The Green Venetian Loafers with the toe embellishments is stunning, thank you for your video, have not needed a new pair of shoes for a couple of years now, that just changed.
Haha. Yeah. Stunning shoes. But I'd probably go with these in an antiqued brown before I would go with green, though. It's a striking color, but I suspect it would be hard to wear in practice.
The Hanger Project correct, have to wear them sparingly. However, when you did them with the right Tweed jacket and correct shade of Grey Flannel trousers, they would be stunning.
Kirby, So glad to see your review. I’m a shoeaholic and a proud Gaziano & Girling customer. I’m amazed at the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail from G&G. Their products are matched only by their incredible customer service. Please say hello to Jason in the Savile Row store. He is awesome! P.S. I keep mine in great shape with your exceptional shoe care products from Saphir.
G&G and Cleverley are my two favorites. The deco last is awesome, but I have always preferred the chisel finish to the American style rounded toe like an Alden or AE.
Dear Kirby What do you think are the differences between Crockett and Jones and Edward green Shoes? Im thinking of buying a pair. I like it that i can choose different leathers and finishes with Edward Green. But the price difference is quitte big. Love your chanel. ciao Marc
Thanks Kirby! I made an appointment to see them here in Singapore next week. I scheduled it last week and have been scouring the internet to find as much info as I can on the deco lasts. This is a sign I should pull the trigger! Was a bit hesitant cuz am seeing cleverly in may so didn’t want to blow through my shoe budget so early in the year
Haha. I totally know that feeling! Will you see Daniel and Neus while you are there? After seeing the production process for the Deco shoes at their factory, I can say that these are some of the best RTW shoes being made in the world right now. They really put a lot of extra care and attention into them. The only thing better, of course, is bespoke! But as we all know, it comes at a huge premium!
Hello Kirby. Thank you for broadcasting these amazing shoes from Gaziano & Girling. Most definitely excellent shoes to covet! So, as you had mentioned, the shoes are not colored and/or dyed during the tanning process but rather, at the time of making them. Truly wonderful. However, it leads me to the most important question: Since G&G are taking the time and care in creating a "bespoke" pair of these marvellously dyed/colored/tinted shoes, should they still be polished to our (at least mine, anyway) expected mirror finish? I would find that to be a bit sacrilegious! I mean, it's like having a chef prepare you the world's best dish; but then, you add salt and ketchup! Yikes!Thank you again for your videos. Waiting to see more.Cheers,Jerry
These shoes only look better well-polished! And, in fact, "Patina Pete," one of the finishers at the G&G factory, was recently a finalist in the World Championship of Shoe Shining. We filmed the competition and the interviewed the three participants... stay tuned to the channel!
Great video Kirby! I would like to ask how G&G RTW models compare to GJ Cleverley’s RTW models and which you would say offers a better value for money?
Hello Kirby, great video as usual! with exception of the boots (having the rubber sole) the rest of the collection are looking quite slippery. This calls for one of your hack videos on how to prevent that without messing up the look of the sole. Regards from sunny Dubai!
Yes - those Urban Commando boots are a little aggressive for me... not sure how many they sell of that model. Maybe in some scandinavian countries where it is always snowing. If you're going to be walking on a lot of rocks, the best thing to do is to go with some sort of rubber sole. It's more stable and will wear better. A traditional leather outsole is really best suited for more urban environments.
Question the fact that the hard leather on the Gaziano&Girling Deco Collection extends to the ball of the foot does that mean you can mirror shine that portion of the shoe also? Forgot to say how much I enjoyed yet another of your videos
Yes. aaa abb right here again. It just gives the foot more support, which makes in turn makes the shoe more comfortable. But the area will still flex enough to crack a mirror shine.
aaa abb has the right idea. Using a lighter-colored polish will prevent darkening. You can certainly use a neutral, but at some point you'll need to add pigment to fix any discoloration or scuffs. You cal also always use more than one color polish.
I cant sweat it enough, instead of purchasing a ready to wear line, Id suggest looking into Jan Kielman's bespoke service! Cant wait for you to visit them! Your black bespoke shoes from cleverly is far superior the deco line, although they're gorgeous!
Kirby Have you tried Japanese bespoke shoes? I live in HK and I wanna save up and try one. Japanese bespoke shoes are cheaper and I believe they can better cater my flat feet (as many Asians have flat feet).
There is something like 35 bespoke shoemakers in Tokyo again. Some of the best work in the world is coming out of Japan right now. I haven't tried any because of the geographical separation and language barrier. But I'd love to make it over there one day to film!
G&G doesn't use a twisted last, this is primarily a Cleverley thing, and really only found on their bespoke shoes. The idea was that it offset the natural tendency of the shoe to warp after being worn.
