April 25, 2019
Plain and simple. If you bought them from a department store they are not handmade. If you bought them from a large shoemaker that produces more than 20,000 a year, they are not Handmade. If they cost less than $1500 they are definitely not Handmade. And of course there are exceptions like Vass, but I am talking to the majority of you that don’t own Vass, bought your ‘Italian’ shoes from a shop where the […]
July 3, 2018
We now live in a world with few words, thanks to the latest social media. So in honor of that, I will leave you with a bunch of pictures and little text. I hope that you all enjoy! Justin, ‘The Shoe Snob’
January 30, 2018
For those of you in Paris and London, you shall be pleased to know that Riccardo Bestetti is set to launch their new Crown Collection this weekend. I haven’t been able to see/find what the exact details are of the Crown Collection (i.e. different type of construction and whatnot), but from the looks of the pictures, one thing that is easily noticed is the difference in design features that are far more unique than your […]
July 20, 2017
I have been seeing this new Bestetti shoe all over the place, from Instagram, to Facebook to the web and thought to share it with all of you that haven’t yet seen it. It’s not for everyone due to its intricate detailing, that’s for sure, but hopefully many of you can appreciate it for it’s design (thought process and small details all around) which to me is very impressive. The Modern day ghillie is […]
July 4, 2017
I know that this holiday is not for everyone out there but as I have not celebrated it in 7 years from being outside of the US, I felt it nice to simply give a small shout out to all of my fellow people who are enjoying this celebration no matter if you are American or just visiting. It’s a fun day no matter where you come from to see the fireworks and spend time […]
June 26, 2017
It’s always fascinating to see shoe design that has never been done before, and I am quite sure this new chelsea boot by Riccardo Bestetti is a unique one for the industry. It certainly is not the first attempt at a brogued chelsea boot but the lines on it are different than anything I have seen before, and they also changed the shape of the gore which is not often done either. It was and […]
April 25, 2017
Here is yet another post about Things to Know About Shoes. If you missed 1-20, you can find them HERE and HERE. I hope that you all enjoy! 21. Grained leather takes the rain best of all i.e. does not show the wear and tear as bad as calf. Suede is next (darker suede that is). Calfskin is actually the most sensitive out of the (main) leathers. So when it rains, wear suede or grained […]
January 30, 2017
Please enjoy this video of Bestetti shoes at Pitti Uomo #91. While I still need to get to know the new owner and the man responsible for carrying on the Bestetti legacy, here is a short blip to let you know that the brand lives on and in good form. Will soon be back with more information about the future of the brand. Sincerely, Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
October 21, 2016
With regret I must tell those that don’t already know that we sadly lost an incredible person this week. That person was Mr. Riccardo Bestetti, one of greatest shoemakers and minds the shoe industry has ever seen. He was only 49 years old and passed away this Monday. Whilst not knowing exactly how or why as he had just recently informed me that he was in the hospital for lung inflammation and respiratory problems, […]
September 12, 2016
Shoes Above: Crocodile by Riccardo Bestetti Up until I moved to Italy to learn bespoke shoemaking, I never really was a fan of exotics. This was partly due to the fact that in America, certain exotic leathers are made in a way that they are insanely gaudy i.e. blue and green ‘pythons’, yellow ‘gators,’ pink stingray etc. And the other reason being that many of them are made, in my opinion, on the ugliest lasts […]
