Which pair of these dress shoes if your favorite? Let us know! Thanks for watching! If you have any questions please share them here in the comment section. If you liked this video make sure you give us a thumbs up, subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so that you know when we release new videos.
Fantastic video! Do another in-depth video for the Cleverley bespoke shoes :-) I know you already did for some of them... but still, love them a lot especially the first one you bought and the seamless whole-cut.
As usual, quality video. One suggestion - when you have music playing in video, might be worth bringing its volume down some. It can be distracting, IMO.
What can i say besides thank you Im a blue collar worker and i ever get to dress up your channel has inspired me to start a small collection in fine clothing i particularly like the Englishman style i do have to say your channel is by far the most enjoyable and serves a purpose to keep up a long lost tradition of style for gentlemen
Same here sir. The latest Englishman style which I have joined is the Peaky Blinders sectioned wool cap. It is widespread now as a former working class/gangster cap is now a fashion item. It is very mojo building and I recommend to you. Folks cross the street when you walk along. Banjo/England
As a retiree, I can't aspire to all your super quality stuff, but you have got under my skin, as I always remember my late father going in suit and tie and smart shoes, whereas I went for t shirts, trainers total slob look after 50+ years as a salesman in the Rat Race (although I sold the top quality pricey wallpapers, using the maxim Quality is remembered;long after price is forgotten.. I destroyed/charitied most ties (kept black grey and one red), Gave shirts jackets suits to charity. OK, now I realise leaving work does not mean stopping Smart. All the stuff I bought now on Amazon has referral to Kirby Allison as a mojo restoring necessity of life. I bought horsehair brushes (wood of course),wood hangers, wood shoehorns long and short. Cream linen jacket (oh). irons tow pairs black trousers. polished and restored black shoes, brogues and bought three new pairs brown/tan. bought cream polish restorer. Spend time doing every thing up. Its all your fault Mister Allison! Then i see you in t shirt on office move!! Hmm ... ... I do have well polished guitars banjos and ukes, including a £500 solid mahogany cutaway fisherman pickup Kala. Now that is style..... Thanks again.
I know it is hard to believe for many, but to me it seems a very discerning compilation of footwear. It is very easy to acquire a large number of pairs when second hand shopping. Enthusiasts with the wealth to do so can quickly fill rooms. Mr. Allison however seems to maintain a carefully curated and maintained selection. I am truly impressed.
Andres Mendoza In reality, I probably have eight shoes I’m wearing regularly. A lot of these are older pairs I’ve transitioned through. Eight pairs of AE’s is a pretty awesome collection!
Vintage Allen Edmunds? Newer makes seem rushed to me. I recently considered a pair of cordavon Oxfords that had far from perfect stitching and they were just under 700! I even asked the rep if they were seconds...they were not! Ebay here I come...
I just bought my 100th pair of luxury men's dress shoes. I began my journey by following Sven Raphael Schneider last year. Accordingly, I built much of my shoe collection based on his acquisition principles. Next, in the process of acquiring shoes, I learned that I needed to take care of my investment so I found Kirby Allison and the Hanger Project. Once you start using the Saphir products on your shoes and putting in the work to elevate your "shine game", the power of "pride in ownship" begins to transform you. Next, I found Sartorial Talks which introduced me to more of the artisan shoes makers from around the world. Now, because of the aforementioned peoples, I'm ready to leave the entry level price point for shoes and seek out the best in craftsman's ship and artistic expression that the world of luxury men's shoes has to offer. I'm having a lot of fun and learning a lot about positive self-expression through the introduction of classical men's fashion and luxury shoes into my life. Thanks!
Thank you for showing us your personal shoe collection. As for myself, I have a big problem concerning beautiful shoes that I have acquired over the years. It is simply that when I find a pair of shoes that I truly like very much I just prefer to look and admire them in their pristine state and therefore never wear them! For example, for my birthday many years ago I purchased a pair of Ferragamo laced shoes with no detailing that just had the most wonderful curves and shape. So every few months I take them out of their box and just admire them from all angles but never actually wear them. My current pair of Santoni loafers sat in my closet for about five years until I had no more other loafers to wear, so I decided that it was time to finally wear them.
Manny Bamberg For me, it’s more about the fit and elegance than being able to order unique, particular styles. Most of my bespoke stuff are models that would be easy to find RTW. But once you experience the fit of bespoke, you really can’t go back....
@@carbonado2432 Is it even possible to unlace them in the mere 8 to 16 hours between shifts, let alone re-lace them? I heard the laces were selected for the dual purpose of controlled descent from the top floor.
Hi Kirby, you are terrific. I am not s Alone. I just bought my first pair of Edmonds black tassled loafers ×patent leather shoes here in Manhatten. First time customer! I am thrilled to view your video--nice to hear a refined voice like yours. I was brought up with good values Keep me posted!
I really appriciate your thoughts and stories on your shoes. I am just starting my shoe collection and learning all the proper use of shoe styles has been extremely helpful. I thought I loved shoes before, but now I appriciate the different styles much more after watching your videos.
Thank You so much, I am in the process of upping my shoe game, not at the 800 or 1600 dollar bespoke level but will get there. I enjoy taking care of my 200.00 oxfords never the lest.
Kirby...Just discovered your informative videos last week and I have been binge watching ever since. This video answers a question I was asking as I watched the Baron De Rede Loafer fitting. Great work! Thanks for sharing
Amazing collection Kirby ! Recently I met and bought shoes from a factory sale of company which produces shoes for major UK brands. Got amazing quality BAR III boots for 10 pounds (1000 INR) .
