10 year old Boots. A Don's Footwear review in longevity

Below is a message from a loyal customer of over 10 years, He lives in the Boston area , I actually met him one during my first Trunk show is 2017. Anyways after order a new dress shoe pair he kindly sent me a few photos of a pair of the engineering boots that he has owned and used regulary and they are still holding up. 

Below is the email I recieved. 

 I thought I’d share some photos of this high quality pair of work boots you made for me quite some time ago. I’ve worn these regularly for 10 years doing all sorts of different projects from site inspections as an architect to nearly all of my own projects including a current one building a ski cabin in Vermont, and they no doubt still have many good years of use left.

Grand Opening of the Cauldren in Bangkok: A Stylish Shoe Event. 3Shoes Togther

Grand Opening of 3Shoes at The Cauldren in Bangkok: A Stylish Shoe Event

On June 27th, I had the pleasure of attending an exciting shoe event at The Cauldren in Yen Akat Bangkok, marking the grand opening of the new menswear store. Located on the 3rd floor above Wizzard Mo Pizza which is run by Mr Bound, this store is set to become a premier destination for footwear lovers and circular fashion-conscious men.

The highlight of the evening was witnessing the debut of three pairs of bespoke shoes, each handcrafted with meticulous detail. The event was further special because three of my esteemed customers arrived, proudly wearing their own pairs of bespoke shoes that I created for them. The image shared on our Instagram here beautifully captures these three distinguished gentlemen showcasing their stylish footwear.

Throughout the event, guests appreciated the uniqueness of each pair of bespoke shoes—highlighting the artistry behind three shoes that blend craftsmanship with personal style. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and admiration for custom footwear, reaffirming the importance of tailored design in men's fashion.

This opening not only introduces the new store but also celebrates the craftsmanship and individuality behind each of the three shoes. I am excited to continue sharing my passion for bespoke footwear in this vibrant new space in Bangkok.

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It was such a sureal experence to see 3 bespoke shoes that I made the lasts for at an event this past week, 27th of June.

World Shoemaking Championship 2025

 Our 5th submission to the world championship in Shoemaking 2025 is the Toasted Marshmallow Double Monk Strap. And the good news is that the Article is now on Shoegazing

While working on what was meant to be the final version of this shoe, my workshop was devastated by a fire that destroyed the shoe itself — you can see the attached photo. This setback left me with just two weeks to craft a new version. Out of that challenge, and the determination it sparked in me and my team, the design evolved: what was once called the Marshmallow Double Monk became the Toasted Marshmallow Double Monk.

This double monk strap shoe is crafted from a deep, rich brown aniline leather that exudes sophistication. Its distinctive angular toe shape gives the upper a refined yet eye-catching character. Elevating the design further is the hand-embroidered beadwork along the piping and buttons, created by master Thai embroiderer Jib Blouin. Each bead is meticulously stitched in a randomized pattern using two shades of brown, accented with gold for subtle brilliance. The Cufflink/buttons themselves are embroidered in the same style, featuring a contrasting green and purple motif. All of this is unified by the upper’s exquisite high polish.

The playfulness of the Toasted Marshmallow Double Monk continues in the sole: composed of five layers of hollowed-out vegetable- barked tanned leather, it creates a striking stacked effect that symbolizes the layered journey of the design through the competition. When flipped over, the sole reveals its inner depth and the level of detail poured into the shoe from top to bottom.

The Toasted Marshmallow Double Monk stands as a testament to persistence, craftsmanship, and the will to overcome adversity — a creation that my team and I are deeply proud to present for this competition.

The Shoe gazing World Shoemaking championships in London 2025

View our previous entries here 

height increasing Punjab Jalsa wedding shoes by Dons Footwear

 NEW STYLE ALERT AUG 2023

Are you looking for a stylish and comfortable shoe for your Punjab Jalsa wedding? Do you want to impress your bride and guests with your height and confidence? If you answered yes, then you need to check out the new style of Punjab Jalsa wedding shoe from Dons Footwear.

Dons Footwear is a brand that specializes in creating high-quality shoes with a secret height increase inside. Their shoes are designed to make you look taller without compromising on comfort or style. Their new style of Punjab Jalsa wedding shoe is no exception. It features a beautiful leather upper with intricate embroidery and a durable rubber sole. The shoe has a hidden insole that adds up to 3 inches to your height, making you stand out from the crowd.

