My Favorite Pairs

This is the third pair I've made in my life. At the same time, the first one I made for myself.

Of the four pairs I am presenting here, two have found their way into my collection in a particularly interesting way. This pair was originally made as a gift test shoes for someone who appreciates craftsmanship, but does not identify with this style of shoe selection. Luckily, the pair fit me well enough. Occasionally I wear these shoes, proud and happy with this coincidence.

Technical bells and whistles. I went through the whole thing, doing many details for the first time in my life. You could say that this job was a kind of testing ground where anything goes. No fear, no worries - just work on self-improvement, without any particular expectations of the result.

A pair made entirely by hand. At that time, I didn't have a sewing machine yet. Work very interesting in detail. A structure that will last my entire life. The materials are flimsy and cheap. That was the job. Nothing was done very well, yet the technical level of these shoes remains an extremely impressive achievement for someone with so little experience and knowledge at the time.

This work is a snapshot of the life of someone who fell head over heels in love with shoe production. Pure passion and crazy courage of a young adept.

This top lift of the heel was a piece of work. There is a picture somewhere else here of its pristine state.

Lovely silhouette, cool design. I really like this pair!

This is my latest creation— for a change. Bespoke projects present a huge challenge; when crafting a pair for a client, there is no room for experimentation anymore. Testing ideas requires time spent on preparatory work, and this pair is the result of just such a creative session.

Crafted using my new last shape, this pair offers a truly perfect fit and exceptional comfort. From the moment I first put them on, I felt I could easily wear them for a whole week without taking them off. The assembly again is entirely by hand—no machines were involved. The materials are quite good, though the pieces were cut from the lowest quality sections of the hide. The finishing is of a decent standard. It is a piece of work that could easily serve as a trial pair for a client.

It is the result of playing with form—a challenge to established conventions. What defines a pair of shoes? To what extent can symmetry be altered before the creation ceases to be recognizable as a pair of shoes? These were the questions that occupied my mind while designing this pair.

At 5 spi sewing density… I don’t get why one should ever go farther than 10 spi.

As part of the same preparation process for a pair commissioned by one of my clients, I also crafted this pair. Consequently, the client's pair will be the culmination of the experience I gained while making these two pairs of shoes. That is simply the amount of work sometimes required to create something truly interesting for clients.

Nails around waist. This was the very first time I’ve tried something in such flavor.

Of course, each of us has our own vision and production pace. It is this individual approach to the craft that makes our industry so fascinating. There can be a long wait for my shoes, but no one else knows just how much work actually goes into realizing these projects—nor should they need to. I am convinced that my method will eventually lead me to the top. That is why I spare no effort, time, or money; it all serves a purpose.

I am already very familiar with the lasts used here; I have made several pairs using them. The fit and comfort are absolute perfection in this instance. There is something special about making shoes when you know beforehand that they will fit like a glove. It is highly motivating. You devote yourself to the finishing touches with greater commitment, working in a state of relaxed confidence.

An absolutely delightful pair. It will undoubtedly be a source of pride and the joy of wearing something truly unique for a long time to come. This pair promises a series of surprising victories.

I wear these with joy and pride. The leather will acquire a wonderful patina over time. The perfect pair for summer walks.

Classic oxfords in black box-calf? Yes, please!

Rounding out the list is a pair that found its way back to me due to an unusual mix-up. They were originally crafted for a client in the US who, in the end, wasn't satisfied with the fit.

Since I crafted this pair as part of my day job duties for a Warsaw-based workshop—as an outworker—I had no direct influence on the choice of lasts. In other words, matters of proper fit as well as the design and construction of the uppers were not within my purview with these.

Ultimately, the client and the workshop agreed on a completely different pair, so instead of going to the customer, these shoes ended up in my own wardrobe.

The remarkable thing is that, while they didn't offer enough comfort to the person they were intended for, they fit my feet almost perfectly. They are comfortable and well-made. The only shoes in this selection with uppers crafted by someone else.

‍ ‍For this reason, these are classics in its purest form. Personally, I wouldn't opt ​​for an upper with such ubiquitous lines.

In short, it is a "bonus" pair—distinct from the rest—that unexpectedly rounds out a collection of high-quality shoes destined to last me a lifetime.

Great to own, lucky to have them back.