Bespoke shoes vs Made to Order: A Buyer's Guide to Custom Footwear

The idea of customized footwear has enticed fashion aficionados for centuries. However, with a multitude of options available today, understanding the specifics of custom shoemaking can be a bit daunting. Among the elite of custom footwear, two terms often stand out - Bespoke and Made to Order (MTO).

Although used interchangeably by many, they are technically distinct approaches to personalizing your perfect pair of shoes.

In this guide, we describe the differences helping you make an informed choice for your sartorial endeavors.

Bespoke VS Made to Order (MTO) Shoes?

• Bespoke Shoes: The term 'bespoke' hails from a time when tailors held the full measure of their patrons. A pair of bespoke shoes is crafted from scratch to the exact specifications of the individual’s feet. Every contour and nuance of the foot is taken into account, ensuring a fit that is as unique as a fingerprint. Typically a last is made specifically to the customers foot
• Made to Order (MTO) Shoes: On the other hand, Made to Order shoes offer a level of customization that lies between ready-to-wear and bespoke. While not crafted to the individual’s exact foot specifications, MTO shoes allow for a selection of styles, leathers, colors, and sometimes sizes, providing a personalized touch within a standardized framework. Typically these are made on a pre existing last made by the company.

Brief Explanation of the Rise of Custom Footwear

The evolution of fashion has always been intertwined with the desire for uniqueness and a personalized touch. With the dawn of new technology and the revival of artisanal craftsmanship, the realm of custom footwear has seen a significant resurgence. The modern consumer, empowered by information and driven by a keen sense of individual style, now seeks more than just a standard pair of off-the-shelf shoes. The appetite for custom footwear caters not only to the quest for a perfect fit but also the expression of personal aesthetics and the appreciation for craftsmanship.

Detailed Explanation of the Bespoke Process

Initial Consultation and Foot Measurement:

• The inaugural step into the bespoke world begins with a comprehensive consultation. Here, the artisan discusses the client's preferences, usage, and any particular desires they harbor for their footwear.
• The critical task of foot measurement follows, where every contour, length, breadth, and width of the foot is meticulously recorded. This data becomes the foundation upon which the bespoke shoes are crafted.

Creation of a Unique Last (Shoe Mold):

• Post consultation, a unique last, which is a three-dimensional model of the client’s foot, is crafted. The last serves as the scaffold around which the shoe is constructed, ensuring a fit that mirrors the anatomy of the individual's feet.

Material Selection and Design Customization:

• Once the last is ready, the journey of material selection commences. The client chooses from a range of high-quality leathers, suedes, or other exotic materials.
• Simultaneously, design customization takes center stage. From the style, color, stitching, and even the type of sole, every aspect is tailored to the client's preferences.

Handcrafting the Shoes:

• With materials and design locked in, the skilled artisans begin the meticulous process of handcrafting the shoes. Every cut, stitch, and polish is performed with a finesse that echoes years of honed skill and tradition.

Fitting Sessions and Final Adjustments:

• As the shoes near completion, fitting sessions ensure that the fit is flawless. Any necessary adjustments are made, refining the shoes to perfection before they are ready for their final presentation to the client.

The Artisans Behind Bespoke Shoes

• The creation of bespoke shoes is entrusted to highly skilled artisans, whose expertise often spans decades. Their knowledge isn’t just about shoemaking but understanding the symbiotic relationship between the shoe and its wearer. It’s their mastered skills and attention to minute details that transform a piece of leather into a comfort-fit, stylish piece of art.

Price Range and Time Frame of Bespoke Shoes

• Bespoke shoes are definitely in the luxury category, and their price tags reflect the amount of work involved. Prices can range anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending on the company and the materials. Ex a bespoke crocodile leather boot can easily hit double digit thousands.
• The time frame for the delivery of bespoke shoes can also be quite extended, often ranging from a few months to a year. This duration is mostly due to demand and the amount of labor involved in creating a bespoke shoe.

The allure of bespoke shoes lies in the journey as much as the final product. It’s a path of sartorial discovery, making the wearer an integral part of the creation that will grace their feet, blending timeless craftsmanship with personal desires and modern-day fashion sensibilities.

What are Made to Order Shoes?

Made to Order (MTO) shoes, as the name suggests, are crafted upon a customer’s request, but within predefined parameters. Typically customers can choose leather skins, colors, maybe even threads. This allows for a level of personalization, catering to individuals seeking a touch of uniqueness, yet within a more accessible framework compared to bespoke.

Below is an exploration into the landscape of MTO shoes:

The Made to Order Process

Selection from Pre-Designed Models:

• The process commences with the client selecting a model from a range of pre-designed templates. These templates are crafted keeping in mind popular styles, trends, and ergonomic considerations.

Customization of Materials, Colors, and Sometimes Sizes:

• Post selection, the stage of personalization unfolds where clients can choose the materials, colors, and, in some cases, sizes. This is where individuals infuse their personality and preferences into the pre-defined design.

Standard Lasts Used for Crafting:

• Unlike bespoke, where a unique last is created for each individual, MTO shoes utilize standard lasts during construction. These lasts are crafted based on average foot dimensions, providing a general fit rather than a personalized one.

The Production Process:

• Once the design and material are finalized, the shoes enter the production phase. Skilled craftsmen, aided sometimes by modern machinery, work diligently to bring the design to fruition, ensuring each pair reflects the selected customizations accurately.

Conclusion

The art of shoe crafting carries a long legacy of tradition, innovation, and personal expression. Stepping into the realm of custom footwear is like embarking on a sartorial journey where every choice reflects individuality and a keen sense of style.

A. Recap of Key Points:

• Bespoke Shoes: A haven of customization, bespoke shoes provide a unique avenue for individuals to experience a perfect fit and design. Every aspect, from the initial consultation to the final fitting session, revolves around personalization.
• MTO Shoes: Offering a middle ground, MTO shoes allow for a decent level of customization within predefined designs, making custom footwear more accessible, both financially and time-wise.
• Comparative Aspects: The core differences span across the level of customization, fit and comfort, time investment, price, and artisanal value, each catering to varying preferences and needs.

B. Encouragement to Choose the Right Type Based on Individual Needs and Budget:

Your choice between bespoke and MTO reflects more than just a fashion statement; it's a manifestation of personal preferences, financial considerations, and lifestyle demands. It's essential to weigh these factors against the offerings of bespoke and MTO shoes, to arrive at a choice that resonates with your needs. The nuanced yet significant distinctions between these two avenues of custom footwear hold the power to significantly impact your experience, comfort, and satisfaction.

C. Final Thoughts on the Value of Investing in Custom Footwear:

Investing in custom footwear is akin to indulging in a tailored sartorial experience. The value extends beyond mere aesthetics into the realm of comfort, quality, and personal expression.

Whether opting for the exquisite artistry of bespoke or the balanced allure of MTO, each step in your custom-made shoes carries the essence of personal choice and a testimony to quality.

As you tread the path of custom footwear, the understanding and appreciation of these crafts not only elevate your style but add a meaningful dimension to your wardrobe, making every stride a journey in itself.