We just got back from visiting the GG factory, and I can tell you that the Deco's are really fine shoes. The make quality is quite exceptional. I'd definitely recommend them.
Hey Kirby, I’m curious what your personal opinion of Magnanni shoes is? How they compare to Allen Edmonds? I mean I know they’re no cleverly but I find they have a last look similar to the shoes in this video. (I unfortunately am not ready for £1400 shoes yet). Beautiful though. Thanks!
Morgan Denebeim I own 4 pairs of Magnanni (An Oxford, Derby Brogue, Double Monk and Double Monk Boot), they are a great place to start, the Oxfords do take sometime to break in, but very comfortable once broken in. Annoying thing about them is that the sole is a mix of leather and rubber, instead of one or the other, making it difficult to add a metal toe tap. Also, if you're in London (or online) Harrods and Selfridges tend to have quite a few of them in the sales, worth checking out.
Hi Kirby, mentioned using the super invulner on the boots. However, I find that whenever I apply the super invulner to smooth leather, it dampens the shine, and when I shine it, it subsequently loses the waterproofing properties. Am I applying it incorrectly?
No... I think you are doing it correctly. Just an unavoidable byproduct. One thing to remember, though, is that the wax polish itself will offer waterproof protection. So, if you place a nice high shine over the Super Invulner, this area of the shoe should still be protected.
I have a question. I just bought a pair of Corcoran 1525 Leather Field Boots. I’ve not polished them yet. I was wondering if it would be acceptable or a good idea to apply a conditioner to the boot( minus toe cap and counters). Also since the boots are 10” in height what would you use as far as tree shoes for them? Also can you explain the difference between the beaute de cuir renovateur and the medaille Dor renovateur please.
The Hanger Project 10-4 . I’ve got a mirror shine on them now. Been mirror shining my work boots for 6 years. Any idea on shoe trees for 10” tall boots? Also can you apply conditioner to the inside of unlined leather boots?
I have a question about the giveaway. How will they measure the winner for the shoes? Does the person go to one of their trunk shows? Another question is where do you get your ties?
They do some incredible bespoke work. We filmed an interview with Daniel Weigan while we were at the factory... and we look forward to releasing it soon. It is a very small workshop. They put out less than 100 bespoke pairs of shoes a year, so they are able to focus on really doing the best work!
Hi Jason - a "benchmade" shoe is generally used to refer to a handmade shoe that is "made at a bench," as opposed to in a factory. Generally, these are handmade shoes.
How does one integrate bespoke elements into a shoe? Surely the shoe is either crafted using a last based upon the shape of one's foot or it is not. I've no doubt these are quality footwear. But high quality hand craftsmanship doesn't make a shoe bespoke, being bespoke makes a shoe bespoke.
Certain finishing elements... narrow, beveled waist, closely-trimmed edges, waxed and polished edges and heels, slightly-pitched heels, highest-quality leather, leather hand-clicked, etc. etc. The biggest difference between the Decos and a bespoke pair of shoes, other than the last used to create them, is how the shoes are welted. The Decos are still machine-welted, which is a totally different construction process. Similar, but still very different. Would make for an interesting video.
'Gaziano & Girling' is certainly more dignified than 'Tony & Dean'. I love your videos Kirby, keep 'em coming!
Tony & Dean was already taken by a barber shop in Northampton. It was, otherwise, their first choice. (not really - haha)
The Green Venetian Loafers with the toe embellishments is stunning, thank you for your video, have not needed a new pair of shoes for a couple of years now, that just changed.
Haha. Yeah. Stunning shoes. But I'd probably go with these in an antiqued brown before I would go with green, though. It's a striking color, but I suspect it would be hard to wear in practice.
The Hanger Project correct, have to wear them sparingly. However, when you did them with the right Tweed jacket and correct shade of Grey Flannel trousers, they would be stunning.
Just received my first pair of Decos from Gaziano and Girling, inspired by this video. Thank you kindly 🙏.
I actually really liked that green shoe very unique
Kirby, So glad to see your review. I’m a shoeaholic and a proud Gaziano & Girling customer. I’m amazed at the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail from G&G. Their products are matched only by their incredible customer service. Please say hello to Jason in the Savile Row store. He is awesome! P.S. I keep mine in great shape with your exceptional shoe care products from Saphir.
Yeah - they're all great people! Thanks for sharing, Duane!
I'd be interested in a video exploring finishing deals of shoes in more detail. Thanks for the video.
That whole cut brown Dempsey is fantastic. I want to add a whole cut shoe to my shoe collection.
A whole cut is a versatile shoe...
G&G and Cleverley are my two favorites. The deco last is awesome, but I have always preferred the chisel finish to the American style rounded toe like an Alden or AE.
I couldn't agree more. I'm not a big fan of the round toes, and the finishing on Alden and AE's just aren't what they used to be.