I don't know if it's just me, but I find it really difficult to follow what your saying as the melody of the music keeps grabbing my attention. Other than that, awesome content, thank you!
Great shoe collection, it’s interesting how we each have our own style evolution. When I was in college I really loved cap toe and tasseled loafers and then I moved on to favor wingtips, bluchers, bike toe etc. I moved from Florsheim to Alden, Balenciaga and other higher end brands but have to admit I’ve never spent over 1K for pair of shoes, I wait for them to go on sale.
Thanks for the shoe collection tour. I appreciate your passion for the amazing artistry and quality of well constructed shoes. Impressive collection Kirby.
My cousin aged 20 joined a Merchant Bank in London and was told to buy himself 5 Church’s shoes(before Prada ownership). He still works in the industry aged 50 and has only now replaced them!
I am wearing my pair of George from Walmart! Great looks, Smells leather, Great Price! Best of all, if someone were to steals it, I won't feel too badly about it.
Mauri used to have a shop in Milan on Via Montanapoleon (Their equivalent of Madison Ave.) They were famous for high end shoes in exotic skins. In the 80"s I purchased 3 pair of tassel loafers there( lack alligator, brown alligator and black Ostrich). Great shoes. As one who loves loafers over laces I lived in classic black tassel loafers. In NYC they were acceptable for formal and business wear. Like you I never loved double monks, too much hardware. There are lots of great classic styles out there. I would recommend 2. A Raywood style loafer a la Peal (C & J) for Brooks, basically a Bal turned into a slip-on. Finally what I feel is Cleverly's most unusual and innovative and perhaps his most famous shoe design. The Butterfly Loafer. Great collection, great video.
Funny story about Mauri. Thank you for that information... I always assumed my grandfather purchased those crocodile shoes at Neiman Marcus in Houston... but maybe he got them on a trip to Italy! Who knows. They're incredible shoes, though.
And here I was thinking my assortment of Churchs , Cheaneys, Herrings, Loakes , Barkers and Carlos Santos( 13 pairs in total) were excessive lol Nice videos and many thanks for your advice .. I've been using them to add some extra care to my collection.
I put thompson's water seal on the bottom of my shoes. a light sanding to get the bottoms smooth, then a few coats of Thompson's wather seal. It seals the bottoms from water and it keeps the bottoms looking newer.
A fine video. Music volume a little loud, but it's good music, so not a problem. Fine choices to be sure, no question. What really strikes me each time you've spoken about your shoe acquisition journey is that you've always mentioned starting in college at the $150-$200 price points. Feel like I've heard this from you a few times. That's a remarkable place and age to start at! It seems to me quite rare for gentlemen in college to even be able to approach a budget of that threshold for footwear, much less to actually spend such. Many a grown man in their 30's and 40's wouldn't spend $200+ on a pair of shoes, much less on many multiple pairs!
It would be interesting to know what types of non-dress shoes you own. Like do you own hiking boots, running shoes, work boots, etc. Those are obviously not the theme of the channel, but it would be interesting to see if your taste in quality shoes extends outside of just dress shoes.
I’ve been wanting the George Cleverley Punched Cap Oxford, but would like in oxblood or dark maroon color. I do have AE Cornwallis, in tan which looks similar, but nowhere as nice. Great videos....even with AE’s, shine makes such a huge difference. As for Saphir products, they are fantastic. Btw, with little stepping on my shoes often, I’ve given up uniform shine, but still get great results with the mirror gloss and pate de luxe combo. Thanks again for great videos.
You've shown off those burgandy whole cut Bespoke Cleverlys a couple times now and I am totally in love with them. They are awesome. I think your shoe collection is worth more than my total net worth lol.
Hey Kirby , fine collection. Like you I have a pair of bespoke George cleverly and a ready to wear pair of St Crispins amongst my shoe collection. I would recommend that you look to getting a pair of Edward Green. I think you will be pleased. I will be looking to get a pair of my first Graziano & Girling next. Oh yes , look at Alden suede and leather loafers , calf and cordovan. Sublime.
Bet that shoe collection is worth more than my car lol. I'll probably never be able to afford a luxury wardrobe, but I appreciate the quality and style. Glad to see the channel growing.
james Pitt , There's a scene in Grand Torino; the kid asks Clint Eastwood how he could afford such a garage full of tools. Eastwood scoffed at the question and told how he bought one tool then later bought another and later bought another...
I’ve stuck with Allen Edmonds. I really don’t see myself spending much more for a pair of shoes that may only be a bit better when it comes to quality. Maybe as I become more knowledgeable, I will see the justification in spending such tremendous amounts. Love your channel!
Great video Kirby! Have 3 pairs of custom Cleverley's myself..went all out for my first pair in selecting a cap toe in the Russian 1786 reindeer leather. Still my favorite pair of shoes; finally got it resoled last year. And the Cleverley fit is so snug, those shoes have such an exquisite light feel once they fully break in. Still my go-to pair of shoes when I'm stuck working a long day and evening...also have an elastic sided slip-on in burgundy, and another captoe in antique whiskey.
Wear them in good health! The Russian leather had a wonderful unique 'vegetal' aroma when I first received the shoes...I'm assuming from the long-lost tannery methods used to make them. Enjoy it while it lasts, as it will dissipate over the next several months.
Coo, thanks for sharingl. I have about 30 pairs or so of dress shoes. Almost all are Santoni and Ferragamo, these two brands fit me really well. I just spent a few hundred with you in Saphir products to work on these shoes since we are stuck at home right now.
