John Lobb Appreciation Thread

[Xiaogou]

Towcester FTW!

 

[MoosicPa]

I have a number of pairs JL Paris, but am strongly considering having a pair made by JL St. James. They travel to the US twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. I missed their Fall dates, so will have to wait until the Spring. However, I was wondering if anyone here has had a pair commissioned by them, and what are your thoughts, criticisms, or praises.... Thanks.

 

[jerrybrowne]



I have a number of pairs JL Paris, but am strongly considering having a pair made by JL St. James. They travel to the US twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. I missed their Fall dates, so will have to wait until the Spring. However, I was wondering if anyone here has had a pair commissioned by them, and what are your thoughts, criticisms, or praises.... Thanks.

I've used them multiple times. I would say that the fit has been spot on from the first pair requiring no additional changes to my last. This was a first among the makers I've used.

However, there have been issues with every pair with respect to finish, requiring sending back to the maker. In the end I've overlooked these problems due to the great comfort of the shoes. Of the bespoke shoes I own, I wear my JLSJ the most.

They are expensive though. And they nickle and dime you for everything. Shoes are sent wrapped in paper in a plain cardboard box- shoe bags cost extra and don't expect a shoe horn in that box. Also trees are extremely expensive. If you take the bags and trees into account, the shoes are nearly 33% more expensive than their London competitors.

 

[MoosicPa]



I've used them multiple times. I would say that the fit has been spot on from the first pair requiring no additional changes to my last. This was a first among the makers I've used.

However, there have been issues with every pair with respect to finish, requiring sending back to the maker. In the end I've overlooked these problems due to the great comfort of the shoes. Of the bespoke shoes I own, I wear my JLSJ the most.

They are expensive though. And they nickle and dime you for everything. Shoes are sent wrapped in paper in a plain cardboard box- shoe bags cost extra and don't expect a shoe horn in that box. Also trees are extremely expensive. If you take the bags and trees into account, the shoes are nearly 33% more expensive than their London competitors.

Thanks for the heads up Jerry, kind of strange they charge extra for the trees. I've had shoes made by Cleverley and St. C's, but the price always included the trees, including some very nice ones from Cleverley.

 

[jerrybrowne]



Thanks for the heads up Jerry, kind of strange they charge extra for the trees. I've had shoes made by Cleverley and St. C's, but the price always included the trees, including some very nice ones from Cleverley.

I don't get it either. £675 for the trees alone.

 

[Butler]

Thanks for the heads up Jerry, kind of strange they charge extra for the trees. I've had shoes made by Cleverley and St. C's, but the price always included the trees, including some very nice ones from Cleverley.

I don't get it either. £675 for the trees alone.

228 £ for shoe bags are even more incredible considering the labour involved - I have been too cheap to go for that

 

[Mark Lee Jin Yi]

Jodhpur II in action!

 

[klasmeister]

Jodhpur II in action!

Very nice sir!

 

[klasmeister]

These need to be quoted. AMAZING boots!! When you wear them again please repost some pics.

Thank you sir!

I know it is not 'correct', but tried them today with a grey suit.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]

Thanks for the heads up Jerry, kind of strange they charge extra for the trees. I've had shoes made by Cleverley and St. C's, but the price always included the trees, including some very nice ones from Cleverley.

I don't get it either. £675 for the trees alone.

228 £ for shoe bags are even more incredible considering the labour involved - I have been too cheap to go for that

By any definition, this is robbery. Laughable, really.

 

[chogall]

It's not robbery if some clients are happily paying for them.

 

[ballmouse]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/14/business/international/john-lobbs-shoes-paula-gerbase.html?_r=1

Lobb article in the NYTimes.

They hired a 32 year old fashion designer as creative director - one who has never before designed shoes. Wonder what changes lie ahead?

 

[Kuro]

^buckles. lots of them.

 

[chogall]

^buckles. lots of them.

steam punk

 

[goodlensboy]

There are so many modern shoe makers out there. But there is just one John Lobb. Can't they leave it like that. Perhaps their sales are declining and facing tough competition so trying hard to remain in business. It's sad if it is like that.