have bespoken is a pair of pumps. Since it takes several months for a bespoke order to be fulfilled, be warned and have it done as early as possible; not when you need them!