Foster & Son

My experience with Foster & Son has been incredibly disappointing. I purchased a pair of bespoke shoes as an anniversary gift for my husband and throughout the process we have been made to feel like we are doing them a favour. We have had to chase them down at every step of the way and in all instances it has been implied that is our fault that we did not check in with them more frequently. How is it possible to so consistently use the wrong email address or to not follow up by phone? I receive emails from the company updating me on the Foster’s global trunk shows (in Japan, in the US, etc) so the explanation that they do not have my correct email on file does not ring true. From measurement to completion this has been a 13 ½ mo process, though we were told the shoes were ready earlier but «we must have missed the email.» For those looking for bespoke shoes I recommend you look elsewhere. By the time the shoes arrive you will be so upset you ever gave Foster & Son your money it will be hard to enjoy them.

Foster & Son ist einer dieser wunderbaren alteingesessenen Schuhmacher Englands, der hier in Jermyn Street seine Auslage dem traditionsbewussten Herrn mit Stil offeriert.

I think that their shoes are comfortable and affordable. The service is not so fast, but the staff is always polite and friendly. According to me the comfort really matters. I’m looking for a firm heel counters, removable insoles and wide toe boxes. I hate so much when I have corns or other problems, caused by ill-​fitting shoes. I like to wear orthopedic inserts, because they’re quite good for my feet. I’m planning to go to this shop soon and buy some pair of shoes for the spring.

Foster & Son sell shoes that even the fussier shopper will love. Comfort, desiccant, quality and a wide range of choice means that I can come here once in while and find exactly what I want and need for any occasion or purpose. Even bespoke pair of shoes for that special occasionthey are great and I couldn’t buy anywhere else!

This shop seems to have the best selection of shoes I’ve ever seen. So, then I have bought three pairs of shoes from Foster & Son and also quite a few keyrings as well. The leather here at Foster & Son might be made by Whitehouse Cox.

W.S. Foster & Son is apparently the oldest shoe and boot maker in London.
Their shop on Jermyn Street is fairly small, but has a nice variety of different classic British ready-​made shoes as well as a range of accessories such as wallets and bags.
They are especially well-​known as bespoke shoe makers, and various famous people such as Fred Astaire and Cary Cooper ordered their shoes from Foster. However, one has to like their lasts, and the chiseltoe shape that they are doing as a house style for their bespoke shoes is a bit of an acquired taste.
The Foster ready-​made shoes are made in the Crockett & Jones factory in Northampton and are on par with their handgrade range. Prices vary between 300 and 600 GBP for their ready-​made shoes and well above 2500 GBP for their bespoke shoes.
The shop itself has a great flair to it although the customer service and friendliness of the staff could be improved a bit. The shoes themselves are marvellous and of impeccable quality.

Foster & Son is the oldest shoemakers in London.
Their lovely shop on Jermyne Street still has a selection of lasts belonging to the great and good from history — including kings and queens and everyone from Carry Grant to Fred Astaire.
A bespoke pair of shoes takes over 100 hours of labour to make and will cost a commensurate amount.
But, they also do an excellent bench made and ready to wear range.
The store also has a fantastic selection of leather goods, including some exquisite backgammon boards.
Whereas other shoe makers in town (Church, Lobb etc.) are good — they have all been taken over by fashion houses like Prada and Hermes, so they’re effectively just branding. Foster’s IMHO still maintains the traditional craft and workmanship that British shoes are famous for all over the world.
If you ask you can still go upstairs and see their in-​house staff working on shoes in the traditional way.

One of the best places on Jermyn Street to buy classic mens’ shoes. They do a bespoke shoe-​making service, sell their own range in the shop and also have a nice selection of beautiful leather accessories