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Gaz
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Gaziano & Girling - Yet another shoe post...

Tony Gaziano and Dean Girling both worked for leading shoe makers before starting a partnership in 2006.  Tony lead the Made-to-measure serviced for Edward Green and was the designer of Edward Green's 888 last, while Dean worked at the made-to-measure department of John Lobb London. G&G offer an interesting take on traditional English shoemaking by having some rather "aggressive" designs.

In September, I took the plunge and ordered a pair of G&G derby.  The particular model I chose was called the Wiltshire, which had a very sleek design.  The ordering processes was made complicated by virtue that I had never tried a pair of G&G for sizing.  Dean asked if I had owned other English shoes and suggested that I try a pair of Edward Green's for sizing. which I did while I was in the US.  I then selected the leather, which was Espresso, the darkest shade of brown that G&G offer and finally the last shape.  G&G offers four last shapes for every model they produce, so it is very much possible to customise your own unique pair.  I went with what was called the soft square last.

These shoes were "benchmade" meaning that they were actually machine sewned, as distinct from the MTM service where every pair is hand made.  Anyway, here is the result, after only a two month wait (I was told that it would take 5 months).

The presentation is rather nice...

And here they are.  Note the bevelled waist, which is a trademark of G&G.  Some consider these the best RTW shoes available.  It is difficult to challenge but having owned a pair of John Lobb Paris, I'd say the quality is certainly evident.

I was glad I got the soft square toe as it gave the shoe a very modern look.

The throat and heel.  The tapered heel gives is a slim profile.

Close up of the soft square toe and the bevelled waist.

The Wiltshire are extremely comfortable and I am rather pleased with them.  They are also comparatively affordable compared to my other purchases and are certainly value for money. Besides, how often do you come across a brand that share the first three words of your internet handle

Cheers
Gaz "Call me Imelda".