To be brutally honest, I'd much rather spend an afternoon with Dominic Casey.... Lovely as all of that hidebound tradition is, genuinely positive human contact will always trump it. Keep up this great series Kirby!
They may be bespoke,, but would anyone really know when you’re walking down the street in them? The world’s a strange place isn’t it… Some people are visiting food banks while others spend 5K on a pair of shoes.
Its not about the others knowing, its about about your confort and the quality / longevity of the shoe. And soeone who's interested in shoe can recognize when a pair is shaped to a person's foot yes
Sadly, I believe things are not what they seem once you look past the supposed old-fashioned elegance of the tired looking shop. Other bespoke makers offer a trial shoe, take more detailed measurements and make adjustments according to wear on the trial shoe. I believe Lobb used to do in the past, but then cut it out - not because of belief in their ‘superior expertise’, but as a cost saving exercise. Why is it, you should also ask, that these people only do one fitting, whereas others do two or three? You wouldn’t buy a bespoke suit that way. Again, cost saving. It took two years to get my shoes right, and the pair I was initially given killed me. Finally they admitted they had made them too small after I got to the point of demanding my money back. I have a nice (Ok) pair now, but their designs are old fashioned and lack the elegance of Berluti or Gaziano & Girling. These people live on their past laurels in my view, charge more than anyone else (once you have commissioned the £5-6k shoes they then demand another £850 for the shoe trees) and are taking customers for granted. I have and shall take my business to another bespoke maker in future. There are in my opinion better alternatives at a better price.
Gaziano & Girling, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green are all excellent. You could also try the other (ready to wear) John Lobb in Jermyn Street. They are owned by France’s ‘Hermes’, Lobb having licensed out the name a few decades ago, and are nothing to do with the overpriced bespoke firm the subject of this video. Church are good but in my view not as good as the other firms I mention.
@@russ9921 didn't know there is 2 shops of john lobb ...which is the first branch .... the one in video or the jeremyn store .... and yes i liked edward green shoes but they are extremely price as lobb .... so its really confusing and hard to get the best materiel shoes for the price it really deserves
Russ My understanding is that Lobb is quick to fully remake if the fit is off. I’ve had a lot of shoes from a lot of different makers, and my experience is that fittings are no substitute to professional, detailed, and confident lastmaking. And all the fittings dramatically extend the making process. At the end of the day, you either get it right or you don’t. Given the seniority and tenure of Lobb’s lastmaker, I am led to believe that they are just simply able to get it right more often than not while being dramatically more efficient with the customer’s time. The issue of multiple fittings is a modern phenomenon. 40+ years ago, this would have been unheard of. As far as styling, Lobb and G&G couldn’t be more different and this comes down to personal preference. Lobb is a time-rested, classic silhouette that allows for a very comfortable fit. Whereas G&G is much more forward. Both great makers. But different. I’m sorry you had a bad experience, but I would definitely encourage you to reach out if you are still unhappy. A business doesn’t survive for 150+ years without a commitment to their customers, and I know that Lobb is second to none. If you’d like help, feel free to ping me on Instagram and I’ll connect you.
burak alshorman Lobb in St James’s Street is the original branch. They just do bespoke, no RTW. The name was licensed to Hermes (Jermyn Street branch who do RTW) some years ago (I believe in the 1970’s) in order to raise some finance. I own shoes from both and I would say both are equally well made, but of course with RTW you are more at risk on the fit. I have wide G fitting feet and the Jermyn Street branch seem to stop at an F width, so not ideal for me.
Man do I enjoy these videos watching such astonishing craftsmen and women demonstrating their well-honed skills and mastery of their trades. I not only find them more interesting than I would have ever guessed I would have, but I have also discovered a deep appreciation for their professions. Fantastic
Other bespoke last makers: take 50 measurments in few positions along with an ink outline, do more fittings and send practice shoes. John Lobb: gotta keep it simple and have faith in your lastmaking, not time for shenanigans.