Dear Kirby
What do you think are the differences between Crockett and Jones and Edward green Shoes? Im thinking of buying a pair. I like it that i can choose different leathers and finishes with Edward Green. But the price difference is quitte big. Love your chanel.
ciao Marc
Thanks Kirby! I made an appointment to see them here in Singapore next week. I scheduled it last week and have been scouring the internet to find as much info as I can on the deco lasts. This is a sign I should pull the trigger! Was a bit hesitant cuz am seeing cleverly in may so didn’t want to blow through my shoe budget so early in the year
Haha. I totally know that feeling! Will you see Daniel and Neus while you are there? After seeing the production process for the Deco shoes at their factory, I can say that these are some of the best RTW shoes being made in the world right now. They really put a lot of extra care and attention into them. The only thing better, of course, is bespoke! But as we all know, it comes at a huge premium!
Hello Kirby. Thank you for broadcasting these amazing shoes from Gaziano & Girling. Most definitely excellent shoes to covet! So, as you had mentioned, the shoes are not colored and/or dyed during the tanning process but rather, at the time of making them. Truly wonderful. However, it leads me to the most important question: Since G&G are taking the time and care in creating a "bespoke" pair of these marvellously dyed/colored/tinted shoes, should they still be polished to our (at least mine, anyway) expected mirror finish? I would find that to be a bit sacrilegious! I mean, it's like having a chef prepare you the world's best dish; but then, you add salt and ketchup! Yikes!Thank you again for your videos. Waiting to see more.Cheers,Jerry
These shoes only look better well-polished! And, in fact, "Patina Pete," one of the finishers at the G&G factory, was recently a finalist in the World Championship of Shoe Shining. We filmed the competition and the interviewed the three participants... stay tuned to the channel!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH KIRBY
Kirby, your videos are absolutely enlightening. Question, how would you wear their midnight blue calf shoes in a smart/dressy workplace??
Great video Kirby! I would like to ask how G&G RTW models compare to GJ Cleverley’s RTW models and which you would say offers a better value for money?
Hi Richard - they are pretty comparable in quality and price. You would be hard pressed to choose one over the other.
Hello Kirby, great video as usual! with exception of the boots (having the rubber sole) the rest of the collection are looking quite slippery. This calls for one of your hack videos on how to prevent that without messing up the look of the sole. Regards from sunny Dubai!
Yes - those Urban Commando boots are a little aggressive for me... not sure how many they sell of that model. Maybe in some scandinavian countries where it is always snowing.
If you're going to be walking on a lot of rocks, the best thing to do is to go with some sort of rubber sole. It's more stable and will wear better. A traditional leather outsole is really best suited for more urban environments.
Fantastic video Kirby. What color on your trousers / full suit would you match a pair green colored shoes?
...no idea. hahaha
Owning such a bespoke collection is an objective of mine!
Those G&G Commando boots are amazing! do you know which patina style they are ?
How about a video explaining how to spot quality leather for shoes and how to choose which shoe requires which type of leather. Thanks.
Another fantastic video KIRBY
Thanks!
Question the fact that the hard leather on the Gaziano&Girling Deco Collection extends to the ball of the foot does that mean you can mirror shine that portion of the shoe also? Forgot to say how much I enjoyed yet another of your videos
No, you could not mirror shine the vamp, it would still bend
Yes. aaa abb right here again. It just gives the foot more support, which makes in turn makes the shoe more comfortable. But the area will still flex enough to crack a mirror shine.
How would you polish a whiskey calf shoe without messing up the lighter areas?
Use a colour of polish lighter than the light part of the shoe, or use a neutral polish
aaa abb has the right idea. Using a lighter-colored polish will prevent darkening. You can certainly use a neutral, but at some point you'll need to add pigment to fix any discoloration or scuffs. You cal also always use more than one color polish.
A clear polish
I cant sweat it enough, instead of purchasing a ready to wear line, Id suggest looking into Jan Kielman's bespoke service! Cant wait for you to visit them! Your black bespoke shoes from cleverly is far superior the deco line, although they're gorgeous!
On my short list! Arnold - do you have a relationship? Maybe you help me coordinate a visit. ;)
Kirby
Have you tried Japanese bespoke shoes? I live in HK and I wanna save up and try one. Japanese bespoke shoes are cheaper and I believe they can better cater my flat feet (as many Asians have flat feet).
There is something like 35 bespoke shoemakers in Tokyo again. Some of the best work in the world is coming out of Japan right now. I haven't tried any because of the geographical separation and language barrier. But I'd love to make it over there one day to film!
I have a question about Chelsea boots. Is it okay to wear them during the summer with a suit?
