Introducing: Custom Shoes

Shoes!  Tell me more…

If you’ve strolled past our window, or been in the shop sometime in the past few years and wondered, “what’s the story with those beautiful shoes?”, you’re not alone!  In 2018 we launched our custom shoe program, and we’ve been fielding inquiries about the specifics ever since, so we figured it was time to properly introduce you.

What’s the process like?

While you get to design your shoe in the comfort of your own home or in our showroom, each pair is handmade in Almansa, Spain - a region known for their shoemaking and leather work prowess.  Our partner factory there employs experts in each area of shoemaking, and with specialists working on each facet of production, there can be up to 45 craftspeople involved in the making of each pair.

Much like our Made to Measure suit programs, we carry a range of “fitter” shoes to help determine your size.  When you come into the shop to begin designing your shoe, we have you pop a pair on to determine that the last, or pattern, is comfortable and suits your foot.  While there is no limit to the creative options for your shoe design, we are not currently customizing fit beyond size and width changes.  We also have access to a foot sizing technology where we scan your foot, and input the digital imaging to our factory.  They process this information and pair your foot with the recommended size.  This can be particularly helpful for those who need specialty widths, which may not be available to try in store.

And then, the fun begins!  Whether you’ve been searching high and low for the perfect chocolate brown brogue, or you’re keen to design a shoe to match your latest custom suit, we’re here to help.  

I’m ready to go!  How do I get started at home?

If you’d like to begin designing your dream shoe at home, follow the instructions below to access the shoe design tool.

1) Head over to our main site - www.blairshapera.com - and click the category “Custom Shoes” from the navigation bar.  

2) This brings you to our launch page - you can peruse a selection of inspiration images, as well as viewing a short tutorial video.  This gives you a run down of how to use the shoe design program.

3) When you’re ready to get started, click the black bar below that reads “Start Designing Your Dream Shoe!”  This will open a new page where you’ll be directed to our shoe design platform.

4) If you’ve watched the tutorial video, you’re likely off to the races!  If you’d prefer a written guide, keep reading.

The photo below is what you’ll see when you first get to the site.  You’ll want to note the following things, found on the left hand side of the screen:

• If you’d like a little more style inspiration, click the top tab “Get Inspired”

• If you’re ready to start designing, find the category of shoe you’re looking for, and click to enter the design phase.  (EX: “Men’s dress golf”, or “Men’s casual”).  Once you’ve located the style of shoe you’re after, click on the title to go to the style options for the particular type of shoe.

6)   Click on the style of shoe you’re after, ex: Oxford or Double Monk and you’ll be led through a series of design choices.  You’ll click (with your computer mouse, or finger if using a mobile device) each section of the shoe you’d like to change.  Once a part of the shoe has been selected, you’ll be able to view the choices available for this part at the top of the screen.

7) Once you’re happy with your shoe, you can click “share” (at the top of the screen, towards the centre). This will save your design and allow you to send it directly to us!  If you’ve already had a pair made and are confident in your sizing, we will email back to confirm the order, and clarify any questions you may have.  If this is your first time ordering shoes with us, this will begin the process.  We’ll follow up to schedule an appointment for your measurements, and will confirm all styling details when we meet.

Voila!  Just like that, your dream shoes are within reach.

Whatever your need or desire, with thousands of combinations, you will be sure to find it in our collection.  Want more inspo?  Head to our Instagram (@measuredstyle) and take a peek at both our feed, and our story highlights from our 2019 custom shoe contest!