You seem very excited about getting measured for a pair of iconic John Lobb shoes... as you should be. You have had some amazing shoes made for you over the years. I would love to see a comparison video where you discuss the different makers. It is a luxury to experience all these different shoes, something that very few will have the opportunity to do. Please keep sharing these wonderful stories. Steve
To resume it in two words : Humble and simple. Typicall British understatement attitude. Jonathan Lobb is such a humble man who understands that his business is a private, behind doors, activity he's only handing over to the next generation.
You make an outline and measure the foot,and then carve out a wood piece by hand. Then, adjustments may be necessary later. Because it is difficult to make wood replica of a foot. But, a scanner and a 3d printer would make an exact ( plastic) replica. I know, I know, old world craftsmanship is better. But is it?
60zeller Ha ha no these guy have 10 years of knowledge, if casting the foot in plaster would make perfect shoes they would, but it is a different ballgame. They must make a beutifull shoe as well.
It has not so much to do with the exact mesures. It is about the right mesures, knowledge of the foot, last and how the finished product will change and look. But mostly I would say it is about the interaction with a master of his art. Conversation is a lost art to.
60zeller He is ultimately making a shoe for the foot to fit into, not a copy of your feet. The foot needs to be supported, to allow for expansion and contraction through hundreds of different, movements returning to an elegant shape when static. A shoe the shape and size of your actual foot would look hideous and almost impossible to secure to your feet to walk. A receptacle the shape of your foot is called a sock and if that’s too baggy or tight it will cause problems.
Kirby, nice video. We met at Carmina event in NYC. I have a question for you. What boots/shoes should I wear and still look good during rains and snow (winter in general) in NYC? Thanks :)
Father Andre Melancon Pediatricians are doctors who manage the health of your child. I think the term that you’re looking for is “podiatrist”. Nice try big man.
Father Andre Melancon yes, if Mr Lobb was a podiatrist, he wouldn’t need any anesthetic to take care of those pesky ingrown toenails...his patients would just fall asleep.
Kirby... you need to tell your audience early on what a ''last'' is ? its a wooded ''form'' but many people will not know, and it makes your vid, abit dull to watch for them.... John Lobb is a WONDERFUL shoemaker, no doubt about that...
To be brutally honest, I'd much rather spend an afternoon with Dominic Casey.... Lovely as all of that hidebound tradition is, genuinely positive human contact will always trump it. Keep up this great series Kirby!
They may be bespoke,, but would anyone really know when you’re walking down the street in them? The world’s a strange place isn’t it… Some people are visiting food banks while others spend 5K on a pair of shoes.
Its not about the others knowing, its about about your confort and the quality / longevity of the shoe. And soeone who's interested in shoe can recognize when a pair is shaped to a person's foot yes
Bespoke Measurement: "traces around foot with a pencil" I used to bespoke measure my hand a lot in kindergarten
Kourosh Z good one. That Turkey that we all drew for thanksgiving was bespoke...
Sadly, I believe things are not what they seem once you look past the supposed old-fashioned elegance of the tired looking shop. Other bespoke makers offer a trial shoe, take more detailed measurements and make adjustments according to wear on the trial shoe. I believe Lobb used to do in the past, but then cut it out - not because of belief in their ‘superior expertise’, but as a cost saving exercise. Why is it, you should also ask, that these people only do one fitting, whereas others do two or three? You wouldn’t buy a bespoke suit that way. Again, cost saving. It took two years to get my shoes right, and the pair I was initially given killed me. Finally they admitted they had made them too small after I got to the point of demanding my money back. I have a nice (Ok) pair now, but their designs are old fashioned and lack the elegance of Berluti or Gaziano & Girling. These people live on their past laurels in my view, charge more than anyone else (once you have commissioned the £5-6k shoes they then demand another £850 for the shoe trees) and are taking customers for granted. I have and shall take my business to another bespoke maker in future. There are in my opinion better alternatives at a better price.
