Tomoyuki Watanabe - Bolero Bespoke shoe and bootmaker

As a continuation on the full quest of Japanese bespoke shoe and bootmakers, I bring to you a few creations from the hands of Master Tomoyuki Watanabe aka Bolero Bespoke shoe and bootmaker.  Like all Japanese boot and shoemakers, Master Bolero is attentive and respectful to the art disciplines and traditions of shoemaking, the tiny details that makes a product adorable, stylish, classic and timeless. 

A red whole cut loafer on a round last, worthy the Papal office of Pope Francis.

A brown lizard hide two tier Derby details

The brown lizard two tier Derby in full, chisel squared toe last 

The heel details of the brown lizard two tier Derby 

 A brown double monk rendition by Master Tomoyuki Watanabe, chisel squared toe.

Photo sourced from Bolero Bespoke shoe & bootmaker by Master Tomoyuki Watanabe

Clematis-Ginza - Japanese Bespoke shoemaker

A bespoke lizard oxford shoe renditioned by Master Clematis-Ginza from Japan. Beautiful work on the hide colouring (tan) and the well made shoe sole. Lovely shoe. Let the shoes speak for themselves.

Same shoe in black colour and the blue sole. Hmmm.... 

The details of the back just amazing.....can see a little splash of brown there..

The blue sole, the topping of the cake

Photos sourced from Clematis-Ginza

Shoes of the day - GJ Cleverley - lizard side gusset

For the day, I picked a GJ Cleverley House bespoke side gusset made of lizard with a raised apron. I have not seen any side gusset with a raised apron before, therefore they are sampled for the days theme. The other thing I like about this pair, is the very interesting lizard hide, very unique texture and paired with the brown colour makes this shoe stunning, in my humble opinion.

Brown bespoke lizard side gusset with raised apron

Pictures sourced from GJ Cleverley House. 

Shoes not of calf but other leather

Besides the normal calf leather, shoes can be practical made of any hide, excluding the exotics, like crocodile, alligator, snake etc.

In this blog we will look at bespoke shoes made of pig, Russian reindeer, carpincho, lizard & mountain ram leather.

Very interesting choice of leathers, I must say. But look at each of the bespoke shoemakers rendition and decide. 

Below a rendition of an oxford cap toe from GJ Cleverley made of Russian reindeer calf leather, which is more than 200 years old. 

From GJ Cleverley, an Adelaide oxford made of Russian reindeer calf leather

 GJ Cleverley a full brogue from Russian reindeer calf leather

 The sole work of the above full brogue

A full brogue from Russian leather from Fukaya

Lizard Wholecut by Fukaya

Lizard Side gusset with raised apron by GJ Cleverley

A balmoral oxford Lizard &snake lining by Carréducker

Lizard & snake derby boot by Carréducker

 Close up details of the Carréducker boot

Two tier derby Iguana example from EG/G&G

Three tier Derby by EG/GG on pigskin

 GJ Cleverley pigskin slip-on

GJ Cleverley loafers made of carpincho leather, very unique.

 GJ Cleverley Mountain Ram Adelaide captoe

 

 

 All of these shoes depict the artistic rendition of each bespoke shoemaker, from London to Florence (Italy), these pieces are very unique and special.

All are timeless pieces of art, classical men shoes that will remain stylish, elegant and will stay good looking over the years as they age.

Consider these leathers next time your are commissioning a pair of bespoke shoes.

Pictures sourced from GJ Cleverley shoes, Bespoke Shoemakers Carré & Ducker, Leather Soul Hawaii, Mr. Fukaya's shoes & Men's Style Forum