It’s been raining in New York for the past three days. Everything looks dull and gray, but today we had a ray of sunshine delivered in a shoebox sent from Pierre Corthay. The master shoemaker that brought us the Ultimate Wilfrid brightened our day with this, his latest creation.

Corthay Sade 001 Last Ardillat Calf, Flaming Croc – MTO*

*MTO footwear is not part of our stock lines they are Made To Order.

We received several pairs of Gaziano & Girling MTO’s. The Hayes has always been a popular model; something about the Adelaide throat and clean line makes this a particularly versatile and sophisticated shoe. These two pairs are slightly different from each other but both are fine examples of the extraordinary shoe making of Gaziano & Girling.

Hayes TG73 Last in Rosewood Calf – MTO*

This pair was modified by continuing the punching around the top line of the shoes. We also requested a different toe medallion, which swoops out further along the side of the toe box.

Hayes MH71 Last Black Calf – MTO*

*MTO footwear is not part of our stock lines they are Made To Order.

I saw an interesting article in Men’s Ex magazine, where they took the laces out of a pair of black cap toe oxfords and replaced them with tan laces.

I decided to try it here, and chose the Gaziano & Girling, Oxford for the lace exchange. I think it looks pretty cool. It’s an interesting and simple way to change the look of a black shoe. The laces I used are a flat wax lace, which have a dressier look.

I would wear these with a black or dark gray suit with either a shirt, tie or pocket square that picks up the color of the laces.

Note: I tried this with several styles and brands; I found it to look best with  plain or cap toes. Brogues looked to busy but I guess it’s a matter of taste. I always feel less is more, and this is about a subtle twist. Other colors could look equally good but the key is to play off the laces with some other accessory.

Our good friend and founder of Permanent Style, Simon Crompton paid us a visit this week. PS is the biggest blog on men’s elegance in the UK. You may already be familiar with it, if not I highly recommend you visit its full of helpful sartorial advice as Simon takes us along on his search for the ultimate wardrobe. In addition Simon is editor-in-chief of The Gentleman’s Corner and a contributor to The Rake.

In spite of maintaining a hectic schedule in NY Simon was gracious enough to find the time to post an article about Leffot on Permanent Style. I thank you sir.

Alden’s plain toe blucher in color 8 cordovan is one fine piece of design and engineering simplicity, period.

Alden 990 Horween Color 8 Shell Cordovan, Barrie Last, Double Leather Soles

In Stock

We have a very special client upstate New York, Dr. V. He’s is a terrific guy, and one who has an extraordinary appreciation for exceptional shoes. We’ve collaborated on several pairs in the past by Pierre Corthay all of which have been posted here. One of the most enjoyable aspects of collaborating with Dr. V. is his ability to “see” the shoes in his mind, something that is not easy for everyone to do. As for Pierre he himself is a phenomenal artiste, which is evident the moment you gaze upon a pair of his shoes, a fact not at all lost on Dr. V.

We began working on this pair last November. Dr. V. had the idea of doing a shoe with olive crocodile. We talked about the Vendome, which would have been impressive but ultimately decided on the Wilfrid, which is truly the perfect shoe for a calf and croc combo.

What impresses me most about this pair is the balance Corthay achieved. The skins are perfectly matched in size, color and position. The color is so natural you almost expect the shoes to grow legs and crawl off. We’ve made many versions of the Wilfrid solid calf, calf and suede and one in calf and patent leather and all were beautiful. But the depth of texture and color of this pair is what is particularly appealing. Not only are they an outstanding piece of fine craftsmanship they capture perfectly Dr. V’s sense of style, which in my opinion makes for the ultimate Wilfrid.

Wilfrid 002 Last Olive Calf & Croc – MTO

New to the lineup of Rider Boot Company’s Hobo boot is the Waterproof Tan Chromexcel model on plantation crepe soles. The color is more rust than tan but what’s in a name; they’re incredibly good looking, amazingly comfortable and now in stock.

Hobo Boot Waterproof Tan Chromexcel – $620

Spring officially begins March 20th; hopefully the weather will cooperate. One of our most comfortable and popular shoes is perfect for a spring stroll. The Alden suede chukkas on the Flex Welt construction are ultra soft, ultra flexible and über cool.

Alden 1494 Tan Suede

Alden 1492 Brown Suede

Alden 1493 Snuff Suede

Coming Spring ’10

The Sebago-Moc Company was founded in 1946 by three New England natives whose first shoe was a hand-sewn penny loafer. Two years after the initial founding, Sebago-Moc began selling its leather boat shoe and they have been an American icon ever since. This May, Sebago introduces its 1946 LTD. EDITION boat shoes, and when we say, “limited” we mean limited.

These LTD’s will be made in three color combinations, available in eight pairs of whole sizes, twenty-four in total. No reorders no do overs, and to make them even more exclusive these shoes will only be available at select stores, Leffot included.

Sebago 1946 LTD. EDITION Docksides Shipping May 1, 2010

Inspired by the work-shoe first built by founder G.A. Krause nearly 100 years ago Wolverine’s 1000 Mile Boot is a boot for the Everyman.  The new 1000 mile boot made its debut in the fall of 2009 and there’s been no looking back. The next 1000 miles begins soon, with the introduction of the Addison. Like it’s sibling the “Original” the Addison is a heritage boot that is faithful to its forefather.

Our 1000 Mile boots are made in the USA with Genuine Horween Chromexcel leather uppers, and classic welt construction. Whether you work hard or play hard these boots can take it. They’re built well, they’re built to last.

Addison 1000 Mile Boot, Tan Chromexcel – $350 reserve orders