Can you list some of recomndations for ready to wear manufacturers
Gaziano & Girling, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green are all excellent. You could also try the other (ready to wear) John Lobb in Jermyn Street. They are owned by France’s ‘Hermes’, Lobb having licensed out the name a few decades ago, and are nothing to do with the overpriced bespoke firm the subject of this video. Church are good but in my view not as good as the other firms I mention.
@@russ9921 didn't know there is 2 shops of john lobb ...which is the first branch .... the one in video or the jeremyn store ....
and yes i liked edward green shoes but they are extremely price as lobb .... so its really confusing and hard to get the best materiel
shoes for the price it really deserves
Russ My understanding is that Lobb is quick to fully remake if the fit is off. I’ve had a lot of shoes from a lot of different makers, and my experience is that fittings are no substitute to professional, detailed, and confident lastmaking. And all the fittings dramatically extend the making process. At the end of the day, you either get it right or you don’t. Given the seniority and tenure of Lobb’s lastmaker, I am led to believe that they are just simply able to get it right more often than not while being dramatically more efficient with the customer’s time.
The issue of multiple fittings is a modern phenomenon. 40+ years ago, this would have been unheard of.
As far as styling, Lobb and G&G couldn’t be more different and this comes down to personal preference. Lobb is a time-rested, classic silhouette that allows for a very comfortable fit. Whereas G&G is much more forward. Both great makers. But different.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience, but I would definitely encourage you to reach out if you are still unhappy. A business doesn’t survive for 150+ years without a commitment to their customers, and I know that Lobb is second to none. If you’d like help, feel free to ping me on Instagram and I’ll connect you.
burak alshorman Lobb in St James’s Street is the original branch. They just do bespoke, no RTW. The name was licensed to Hermes (Jermyn Street branch who do RTW) some years ago (I believe in the 1970’s) in order to raise some finance. I own shoes from both and I would say both are equally well made, but of course with RTW you are more at risk on the fit. I have wide G fitting feet and the Jermyn Street branch seem to stop at an F width, so not ideal for me.
Man do I enjoy these videos watching such astonishing craftsmen and women demonstrating their well-honed skills and mastery of their trades.
I not only find them more interesting than I would have ever guessed I would have, but I have also discovered a deep appreciation for their professions.
Fantastic
years of work. tons of mileage.
Other bespoke last makers: take 50 measurments in few positions along with an ink outline, do more fittings and send practice shoes.
John Lobb: gotta keep it simple and have faith in your lastmaking, not time for shenanigans.
I'm surprised he doesn't have a high chair so he doesn't have to bend down and work off the floor
Your channel is great, Kirbe. Congratulations
You seem very excited about getting measured for a pair of iconic John Lobb shoes... as you should be. You have had some amazing shoes made for you over the years. I would love to see a comparison video where you discuss the different makers. It is a luxury to experience all these different shoes, something that very few will have the opportunity to do. Please keep sharing these wonderful stories.
Steve
To resume it in two words : Humble and simple. Typicall British understatement attitude. Jonathan Lobb is such a humble man who understands that his business is a private, behind doors, activity he's only handing over to the next generation.
“The continuity of history”... philosophy in a nutshell
I had to take a second look at that thumbnail to make sure it wasn't something else...😐
When are you gonna drop that sneakerhead video? We know you got Jordan's and Air max in your closet! Hollaaa!!!
I like the way he is flicking his pencil! wish I could do that.
Kirby, would you do a video about boots.
?* , not " . "
💡He did, about cowboy boots.
Uploaded on January 3, 2018: th-cam.com/video/-IMDJg1nOD8/w-d-xo.html
Really clever - I wonder why they don’t use a plaster mould of the foot ?
Excellent video Kirby. I learn so much from your videos. Those socks are wonderful, these are my next purchase from you
10 minutes into video already 3 ads.... now I’m remembering why I stopped watching TH-cam...
uBlock Origin. Never watch an ad ever again.
I wonder if foot scanners could not help a lot in this kind of art? What do you think of Corthay and Meccariello shoes?
