Inside The Original John Lobb London With Kirby Allison | The World's Greatest Bespoke Shoemaker!

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John Lobb on St. James’s Street in London is widely regarded as one of the world’s preeminent bespoke shoemakers. Established in 1849, John Lobb has been discretely crafting bespoke shoes for some of the world’s most powerful and important people for over 150 years. The beautiful and expansive premises currently reside in the center of London’s West End at 9 St. James’s St. Now run by the fifth generation of Lobb family members, John Lobb stands, as it has always done, for extremely high standards in the exacting craft of bespoke shoemaking.
Join Kirby Allison as he steps inside John Lobb and tours the bespoke workshop with family members Jonathan Lobb and Nicholas Lobb. They share their grand grandfather John Lobb’s incredible story of how he founded one of the world’s most important and famous bespoke shoemaking firms and went on to make shoes for Kings, Princes, and other Royals, earning countless Royal Warrants including the current Prince of Wales.
Family member and lastmaker Jonathan Lobb personally takes Kirby’s bespoke measurements before inviting he and his crew downstairs for a rare tour of their expansive basement workshop and glimpse into their centuries-old craft. Lastmakers Emmanuel Kastellis and Teemu-Pekka Leppanen share insights into their trade that has been passed down from lastmaker to lastmaker inside John Lobb for almost 200 years. Bottom maker and repairer Nicholaos Moustakas shares insight into the rare skill of hand welting. We see how hand welting is performed and learn why this is so intrinsically important to a pair of bespoke shoes and allows them to last a lifetime.
The tour culminates in an invitation to step inside Lobb’s famous last vault where they store the wooden lasts every current bespoke customer. Come along with us on this incredible journey reaching back in time to a handmade era of quality, craftsmanship, tradition with one of the world’s best bespoke shoemakers.

[@thejbeeful]

My great grandfather made shoes there. It was said that my father never wore a pair of commercial made shoes until he went in the army!! Lovely to see this

[@Toranga]

I just got to say, I have never been interested in bespoke or tailoring clothing styles because it was really out of my price range, and I've been blind to this world for more then 30 years, and this has opened my eyes to the beauty of the art and history of tailoring and shoemaking, Thank you Kirby

[@genecoppedge5972]

I’m 64 now and I agree totally. I’m nowhere near being wealthy but I’m seriously thinking about a pair of bespoke shoes and a suit from Henry Poole. The suit I can pass down to my son.

[@bradle4162]

One of mentors was a client of John Lobb as well. He always told me about how conservative they are. My favorite story was how the employees were informed about getting new carpets for the workshop. Weeks went by and they wondered where the new carpet was. Turns out that the new carpets were the exact same carpets from before and had already been installed for a few weeks already when they noticed.

[@kirbyallison]

Brad Le That’s amazing sorry and such a great metaphor for Lobb!

[@ryanburdeaux]

What do you mean by conservative ?

[@silvermediastudio]

@@ryanburdeaux Conserving what they have, protecting who they are and what they stand for through a set of standards, beliefs, and aligned, consistent actions.

[@danielholmes007]

Lovely film about a remarkable institution. No pretention or marketing just pure craftsmanship. Long may they last 🤣😍

[@kirbyallison]

Haha. Yes! My hope is that institutions like this continue to thrive!

[@davidshields948]

This is no ordinary cobblers😄🎩👏👏👏

[@eliseogutierrez5307]

I see what you did there 😉

[@Czechbound]

When a last can be produced with scanning/ CNC tech, the last making process is part of their marketing. Hand made doesn't always mean better made. Yes for the shoe making. Probably not for the last making.

[@markgilbertson1564]

@@Czechbound No matter how much skill and experience goes into these shoes there is no way they should cost more than a few hundred pounds.

[@dougowen9873]

Kirby, you done it again, a brilliant journey through the Lobb company's fantastic history, the workmanship is impeccable and the historical essence is palpable. Well done.. I am absolutely loving your series.

[@alangordon8190]

This is fantastic. The humility of the craftsmen is refreshing and very British. Brilliant all round.