Kirby, great to see another man showing his shoes, one thing that I would like explained is, why do some shoes sit flat on the floor, while others curl up at the toe. I know which I prefer but just what is going on.
Colin, this primarily arises from two reasons: (1) cheap construction or (2) the shoes not being stored with shoe trees. The latter is preventable. When you wear a pair of shoes, you flex the shoe as you walk naturally, which is what creates the shoe's predisposition to curve. When you store your shoes using shoe trees, they stretch the shoe flat as it dries so that this crescent shape doesn't become permanent.
James Milligan Yes! A man needs more than black oxfords. My chukka boots and casuals probably get the most wear here in Dallas, especially w three kids. But I LOVE my formal dress shoes and enjoy it when I’m able to wear them!
Nice Collection. I wish I still had my black Oxfords I bought over 20 years ago - got lost somewhere. Love shoes so building my collecrion slowly. Bespoke shoes are on my list next.
A bespoke pair of black captoe oxfords would be the perfect place to begin! You can easily wear those shoes the rest of your life. You could wear them every day almost if you wanted!
A similar journey for me. I'd always appreciated half decent shoes from an early age. This started with the likes of Loake (and various shoes made by loake under other names), which are much like the AE of UK, a solid, well made range of welted shoes. That said the 1880 Range from loake punches above its weight and offers good leather on a well made shoe. Then I bought my first pair of Crockett & Jones, and that was really the start of the "habit". The crocketts were just another level up, and I ended up buying several crocketts, followed by some Cheaneys, which of similar quality, actually fit me a little better, albeit that I still prefer crockett leather slightly. Then I discovered Alfred Sargent, and in particular the Exclusive range, which in hindsight, push well well above their weight. The 724 last is highly reminiscent of the G&G TG73 last, and in fact my Moores appear almost identical in many ways to the G&G St James II. They are made from excellent leather, and have lots of high end touches like the rolled (and narrow) waists, and lasted shoe trees. But then I bought some G&G's! Although I love my Gazianos, what I will say, is that having experienced G&G, Edward Green and Clevereley shoes, I'd suggest that the Alfred Sargent Exclusives / Handgrade, are actually sitting at an apex of price / quality / value, where spending a lot more gets you very little, and spending much less can get you significantly less. In fact when I came to buy the Moores, I did consider buying the G&G St James II, but I genuinely couldn't find any detail, finishing, or styling difference that would convince me to pay double the money. So I stuck with the AS. I'd love to get a few more Gazianos, but perhaps some AS handgrade first :)
Really like the red GC pig skin loafers and black GC cap toe oxfords-hope to get some myself soon. My walnut McCalisters and oxblood Strands seem sturdy, but the fit and finish are ok. I enjoy them though.
But again I’m impressed with your dress style, and will continue to follow your channel. I’m a bit of a rare bird, in that I tend to dress a little more than my teaching cohorts which kinda makes me stand out around high schoolers with their athletic gear and sneakers.
Hello! Great video and amazing collection. If I can suggest something - please lower the background music next time. It’s competing with your great narrative. Thank you.
Beautiful collection! I'm fairly new to better shoes myself, and I've stuck to Allen Edmond's so far. Thanks for the inspiration to expand my horizons. I work at an industrial facility (power plant) and don't get to wear nice shoes too often, so I haven't yet found the gumption to get a pair of bespoke shoes. In my early 40's, though, I feel it's time.
JustinHEMI If you don’t wear them often, all the more reason to have two to three really awesome shoes you’ll love and wear the rest of your life! There is just something special about putting on a pair of bespoke shoes!
can you please make a video on how to store shoes you don't wear, for year sometimes and how to take care of them and how often should we condition or polish them?? thank you .
Hello Kirby , I wasn’t sure I should share this with you but I am going to . I hadn’t the slightest idea about shoes ,until I began watching your and other videos about shoes , I had no idea what brouguing , cap toes, Goodyear welt , lasts ,were etc, You did mention on a video , ( not the exact words) that once you buy a pair you’d want a second then a third ....at that moment I thought no way I am buying those expensive shoes ,but then again I thought ,if I buy a good quality shoes they will last me a long tome . So I went to the Allen Edmonds store in New York and Anded up buying : a pair of park avenue black and a pair of walnut , a pair of burgundy Bond street, a pair of strandmok brown, and a pair cognac,; then I saw you made a video at the Carmina store in New York , I went there and ended up buying a pair Semi brogue in Vegano Bordeaux Inca and a pair of double monk straps in Vegano Brown Inca , 9UK fit me just right . Plus i made a mistake of buying a pair of Double Monk straps in Brown Museum , the mistake was that they turned out to be to tight ,8.5 UK ( Allen Edmonds 9.5 fit perfect ), the mistake was That I got so excited and rushed to have put on them toe and hill taps plus a half rubber sole , so couldn’t return them , ( hopefully I’ll be able to sell them ). All in all I am very happy with the purchase and hopefully I will have shoes for a free years , am not trying to sound pretentious by any means ,just had some money saved ( I might delete the comment after) I just though I’d share it with you,. It is all your fault!!lol . Am amazed at how much you know about shoes and I have learned a lot !! Thankyou .
