As ever, this was partly my fault, but the Cleverley bespoke imitation brogues arrived a couple of weeks ago after a long wait. They are imitation, of course, because there is no separate section of leather at the toe cap – the wingtip is simply lines of perforation. They are also, to my mind, the perfect compliment to a business wardrobe: shoes that whisper of sophistication and elegance. An interesting contrast to the Decos from Gaziano & Girling, for example.
As mentioned, we didn’t tighten the shoe across the toes on this pair of Cleverleys, and this has led to a great improvement in comfort compared to the first pair. These shoes truly feel like the bespoke experience now: perfectly tight around the ankle and heel, so ruling out any slippage, and just roomy enough around the joint and toes to ensure complete freedom of movement. We also stretched the first pair a tiny bit at the point they were rubbing, but I have yet to test out what difference this has made.
Elsewhere the look of the shoe is everything you would expect: a beautifully chiselled and tightly lasted waist; an elegantly pitched and narrowing heel. Together they produce the impression on the viewer of walking on minimal surface area, making the foot appear a little dainty. It’s a look that will be familiar to anyone that spends time perusing old photos of Cary Grant, Fred Astaire or their ilk. The gap, the exposed light under the bridge of the foot creates a beautifully harmonious line.
A lot of money, but certainly worth it. And as I seem to have acquired shoes far faster over the past few years than suits, it may have to nothing but bespoke – or bespoke-level make – from now on.
Those interested in Cleverley might like to know that the dates for travelling to Asia from next month are:
Tokyo
BEAMS HOUSE (HARAJUKU)
International Gallery
3rd & 4th February
Singapore
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
1st & 2nd March
Hong Kong
THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL
3rd, 4th & 5th March, 2012
You never say how much anything costs. Why is that?
I’ve said before how much Cleverleys cost, and frankly I assume most people know. In case you don’t, bespoke starts from £2300
Oooh – handbags! Was a straightforward enough question, and why you would “assume most people know” is totally beyond me!
Thanks (also, ouch)! It’s impossible to find any kind of price on their website so assuming we know is perhaps a little too generous to us.
They do indeed look beautiful but I could never afford that. That’s millionaire money.
Well indeed. Have a look on the site for recommendations on other British makers though, doing ready to wear. Men don’t spend enough money on their shoes and are surprised when they only last a year. Get some nice Crockett & Jones, or Edward Green if you can afford it, look after them and they will last you a decade or more. And look better for it.
Simon
Thank you – all very useful information. I can certainly imagine myself going to £4-500 for a really nice pair. And I really enjoy looking after shoes (strange though that may seem), so that would be an inexpensive pleasure for years.
beautiful shoes Simon. what do you tend to wear when it’s raining? Do you always go for a rubber sole?
I don’t usually have to walk that much in the rain as there isn’t much of a walk between the train and office, but if it’s pouring down then I wear overshoes. Or yes, more substantial soles
These shoes are wonderful. Simon, have you noticed that all the rude comments are anonymous? The drawbacks of the internet age!
Yeah I know, I’m used to it now though.
Hi Simon
How have you found the usefullness of one of your few black shoes being a full brogue? Most of your brown oxfords seem to be be some form of semi-brogue and it would seem strange to make up the more formal black leather in the less formal wing-tip style.
Thanks
Toby
Nice point Toby.
I haven’t found it a problem, but as I’d only wear a black lace-up like this with a pretty smart suit, it doesn’t need to have broad use. I do also have a deco wholecut from Gaziano & Girling which is better for black tie etc