[@taimurchoudhry.]

Dear Kirby, This was amazing. I felt I was watching a piece by BBC. Why don't you send this in to them. You once mentioned you wanted a show on NETFLIX, my take is, this might not be their cup of tea. Whereas, BBC would love something on "The Beginning, Boom and Benchmark of British Bespoke by Kirby Allison". They love their heritage and want to preserve it. The Hanger Project can be a path they might want to walk. Just speaking my mind. Best of Luck.

[@furdiebant]

Taimur Choudhry I wish the BBC would make something as good as this! Their documentary programming is terrible nowadays!

[@hmds3857]

The BBC have already done a documentary on John Lobb, it's under their Handmade by Royal Appointment Series.

[@JoshuaHults]

Kirby you do an amazing job rebounding from insanely awkward moments, or moments spiraling down to awkward. I never seen someone rebound so quickly and re focus the discussion. I also think you do a great job leading people into easy answers rather than leaving them hanging. I appreciate the channel and I hope others can see what you see in bespoke !

[@Spring-ni4vq]

Dear kirby, i think you did a service to the mankind by making such a resourceful video, I cannot thank you enough!!!

[@Spring-ni4vq]

Are you SCHIZOPHRENIC OR INTOXICATED ? As you have mentioned words That did not came to my mind let alone writing IT. I RESPECT KIRBY FOR HIS RESOURCEFUL WORK/ VIDEOS.

[@CokeWithIceAndLemon]

Incredibly proud of Kirby’s work, quite emotional tbh absolutely well done to Kirby and his team.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you, Talal! We worked incredibly hard on this project. We knew we had to get it right given the importance of the subject matter!

[@dominiccasey6045]

Kirby, thank-you for a truly fantastic film and a wonderful narrative. A great story beautifully told. Many of us owe an untold debt to that firm, I was there in 1983 at the start of my shoemaking career. Eric Lobb invited me to come and work for them throughout the summer to see if I would enjoy shoemaking if I changed my career from being a management consultant. The rest is history. Thanks again, you do fantastic work for all in the menswear industry.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you, Dominic! Thank you for opening the doors to your craft, also, and allowing us to film your inspiring work! Wearing a pair of your beautiful shoes right now!

[@secondchancesminnewashta7612]

I'm enjoying this so much. It's like Kirby is doing a "bucket list" once in a lifetime trip for all his viewers. Thank you!

[@kirbyallison]

Second Chances Minnewashta I couldn’t agree more! Surreal even for us.

[@TrentonHeath]

Great video, Kirby! We’re always in awe watching these craftsmen performing their art. Amazing that John Lobb is still as popular today, around the world, as it was a hundred years ago.

[@jeanraspail2979]

I love your channel.

[@babyz7750]

Please film more of these, Mr. Allison. I’m a huge fan of the quality of your channel and your love of fashion brings these interviews to life. You’re covering a niche market here and we’d love more.

[@kirbyallison]

🙏

[@RHBootmakers]

Str level?

[@babyz7750]

RHBootmakers 99 brah

[@chunkychinn]

Thankyou for this kirby. I remember over 50 years ago standing outside their original premises and promising myself a pair of Lobb shoes/boots one day, sadly that has never happened but as I reach my twilight years I might just go and treat myself. Thanks for bringing back some very happy memories.

[@DMWBN3]

Proper No Twelve get along there and treat yourself sir. Regards, from Brighton, Sussex 👍🏼

[@annamelanie5151]

Do it! Yes, and enjoy every minute wearing them. You won’t regret it

[@ryanburdeaux]

How much will it run you for a quality pair of shoes

[@chunkychinn]

@@ryanburdeaux if you mean off the shelf, I could buy a pair of Church's or Loake say brogue shoes that would set me back £300/400 pounds, but that depends on the leather I chose, and they would last me know to the end of my days. However I have found a small company who has done me quite a few pairs of shoes at £40/60, these are cancelled orders for said two company's over the pandemic period and they are 100% authentic I was really surprised but I got my shoe repair guy to check them and let him tear a pair apart and he said they were authentic and extremely well made. If you want the contact details if you're in the UK let me know. They have limited supplies left.