Would you ever consider a pair from designers like Gucci, Prada, Magli or Christian Laboutin? I'm pretty weary because of all the so called influencers promoting designers and don't like to purchase a label, but the Laboutin Greggo looks like a good shoe. Appreciate your content and tutorials! I'm constantly scouring the internet for quality used shoes ( Allen Edmonds, Church, Florsheim Imperial, Santoni, etc) and planning to restore some back to life now.
phototristan I’d love to get a pair of shell cordovan shoes. Alden makes great ones! But they use meta shanks - better than plastic - but they set off meta detectors. I don’t think I could do it. 😂
As a 19 year old college kid, how can I get started with finding a good pair of shoes without any prior knowledge and more or less the financial means? Following that, a decent yet professional outfit to match.
I just bought a mint condition, $315 pair of Allen Edmonds at a thrift shop for $15. I would suggest you start frequenting thrift stores around your city. If you're at a big school, there'll be plenty of them and they'll most likely have bargains galore. Also, look at eBay. You can find tons of decent previously owned shoes on there for $50. There are plenty of deals around you just have to be patient and keep an eye out.
I've had a fair bit of success with finding AE's through Poshmark. 8 pairs in and never spent more than $60 for any of them. Don't be afraid to haggle. Folks who want to sell something will make a deal if you just approach them honorably.
your gazianos in burgundy look a lot like allen edmonds cornwallis, which they just brought back as a limited release a few weeks ago. i picked up the cornwallis in vintage burgundy and vintage navy
Regarding bespoke shoes, I'd suggest for you to take a look at the maker Jan Kielman, for the price of around 800-1000 dollars they've got the experience of making the models of the late "Nikolaus Tuzcek" which is who the late Cleverley worked before he started his own company, just like Tony Gaziano worked for Cleverly before he went off to create his own brand for instance. The history of Jan Kielman would be extremely intresting, an interview with the polish maker and a visit in which they actually create your shoe in just 5-6 weeks! The only difference is that they'll take your measurements, and you'd state all of your requirements without any fittings included.
I now own over 30 pairs of shoes from a small family company based in the Neatherlands called Reinhard Frans. Very good shoes and through a MTO program I am always sure the last that suits my feet best is used. Have you ever heared of the Company?
You have great taste - beautiful burgundy shoes. Your friend’s dad’s advice - thanks for sharing. That’s my biggest takeaway from this video. Also, the discount seekers comment.
![My Bespoke Shoe Collection [2021 UPDATE] | Kirby Allison](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NSA2IRFrelI/mqdefault.jpg)
![My Bespoke Shoe Collection [2021 UPDATE] | Kirby Allison](/img/tr.png)
Which pair of these dress shoes if your favorite? Let us know!
Thanks for watching! If you have any questions please share them here in the comment section. If you liked this video make sure you give us a thumbs up, subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so that you know when we release new videos.
Those Cleverley burgundy loafers are just awesome. It's a great collection but those are definitely my favorite.
Tyler Clendenin Yeah. These are currently my favorite pair by a long shot!
Fantastic video! Do another in-depth video for the Cleverley bespoke shoes :-) I know you already did for some of them... but still, love them a lot especially the first one you bought and the seamless whole-cut.
The Hanger Project for
Cleverly tassel loafers are a beauty 💖
As usual, quality video. One suggestion - when you have music playing in video, might be worth bringing its volume down some. It can be distracting, IMO.
What can i say besides thank you
Im a blue collar worker and i ever get to dress up your channel has inspired me to start a small collection in fine clothing i particularly like the Englishman style i do have to say your channel is by far the most enjoyable and serves a purpose to keep up a long lost tradition of style for gentlemen
Same here sir. The latest Englishman style which I have joined is the Peaky Blinders sectioned wool cap. It is widespread now as a former working class/gangster cap is now a fashion item. It is very mojo building and I recommend to you. Folks cross the street when you walk along. Banjo/England
Like the beer ad said, we cannot always choose what we do, but we can choose who we are: th-cam.com/video/66HuFrMZWMo/w-d-xo.html
As a retiree, I can't aspire to all your super quality stuff, but you have got under my skin, as I always remember my late father going in suit and tie and smart shoes, whereas I went for t shirts, trainers total slob look after 50+ years as a salesman in the Rat Race (although I sold the top quality pricey wallpapers, using the maxim Quality is remembered;long after price is forgotten.. I destroyed/charitied most ties (kept black grey and one red), Gave shirts jackets suits to charity. OK, now I realise leaving work does not mean stopping Smart. All the stuff I bought now on Amazon has referral to Kirby Allison as a mojo restoring necessity of life. I bought horsehair brushes (wood of course),wood hangers, wood shoehorns long and short. Cream linen jacket (oh). irons tow pairs black trousers. polished and restored black shoes, brogues and bought three new pairs brown/tan. bought cream polish restorer. Spend time doing every thing up. Its all your fault Mister Allison! Then i see you in t shirt on office move!! Hmm ... ... I do have well polished guitars banjos and ukes, including a £500 solid mahogany cutaway fisherman pickup Kala. Now that is style..... Thanks again.
nothing looks better on a man than 6 months of lifting weights and a good diet, love the channel KIrby, keep up the great work
Sometimes i feel like kirby's giving me advice on how to begin my new life as a butler.
I know it is hard to believe for many, but to me it seems a very discerning compilation of footwear. It is very easy to acquire a large number of pairs when second hand shopping. Enthusiasts with the wealth to do so can quickly fill rooms. Mr. Allison however seems to maintain a carefully curated and maintained selection. I am truly impressed.
And I thought I was being excessive with my eight pairs of Allen Edmonds... you are BOSS!
