Bespoke shoes from John Lobb

[Manself]

I've never tried cordovan shoes (and I won't, I'm British after all) but I do know a good lavender aftershave that's very reasonably priced:
www.caldey-island.co.uk/shop/Lavender_100ml_Spray.htm

And it's highly recommended by Luca Turin, for those who like his work.

[Edward Bainbridge]

Continuing the pleasant off-topic topic, what's with Yardley's English Lavender? I grew up with it basically, as my father used to have it. Heard they discontinued it when the company was sold and later reintroduced it, but I don't know if they scent changed.

[oxford]

I just had the pleasure to place my order. After discussing different styles with Mr. Lobb, we decided to go for a pair of brogues with a thicker 3/8 inch single sole. I discussed the topic of Cordovan leather with him, and he did not see a reason not to order shoes in Cordovan leather. He then laughingly added that this type of leather in his opinion was one of the very few products from the United States that actually hold up to their reputation. So the shoes will be made from cordovan-coloured Cordovan leather (they actually offered four different shades of Cordovan leather).

As advised in this forum, I also asked for and got a tour of the premises, and Mr. Lobb patiently showed around the workrooms and the last room which is considerably more impressive in real life compared to the pictures posted here.

The only downside to ordering from Lobb so far has been the long waiting time of about 8 months until I will first be able to try on my new shoes.

[m-lan]

...

[davidhuh]

Gentlemen,

reviving a slightly dormant thread - because I just collected my first shoes from John Lobb. The inspiration took me two years ago, after collecting two rather special summer suits from a quite special tailor After buying the appropriate hat, I thought to go next door to get some decent spectators.

Here they are in their full glory, white calf with 931 aniline brogue oxfords. Mr. Jonathan Lobb was the last maker.

I'm very pleased with the result, because their overall aspect is elegant, but coming out of a craftsman's workshop. There is nothing polished or pretentious but simply a very good and very comfortable shoe. Which reminds me that I should probably invest in a Montecristi Panama now

[uppercase]

These are extraordinary.
I cannot imagine the amount of detailed planning which went into the shoe's design and production !
Certainly a labor of love.
Congratulations!!

[hectorm]

There is nothing polished or pretentious but simply a very good and very comfortable shoe.

It's so easy to go overboard with spectators but you, David, seem to have made all the right decisions here.
British tan, cap toes (instead of wings), broguing at all the stitches but no medallion, were all perfect choices.
Enjoy them for the next 50 summers!

[Screaminmarlon]

Congratulations!
Wonderful shoes, David.
Now the curiosity goes toward the suits you just mentioned: please tell us about cloth and cut of each!

[andreyb]

David,

An excellent result, indeed! Congratulations!

Mr. Jonathan Lobb was the last maker.

That's interesting... I thought Lobbs are "only" running the company, not doing any manual work themselves. It is reassuring to learn someone from the family works as a lastmaker.

Andrey

[davidhuh]

Gentlemen,

many thanks for the nice feedback, much appreciated!

I cannot imagine the amount of detailed planning which went into the shoe's design and production !
Certainly a labor of love.

Honestly, there was no planning. Just an impulse, after purchasing the hat. I had one of the suits with me on a hanger. Very few instructions from my side - I wanted it full calf, chose the leathers and told them to do something as understated as possible with a spectator. The shoes should go with the suits, not compete with them.

It's so easy to go overboard with spectators but you, David, seem to have made all the right decisions here.

I'm most grateful to Mr Lobb to have taken these decisions for me

Now the curiosity goes toward the suits you just mentioned: please tell us about cloth and cut of each!

They are part of a larger project. A few years ago, I got hold of some Rangoon cloth in three different colours. I decided to have some fun with it and to make an identical commission to three different tailors I'm working with - two trousers and two coats, one SB and the second DB. Four suits are completed, two are left to do (I blame the cloth club to have some impact on my priority list). The LL will see the result, but please be patient

I thought Lobbs are "only" running the company, not doing any manual work themselves

This may apply to the Chairman, Mr John Hunter Lobb. The younger generation is definitely getting their hands dirty.

Cheers, David

[Frederic Leighton]

Wonderful, David! Congratulations!

And you captured very well the elegance of these shoes with your photos. Thank you for sharing. Loking forward to spotting them around London and be inspired!

[uppercase]

Very interesting.

If designed and executed by Lobb, and not you, then obviously couture shoes and there must be a strong creative hand behind the design and execution of the shoes.
The results are well worth the money though I shudder to think about that aspect.
Enjoy and wear in good health for all the years to come.

[davidhuh]

If designed and executed by Lobb, and not you, then obviously couture shoes and there must be a strong creative hand behind the design and execution of the shoes.

Dear Uppercase,

please allow me to comment on this. The very reason why I prefer bespeaking my wardrobe (and likely shoes in the future) is because I value craft over design. I want to wear things that are well made and use them for ever - or at least until they fall apart

No craftsman I'm working with is a "great designer". Experience, steady quality, very good execution is what I'm after. If they are even nice people such as Mr Jonathan Lobb, then I'm in heaven.

Cheers, David

[alden]

Great looking shoes David. They must be getting a lot of use these days.

Cheers

[VRaivio]

...I'm sorry to be the only one, but these look like John Blobs on my screen.

I've owned a pair from Cleverley and another from John Lobb Ltd., and the JLL had these same problems. While the make and details are careful, it's the lasts that leave me wanting. Bespoke pairs from Cleverley, G&G and such just have more curves, they make the feet look smaller and cleaner. Their toes are more chiseled, sculpted, whatever word you want to use, than what Lobb usually does. The Lobb toe is wide and plump. It's very safe and timeless, of course, but hardly the stuff of legends.

Did you place any wishes for the last or did Jonathan Lobb have full reign?