[@tuftsbatson8387]

Once again, beautiful work Kirby. Thank you for documenting the efforts of these and other craftsmen as they create their art for all time.

[@HarryFlashman.]

If it wasn't for Kirby's accent, I would swear he is more English than myself - and I was born and raised here! Love this man's enthusiasm on the gentleman's attire and style - it's infectious.

[@DMWBN3]

Make me proud to be English watching these master craftsmen. Good work chaps. 🇬🇧

[@shimenga1]

' evolution has taken its course ' haha ! But seriously , I'd watch an hour long interview with Emmanuel just on last making ! Great content Kirby .

[@orlando3325]

My father always told me, if I ever attain wealth and wish to dress well, John Lobb for shoes, hilditch & key for shirts, Henry Poole for the dinner Jacket and to only buy quality over quantity as a good pair of shoes or a good suit will last a lifetime! I can by no means afford any of these but you never know, possibly one day.

[@Unknown-ek1ox]

I think it really depends. How old or young are you? Do you already work in a job or branch, career path, whatever, or do you still have certain choices ahead of you? In fewer words, what is your perspective? If you specifically want those items or items from those brands, rather, save a bit of money each paycheck and you'll eventually hit that moment. Really depends on many personal factors however, to how much you (might) earn, to ways to improve paycheck or lifetime expectancy. It's almost a mathematical question, perhaps. But long story short, if you want certain things it primarily depends on you to find ways to obtain them, by saving and / or picking a job that allows you more to spend or save up. But the most important thing is that you are happy or get by and you by no means have to start in a steep price category. You can also start small and "work your way up" in a way there. There's surely other quality brands that give you good shoes that last - for less of a penny. And if you ever get to that point: Congratulations in advance. I mean it. I'm fairly new to this style of attire but it's worth attaining I reckon. I learn something new and started to dress better, preferring a more casual modern-day look or attire. Not too shoddy with flip flops and 3/4 pants, heavens no (not my style). But wearing more nice shoes and dress shirts I immediately started to notice better reception by colleagues and I already had a good reception with them. So it pays to dress to impress :)

[@orlando3325]

@@Unknown-ek1ox thank you, those are probably some of the wisest words I've heard In a long while. But yes I completely agree I'm sixteen and I can honestly say I will keep what you say in mind! As of now I'm choosing between the HSC or IB but my goal is to attain a university degree through my country's defence force in which case I may have earnt enough money to study for another degree possibly overseas maybe even cambridge. In my eyes Ambition is a powerful thing and if you push through, put in the effort and work to achieve that ambition the world as my father says "becomes your oyster"

[@Unknown-ek1ox]

@@orlando3325 Oh my, "just" 16? Not meant in a bad way now, don't get me wrong. This is good! I for example am a dozen years older and some choices are now set where you have way more leeway and options. Yet, I honestly tell you what. My own perspective indicates I'll eventually earn enough to steadily save up, working in government branch in neither a high end nor a low end category. I briefly checked the shoe prices and they are perhaps 'steep' for many people. But if I run this through my head briefly and if I wanted to get them, I can eventually afford them and other similar brands. Now my simple and humble point is: If I can with my job, if your perspective holds true, you will be able to afford them before you hit my age I reckon :P For the love of god and everything that's holy (for you), build up or keep this ambition. It is indeed a powerful tool. I would say two things on a closing note about ambition. If I could turn some clocks (the time) back I'd make different choices in life with more ambition. Life isn't always kind to you. Yet at the same time, I wouldn't be where I am today in a decent or well paying and furthermore stable job if I had less ambition. I have no idea where I might be otherwise, maybe on the streets, not here anymore or in a worse job not getting me anywhere, and I sure as hell wouldn't be watching these videos here today and worrying about other things instead. So out of my own experience, yes, ambition to reach specific goals, may they be subjectively high or low, important or just "nice to have", that is what is important. But it helps to not just have good or high ambitions. Be smart about it to. Ruthless ambition may not get you as far as "smart ambition" where you get along with your fellow peers :) Good luck on your future life path and choices. Chances are you are already on a good way.