Andres Mendoza In reality, I probably have eight shoes I’m wearing regularly. A lot of these are older pairs I’ve transitioned through. Eight pairs of AE’s is a pretty awesome collection!
Vintage Allen Edmunds? Newer makes seem rushed to me. I recently considered a pair of cordavon Oxfords that had far from perfect stitching and they were just under 700! I even asked the rep if they were seconds...they were not! Ebay here I come...
Andres Mendoza nut hugger
Andres Mendoza make a collection video pls
I thought my converse and one pair of cheap dress shoes was impressive
I just bought my 100th pair of luxury men's dress shoes. I began my journey by following Sven Raphael Schneider last year. Accordingly, I built much of my shoe collection based on his acquisition principles. Next, in the process of acquiring shoes, I learned that I needed to take care of my investment so I found Kirby Allison and the Hanger Project. Once you start using the Saphir products on your shoes and putting in the work to elevate your "shine game", the power of "pride in ownship" begins to transform you. Next, I found Sartorial Talks which introduced me to more of the artisan shoes makers from around the world. Now, because of the aforementioned peoples, I'm ready to leave the entry level price point for shoes and seek out the best in craftsman's ship and artistic expression that the world of luxury men's shoes has to offer. I'm having a lot of fun and learning a lot about positive self-expression through the introduction of classical men's fashion and luxury shoes into my life. Thanks!
the entire format and sophisticated jazz ambiance of your videos are really just phenomenal
Thanks!
Thank you for showing us your personal shoe collection. As for myself, I have a big problem concerning beautiful shoes that I have acquired over the years. It is simply that when I find a pair of shoes that I truly like very much I just prefer to look and admire them in their pristine state and therefore never wear them! For example, for my birthday many years ago I purchased a pair of Ferragamo laced shoes with no detailing that just had the most wonderful curves and shape. So every few months I take them out of their box and just admire them from all angles but never actually wear them. My current pair of Santoni loafers sat in my closet for about five years until I had no more other loafers to wear, so I decided that it was time to finally wear them.
ANYONE: How many pairs of shoes do you have Kirby?
KIRBY: Yes.
Now I can show my wife that I don't have too many shoes!
Exactly!
The Hanger Project interestingly enough as I refine my shoe tastes and collection I feel I am becoming particular enough that I will go bespoke.
Manny Bamberg For me, it’s more about the fit and elegance than being able to order unique, particular styles. Most of my bespoke stuff are models that would be easy to find RTW. But once you experience the fit of bespoke, you really can’t go back....
Manny Bamberg 💪💪
LOL! I will mimic your strategy. Hope it works.
Kirby: “let your shoes rest a day or two before wearing them again”
Me: *looks at my boots I’ve worn every day for the past couple years*
I ruined my White's firefighting boots in under 2 years by wearing them all the time, even sleeping in them often during the summer.
@@carbonado2432 Is it even possible to unlace them in the mere 8 to 16 hours between shifts, let alone re-lace them? I heard the laces were selected for the dual purpose of controlled descent from the top floor.
Best accomplished shoe collection i have ever seen! Truly a class apart. Great choices Mr.Kirby Allison.Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kirby, you are terrific. I am not s
Alone. I just bought my first pair of Edmonds black tassled loafers ×patent leather shoes here in Manhatten.
First time customer! I am thrilled to view your video--nice to hear a refined voice like yours. I was brought up with good values
Keep me posted!
I really appriciate your thoughts and stories on your shoes. I am just starting my shoe collection and learning all the proper use of shoe styles has been extremely helpful. I thought I loved shoes before, but now I appriciate the different styles much more after watching your videos.
Thank You so much, I am in the process of upping my shoe game, not at the 800 or 1600 dollar bespoke level but will get there. I enjoy taking care of my 200.00 oxfords never the lest.
This shoe collection is very inspiring. It shows that each person can build their own shoe collection based on their personal preferences.
Declan Bartlette Thanks! Every collection different!
Kirby...Just discovered your informative videos last week and I have been binge watching ever since. This video answers a question I was asking as I watched the Baron De Rede Loafer fitting. Great work! Thanks for sharing
Jay Thompson My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Because of you, i learned to buy carminas and not pradas :) thanks!
Happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing!
Fun to have some insight into another's style journey. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing collection Kirby ! Recently I met and bought shoes from a factory sale of company which produces shoes for major UK brands. Got amazing quality BAR III boots for 10 pounds (1000 INR) .
So much to learn in life.
I don't know if it's just me, but I find it really difficult to follow what your saying as the melody of the music keeps grabbing my attention. Other than that, awesome content, thank you!
Great melody. Really toe tappin’ while looking at shoes
I like ur dedication towards the 👞
There are some nice gems you dropped on here. Thanks for the subtle advice about how to wear nicer shoes.
Absolutely beautiful collection
GC burgundy whole cuts at ~8:55 are amazing!
Yeah, these are great shoes!
I’m a 31 year old woman who accidentally stumbled upon this video I’m now watching most of yours videos keep up the good work
A dream come TRUE !!!! Splendid
Stunning
The black shoes all look to have a blue hue to them on my TV. They look great, a deep dark blue .
Great shoe collection, it’s interesting how we each have our own style evolution. When I was in college I really loved cap toe and tasseled loafers and then I moved on to favor wingtips, bluchers, bike toe etc. I moved from Florsheim to Alden, Balenciaga and other higher end brands but have to admit I’ve never spent over 1K for pair of shoes, I wait for them to go on sale.
