I don't feel the metal taps are bad. In fact, I have metal taps on some of my leather-soled shoes.
As I understand it, those things were popular in Hungary.
Last edited by Patrick Bateman (2007-03-16 20:52:33)
Last edited by Marc Grayson (2007-03-16 21:05:11)
Last edited by Cruz Diez (2007-03-16 21:14:17)
While I do like the sole, and other elements in isolation, the shoe as a whole is extraordinarily ugly.
To my eye the proportions are wrong, particularly the length of the cap. I could not conceive of placing those soles on a suede brogue. It is a cordwainers' oxymoron. If this shoe were a jacket it would be a thornproof hacking jacket with silk facings and besom pockets.
Contrast this shoe with Marc's. In Marc's the rest of the shoe complements the sole, and this shoe is understated and elegant.
I think the shoes are beautiful. On the other hand, they're so beautiful that I'd never be able to wear them outside, which would entirely defeat the point. I think one of the reasons bespoke shoes are the "final frontier" is that unlike suits, it is GUARANTEED that they will get worn down, scuffed and marked. I think one either has to be a bespoke freak or as rich as Croesus to order them AND wear them day to day.
Marc, I was forced to wear orthotics -- thankfully before I was financially able to invest in my Edward Greens. My experience with the foam moulding was poor, to say the least. My heel spur returned with a vengeance. A second podiatrist massaged my foot and then made a full plaster mould by hand. The orthotics from him have been a dream. It means I am essentially stuck with the EG 202 last, but I can make that sacrfice.
(I wonder if you could send your last to the orthotics manufacturer for them to use in making a mould? )
Yes, I should have been clearer on the process. I was very impressed with the fact that my second podiatrist made his moulds by applying strips dipped in plaster onto my foot whilst I reclined. Stepping into the foam mould (for me) resulted in ineffective orthotics. It's just important that the guy making the mould really knows what he's doing.