[@cpm8889]

Orlando, take your time and don’t rush or worry. If you get them, fair play to you.

[@mscott3918]

My father bought his shoes from Lobb. When he died there were shoes 40 years old in his wardrobe. He favoured Anderson and Shepherd for suits and Stephens for shirts. I too go to Lobb. Some of my shoes are 30 years old. For suits I like a very discreet tailor called Etheridge and Glasspool. Shirts either Charvet or New and Lingwood, who were my school outfitters.

[@marquepadley2715]

Kirby this was a fantastic episode on one of the finest shoe makers in the World, Thank you for taking us on your incredible adventure of the Sartorial World.

[@kirbyallison]

Marque Padley Thank you! Please share!

[@bucklberryreturns]

Cracking video Kirby, great to see the modern cockneys involved too, be they Greek or Icelandic. Nicholas' emotion when talking of John the First, and seeing the lovely Teemu do his thing are just a couple of small parts of what makes this special.

[@HarryFlashman.]

I'm getting the aroma of wood and leather watching this. Another capital insight of history, craftsmanship and quality. Hats off to you Kirby.

[@stricht8]

This video is extremely well done! Congratulations! Initially, I thought Lobb shoes were too traditional and boring but I now realize that their shapes are just perfect and timeless.

[@mscott3918]

Exactly. They never go out of fashion because they are above fashion.

[@markgilbertson1564]

Class is permanent.

[@afrowave]

This is so well done. It is so un-rushed. I felt the reverence that Jack has, asking every imaginable question, just to squeeze every detail out of the Lobb brothers and master craftsmen. This is heritage archival stuff right here. Wow, I am in Kenya, East Africa and we might not have a lot of good to say about British colonialism, but when it comes to excellent craft, the English have it.

[@silvermediastudio]

Who is Jack?

[@ianmedium]

Well well well worth the wait! Thank you Kirby, a magnificent Christmas gift to your viewers. I think this must be the most in-depth interview with Lobb ever!

[@kirbyallison]

Hopefully everyone has time to watch the piece in its entirety over the Christmas break. Sometime early next year, we’ll publish on Amazon Prime with some additional bonus content. More great stuff to come!

[@ianmedium]

Kirby Allison I just got back to work today, I’m on duty until the 10th January so am working over Christmas and New Year. I nurse a Doctor who is confined to bed with MS so it’s pretty full on as you can imagine so I am watching bite sized pieces when I can spare the time. When I get home on the 10th though I shall pour myself a malt and watch it through in its entirety! Happy Christmas to you and your family Kirby.

[@whawkins8636]

Those dudes are so chilled and laid back

[@frankrizzo7185]

A masterpiece documentary Mr. Allison. You probably should have worn your John Lobb shoes there! True gentlemen.

[@kirbyallison]

I only wish I had a pair. I haven't "arrived" quite yet... still something to aspire to. Maybe I'll commission a pair when we get our NetFlix series...

[@tomtransport]

Best hour or so I've spent in a long time. Thank you Kirby, well done.

[@hemanshubahl3785]

The founding story by his great great great great grandsons is amazing! Loved watching this video!

[@greatbritain5626]

My farther has a pair of the John Lobb hunting boots with boot trees in them. He got them for his 21st birthday in 1988 and they still look showroom worthy - considering my farther and I hunt with our local English fox hunt twice a week during the season in all weathers: from snow, to mud, to rain and then occasionally falling off the horse and scuffing them on the floor. They really have been put to the test in those past years, so it goes to show that they are matchless to have lasted so long, and yet still be looking new. The only thing that has changed in those years, was that he had to have the soles repaired. John Lobb is undoubtedly the best shoemakers in the world. I can't wait to get my pair of hunting boots when I reach my 21st birthday!

[@kirbyallison]

Amazing. Their boots are such important part of this history, arguably more than their shoes! And quite rare and special to have a pair made bespoke these days!