Thanks for the shoe collection tour. I appreciate your passion for the amazing artistry and quality of well constructed shoes. Impressive collection Kirby.
Thanks!
My cousin aged 20 joined a Merchant Bank in London and was told to buy himself 5 Church’s shoes(before Prada ownership). He still works in the industry aged 50 and has only now replaced them!
I am wearing my pair of George from Walmart! Great looks, Smells leather, Great Price! Best of all, if someone were to steals it, I won't feel too badly about it.
Mauri used to have a shop in Milan on Via Montanapoleon (Their equivalent of Madison Ave.) They were famous for high end shoes in exotic skins. In the 80"s I purchased 3 pair of tassel loafers there( lack alligator, brown alligator and black Ostrich). Great shoes. As one who loves loafers over laces I lived in classic black tassel loafers. In NYC they were acceptable for formal and business wear. Like you I never loved double monks, too much hardware. There are lots of great classic styles out there.
I would recommend 2. A Raywood style loafer a la Peal (C & J) for Brooks, basically a Bal turned into a slip-on.
Finally what I feel is Cleverly's most unusual and innovative and perhaps his most famous shoe design. The Butterfly Loafer.
Great collection, great video.
Funny story about Mauri. Thank you for that information... I always assumed my grandfather purchased those crocodile shoes at Neiman Marcus in Houston... but maybe he got them on a trip to Italy! Who knows. They're incredible shoes, though.
And here I was thinking my assortment of Churchs , Cheaneys, Herrings, Loakes , Barkers and Carlos Santos( 13 pairs in total) were excessive lol
Nice videos and many thanks for your advice .. I've been using them to add some extra care to my collection.
I've been searching the web for those Grenson's black wholecut. Amazing collection, thanks for sharing!
the blak whole cut GnG is my favorite
Whoa! I bought my first pair of Allen Edmonds shoes from Franco's in Richmond!
Fantastic collection, I enjoyed hearing the evolution of your years of methodical acquisition.
Just love your bespoke shoe collection, can you do a suit collection? That will be wonderful.
This shoe collection would even make a woman jealous! 👏🏼🙌🏼👍🏼
I put thompson's water seal on the bottom of my shoes. a light sanding to get the bottoms smooth, then a few coats of Thompson's wather seal. It seals the bottoms from water and it keeps the bottoms looking newer.
A fine video. Music volume a little loud, but it's good music, so not a problem. Fine choices to be sure, no question.
What really strikes me each time you've spoken about your shoe acquisition journey is that you've always mentioned starting in college at the $150-$200 price points. Feel like I've heard this from you a few times.
That's a remarkable place and age to start at! It seems to me quite rare for gentlemen in college to even be able to approach a budget of that threshold for footwear, much less to actually spend such. Many a grown man in their 30's and 40's wouldn't spend $200+ on a pair of shoes, much less on many multiple pairs!
Finally! Been waiting for this :)
Ask, and you shall receive! ;)
Kirby, I hope your son will share the same shoe size as you when he’s older. Beautiful collection!
Me too!
Oh my!! I'm not worthy!! Wonderful collection....I am envious.
It would be interesting to know what types of non-dress shoes you own. Like do you own hiking boots, running shoes, work boots, etc. Those are obviously not the theme of the channel, but it would be interesting to see if your taste in quality shoes extends outside of just dress shoes.
Thank you! I’m learning a lot from your videos.
Wow! That’s one amazing collection. Your dad’s advice is great. I’ll be looking to purchase my first bespoke next year.
JT Hwang That’s great! Yes. I’d prefer two to three pairs of incredible bespoke shoes over 5x normal RTW pairs. Any idea her who you want to go with?
I’ve been wanting the George Cleverley Punched Cap Oxford, but would like in oxblood or dark maroon color. I do have AE Cornwallis, in tan which looks similar, but nowhere as nice. Great videos....even with AE’s, shine makes such a huge difference. As for Saphir products, they are fantastic. Btw, with little stepping on my shoes often, I’ve given up uniform shine, but still get great results with the mirror gloss and pate de luxe combo. Thanks again for great videos.
Singing shining shoes, what a joy...
You've shown off those burgandy whole cut Bespoke Cleverlys a couple times now and I am totally in love with them. They are awesome. I think your shoe collection is worth more than my total net worth lol.
Incredible collection
Best type of Video during this insane election thing going on in the US. Best regards from Berlin.
What a variety of shoes!
music is getting in the way..the volume i mean.
Are u deaf? I can hear evey word fool.
Play it saxman!
An excellent video! It was really informative, and great to hear your stories behind every shoe!
amazingly diversed collection and handsome selection!
Hey Kirby , fine collection. Like you I have a pair of bespoke George cleverly and a ready to wear pair of St Crispins amongst my shoe collection. I would recommend that you look to getting a pair of Edward Green. I think you will be pleased. I will be looking to get a pair of my first Graziano & Girling next. Oh yes , look at Alden suede and leather loafers , calf and cordovan. Sublime.
Nicely done. Always appreciate your detailed vids. Great content!
Thanks! This was fun to film!
Bravo!!!! thank you for sharing your collection and your thoughts.
I enjoyed it!
Thanks, Frank! Check out our other videos!
Bet that shoe collection is worth more than my car lol. I'll probably never be able to afford a luxury wardrobe, but I appreciate the quality and style. Glad to see the channel growing.
james Pitt , There's a scene in Grand Torino; the kid asks Clint Eastwood how he could afford such a garage full of tools.
Eastwood scoffed at the question and told how he bought one tool then later bought another and later bought another...