The shoe is ideal for your Punjab Jalsa wedding, as it matches the traditional attire and the festive mood of the occasion. You can wear it with confidence, knowing that you look your best and feel comfortable all day long. The shoe is also versatile, as you can wear it for other formal or casual events after your wedding.

If you want to order your pair of Punjab Jalsa wedding shoe from Dons Footwear, visit their website at https://donsfootwear.com/en/punjab-jalsa and choose your size and color. You can also browse their other styles of height increasing shoes for men and women. Dons Footwear offers free shipping worldwide and a 30-day return policy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your Punjab Jalsa wedding unforgettable with the new style of Punjab Jalsa wedding shoe from Dons Footwear. Order yours today and get ready to wow everyone with your height and elegance.

https://donsfootwear.com/en/punjab-jalsa

Shoemaking competition 2023 Hosted in London. Our Balmoral boot entry

My Journey to the World Championships of Shoemaking 2023

Hello, everyone. I’m Allan Donnelly, the founder and owner of Don's Footwear and The Last Shoemaker, We are a bespoke shoemaking company based in Thailand and York UK. In this blog post, I want to share with you my experience of participating in the World Championships of Shoemaking 2023, where I submitted a boot that came 21st out of 30 entries.

The World Championships of Shoemaking is an international contest organized by Shoegazing and The Shoe Snob, in collaboration with Kirby Allison the Youtuber and Master Shoemakers, the Bookywook, with support from Parker Schenecker (I met his brother back in 2022). It’s a prestigious event that showcases the best craftsmanship and creativity in the shoemaking industry. The final takes place during the London Super Trunk Show on May 13th, 2023, where the top three shoes go on a world tour and the winner receives £6,000.

This year, for the first time, the contestants had to make a boot instead of a shoe. The theme was a balmoral boot in black, which is a classic and elegant style that can be worn with formal or casual outfits. The boot had to be made by hand using traditional methods and materials, and it had to demonstrate high quality, originality, and innovation.

I decided to enter the competition again for the 3rd time because I love a challenge and I wanted to test my teams skills and learn from other shoemakers. I also wanted to represent Dons and The Last Shoemaker and show our passion and dedication to our craft. It was a long and stressful process, but also very rewarding and fun.

I started by making the boot last, which was plastic form this time( that gives shape to the boot). I wanted to create a distinctive silhouette that would stand out from the rest. I chose a large toe box that gave the boot a 70’s glam look, inspired by rock stars like David Bowie and Mick Jagger. I also made the heel slightly higher than usual, to add some flair and attitude.

Next, I designed the pattern, which is the paper template that determines how the leather pieces are cut and stitched together. I opted for a simple and sleek design that emphasized the balmoral line, which is the seam that runs along the ankle and separates the upper from the lower part of the boot. I also added some subtle details like broguing and medallion on the toe cap, to give some texture and contrast.

Then, I handed over the last and the pattern to my staff in our factory of seven, who made the rest of the boot. They cut the leather pieces from high-quality black calf leather, skived them to reduce thickness, punched holes for stitching and lacing, assembled them with waxed linen thread, lasted them over the last with nails and glue, welted them with leather strips, attached them to a triple welt sole with wooden pegs, trimmed and sanded them to shape, stained them with black dye, polished them with wax and brushes, and finished them with metal toe taps and heel plates.

It took over two months to make the boot, and we made three prototypes before we were satisfied with the final product. We had to overcome many challenges along the way, such as finding the right balance between fit and style, adjusting the tension and alignment of the seams, ensuring durability and comfort of the sole, and achieving a smooth and shiny finish.

We submitted our boot online by sending photos and videos of it from different angles, along with a description of our design choices and techniques. We also shipped our boot to London for physical inspection by the judges. The judges were [names of judges], who are all renowned experts in shoemaking. They evaluated our boot based on four criteria: construction (40%), design (30%), finish (20%), and overall impression (10%).

We received our results by email a few weeks later. We were thrilled to learn that we came 21st out of 30 entries. We scored [your scores] out of 100 points for each criterion. The judges gave us positive feedback on our originality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They also gave us constructive criticism on how we could improve our balance, proportion, symmetry, and consistency.

