You've invested in a suit tailored to your exact body measurements, because you care about finding that perfect fit and you're a man with discerning taste. Then, naturally, the next course of action is to get your shoe game on point (or en pointe, so to speak). Don't spoil the hours spent on getting that suit right with a pair of dowdy-looking shoes; it should be a seamless top-to-toe style approach.
The perks of getting a pair of made-to-order (MTO) shoes are pretty straightforward: they fit according to your unique feet measurements and contour, as well as provide an avenue for your personality to shine through. Just like a MTO suit, you're in charge of the specifications you'd like to make. Double monk straps in navy suede? Done! Or maybe an Oxford in mixed leathers? You've got it. It's all up to your imagination and the capabilities of the atelier.
If you're ready to get your feet wet with a pair of MTO shoes, we've compiled a list of some of the best places in Singapore to have your very first pair made.
CustomMade
For a fuss-free and simplified MTO experience, CustomMade is probably your best bet. Prices start from SGD250 with additional details priced from SGD20 each. The brand has a good range of around 20 different styles—including five shoe templates as a base and seven colours available. A typical appointment usually takes less than half an hour and the shoes will then be ready for collection after six weeks. Basically, no excuse to not get a proper pair of decent shoes.
Location: 82 Telok Ayer Street, #02-04, Singapore 048467
Contact: 8717 0179 (Don) or make an appointment online.
Opening hours:
Mondays – Fridays: 12pm – 7.30pm (last appointment at 7.30pm)
Saturdays – Sundays: by appointment only
Ed Et Al
It'll be a sin to not include Ed Et Al in this list. What started out as a bespoke-only shoe brand in 2010 has now grown to include a ready-to-wear line, and a MTO service that is only slightly limited in customisability as compared to the bespoke experience. To make it easier for customers to determine the level of personalisation and price point for a pair of handmade shoes, Ed Et Al categorises them in different packages with the base price going at just SGD289 (cheaper than your average luxury ready-to-wear shoe).
Location: 120A Telok Ayer Street (Level 2), Singapore 068589
Contact: 6337 8919 (appointments preferred)
Opening hours:
Mondays – Fridays: 11am – 7pm
Saturdays: 11am – 3pm
Sundays & public holidays: Closed
Josh Leong
The Josh Leong brand has only been around since 2015. But the man behind the brand has been extensively trained by master shoemakers based in Italy, before establishing his eponymous bespoke shoe brand. The services offered are simply categorised into made-to-order and the more in depth bespoke service. Every pair of Josh Leong shoes are hand-welted and the outsoles are also stitched by hand, regardless whether they're MTO or bespoke.
Location: 17A Circular Road (Level 2), Singapore 049373
Contact: info@joshleongshoes.com (appointments preferred)
Opening hours:
Mondays – Saturdays: 12pm – 7.30pm
(Last appointment at 7.30pm)
Diamond Walker
Diamond Walker has a certain K-pop flair about it, which is not surprising, given that their shoes are handmade by craftsmen in Seoul, South Korea. While a majority of the designs are rather flashy and clearly not for the regular style wallflower, it's great for gents with a wild streak who don't mind flexing their fashion muscle. But either way, whether you're classic or adventurous, the leathers used in the construction are from tanneries based in Italy and the shoes will be ready in approximately six weeks.
Location: 277 Orchard Road, #04-03 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Contact: 9741 5550 / 6844 9119
Opening hours: Mondays – Sundays: 12pm – 9pm
Septième Largeur
Paris-based Septième Largeur was created in 2009 by Marcos Fernandez Cabezas, a Spaniard with about 40 years of experience in the shoe business. The brand specialises in the Goodyear welting technique, which means that every Septième Largeur pair is a lasting investment. Leathers are sourced from the best tanneries in France while suede comes from British tanneries. A pair of MTO shoes will take around three months to complete and can be finished with a handmade patina.
Location: 6A Shenton Way #02-08A Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Contact: 6224 1008 or enquiry@septiemelargeur.com.sg
Opening hours:
Mondays – Fridays: 11am – 7pm
Saturdays: 12pm – 4pm
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Tailors in Singapore for made-to-measure suits, shirts, pants and alteration works