@goombakiwi This is a great story! And very true. This collection has taken 15 years to accumulate. It's a process...
Gr8 collection, I love it❤❤! I may now show my wife and tell Kirby Allisson has these much shoes collection 🥰👈.
Fantastic... Kirby !
I’ve stuck with Allen Edmonds. I really don’t see myself spending much more for a pair of shoes that may only be a bit better when it comes to quality. Maybe as I become more knowledgeable, I will see the justification in spending such tremendous amounts. Love your channel!
Thanks, Sean. AE's are a great entry point. They're good shoes and, when cared for properly, can last decade.
Very nice collection
Great video Kirby! Have 3 pairs of custom Cleverley's myself..went all out for my first pair in selecting a cap toe in the Russian 1786 reindeer leather. Still my favorite pair of shoes; finally got it resoled last year. And the Cleverley fit is so snug, those shoes have such an exquisite light feel once they fully break in. Still my go-to pair of shoes when I'm stuck working a long day and evening...also have an elastic sided slip-on in burgundy, and another captoe in antique whiskey.
Wear them in good health! The Russian leather had a wonderful unique 'vegetal' aroma when I first received the shoes...I'm assuming from the long-lost tannery methods used to make them. Enjoy it while it lasts, as it will dissipate over the next several months.
Love the music!
Coo, thanks for sharingl. I have about 30 pairs or so of dress shoes. Almost all are Santoni and Ferragamo, these two brands fit me really well. I just spent a few hundred with you in Saphir products to work on these shoes since we are stuck at home right now.
Kirby, great to see another man showing his shoes, one thing that I would like explained is, why do some shoes sit flat on the floor, while others curl up at the toe. I know which I prefer but just what is going on.
Colin, this primarily arises from two reasons: (1) cheap construction or (2) the shoes not being stored with shoe trees. The latter is preventable. When you wear a pair of shoes, you flex the shoe as you walk naturally, which is what creates the shoe's predisposition to curve. When you store your shoes using shoe trees, they stretch the shoe flat as it dries so that this crescent shape doesn't become permanent.
Excellent shoe collection. I prefer the dress "club" shoes personally, but I do find room in my life for the pigskins and chukka boots!
James Milligan Yes! A man needs more than black oxfords. My chukka boots and casuals probably get the most wear here in Dallas, especially w three kids. But I LOVE my formal dress shoes and enjoy it when I’m able to wear them!
Kirby loves a wholecut!
Nice Collection. I wish I still had my black Oxfords I bought over 20 years ago - got lost somewhere. Love shoes so building my collecrion slowly. Bespoke shoes are on my list next.
A bespoke pair of black captoe oxfords would be the perfect place to begin! You can easily wear those shoes the rest of your life. You could wear them every day almost if you wanted!
A similar journey for me. I'd always appreciated half decent shoes from an early age. This started with the likes of Loake (and various shoes made by loake under other names), which are much like the AE of UK, a solid, well made range of welted shoes. That said the 1880 Range from loake punches above its weight and offers good leather on a well made shoe.
Then I bought my first pair of Crockett & Jones, and that was really the start of the "habit". The crocketts were just another level up, and I ended up buying several crocketts, followed by some Cheaneys, which of similar quality, actually fit me a little better, albeit that I still prefer crockett leather slightly.
Then I discovered Alfred Sargent, and in particular the Exclusive range, which in hindsight, push well well above their weight. The 724 last is highly reminiscent of the G&G TG73 last, and in fact my Moores appear almost identical in many ways to the G&G St James II. They are made from excellent leather, and have lots of high end touches like the rolled (and narrow) waists, and lasted shoe trees.
But then I bought some G&G's!
Although I love my Gazianos, what I will say, is that having experienced G&G, Edward Green and Clevereley shoes, I'd suggest that the Alfred Sargent Exclusives / Handgrade, are actually sitting at an apex of price / quality / value, where spending a lot more gets you very little, and spending much less can get you significantly less. In fact when I came to buy the Moores, I did consider buying the G&G St James II, but I genuinely couldn't find any detail, finishing, or styling difference that would convince me to pay double the money. So I stuck with the AS.
I'd love to get a few more Gazianos, but perhaps some AS handgrade first :)
Shrink1061 That’s the journey! If you could go back, would you do anything differently?
those brown pigskin loafers by Cleverly are bananas! great collection!
Best advice at the end--quality over quantity.
Really like the red GC pig skin loafers and black GC cap toe oxfords-hope to get some myself soon. My walnut McCalisters and oxblood Strands seem sturdy, but the fit and finish are ok. I enjoy them though.
Nochaser Guitar Channel Got to start somewhere! All that matters is that you love and enjoy what you own while aspiring to something new!
But again I’m impressed with your dress style, and will continue to follow your channel. I’m a bit of a rare bird, in that I tend to dress a little more than my teaching cohorts which kinda makes me stand out around high schoolers with their athletic gear and sneakers.
I have to show my wife this "collection" Maybe I don't have a problem! Kirby Allison is very likable.
Hello! Great video and amazing collection.
If I can suggest something - please lower the background music next time. It’s competing with your great narrative. Thank you.
karl solano agree, just a bit would be perfect!
Your bespoke loafers are exceptional! Great video and channel. Keep up the great work!
My favorites are the loafers, Kirby.
My question is when you're doing this video, are you wearing shoes or in your stocking feet?
