These Gaziano & Girling MTO’s were in and out of the store the very same day. Both pairs for one of our favorite clients, who now owns four G&G’s.

Given that he can have them made in his size, 9C has made him a true convert. I was quite happy to hear him say, “Since I’ve been wearing G&G my feet no longer bother me”. That’s a strong statement and a testament to the fit and support that’s truly unique to Gaziano & Girling shoes.

Not only do they look great, but they “feel” great as well, and that’s exactly what investing in quality footwear is all about.

The Arran on the TG73 Last with Double Leather Soles in Black Calf

The Cambridge on the MH71 Last in Black Calf

Imagine trekking through the Alps or for that matter the Street of New York when the boots you’re wearing start wearing you out. The Traiano hiking boots by Church’s are cut generously in width to accommodate heavy socks and are surprisingly light in weight.

The deep grooved soles afford superb traction on snow or ice and the back calf leather stands up to the elements very well. These boots come with both yellow and brown laces although for me it’s only yellow…..

Church’s; Traiano Hiking Boot, in Ebony Back Calf Leather

These Pierre Corthay MTO’s were ordered during our trunk show in December. All great styles and all for different customers.

The New Arca Boucle on the 001 last in Cherry with Granny Apple Piping

The New Nelson on the new 003 last in Lie de Vin

The New Kleber on the 001 Last in Bergeronette Box

The Classic Arca on the 001 Last in Black Calf with Purple Lining

Great choices by all and great new styles by Pierre.

Many customers think that Mr. Corthay’s lasts and styles are ONLY progressive and suitable for those with narrow feet. In fact, the new Nelson is an example of a seemingly traditional shoe with Corthay flair in a more “comfortable” last. A fine example how flexibility and creativity by Pierre combine to meet a market need.

Leffot is proud to offer what we consider to be a fine assortment of footwear and accessories but we are equally interested in presenting art for the enjoyment of those in New York and beyond.

Our newest art installation is looking absolutely incredible. A collaboration between artist Robin Joy and origami artist Sok Song is a very unique and special installation. Robin Joy is a graphic designer, and fine artist who creates intensely intricate and complicated pencil graphics that she transfers to among other things wallpaper, which she is installing in our gallery.

Sok, who has created the Holiday Tree for the Museum of Natural History in New York is creating an entire origami tree using paper printed with Robin’s graphics. The tree will have origami hands as branches. It’s difficult and complicated work and very hard to convey what an incredible impact the installation is having on our gallery space.  It’s really much more amazing than I can explain and needs to be seen in person to appreciate the beauty and creativity that has been put into this exhibit.

The opening event will be hosted on February 5th from 7-9 p.m. by fashion icon and man about town Patrick McDonald. I highly recommend that you attend not just because it will be a great event, but for the incredible impact of the art itself. The exhibit will be in place until March, we invite you to come by to see a most fascinating and unique display of combined art forms.

“Shoe Trees” a must have item for any decent shoe. I always try to emphasis the importance of using them even if they’re not trees made by the specific shoe manufacturer, which of course are best for the shoes. A decent pair is still better than none at all just be sure to find a tree that is as similar to the last as possible, that the wood is not polished so it can absorb perspiration, and make sure they’re the correct size. Too small and they serve little purpose and too large they’ll stretch your shoes to mention making it difficult to insert and remove.

That brings me to my next demonstration. I occasionally watch as men try to insert the trees; some do it with ease while others seem to have a difficult time. There is a bit of a technique but it’s quite simple to master. I’m using the Pierre Corthay Bucy to demonstrate

If the shoes are oxfords or derby’s make sure they’re unlaced, monk straps should be unbuckled.

Hold the tree at a 45º angle with the outside edge of the tree facing down.

Insert the tree as far as it will go.

Then from the heel push it in the rest of the way.

Next simply push down on the back and you’re in.

It’s not unlike changing a tire on a car (which is much more difficult) you just need to do it once and you’ll never forget how. You’re now ready to proceed to storing your shoes. For more on that visit my previous post on properly boxing your shoes.

Nothing says Alden more than Shell Cordovan, they are the largest producer of shell cordovan shoes in the United States if not the world. Our newest addition is the 9901 Plain Toe Blucher in black shell cordovan on double leather Goodyear welted soles.

These shoes are on the Alden Barrie Last, which runs about a full size larger than your American foot size. A great shoe that gets better over time.

Kind of like Police Dress Shoe meets School Uniform Shoe……

Protection comes in all forms of rubber. At Leffot we highly recommend wearing a pair of Dress Rubber Overshoes in wet weather. The Tingely Rubber Co. was founded in 1896 by C.O. Tingley and was the first company to produce a rubber over shoe.

We chose Tingley because the thickness of the rubber is heavier than that of other brands and because the last thing you need is for your rubbers to break when you need them most.

These are great to keep on hand at home or at work or a pair at each location, because you never know when you’ll need them. These also have the added advantage of avoiding the salt stain removal you encounter when you go out unprotected. Don’t say we didn’t warn you……..

Shown here: Gazizno & Girling’s Hayes on the TG73 last whch, fits perfecly on the Tingley Trim 1800 model.

Sure these are challenging times, but we at Leffot look forward to the new administration in Washington for changes, which are long overdue. Change of course takes time but nonetheless what choice do we have but to “Keep Calm And Carry On”. These words issued by King George VI to the citizens of England on the impending invasion by Germany during WWII are as relevant today as they were more than fifty years ago.

In a humble but somewhat practical effort to foster that message we have made available a limited number of canvas bags that spread the sentiment. Life is a state of mind (not to get too metaphysical) and it’s as easy to be positive, as it is to be doom and gloom. We prefer to think positive and so we’ll “Keep Calm And Carry On”. You can too, spread the word…..

Totes Bags in Red, and Blue $45

We received this order for a pair of Artioli MTO’s by way of a girlfriend that brought in her boyfriends very old pair of shoes and asked if it could be made again. We photographed the originals and sent it to Artioli.

They identified the style and Voila a new pair was made.

This pair of Edward Green Banbury’s is on the 202 last in Chestnut Antique with Dainite soles. They were sent as a try on pair for our client (UK 6.5E) before proceeding with his original order of the Silverstone. They looked so beautiful and fit so well that he decided to purchase them. I think he made a very wise decision.

He also has a pair of the Galway in Walnut Country Calf (dark brown pebble grain) on order. Rest assured they will be posted upon arrival in mid February.