Fascinating video. I wonder, do bespoke shoemakers, such as John Lobb, consider taking 3D Digital scans in order to make (or 3D print) the last?
No they don't ....
They don't but I feel you'll get a much more accurate measurement of the foot. May be an interesting direction for bespoke.
Kirby I think it is time to refresh the intro :) take inspiration from Peter Mckinnon :)
What kind of socks?
When are the TLB MTO's be shipped??
Straight ruined this video by asking too many questions
£6000 for pair of shoes?
Absolutely silly
Apparently Mr Lobb cannot smile; great shoe-maker though...
Does this guy just walk around wearing expensive clothes all day?
Turn off the stupid backing track. It stops us hearing the dialogue clearly.
He didn't laugh at Kirby's last shall be first joke
Pull-ups over/under 5 and I'm taking the under
Are you available for commercial projects ?
You make an outline and measure the foot,and then carve out a wood piece by hand. Then, adjustments may be necessary later. Because it is difficult to make wood replica of a foot.
But, a scanner and a 3d printer would make an exact ( plastic) replica. I know, I know, old world craftsmanship is better. But is it?
60zeller
Ha ha no these guy have 10 years of knowledge, if casting the foot in plaster would make perfect shoes they would, but it is a different ballgame. They must make a beutifull shoe as well.
@@Myrslokstok not plaster, a scanner and a 3d printer would make a exact plastic replica of the foot.
It has not so much to do with the exact mesures. It is about the right mesures, knowledge of the foot, last and how the finished product will change and look.
But mostly I would say it is about the interaction with a master of his art.
Conversation is a lost art to.
How many people have tried and failed using a scanner!
Think about it and come back to the table with facts not fiction..
60zeller He is ultimately making a shoe for the foot to fit into, not a copy of your feet. The foot needs to be supported, to allow for expansion and contraction through hundreds of different, movements returning to an elegant shape when static. A shoe the shape and size of your actual foot would look hideous and almost impossible to secure to your feet to walk. A receptacle the shape of your foot is called a sock and if that’s too baggy or tight it will cause problems.
Amazing video 👌👍
Kirby is boaring in conversation
It Shud have been left to the great Jonathan Laad to explain all
First
One word: thumbnail.
I went back to look at it. I wish I didn't. Thanks a lot.
@@Jerry-tc5ik Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one. Thank you, kind sir.
He spoke beautiful
Kirby, nice video. We met at Carmina event in NYC. I have a question for you. What boots/shoes should I wear and still look good during rains and snow (winter in general) in NYC? Thanks :)
Black cap toe Balmoral, double oak sole or dainite rubber.
Probably have to go bespoke.
Timberland...😉
long time no see ,show You wearing nice socks so good 👍
How does one match a belt with a more uniquely colored shoe? I have blue suede shoes and I don't know what kind of belt goes with it.
Brilliant
John Lobb is best bespoke shoes in the world👍
Louis Huynh Not in my view.
Lee Dixon is a tough customer.
:)
His understanding of the physiology of the foot is impressive! It’s like he is a pediatrist.
Father Andre Melancon
Pediatricians are doctors who manage the health of your child. I think the term that you’re looking for is “podiatrist”. Nice try big man.
Except less personality than most podiatrist, I’d say.
Podiatrist! That’s it! Lol
The podiatrist that makes my corrective orthotics is quite the personality. Dr James Lasky ☺️
Father Andre Melancon yes, if Mr Lobb was a podiatrist, he wouldn’t need any anesthetic to take care of those pesky ingrown toenails...his patients would just fall asleep.
Did you actually commission a pair of shoes with Lobb or was it just an exercise to demonstrate the measurement process?
This was just a demonstration of how John Lobb takes their bespoke measurements.
Kirby Allison any plans to make a pair for yourself in future?
Kirby... you need to tell your audience early on what a ''last'' is ? its a wooded ''form'' but many people will not know, and it makes your vid, abit dull to watch for them.... John Lobb is a WONDERFUL shoemaker, no doubt about that...