Beautiful collection! I'm fairly new to better shoes myself, and I've stuck to Allen Edmond's so far. Thanks for the inspiration to expand my horizons. I work at an industrial facility (power plant) and don't get to wear nice shoes too often, so I haven't yet found the gumption to get a pair of bespoke shoes. In my early 40's, though, I feel it's time.
JustinHEMI If you don’t wear them often, all the more reason to have two to three really awesome shoes you’ll love and wear the rest of your life! There is just something special about putting on a pair of bespoke shoes!
Excellent point!
Allen Edmonds served me well for many years. I highly recommended them to the younger guys who worked for me. I still have several pairs in my closet.
can you please make a video on how to store shoes you don't wear, for year sometimes and how to take care of them and how often should we condition or polish them?? thank you .
Hello Kirby , I wasn’t sure I should share this with you but I am going to .
I hadn’t the slightest idea about shoes ,until I began watching your and other videos about shoes , I had no idea what brouguing , cap toes, Goodyear welt , lasts ,were etc,
You did mention on a video , ( not the exact words) that once you buy a pair you’d want a second then a third ....at that moment I thought no way I am buying those expensive shoes ,but then again I thought ,if I buy a good quality shoes they will last me a long tome .
So I went to the Allen Edmonds store in New York and Anded up buying : a pair of park avenue black and a pair of walnut , a pair of burgundy Bond street, a pair of strandmok brown, and a pair cognac,; then I saw you made a video at the Carmina store in New York , I went there and ended up buying a pair Semi brogue in Vegano Bordeaux Inca and a pair of double monk straps in Vegano Brown Inca , 9UK fit me just right .
Plus i made a mistake of buying a pair of Double Monk straps in Brown Museum , the mistake was that they turned out to be to tight ,8.5 UK ( Allen Edmonds 9.5 fit perfect ), the mistake was That I got so excited and rushed to have put on them toe and hill taps plus a half rubber sole , so couldn’t return them , ( hopefully I’ll be able to sell them ).
All in all I am very happy with the purchase and hopefully I will have shoes for a free years , am not trying to sound pretentious by any means ,just had some money saved ( I might delete the comment after) I just though I’d share it with you,. It is all your fault!!lol .
Am amazed at how much you know about shoes and I have learned a lot !!
Thankyou .
Would you ever consider a pair from designers like Gucci, Prada, Magli or Christian Laboutin? I'm pretty weary because of all the so called influencers promoting designers and don't like to purchase a label, but the Laboutin Greggo looks like a good shoe.
Appreciate your content and tutorials!
I'm constantly scouring the internet for quality used shoes ( Allen Edmonds, Church, Florsheim Imperial, Santoni, etc) and planning to restore some back to life now.
16:06 I thought the initials "R" & "L" on a pair of slippers meant Right and Left.
Great collection. You need some Alden shell cordovan though! My favorite American shoemaker. They use Horween shell cordovan.
phototristan I’d love to get a pair of shell cordovan shoes. Alden makes great ones! But they use meta shanks - better than plastic - but they set off meta detectors. I don’t think I could do it. 😂
This. I love my Alden's to death.
Allen Edmonds shell cordovan shoes are another option and they would not setoff metal detectors.
no leather as good as cordovan, and Alden does several colors, though I prefer the oxblood color of Alan Edmonds standard cordovan
Great video! Keep the good work!
Nice collection of shoes, I am impressed.
karmar jarkeem Thanks! 🙏
Emelda gives a thumbs up!
As a 19 year old college kid, how can I get started with finding a good pair of shoes without any prior knowledge and more or less the financial means? Following that, a decent yet professional outfit to match.
I just bought a mint condition, $315 pair of Allen Edmonds at a thrift shop for $15. I would suggest you start frequenting thrift stores around your city. If you're at a big school, there'll be plenty of them and they'll most likely have bargains galore. Also, look at eBay. You can find tons of decent previously owned shoes on there for $50. There are plenty of deals around you just have to be patient and keep an eye out.
I've had a fair bit of success with finding AE's through Poshmark. 8 pairs in and never spent more than $60 for any of them. Don't be afraid to haggle. Folks who want to sell something will make a deal if you just approach them honorably.
your gazianos in burgundy look a lot like allen edmonds cornwallis, which they just brought back as a limited release a few weeks ago. i picked up the cornwallis in vintage burgundy and vintage navy
Regarding bespoke shoes, I'd suggest for you to take a look at the maker Jan Kielman, for the price of around 800-1000 dollars they've got the experience of making the models of the late "Nikolaus Tuzcek" which is who the late Cleverley worked before he started his own company, just like Tony Gaziano worked for Cleverly before he went off to create his own brand for instance.
The history of Jan Kielman would be extremely intresting, an interview with the polish maker and a visit in which they actually create your shoe in just 5-6 weeks! The only difference is that they'll take your measurements, and you'd state all of your requirements without any fittings included.
Are monk straps trendy or fashionable? I just don't want to buy a pair only for them to look dated 10 years from now.
I now own over 30 pairs of shoes from a small family company based in the Neatherlands called Reinhard Frans. Very good shoes and through a MTO program I am always sure the last that suits my feet best is used. Have you ever heared of the Company?
Never heard of them. They must be great if you have 30 pairs!
They are, I suggest visiting their facebook page, let me know what you think ok!
Your videos are greatly appreciated. Can I ask why you haven't made any videos on Church's shoes? Cheers
You have great taste - beautiful burgundy shoes.
Your friend’s dad’s advice - thanks for sharing. That’s my biggest takeaway from this video. Also, the discount seekers comment.