Galoshed Balmoral Oxford from Japan - Yuki Shirahama

I have for the day sampled a galosh (Balmoral Oxford) with a punched cap toe, a medallion in black calf hide. The shoe has a squared chisel toe and has that "no-nonsense" attitude. At first I thought it was a Master Bestetti creation, then realised, it was by Master Yuki Shirahama from Japan.

I think I have earlier stated that I do have a Galoshed Balmoral with a round toe and no medallion in a tan colour from G&G. I simply like the Galoshed Balmoral Oxford, first it is not so often you see it, secondly it has many possibilities. It could be renditioned with any hide & suede, or like below calf on calf. 

If the brogueing and punching was not so well done and kept in balance, it would make this shoe a bit "vulgar" or "too much going on" look, but Master YS kept it in proportions so well done and that is why I like this rendition. As I mentioned, this shoe has an attitude, very good and masculine attitude. No nonsense Galosh shoe.
Sometimes it's best just to look and admire the shoe, instead of a lot of talk... 

Balmoral (galosh punched) with a punched cap toe with a medallion, squared chisel last

Photos sourced from The Shoe Realist

Roberto Ugolini - Balmorals or Galosh Oxfords

For the day I have picked up two samples of Balmoral (Galosh) Oxfords by Master Roberto Ugolini from Firenze (Italy). Both samples are two toned shoes. The one pair is a traditional Balmoral (Galosh) and the other a winged Balmoral. The two pairs are punched cap toe Oxfords, one with a rounded last, the other a soft chisel squared toe last. Both pairs are well executed and elegantly renditioned, two pairs of shoes, I would like to add to my footwear arsenal. Hope you all have a pleasant weekend.

Two toned winged Balmoral(Galosh) in tan and darker brown, punched cap toe, soft chisel square last and the other a traditional Balmoral(Galosh) in calf and exotic hide and a rounded last.

Closer view of the winged Balmoral with a soft chisel square toe

The traditional Balmoral, two toned in calf and exotic hide, round square toe.

Photos sourced from The Shoerealist

Bestetti's Balmoral (galosh) Oxfords

For the day I have sampled a Balmoral Oxford (Galosh) from Master Bestetti of Italy, the sampled is in calf and pigskin. Once again comes the "Gladiator" the "Man of Men" in such beautiful rendition, sometimes I wonder how can a male shoe be so masculine yet preserve the feminine touch and beauty and still be elegant. I am aware that for some these shoes might be boring as they are black, but there are some of us who have to mingle and sweat for our daily bread in very conservative environments, where black is appropriate. These shoe samples are sleek, elegant and they do send a clear message, whatever that is. You decide. 

Hope you all have a pleasant weekend.

Model York a Balmoral laced black Oxford in it's beauty and glory from Master Bestetti

Below a Balmoral laced Oxford in black pigskin, a hide to reckon with and appreciate. These shoes are the hight of shoemaking. Master Bestetti's shoes can not be mistaken for any as his DNA and signature is all over the shoe.  I simply love these Balmorals mine look rather wobbly bobbly compared to these. I suppose it was the last chosen. That is another story and a different shoemaker. 

Photos sourced from Master Bestetti

Master Yohei Fukuda - Balmoral cap toe Oxfords

While on the theme of Japanese bespoke shoemakers, I for the day sampled a very good rendition of a Balmoral cap toe oxford with a very nice antiqued patina worth any conservative gent. The creation is from Master Yohei Fukada aka Marquess, whom I did mention in this blog a time ago.

Master Fukuda's rendition of Balmoral cap toe Oxford with medallion in honeyed brown antique colour, chisel square toe last.

Rendition of a Balmoral punched cap toe with medallion Oxford in black colour, chisel squared toe last.

 A rendition of a stitched Balmoral punched cap toe Oxford in brown, chisel square toe last

Photos sourced from Master Yohei Fukuda

Yohei Fukuda shoes for the day

I am not sure, but I am in the believe that Japan as a country has more and still produces some of the talented bespoke shoemakers in the World. I have earlier mentioned Master Yohei Fukuda on this blog, but each time I look at his shoe creations then I get this itchy "wanting" to own a few of these work of art. Review and judge and you will understand why.

Master Yohei Fukuda's usual suspect line up.

From L to R ( A black stitched cap toe oxford, A tan quarter brogue oxford with a punched cap toe and a medallion, burgundy stitched Balmoral(galosh) oxford with plain toe, black wing tip brogued balmoral (galosh), a whiskey coloured three tier Derby and oxblood full brogue oxford. Yes, nice colours and polishing too. 
I would really want to own all of the six pairs, as all are well made, balanced, traditional and classical men's shoes, I could never go wrong. All bear my favourite signature of WS Foster/GJ Cleverley style, chisel square toe. The colouring...just makes you green with envy.

Below antique chestnut stitched Balmoral (galosh) with a punched cap toe, chisel square toe. Better can not be. Now I happen to own a similar creation from G&G but in a round toe(GG06), which I can not come to terms with even after four years, but my GG is more like the black galosh balmoral shoe though without the medallion on the cap toe. 

A black Balmoral (punched galosh) with a punched cap toe and a medallion, chisel square toe. Fantastic. Lovely shoe, elegant, timeless.

 Wing tip Balmoral (galosh) in Black and caramel tan. Look at the colouring of the caramel. My mouth is watering. I will have to work hard for many years to own any of these creations. Superb.

Photos sourced from Master Yohei Fukuda.

John Lobb - two and three toned creations

John Lobb needs no introduction in the bespoke shoe business, same as Rolex, Mercedes Benz or Coca Cola are well known brands around the world. Just enjoy JL's creations. 

Balmoral Boots line up

 Button Balmoral shoe with punched cap toe. This type of shoe I have never seen on a gent's feet in real life. Very formal and elegant. 

 Laced Balmoral oxford in black leather and grey suede 

 Full brogue spectator, very nice looking shoe for the Summer.

Photos sourced from Engrande Pompe Forum