[@greatbritain5626]

Kirby Allison agreed. It’s a family tradition in our family to have bespoke hunting boots made for our 21st which makes it extra special, and those boots will out live me as well, and it’s a nice feeling to know you’ve had something made precisely for you as well. We haven’t always gone to John Lobb, but my grandfather and father went there for theirs. My brother went to Horace & Batten bookmakers in Northampton. In my family; we were incredibly involved in the British cavalry from the 1800s right up until the Great War. So our family tradition started as a result of being in the cavalry, because my ancestors were officers in the cavalry, and officers were encouraged to hunt back then, because it’s a good way to master riding. But after the Great War, we were no longer involved with the cavalry. However, we carried on hunting, right up to this day.

[@kirbyallison]

Great Britain Beautoful tradition! Tag me on Instagram when it comes time to get your boots!

[@greatbritain5626]

Kirby Allison will do! Although we’ve got to wait 3 years 😩😂

[@greatbritain5626]

Kirby Allison next time you come over to Britain, you should definitely make a video of an English fox hunt! There is so much history, culture and tradition at the hunt, and I think you’d enjoy that. The hunting attire (or kit as we call it) is very unique and special, as each item we wear has a specific purpose and function. The scarlet (red) coats are so that the we stand out in the field. The stock acts as a bandage - so if a hunter or horse cuts their self, they can use the stock to bandage them, and the whips are designed so that we can easily open and close gates. In London also, there is a couple of shops that specialise in hunting coats and beeches (not jodhpurs) one of them being Oliver Brown, and the other being W&H Gidden - But there are others. I hope you give it some thought 😉 and who knows, we could get you mounted on a stead, and riding to hounds..... Tally Ho!

[@ARlELATOM]

As an Englishman I’m so pleased to see you taking an interest in our country’s culture and history. I would love for you to one day look into Britains hunting and shooting traditions. It would be interesting to see an Americans perspective of some of the gun makers, and also the traditional dress worn on shoots. Just an idea.

[@lukepollard6498]

Yes! 🇬🇧 🦌

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@lukepollard6498 As a UK citizen I am also pleased to see an interest being taken in our *country's* culture and history. I would love for an American to give their opinion on the thought that the UK's hunting traditions, particularly fox hunting are now generally considered to be both barbaric and unnecessary. It would also be interesting to see how an American citizen might react to a sycophantic British person when they encounter someone from a country where firearms are more of an integral part of their society.

[@joannietrotter2344]

Excellent idea,. We had a couple of visiting Americans at the Christmas Eve Hunt a few years ago and they thoroughly enjoyed seeing the beautifully turned out horses, hounds & riders. They were really lovely and we shared a toast over a glass of port.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@joannietrotter2344 As Americans, I wonder how much they appreciated that the hunt was illegal ;-)

[@joannietrotter2344]

@@BaddaBigBoom Bravo, bigot. It shows just how little you know about legal hunting.

[@steveriley1952]

Great film Kirby 🙂 hope you realise how lucky you are to be invited into the ‘inner sanctum’ !

[@johndoe741974]

This was a documentary! Loved it. I would love to see more like this.

[@kirbyallison]

johndoe741974 Thank you! Hopefully we film more in 2020!!

[@karlmylnere5712]

Great to see someone so passionate about sartorial elegance, I have watched almost all of these videos and still find something different in every one, they are also most enjoyable.

[@RoyGNH]

You sir had my attention for the full 1hr and ~1 minute! A fantastic production on your part. I honestly can say you successfully captured and conveyed to me, your appreciation for the fine art of quality shoe making! Thank You and Merry Christmas!

[@scottclarke9160]

Without doubt the best John Lobb video on KZbin.

[@JS-shim]

Fascinating video Kirby. I hope companies like John Lobb, Edward Green and Gaziano and Girling continue to survive and thrive. Thank you for your great work Kirby.

[@kirbyallison]

JS Me too! We’re doing our part to share their stories!!

