Call Us (224) 628-2980
What we do
Bespoke footwear for the northern suburbs, built properly
Finding a true bespoke shoemaker in the northern Chicago suburbs is not easy. Most options are repair shops or brands that offer custom color choices on an otherwise standard construction. At our Libertyville studio, we make shoes the way bespoke has always meant: a last carved for your foot, a pattern drafted from that last, and a shoe built by hand from scratch.
The shoe fits correctly the first time you wear it, and it improves with age rather than deteriorating. Our guide on why custom shoes are worth the investment explains what makes this different from anything else on the market.
The process
From first fitting to finished shoe
Why bespoke
The difference a proper last makes
The last is the foundation of every shoe. When a shoe is built on a last that does not match your foot, the fit is a compromise at best. Over time, that compromise shows up as wear patterns in the wrong places, persistent discomfort on longer days, and leather that creases incorrectly.
A last carved to your foot changes all of that. The shoe distributes weight correctly, flexes where your foot flexes, and holds its shape in the right places over years of wear. Read more about what to look for in a shoemaker near you.
What you can customize
- ✓ Leather type, color, and finish
- ✓ Style: oxford, derby, monk, loafer, boot
- ✓ Toe shape and last profile
- ✓ Sole construction and material
- ✓ Lining and insole material
- ✓ Hand-painted patina and finishing details
Also available in Libertyville
Complete your wardrobe
Custom suits
Fully bespoke suits built from your measurements at our Libertyville studio.
Learn more →Handcrafted shirts
Made-to-measure shirts finished by hand. The layer that ties a bespoke outfit together.
Learn more →Bespoke tuxedos
Black-tie made for your event and your body. Pair with a bespoke oxford for the full look.
Learn more →Wedding suits
Custom suits for grooms and wedding parties, planned around your date from the first consultation.
Learn more →Common questions
Questions from Libertyville clients
How long does the process take?
Timeline depends on the commission, but most Libertyville clients receive their shoes within several weeks of the initial consultation. Tell us your date upfront and we will plan around it.
I have one foot slightly larger than the other. Can you accommodate that?
Yes. Most people have feet that differ slightly in length or width. Because we carve a separate last for each foot, this is not a problem — both shoes are built to fit their respective foot correctly.
What is a Goodyear welt and why does it matter?
A Goodyear welt is a construction method that stitches the upper, insole, and outsole together through a strip of leather called a welt. This allows the sole to be replaced when it wears out rather than requiring the entire shoe to be discarded. It is the reason a well-made bespoke shoe can last decades.
Do you have other locations?
Yes. We also serve clients in Rosemont, IL and Milwaukee, WI.
Can I order shoes and a suit at the same time?
Yes, and commissioning both together is a good approach. We can design the shoe and suit to complement each other in leather tone, fabric weight, and overall style. Visit our custom suits in Libertyville page for details.
Serving clients across the area including
Lake Forest
Vernon Hills
Gurnee
Waukegan
Mundelein
Lake Bluff
Highland Park
Libertyville
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