The first delivery of our “Exclusive J.C. Indy Boots” arrived and went out in short order, actually all pairs were pre-reserved as are the next order for spring. We are extremely pleased with the way these boots came out and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our very good client Mr. J.C. whom these were named after.

Our “Exclusive J.C. Indy Boots” are on the Trubalance last in Cigar shell cordovan with Commando soles and 360º welts, medium stained sole and heel edges, five invisible eyelets and four speed hooks. In our humble opinion these are the most outstanding Indy Boots ever, but hey we’re biased.

Edward Green the venerable English shoemaker marks their 120th anniversary in 2010. To put some historical perspective on this achievement 1890 also saw the publication of  “The Picture of Dorian Grey” Idaho, and Wyoming were admitted as the 43rd and 44th states, the New Scotland Yard opened, and Nellie Bly completed her round-the-world journey in 72 days. Not only was an extraordinary shoe company born so were Stan Laurel, Jelly Roll Morton, Dwight Eisenhower, Groucho Marx, Charles de Gaulle, Agatha Christie, and Harlan Sanders (The Colonel). That is some very impressive company and one helluva run, bully for you Edward Green.

For over a century Edward Green has maintained it’s exceedingly high standards of quality, craftsmanship and a reputation of producing the finest shoes in England “For the discerning few” an accomplishment not to be taken lightly.

In celebration of this milestone Edward Green has introduced the first of its 120th Anniversary Limited Edition models the Sandhurst, a classic English derby that has been culled from the archives. This Limited Edition model will be offered only during 2010 with each pair hand numbered and packaged in special anniversary boxes.

Orders are now being taken for the Sandhurst available in two versions. Please contact us for price and delivery details.

Sandhurst 888 Last Dark Oak Antique H/AF Soles

Sandhurst 202 Last Rosewood Country Calf Dainite Soles with Fudge Welt

The Gaziano & Girling Oxford is an elegant cap toe that has been a staple since day one. We just received a small reorder of this most classic of shoes.

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a hunred times no RTW shoe fits and supports the foot like a G&G shoe, period.

The Oxford in Black Calf on the GG06 Last*

The ever elegant and versatile Arca by Pierre Corthay is now available in Aubergine and Black calf with red linings. Without doubt the quintessential Corthay model, it is stylish and sophisticated, utterly genius in its simplicity, and fits like a glove. If you buy one pair of Corthay shoes this year you won’t go wrong if it’s an Arca.

Arca Aubergine with matching stained soles, 001 Last – In Stock

Arca Black with Red lining, 001 Last – In Stock

Introducing our new “Greenwich” boot built by Alden exclusively for Leffot. Our inspiration was found in the spirit of Greenwich Village’s hipsters and Bohemians both fun and sophisticated. These boots can be worn equally well with a smartly styled suit or a pair of trashed jeans the boots themselves are “the statement”.

Built on Alden’s Barrie last they are incredibly comfortable and roomy. The uppers are navy oiled nubuc trimmed with black piping, nine black agatine eyelets and flat black-waxed laces. The soles feature Alden’s double water-lock oil soaked leather, which is flexible and waterproof. We chose a 360º pre-stitched reverse welt and mid brown sole and heel edges which is an extremely handsome contrast with navy.

We really love these boots, we’re quite sure they’re destined to be a Leffot staple.

A big THANK YOU to the NY Times Style Magazine “The Moment” for featuring our exclusive Greenwich boot.

Greenwich Boot on Barrie Last in Navy Oiled Nubuc – $475

Available in Sizes 7.5 – 12 D width Only

Double Leather Water-lock Soles with Mid Brown Edges, 360 Pre-stitched Reverse Welt

A good friend and client wrote to me to share his experience at a shoe shine bar in Tokyo. If you’re looking for a great shoe shine in Tokyo this is the place to go.

On my recent trip to Japan, I received a fabulous shoe shine from the guys at Brift H. It was counter style, where you took off your shoes, had a drink and they shined your shoes on the bar counter. Anyway, I recommend that you try it, if you haven’t already, when you are in Tokyo again.

Looking for a last minute gift for your Valentine’s? You might want to consider…

Psycho Bunny Socks $30

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots – $325

Saphir Polishing Box – $275

Cordovan Watch Straps – $120 – $160

Edward Green Polishing Rolls – $135

Abbeyhorn Shoe Horns $30 – $90

Alden Snuff Suede Chukka’s $385

Basil Racuk Weekender – $870

Ephtee Polishing Maps – $160 – $275

Two new Gaziano & Girling’s models have arrived. Both are very handsome and feature the narrow waist and fiddle back soles which is the hallmark of G&G. Sophisticated, and stylish in colors that are rich and versatile, Gaziano & Girling’s mission is to create a bespoke aesthetic in a ready to wear shoe. The styling is pure Tony Gaziano, and the craftsmanship is every bit of Dean Girling. We tip or hat to you gentleman, mission accomplished.

Woburn MH71, Vintage Chestnut

Hayes TG73, Vintage Rioja

Now is the time to lace up a pair of boots that will get you through the storm, at least if you’re on the East Coast. Our Alden Plain Toe Boots in Kudu leather are made for just that purpose. Kudu is an oily leather perfect for foul weather. In addition these boots have Goodyear brand lug soles, think snow tires for your car. Made on the Barrie last there is plenty of room for heavier socks to keep your tootsies nice and warm.

Alden PTB Kudu Leather and Goodyear Lug Soles

Polishing your own shoes is a very gratifying experience. It need not be overly complicated and it should not cause you stress, relax and enjoy. Your shoes will mean more to you than ever if you have a little sweat equity invested. Remember how proud you felt after you washed and waxed your car in high school? Polishing your shoes is no different.

This tutorial is a “basic overview” of how to clean and polish your cordovan shoes; we hope you find it helpful. Like everything else there are many variations and everyone has their own personal preferences. It’s kind like asking how you like your steak cooked to each his own. The point is start with the basics; keep working at it and in time you’ll begin to develop your own technique.