TUXEDO ROAD - FIT FOR A KING

by Otabo PR 24. February 2009

Atlanta's Tuxedo Road magazine coverage on Otabo Custom Shoes.


The Brannock Device. You probably don’t know it by the name, but step in anywhere from footlocker to Cole Haan, and its very likely that this tool will be used to determine your shoe size. The son of the shoe retailer from Syracuse, N.Y., Charles Brannock patented his invention and began producing that instantly recognizable instrument in 1927, claiming a perfect fit 95 percent of the time. For more than 80 years, the Brannock Device has proved its usefulness for off-the-rack fitting. The only way to get a better fit is to commission bespoke shoes- a process that can take five to six months, cost $2,000 to $3,000 or more and, for the best, often will require a trip to the famed shoemakers on London’s Jermyn Street (see W.S. Foster & Son) or Savile Row ( Google G.J. Cleverley & Co. Ltd.). There is however, another alternative, one that melds high-tech sizing techniques and manufacturing processes with classic style- a Florida based company known as Otabo Shoes.

Stepping up to the challenge of creating a custom fit for less was Otabo founder and President Howard Lee Shaffer, a former general manager of operations for Nike in Beijing. He utilized his knowledge of manufacturing a high volume of footwear overseas- his former company, Sabry Jen, produced 800,000 shoes per month for various brands-and paired it with a desire to create luxury footwear with an emphasis on craftsmanship when he started Otabo Custom Shoes. The company creates a variety of custom dress, casual and golf footwear to orthopedic-approved levels of comfort.

The process begins with a 3D scan of your foot, in which a laser-based optical scanner captures more than 200,000 data points as references, creating a digital model that is accurate to 0.5 mm.  Then it gets complicated: The detailed analysis includes specifications such as toe curvature and toe height, ball width and girth, instep volume, and heel shape and arch contours, among other minute measurements. The computer uses these details to create a 3D digital model, which is then used to create the last. Traditionally, a shoemaker would create the last, the mold around which the shoe is created, by hand from wood- a method still practiced by London’s finest cordwainers. Otabo, however, uses the computer-generated lathe, automating and expediting a very time-consuming, manual process.

But this is where the line between traditional and technological blurs even further. Just like with handmade shoes, the customer can choose from a bevy of designs and personal options. The leather type, color, pattern, detail and outsole are all up for personalization. The outsoles, crafted from German leather that has been aged for 18 months ( a century-old technique used by the best shoemakers in the world), can be inscribed with a message or monogrammed. With style and options chosen, leathers are precision-cut on a water jet machine at 45,000 psi, then the shoes are digitally bonded, a technique the company claims to be more durable than traditional stitching. Each shoe is then finished and polished by hand. After all is said and done, you’ll receive your shoes within four to six weeks-much faster than fully handmade models. With prices ranging from $350 to $2,000 (for exotic leathers), they’re also much more affordable.

Otabo is working on bringing a retail facility to Atlanta, and hopes to do so by spring; until then, private trunk shows can be arranged by contacting the company at 954.571.3809 or otabo.com.

Currently rated 4.7 by 6 people

  • Currently 4.666667/5 Stars.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Tags:

Categories: Howard Shaffer, Otabo Collection, Otabo Golf Collection, Technology, Trunk Shows

E-mail
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post RSSRSS comment feed

QUINTESSENTIAL STYLE - DAPPER DANDY

by Otabo PR 7. September 2007

Able to make any woman look as lovely as his dancing partner Ginger Rogers, dancer extraordinaire Fred Astaire placed as much emphasis on his appearance and wardrobe as his maneuvers on the dance floor. Known for his immaculate style – Astaire could move effortlessly even in white tie – his sartorial eye feels right at home for fall. From sneakers to wear while you're singing in the rain to a bright bow-tie ideal for waltzing during cocktails, chic accents are the perfect way to express your style. Slip into some custom shoes to be your own Tiger Woods and snag that eagle. Pick up one of our selects and pliè your way to some old-school style.

1. BULGARI The orange and green Rock ties made entirely out of silk brighten up this season's color palette of neutrals. $170.

2. BOTTEGA VENETA This fall, sling the Ferro intrecciato wrinkled nappa messenger bag around your shoulder for Italian flair. $2,650.

3. J.CREW Classic, comfortable, and never out of style, the adorable Jack Purcell for J.Crew sneakers in plaid will let you get your kicks. $65.

4. LILY PULITZER These whimsical bowties in silk will lend you serious style cred on Via Mizner.

5. OTABO Just like the Spectator shoes Astaire wore, these customized versions from Otabo will leave you feeling like you are walking on air. Using 3D technology, a scan is made of your foot to maximize comfort and versatility. Try this traditional pair in Caramelo dress leather for a look that will have them singing your praises even if you are 3 over par. $795

Be the first to rate this post

  • Currently 0/5 Stars.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Tags:

Categories: Otabo Collection, Technology

E-mail
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post RSSRSS comment feed

Otabo Inc.

This blog is run by the shoemakers at Otabo, Inc.  www.otabo.com