There’s A Lot Of New Websites…
Hi everyone and welcome to the April 2020 edition of the “Welted Shoe News” series. Interestingly enough this time I have a lot of news that involve launching a new website. I also have some exciting news about The Noble Shoe that will be a substantial part of this article.
We will also discuss things about Shoegazing, Barker and Septieme Largeur among others. I decided to cover even the Suitsupply Outlet since it did include some decent shoe deals.
Let’s go through my findings.
Misiu Academy News
I think it is only fair I begin with my own website since it is shoe related. A few weeks ago I revamped the entire design on a new theme which turned out well. The reaction so far was very positive while I can still improve here and there.
In other news, I will branch out to YouTube in the next few weeks hopefully where it is always much easier to visualize certain products and garments.
It’s certainly challenging since this is just a hobby for me but I put a lot of effort into it. With your support I will continue making content.
The Noble Shoe News
Straight from The Noble Shoe, I have some exciting news for everyone. I expanded last week the roster with some Crockett & Jones. Crockett & Jones is an iconic British Shoemaker that makes both a “Benchgrade” and “Handgrade” version of their shoes.
If you are interested you can send me an email since at the moment of writing I am currently preparing them for the website. Nonetheless here’s the 5 models that I am stocking right now:
1. Belgrave Handgrade Oxford In Black Calf
A really nice classic Black Oxford with a punched cap-toe from the Handgrade Line. Comes on the 337 last with a closed channel leather sole.
2. Crockett & Jones Cavendish In Color 8 Shell Cordovan
An iconic model with a leather sole and luxurious Horween Shell Cordovan is also in stock.
3. Crockett & Jones Cavendish In Dark Brown Suede
Similar as above, albeit in Dark Brown Suede. A really lovely spring/summer option.
4. Crockett & Jones Handgrade Weymouth II Wholecut In Black Calf
One of the finest wholecuts I have seen in Black Calf and a medallion toe and a Handgrade leather sole.
5. Crockett & Jones Lonsdale Handgrade Oxford In Dark Brown Calf
The last is a 6 Eyelet Dark Brown classic oxford from the Handgrade Line. A bit more conservative and will feel right at home for you Allen Edmonds enthusiasts.
Apologies for taking so much space with my own things, but the excitement is real. The chance to be a stockist for such an iconic brand is a big step for me. Which is also a good time to mention that I am in talks with Paolo Scafora to carry some shoes.
Factories Finally Begin To Reopen
Most of the craze around the world is either gone or stronger right now. Regardless many areas of the world are slowly going back into “normal mode” and that includes the shoe world. Factories around the globe have or are reopening including areas in Italy, England, Spain and Portugal.
So for those of you that joined Pre-Orders, Made to Orders or other stock please be a little more patient and everything will be fine.
I sure hope that many shoemakers will return to normal production soon and catch up with their backlog.
Suitsupply Slashes Prices
This might be the “Welted Shoe News for April 2020” but bear with me! Suitsupply never does sales baring a bi-annual Outlet Sale online which is open in specific regions. This time around however they opened up in April with some massive price drops from older stock.
If you remember Suitsupply sits in one of the Worst Shoe Brands to Avoid list I have. Mostly because for the price they represent terrible value. However, if you managed to find something in the outlet for the 100$ mark then it is not a bad deal at all.
Barker Releases New Website
I don’t have a huge experience of Barker Shoes. An English Shoemaker that makes everything from Cemented to Goodyear Welted Shoes. While they have a long history the new factory opened in 1987 and can produce up to 200000 pairs of shoes each year.
I must admit I don’t remember their old website but the new one looks superb. It loads fast, is user friendly and very clear to navigate. At the time of writing they have 20% of as well!
My biggest pet peeve when it comes to these professional websites is the ability to filter probably. Luckily Barker’s filters are plenty and easy to use.
Give them a look, you might find something you like around the 200 – 300 Euro mark!
Septieme Largeur News
This is something that is in progress since last summer but is worth a mention. I reached out to Mathieu (the very friendly co-owner of Septieme Largeur) for an update and he kindly let me know that the new website should be active in May.
For those of you unaware Septieme Largeur is an underrated great brand from France with very good patinas. Check them out!
Shoegazing Releases A New Website
All of you should be aware of Shoegazing by now. Jesper Ingevaldsson from Sweden is the mastermind behind the Super Trunk Shows and the classic Shoegazing Blog.
Recently he released the 4th iteration of his website. It includes a new revamped look that aims to be more of an online magazine. There is also a search bar, cleaner design and a lot of smaller quality of life upgrades.
Gaziano & Girling 20% Off
Always wanted that Gaziano & Girling shoe but it was just outside your budget? Well among the Covid craze even they are doing a 20% off Spring Sale!
All you need to do is head to the website and use the code SPRING20 during checkout. A truly excellent shoemaker that deserves your attention in the higher end.
Did you grab something? Let me know!
John Lobb Ltd. To Sue John Lobb Paris
Does this sound confusing? I bet! How can John Lobb sue John Lobb?
Well the short version is that John Lobb sold the rights to their Paris store to Hermes in the 70’s. That gave them the permission to sell John Lobb RTW Shoes around the world, whereas John Lobb London remains independent as a bespoke house.
Confusion ensues since it is increasingly difficult for two brands to operate under the same name especially for customers. This apparently led to an upcoming legal battle which I am not sure how it will end.
For those interested, here’s the original article that talked about this.
Massive Sale At J.Fitzpatrick Footwear
Last in the news is the latest clearance sale of J.Fitzpatrick Footwear. It should be still active in the time of writing so make haste if you want something more special.
Essentially Justin is clearing some models that have (or not) some blemishes. They distinguish them in 3 Grades:
- Grade 1: Nothing Wrong With Pair – Priced at a ~40% discount from full retail
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Grade 2: Small Aesthetic Blemish – Priced at a ~50% discount from full retail
- Grade 3: Large Aesthetic Blemish – Priced at a ~60% discount from full retail
Pretty good discounts just be aware that shipping outside the US can be a bit pricey. Sneakers for 50$ are a pretty good deal too!
Focus On Clearing Stock & Improvements
It is rather clear that even the global behemoths feel the heat of the Covid-19 recession. Massive sales and moving stock is part of the equation now as cash flow is more important than ever. On the same time, it is also a good time for the companies to focus on things they can do to improve the customer service or customer experience.
A new, improved website is always a welcome upgrade and Spier & Mackay for example just launched their new Website as well. The same applies to me as I attempt to move to a more professional looking blog even if it is just a hobby.
This brings us to the end of the Welted Shoe News for April 2020! Is there something important I missed? Let me know in the comments or you can always email me about something you wish to see included in the next news round up. Don’t forget to Subscribe for more! Next week I will attempt to review the Suitsupply La Spalla.
Thank you for reading,
Kostas Mandilaris,
Misiu Academy
