Bespoke shoes that are perfect for your sole
How about a pair of bespoke shoes to complete that outfit?
MR EDWIN NEO, 34, ED ET AL SHOEMAKERS @ MILLENIA WALK
What is the process like for bespoke shoes?
A meeting with the customer to take measurement of his feet to create a bespoke last is crucial. There can be up to three or more fittings.
Once the lasts are finalised, work on the actual pair of shoes starts.
Given the multiple fittings and extensive handwork required, it takes three to six months to produce a pair of bespoke shoes.
How much does a pair cost?
A first time customer can expect to invest at least $3,000 for bespoke shoes. The shoes start at $2,500, and there is a one-time charge of $500 for the last. Each subsequent pair of bespoke shoes costs $2,500 if a new last is not needed.
What challenges do you face in the shoemaking industry?
The lack of supplies is one of the main challenges, as Singapore does not have a mature craft industry.
Our tools, machinery and raw materials are specialised and are imported from all over the world.
What makes for a good pair of shoes?
The shoes must first fit comfortably. It also has to look great and complement the wardrobe.
A good pair of shoes should also withstand whatever stress the wearer throws at it, and yet be refined enough to take a regular polishing well.
MR DONOVAN LEOW, 25, WWW.CUSTOMMADE.COM.SG
What do you look for in a good pair of shoes?
Fit is the first thing. Shoes are something that you wear and walk on for hours; comfort is always the most important to me.
Next would be the design and shape of the shoes. I'm a huge fan of the classic tanned oxfords with a tapered round shape.
Lastly, it would be the quality of the materials, like the leather. Good leather shoes will crease beautifully and will never crack.
Where are your shoes made?
The leather is from the US and the leather soles are from Italy. The materials are sent to, and crafted in, my workshop in Vietnam.
What is the process like?
It takes about four weeks. To craft and design your own shoes, you just fix an appointment, come over to my home-office where I will find the best fit last or shoe.
Then you can start designing your own shoes. I have a wide range of styles that include oxfords, derbys and monks; colours and customisable features - full brogues, semi brogues or the classics with a slight hint of difference - to choose from.
(Left) Denim jacket over cotton shirt and jeans from levis. Bespoke shoes from Ed Et Al Shoemakers. (Centre) Quilted zipper and cargo pants with beanie from g-Star raw. Custom-made shoes from www. CustomMade.com.sg. (Right) Leather Jacket with blue cotton trousers from Timberland. “Design your own” boots from Timberland. -- PHOTOGRAPHY: KENNETH CHOO, STYLING: KOVIT ANG, HAIR & MAKE-UP: ANGEL GWEE USING COLOURS FROM LANEIGE AND REDKEN HAIR PRODUCTS, MODEL: ZAC S
What are the challenges you face?
Initially, I had issues with the quality of leather. The shoes creased badly and on top of that, the craftsmanship left much to be desired.
The issues were tackled by staying in Vietnam for months and working closely with my partner. It turned out better than expected and my shoes are now of much better quality.
What advice would you give your customers?
To get the best results for your shoes, you should already have an idea of what kind of shoes you want.
This way, it is easy for me to advise you on how to design your shoes and what to expect of your shoes when they are made.
MS CHIAN YU XIAN, ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER, TIMBERLAND
What can we expect from the Design Your Own (DYO) programme?
With the recent revamp of DYO, Timberland has introduced a range of new colours like dark grey, chestnut, cinnamon and navy blue in smooth leather material and a total of six environmentally friendly Timberland models.
This includes the ever popular classic 6" boots, 2-Eye Boat Shoes and 3-Eye Classic Lug Shoes, to customise your one-of-a-kind footwear.
The brand new DYO interface is now also optimised for desktops, tablets and mobile phones to offer you an unprecedented customisation experience anytime, anywhere.
The new system also promises a DYO Gallery, which will go "live" soon, that showcases the coolest customisation ideas by the hottest trendsetters in town.
What is the process like?
You can head for Raffles City, Vivo City, 313@Somerset or ION Orchard Timberland boutiques, which have DYO stations.
You may also design your footwear while you are on the move or in the comfort of your own home.
Simply visit Timberland's DYO page at www.timberland.com.sg/customize/index. Save your design, print and bring it to one of the stores listed above to get it processed.
Waiting time for DYO delivery to the store is six to eight weeks.
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