I find the individual that took second place was truly a craftsman in the deepest sense. To think that he learned the techniques on his own and the creativity of execution is truly second to none. I only wish he would have taken first place as he, above all others, deserved it. The sole, the side stitching and cutouts, and the heal are truly unbelievable. To think that he can do this while making roughly five pairs per year is unbelievable.
Wow, Kirby is a Judge now for shoe events. Nice 👏. This Shows if you immerse yourself in a certain field for a period of time, you eventually become an expert.
Besdies Patrick Frei's winning shoe, I think this year's models are the best I've ever seen. Not to mention them being boots makes them even harder to make.
@@alt5494 This competition isn't about owning the shoes. It is about quality, craftsmanship, tradition and showmanship. These shows are for display cases and not for wearing. Look at it as art.
@@princemarkokibe7661 Art is subjective & completely personal. However art in case of functional items verses abstract functionless form should be judged by both art & form.
I’m late to this video… but seeing all the judges, and I realized, at least 2/3 of them have been featured prominently in videos on this channel, which should tell you both the quality of this channel and the quality of this competition
I need to add that one to my daily word: prepossessing Serving to impress favorably; pleasing. Causing prejudice. Tending to invite favor; attracting confidence, favor, esteem, or love; attractive.
I observed two demonstrations of genius in this contest. First, I spoke with Viktor ("Bullet"/ 2nd place shoe maker) for about 30-45 minutes before the judging. He explained to me the greatest challenge, what may not have come across clearly in this video, was removing the last from his boot once completed. To truly understand the apparent impossibility of this, you need to hold the shoe and look closely at specific details such as the boot's low profile and tongue orientation. He told me he brainstormed every day for a month on how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. He succeeded in removing it, but nobody knows how. Second, While speaking with Viktor, I asked him if any of the other entries impressed him. Without hesitation, he immediately grabbed Athanase's boot (ended up winning 1st place), and said, "This one. See this?" (showed me the bottom) "I don't know how he did this; nobody knows how he did this." After the judging, I congratulated him and said it must feel good especially knowing the only entry that beat him was the one that Impressed him. Viktor agreed. He is incredibly passionate, and was a very gracious man on my interaction even though he didn't need to be. It was a very memorable experience.
I'm not sure how I feel about weighting the scoring towards difficulty and execution. At the end of the day, if the shoe isn't asthetically pleasing, I'm not going to like it or ever wear it. I'm not saying that I think asthetics should be the dominant score but I think equal weighting makes sense. It should be imporant that the shoe look good. This seems to promote just making shoes that are hard to make but thats only half of the craft. design is a huge part. Anyways, just my two cents.
Best video on this competition, well done ! As for my thoughts, I'd rather have a competition where the winners are those with shoes that are functional, not just for show. That way, they might invent something new or useful. Maybe a competition where all ideas are welcome for the particular category chosen by the organizers i.e. oxford, derby, boots, etc. Who knows, it may attract big sponsors, waiting to get a patent.
It's the Irish in him... he's always ready for a good street fight. lol. He's a great guy, though, and has worked hard to create what he has. Full respect for Justin. He was actually one of the first people I met when I went to London for the first time what had to be 10 years ago... he was on the store floor of Gieves & Hawkes shining shoes as I was walking around Savile Row for the first time. We've been friends ever since and it's been fun to see our respective businesses grow as we have realized our dreams!
I find the individual that took second place was truly a craftsman in the deepest sense. To think that he learned the techniques on his own and the creativity of execution is truly second to none. I only wish he would have taken first place as he, above all others, deserved it. The sole, the side stitching and cutouts, and the heal are truly unbelievable. To think that he can do this while making roughly five pairs per year is unbelievable.
Fantastic.
My first pair of bespoke shoes changed how shoes should fit.
Every gentleman needs a pair of bespoke shoes
Nr. 3 is my absolute favorite.
Wow, Kirby is a Judge now for shoe events. Nice 👏.
This Shows if you immerse yourself in a certain field for a period of time, you eventually become an expert.
Hats off to Kirby for being one of the hardest working gents in the industry. What a fantastic display of what can only be described as an art form!
WOW! Amazing, indeed.
Besdies Patrick Frei's winning shoe, I think this year's models are the best I've ever seen. Not to mention them being boots makes them even harder to make.
Fantastic video, Kirby. Thank you so much for sharing it with us in such style.
Love the third place entry.
