Toe shapes occupy The design of a shoe’s toe is one of its most integral aesthetic elements, due to its prominent front location. As its shape determines much of how viewers interpret its overall shape. While there are various types of toe shapes out there, here I attempt to categorize …
Samuel Owen 
The monk strap shoe
Monk strap shoes may seem like relatively modern classic models, however, its history dates back centuries and here’s a glimpse at its past. No one knows for certain when or why the monk shoe was first developed, however, its wide adoption became widespread during Europe’s High Middle Ages (ca. 1000-1350 …
The end of Foster & Son?
Foster & Son is one of the largest classic shoemakers that may fall due to Corona. After closing its factory earlier this summer, unconfirmed reports indicate they will also close their Jermyn Street store where their bespoke workshop has been located. Below we present our knowledge and any credible rumours. …
TLB Mallorca Artista
Artista, from TLB Mallorca’s new top range I was involved with developing through Skolyx retailer. It aims to bring some features found on custom made shoes into midrange price segment of Goodyear welted shoes while remaining accessible with its €425 cost tag. Here’s my report about this project that’s now …
Skolyx launches own brand and TLB
Skolyx, the Swedish online store, is unveiling two innovative brands, its Private Label line with shoes priced below €200 and Spanish mid-range brand TLB in Spain that will debut to the world at London Super Trunk Show next week. Skolyx has long been known for selling shoe care products and …
Nubuck, suede and roughout leather explained
There’s a lot of misinformation and conflicting advice online regarding napped leathers such as nubuck, split suede, full reverse suede and roughout. In this post I explain each type of napped leather nubuck, split suede, full reverse suede and roughout. Here I go over each leather to explain its properties …
Avoid having laces press through the tongue
People wearing certain shoes often report feeling discomfort on the foot’s instep and under the tongue, often caused by having too thin of a tongue, making the laces push through too easily and creating “sharp points” against their foot. Here is how to remedy the issue. After wearing shoes for …
The downside of shell cordovan
Shell cordovan is an immensely popular material due to its special characteristics and durability. However, there may be certain disadvantages of cordovan that some buyers might be unaware of, being aware of them can help inform your buying decisions when considering cordovan shoes as an investment option. Cordovan shoes have …
The end of Kiwi Shoe Care?
According to several reliable sources, Kiwi may soon be discontinued as a global shoe care brand owned by SC Johnson will no longer produce it. Last year’s news of SCJ withdrawing Kiwi from UK markets due to declining sales caused quite an uproar, but global sales may no longer support …
Isetan Men’s shoe department
Isetan Men’s shoe department is legendary among shoe enthusiasts for good reason, here you will find one of the world’s largest collections of classic men’s footwear from manufacturers worldwide, over 1,000 different models in total. Shoegazing enthusiasts from across the globe are frequent visitors. I have visited Paul Stuart and …