What are Bespoke Shoes?   

Unlike factory-made shoes, bespoke shoes are a pair of custom shoes that are unique to their owner and their craftsmen.  

The building process includes:

The Fitting: The customer’s feet are measured to ensure the best fit and comfort.

Last Making: These measurements, tracings, and notes are used to create a mold of each foot, called the “last.”  

Pattern Making:  A pattern specific to each customer is made. The pattern will include all the details needed to make the shoes look and feel just right.

Lasting the Shoe: Using the lasts and patterns, all of the necessary pieces of the shoes are built and put together.  All shoes require uppers, shanks, and insoles.  Some will also require toe and heel boxes, depending on design.  The shoes are built by conforming each of the components of the shoe to the customer’s lasts.  Once the shoes are “lasted” they are left alone for a period of time that allows the leather to form the proper shape.  

Second Fitting: Before the heels and soles are added, an appointment is made for a second fitting, allowing the maker to carry out final adjustments before completing and producing the shoes.  

Finishing: The shoes are made ready for the customer.