Second place is a piece of art and a blessing from God. Argue 😃
I agree the second place Absolutely love it
@@princemarkokibe7661 Second place is stunning would simply rather own a set like the third place.
@@alt5494 This competition isn't about owning the shoes. It is about quality, craftsmanship, tradition and showmanship. These shows are for display cases and not for wearing.
Look at it as art.
@@princemarkokibe7661 Art is subjective & completely personal. However art in case of functional items verses abstract functionless form should be judged by both art & form.
Wow! Just wow! what a fantastic show of shoemaking, it just gets better every year.
I’m late to this video… but seeing all the judges, and I realized, at least 2/3 of them have been featured prominently in videos on this channel, which should tell you both the quality of this channel and the quality of this competition
Mind boggling..........................
Delightful tie fit for a prepossessing gentleman.
I need to add that one to my daily word: prepossessing
Serving to impress favorably; pleasing.
Causing prejudice.
Tending to invite favor; attracting confidence, favor, esteem, or love; attractive.
SHOEMAKING IS AN INSPIRING ART
I observed two demonstrations of genius in this contest.
First, I spoke with Viktor ("Bullet"/ 2nd place shoe maker) for about 30-45 minutes before the judging. He explained to me the greatest challenge, what may not have come across clearly in this video, was removing the last from his boot once completed. To truly understand the apparent impossibility of this, you need to hold the shoe and look closely at specific details such as the boot's low profile and tongue orientation. He told me he brainstormed every day for a month on how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. He succeeded in removing it, but nobody knows how.
Second, While speaking with Viktor, I asked him if any of the other entries impressed him. Without hesitation, he immediately grabbed Athanase's boot (ended up winning 1st place), and said, "This one. See this?" (showed me the bottom) "I don't know how he did this; nobody knows how he did this."
After the judging, I congratulated him and said it must feel good especially knowing the only entry that beat him was the one that Impressed him. Viktor agreed. He is incredibly passionate, and was a very gracious man on my interaction even though he didn't need to be. It was a very memorable experience.
1 million subs is in sight
There are unfortunately that many of us 😂
Cap toe army
Amazing.
The Unknown Romanian should’ve won first place for his passion alone.
Mr. Allison, do you sell Carmina Colorless Wax? If so I'd like to make a purchase. Thank you.
Bullet shoes was incredible. Should have won.
I'm not sure how I feel about weighting the scoring towards difficulty and execution. At the end of the day, if the shoe isn't asthetically pleasing, I'm not going to like it or ever wear it. I'm not saying that I think asthetics should be the dominant score but I think equal weighting makes sense. It should be imporant that the shoe look good. This seems to promote just making shoes that are hard to make but thats only half of the craft. design is a huge part. Anyways, just my two cents.
This is indeed an ongoing debate. There are several judges who think that all three should at least be equal-weighted.
1st and second were by far the best looking.
The 2nd and 3rd Chaps are correct about the stress of making for the competition.
Best video on this competition, well done !
As for my thoughts, I'd rather have a competition where the winners are those with shoes that are functional, not just for show. That way, they might invent something new or useful. Maybe a competition where all ideas are welcome for the particular category chosen by the organizers i.e. oxford, derby, boots, etc. Who knows, it may attract big sponsors, waiting to get a patent.
Damn can't believe I missed this. Ohhhh .bloody work
When is the Cuba trip video gonna be posted ?
Yes
I do wonder how well dressed Kerby's camera man is.
Bruce Springsteen & Matt O'ree have a duet called BLACK BOOTS one day have a listen
🥃🎩
Why does Justin Fitzpatrick always look so pissed to be there? 🤣 Is he angry, or is it JFP-RBF?
It's the Irish in him... he's always ready for a good street fight. lol. He's a great guy, though, and has worked hard to create what he has. Full respect for Justin. He was actually one of the first people I met when I went to London for the first time what had to be 10 years ago... he was on the store floor of Gieves & Hawkes shining shoes as I was walking around Savile Row for the first time. We've been friends ever since and it's been fun to see our respective businesses grow as we have realized our dreams!
The design looked uncomfortable. But they're made by a bespoken shoe maker so the comfortability didn't need to be questioned
Number 4 should have been number 3. I don’t get it
World championship of artistic skills and creation meanwhile the world championship of slapping contest.....
Beautiful shoes, but next time another speaker! This one is annoying
have to agree! He's very unprofessional I'm afraid! Sorry!😕
please someone who can speak english to anounce properly the winner.
All of my boys are in the house.