[@krumovevgeni]

Thank you for showing the inner workings of Lobb. Craftsmanship.

[@rob379lqz]

Impressive Kirby. I have you penned in for your live chat. My eyes will be wide-open and ear-lobbs listening.

[@ronjamieson1768]

An amazing video! I love seeing people who take pride in their craftsmanship. Thank you for bringing this to KZbin

[@danstewart2770]

Watching this video I'm overwhelmed by a sense of history. Thank you, Mr. Allison.

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks, Dan!

[@lullemans72]

it's amazing how humble and non-pretentious they are.

[@thinkingallowed6485]

unpretentious?

[@thinkingallowed6485]

unpretentious?

[@tannergauge9374]

That’s what you get with proper craftsman, or those whom work in their presence.

[@lullemans72]

@KnightOfTheKing i mean because they're such a well known brand.

[@jamespalmer9396]

Go to churches outlet at Cheshire oakes .. .now they are stuck up ! So far up their own arses they need a glass belly to see where they are going.... Rude arseholes !

[@jingping1164]

Got my first pair st. James J.L couple of years back feels like heaven stepping in those, crazy price tag, 5K for the shoes and 1K shoe last. They are amazing.

[@shychameleon]

Well, that answered one of my questions.

[@ianarn]

Wow you got inside John Lobb St James! Usually they are very dismissive to social media reviewers! Great that they are opening up their shoe making heritage to you and the viewers as they are a very interesting craftsmen.

[@kirbyallison]

Indeed, Ian. We were very honored that they trusted us to tell their story. We are the first production crew they’ve allowed in since the BBC almost 20 years ago!

[@thepaperstaggering]

The patina of stability, sustainability, and age. I'll bet the Lobb shop smells like memories.

[@cpm8889]

Great report, so respectful of the skill and tradition of the Lobb. Well played Kirby

[@DelayedPenalty]

I will never own a pair of Lobb shoes; not affordable for me and also not a style that I'd ever need more than once or twice a year, but I can appreciate the history, the tradition, the craftsmanship and the skill that goes into making each pair. I love seeing and learning about the process of making things, especially bespoke products. Great video!

[@Andrew-yb1uv]

51:33 "Yes" .. The guy was so 'matter of fact' when he confirmed the shoes should last a lifetime. That is very rare in these days of mass production.

[@Cdr_Mansfield_Cumming]

Yes, that is so correct these days, my oldest Lobbs were made in 1986. Look hardly worn today, yet worn twice or three times a week to 2012!

[@lullemans72]

59:33 my deepest condolences for your late mother, kirby....

[@hattiecolley54]

Absolutely genius. I luv anything that has to with Craftsmanship, especially in Shoes. What an interesting piece of history, the styles are incredible and the history is such. My father wore beautiful Wing Tips and they were always superb looking. Although he has since died, he and all 16 of his Brothers loved shoes, had long narrow feet with high arches, just absolutely beautiful. They too depended on the craftsmanship of this family Enterprise. I appreciate all of you for taking the time to share the history of John Lobb, and to see that legacy carried on right to this day Thank you so much and carry on, just incredible!

[@Scottishboy-gg8bc]

Mind blowing. I'd love to own a pair of Lobb shoes, but I'd never be in a position to wear them. My lifestyle is just far too casual. Maybe one day, just for the sheer satisfaction that someone took the care and time to fit me a pair of shoes. Must go and check out Kirby's other videos. I like his style which in this day and age is very very scarce.

[@hebehall]

Superb! Thanks for taking the trouble to put this together. What a great piece of work

[@dr.a.995]

In the first minutes of viewing I was surprised to see the great-grandfather, if you will, of one of my “hipster” boots (2016) presented as an Australian gold miner work boot! Outstanding. I look forward to more discoveries as I continue viewing. A pair of Lobb shoes is on my horizon for 2020!

[@kirbyallison]

Definitely a bucket list experience!

[@RobertJohnson-je6tx]

Thank you. I have been waiting for this. IMHO, they are the best in the world.