Sure, you can certainly wear the Chelsea boots during the summer... might be a little warm vs. a normal dress shoe, but totally acceptable.
I have a question, about twisted lasts. Can you elaborate more about them, why they are twisted and advantages?
G&G doesn't use a twisted last, this is primarily a Cleverley thing, and really only found on their bespoke shoes. The idea was that it offset the natural tendency of the shoe to warp after being worn.
seriously, Kirby! How did you know what I am on the hunt for a pair of GG in the Deco last?
quick question, how do these fit? I wear the same US size as you Kirby, US9, what is the equivalent size of GG should I choose?
We just got back from visiting the GG factory, and I can tell you that the Deco's are really fine shoes. The make quality is quite exceptional. I'd definitely recommend them.
A US9 would be a UK9.5. You can reach out to GG regarding sizing guidance. Generally, though, I'd say the shoes fit pretty true-to-size.
you meant UK9 would be equivalent to US9.5?
Hey Kirby, I’m curious what your personal opinion of Magnanni shoes is?
How they compare to Allen Edmonds? I mean I know they’re no cleverly but I find they have a last look similar to the shoes in this video. (I unfortunately am not ready for £1400 shoes yet).
Beautiful though.
Thanks!
Morgan Denebeim I own 4 pairs of Magnanni (An Oxford, Derby Brogue, Double Monk and Double Monk Boot), they are a great place to start, the Oxfords do take sometime to break in, but very comfortable once broken in. Annoying thing about them is that the sole is a mix of leather and rubber, instead of one or the other, making it difficult to add a metal toe tap. Also, if you're in London (or online) Harrods and Selfridges tend to have quite a few of them in the sales, worth checking out.
Thanks, Mohamed, for the response! Sounds like you have better experience with this brand than I do. Thanks for sharing.
Do these all have the Deco round last shape?
Hi Kirby, mentioned using the super invulner on the boots. However, I find that whenever I apply the super invulner to smooth leather, it dampens the shine, and when I shine it, it subsequently loses the waterproofing properties. Am I applying it incorrectly?
No... I think you are doing it correctly. Just an unavoidable byproduct. One thing to remember, though, is that the wax polish itself will offer waterproof protection. So, if you place a nice high shine over the Super Invulner, this area of the shoe should still be protected.
This is off topic, but I was wondering what I can use to treat my leather bag and other leather items?
The Saphir Leather Lotion (www.hangerproject.com/saphir-leather-lotion.html) is great to use on large leather bags
I have a question. I just bought a pair of Corcoran 1525 Leather Field Boots. I’ve not polished them yet. I was wondering if it would be acceptable or a good idea to apply a conditioner to the boot( minus toe cap and counters). Also since the boots are 10” in height what would you use as far as tree shoes for them? Also can you explain the difference between the beaute de cuir renovateur and the medaille Dor renovateur please.
Always a good idea to condition! Check out our video on how to polish a new pair of shoes!
The Hanger Project 10-4 . I’ve got a mirror shine on them now. Been mirror shining my work boots for 6 years. Any idea on shoe trees for 10” tall boots? Also can you apply conditioner to the inside of unlined leather boots?
the only design/cut i can appreciate from these 7 is the captoe oxford..
I have a question about the giveaway. How will they measure the winner for the shoes? Does the person go to one of their trunk shows? Another question is where do you get your ties?
Evan Martino the shoes in the giveaway aren’t bespoke, they are from George Cleverly’s RTW range
aaa abb correct again! We'll work with the winner to make sure we choose the best size. If they don't fit, we'll coordinate an exchange.
Can you wear some shoes for your next review so we can view it in situation please ?
Why would anyone wear square toed shoes by choice?
My one and only bespoke shoe is from G&G.
They do some incredible bespoke work. We filmed an interview with Daniel Weigan while we were at the factory... and we look forward to releasing it soon. It is a very small workshop. They put out less than 100 bespoke pairs of shoes a year, so they are able to focus on really doing the best work!
What is benchmade shoes?
Hi Jason - a "benchmade" shoe is generally used to refer to a handmade shoe that is "made at a bench," as opposed to in a factory. Generally, these are handmade shoes.
How does one integrate bespoke elements into a shoe? Surely the shoe is either crafted using a last based upon the shape of one's foot or it is not. I've no doubt these are quality footwear. But high quality hand craftsmanship doesn't make a shoe bespoke, being bespoke makes a shoe bespoke.
Certain finishing elements... narrow, beveled waist, closely-trimmed edges, waxed and polished edges and heels, slightly-pitched heels, highest-quality leather, leather hand-clicked, etc. etc. The biggest difference between the Decos and a bespoke pair of shoes, other than the last used to create them, is how the shoes are welted. The Decos are still machine-welted, which is a totally different construction process. Similar, but still very different. Would make for an interesting video.