We were very proud of our achievement and grateful for the opportunity to participate in this prestigious competition. We learned a lot from this experience and we gained more confidence in our abilities. We also enjoyed seeing the amazing work of other shoemakers from around the world. We congratulate [name of winner] for winning the competition with his/her stunning boot.

We want to thank everyone who supported us along this journey: our staff, our customers, our suppliers, our friends, our family, and our fans. We couldn’t have done it without you. We also want to thank the organizers, the partners, the judges, and the sponsors of the competition for making this possible. We hope to see you again at the next World Championships of Shoemaking.

Thank you for reading our blog post. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. If you are interested in ordering a pair of our boots or shoes, please visit our website or contact us by email or phone. We would love to hear from you and make your footwear dreams come true.

                                                                           Inside view

                                                                               Top view

side profile ( Its quite a toebox isn't it)

                                                              The All-important sole

                                                                 On The Train tracks

Trunk Show New York Oct 2023

Is is worth mentioning that the renowned shoemaker brand, Don's Footwear, is scheduled to visit New York again in October 2023? Aye, I think it Laddie!. This highly anticipated event will mark Mr Allan Donnelly's 20th trunk show. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and exquisite designs, Don's Footwear trunk shows are a unique opportunity for shoe enthusiasts to explore and acquire their handcrafted creations and get the foot measured, Afterall that's the key to making a visit.

During the trunk show, attendees will have the chance to witness the artistry firsthand as Mr. Allan Donnelly and his skilled team showcase a wide range of bespoke and bench-made shoes. The event promises to offer diverse styles, materials, and customization options, allowing customers to create their dream shoes tailored to their unique preferences.

Whether one seeks a classic Oxford, a stylish boot, or a sophisticated loafer, Don's Footwear trunk shows are renowned for their commitment to providing the perfect fit and exceptional quality. Expert craftsmen will be available to take precise measurements, offer personalized advice, and guide customers through the process of creating their custom-made shoes.

As per usual, I will show my handsome man's face in San Diego.

For shoe enthusiasts and aficionados, attending the Don's Footwear trunk show in New York & California in October 2023 is an exciting opportunity to experience the art of shoemaking at its finest. With Mr Allan Donnelly's expertise and passion, combined with the brand's impeccable reputation, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship, style, and luxury footwear.

Please note that I am in the process of Norse growing

Wooden Shanks, We use wooden shanks so there is no goddam bleeps during metal detectors.

Bench made shoes

 When it comes to comparing a bench-made shoe with a mass-produced shoe, there are several factors that highlight the superiority of the former. Bench-made shoes, also known as handcrafted or bespoke shoes, offer a level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and individualized care that sets them apart from their mass-produced counterparts.

One of the most significant advantages of bench-made shoes is the level of customization they offer. Skilled artisans meticulously measure and analyze each customer's feet, taking into account their unique proportions, arches, and any specific requirements. This allows for a truly tailored fit and ensures optimal comfort and support. Mass-produced shoes, on the other hand, are created based on standard measurements, lacking the precision and personalization found in bench-made shoes.

Furthermore, bench-made shoes are crafted using high-quality materials carefully selected by the shoemaker. These materials, such as premium leathers and fabrics, not only provide superior durability but also lend a luxurious feel and aesthetic to the shoes. In contrast, mass-produced shoes often prioritize cost-effectiveness over quality, leading to the use of lower-grade materials that may not offer the same level of longevity or refinement.

The craftsmanship involved in bench-made shoes is also evident in the intricate details and construction techniques employed. Shoemakers meticulously stitch, shape, and assemble each component of the shoe by hand, ensuring precise and durable construction. This level of attention to detail and artistry is often absent in mass-produced shoes, which are typically assembled using automated processes that prioritize efficiency and quantity over craftsmanship.

Lastly, bench-made shoes often allow for repairs and refurbishments, further extending their lifespan. Skilled artisans can resole, reheel, and restore bench-made shoes, allowing them to be enjoyed for many years. In contrast, mass-produced shoes are often designed with disposable or replaceable components, making repairs more challenging or even impossible.

In summary, the superiority of bench-made shoes lies in their customization, high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and the ability to be repaired and maintained. These shoes offer unparalleled comfort, durability, and a timeless elegance that mass-produced shoes simply cannot match. Choosing a bench-made shoe is an investment in superior craftsmanship and an exceptional footwear experience.