[@alchemistoxford]

I cherish my Lobbs. Thanks for this tour through time into the mystique of Lobb.

[@mscott3918]

So do I. I have some 30 years old. When my father died some of his were 40 years old.

[@Steve111]

Another FANTASTIC video Kirby these should be on mainstream television, thank god for KZbin.

[@kirbyallison]

We would love to put together a proper series. There is so much more content wend love to film if we only had a budget...

[@ukfirebird]

Bloody hell !! that was excellent, what a quick hour that was, superbly made a shot, thank you much for this.

[@jonathanhisted9216]

Incredible story and amazing that their experience allows them yo go direct to finish.

[@paulmullen1126]

People ask why do Lobb shoe's cost so much and how can they justify the price , but when you see the the craftsmanship and time that is put in to making a pair of shoe's then you can justify the price !

[@Theo2482]

Hello Kirby, i have written this before, but i want to say again that you have the absolute best channel on the tube. Other should sweat in their tries to reach you! But please, try to make a series on Italian craftsmen, like Antonio Meccariello, Enzo Bonafe etc. It would be very very interesting. Thanks!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you!! We’ll get there one day. Considering we cover 100% of the cost of filming these videos, we would need some external funding or sponsorship to make a trip to Italy work. But maybe one day soon we get a series!

[@MultiMrMiles]

@@kirbyallison when you go there also do a collab with hugo Jacomet and Rubbinaci and those guys, that would be awesome! And maybe as a side thing a little item on Italo music in the 80s...? Good looking out.

[@alphaviews4639]

Thank you for this quality video. This is historic information you cant find anywhere but here.

[@dsmith3351]

Fascinating and inspiring, a great film. I work for Paul Smith and some years ago we did a collaboration with John Lobb. The shoes were incredible. The finest shoes that I own. I have only just discovered your channel and it's first class!

[@mehtabbhogal5591]

The purple ones?

[@markgilbertson1564]

@@mehtabbhogal5591 Unlike some of the overpriced Paul Smith shoes from India.

[@21john52]

Really loved this film. Remarkable to see history that is alive . Oh the shoes look pretty good as well.

[@Rei2140]

Your enthusiasm shines through! Great production, definitely worth the wait. The history of Lobb is pretty amazing especially sitting here in America where are traditions are much younger. Again great video!

[@kirbyallison]

🙏

[@mobeenjavaidfarooqui1187]

Very well done and very informative. I have a couple of pairs bought 20 years or so and still looking elegant.

[@kirbyallison]

Amazing! Next time your in London, you should drop them off for a shine and to say hello!

[@midnightalley4586]

A high school teacher once said to a student "Buy once but buy the best."

[@RobertFullStop]

I used to work at the Pret a Manger shop that's in Crown Passage. We'd have Michael as a regular customer who worked at Lobb's. He gave me a tour of the shop back in 2003-04 and it was an amazing experience. I believe he must be retired by now, he was some character, God bless him.

[@Fatboypool]

I’ve have had 2 pairs of bespoke Lobb’s built for me because of this video. They are magic, thank you

[@levellkinchen1]

Wow! The dramatic LOBB hammer and the walk away. Classic! Kirb (you da man!)

[@CArias000]

Amazing capsules on some of the most iconic bespoke houses still around

[@RajGheevarghese]

What a wonderful video! Didn't skip a beat. Excellent work Kirby.

[@baberoot1998]

Being a Beatles fan, (and of course a John Lobb fan), I could not help notice, the warrant showed, was dated August 22, 1965. The Beatles' album, (many say their best), Revolver, had been released August 5, 1966. I can only imagine, having been a young man living in London at the time, and after purchasing the Revolver album, marching down to John Lobb, 17 days later, and upon seeing the warrant, decide to purchase a pair of John Lobb, Beatles' inspired 'Chelsea', black boots. I would have thought, I was the 'creme de la creme'. Lol. One can dream...right? Love your channel. No matter, I may never be able to afford a pair of John Lobb's...I do hold out hope, that one day, I may come across a pair, in a thrift shop, or perhaps an estate sale. In which time; I would promptly have them resoled, reconditioned, and refurbished. Like I said...a man can dream...right? 👍😎👍

[@np1663]

This was beautifully made. I enjoyed every minute of it. Kirby looked right at home. Well done.

[@chakordeva9923]

An outstanding production, presented with the enthusiasm for the subject that only Kirby can bring. Thank you! A pleasure to watch.

[@jeffdaniel1000]

Beautiful. Well done. I want a pair of Lobb shoes now.

[@conn1326]

Excellent! I would love to see more content like this. Very in-depth.

[@Matthew-vj2eh]

Bravo Kirby!! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@juanjosefermin3682]

These are the videos I like the most, love history

[@dpfc74]

Absolutely amazing. Great video!!!!

[@RHBootmakers]

Amazing video sir, thank you for making this. 👍🏼

[@robertlasich747]

Wow! What a beautiful process. Thanks for the education my friend.

[@realleescoggins]

You outdid yourself on this video Kirby. Bravo!

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks, Lee!

[@bartderuyck]

Fantastic video, Kirby! You now give a lot more room to the interviewees, which is a big improvement. Well done! P.S. Patek is owned by the Stern family so the inspection of repeaters is done by Mr. Stern, either Philippe or Thierry.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank, Bart. In the moment, I'm not sure how I got that incorrect. But I do enjoy the parallel. No question that Lobb is the Patek Philippe of shoemakers...

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

From their ad in Watchtime Thierry now does all audio inspection of repeaters. There has been no Patek in Patek-Phillipe for over a century. Stern family bought the brand in the 1930s.

[@neohoroscope]

Thank you for great video and interview!

[@Cdr_Mansfield_Cumming]

I am fortunate to have my original riding boots from when I joined Sandhurst, I also have two pairs of shoes for work. Rather than match ones shoe to the suit, I match my suits to my shoes. When my Son was old enough to work and be in a career that afforded the salary to purchase a real made to measure suit and some shoes to be hand-made. I told him, one can always feel down for a variety of reasons, yet you feel lifted when you put on those clothes made just for you. In the long run, my first pair of Lobb shoes are 37 years old, they have been re-soled twice and they have cost me no more than £70 a year when you add it up. You spend more than that on something cheap from the High Street that lasts a year!

[@RonaldJMacDonald]

Thank you, I really enjoyed watching this video.

[@akashand]

I am lost for words..really enjoyed the production and learned a lot about Lobb. Please make more in-depth documentaries of other heritage shoe makers..

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! We certainly intend to make some more soon, when we can travel back to London and other places

[@LowdenFretter]

Wow. Excellent video Kirby. Thank you.

[@treyhuie]

John Lobb is a dream shoe. Amazing video!

[@rubzrubz2295]

Outstanding work team and Kirby

[@b.f.m7613]

I am really enjoying watching this!

[@kojiattwood]

Your best work so far. Bravo, sir!

[@111ImNumber1]

The Patek Philippe analogy 👍🏼

[@aixpert291]

Absolutely brilliant!!!

[@adrianstocks2710]

I couldn't have enjoyed this more thank you Kirby

[@mikethomas6230]

Just a stunning portrait of the top maker. The seven ages artwork that I saw is something that a whole video could be based on. Provocative stuff.

[@mikelindbergh642]

Fantastic video. I have a renewed interest in highest quality shoes after these videos on John Lobb.

[@clint7312]

The most fun production on your channel to date. Lusting after this brand now.

[@nouahlevi]

I just realised Kirby says "i couldn't be more excited" quite often, so which and when does he rank each of his more excited moments... random thought out of no where LOL

[@davidbengtsson4964]

Or maybe he just can't get that excited

[@artadrians]

Absolutely captivating and intriguing documentary on a quality artisan company.Living in Australia in the TURON RIVER region made it hit home deeper... I get around the area in particular old antique and bric a brac stores, I might get lucky and come across an old pair of LOBB BOOTS, now wouldn't that be a find..? I'll keep a lookout from now... Great work thanks for the story..