E. Vogel Custom Shoes and Boots, a storefront and factory in Lower Manhattan, has seen loads of stores pop up and disappear since they fitted their first shoe in 1879. However, even as the whole urban landscape has shifted around them, very little has changed within the walls of this family-run business (still overseen by fourth generation owner Dean Vogel). With the exception of ever-so-slight improvements in technology (like, say, electricity), the same hand-hewn method is still employed to make their custom-made shoes and boots as the day they opened.
It might not be Jimmy Choo, but fans of E. Vogel don't head to this Downtown Manhattan shop for the footwear trend du jour. The shop consists of a tiny showroom and a factory that takes up the remaining three floors of an old townhouse.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Classic bespoke shoes (that can literally last forever) are their hallmark. While the process of having a custom pair made takes both time and money (14 weeks and $850), men looking for a one of a kind fit and style are well-rewarded. The shoes are crafted in very simple and classic styles, produced elegantly from domestic or French leather.
Boots are even more costly, particularly baby calf polo boots, but unlike other major shoe manufacturers all of that money goes toward the craftsmanship and fine quality of materials. Much of their business comes from the sale of their famous riding boots which can be found on almost all of the top Equestrian teams in the world. It might not be to everyone's taste (or price range) but for their loyal clientele, nothing fits like a Vogel Custom.
E. Vogel Custom Shoes and Boots, a storefront and factory in Lower Manhattan, has seen loads of stores pop up and disappear since they fitted their first shoe in 1879. However, even as the whole urban landscape has shifted around them, very little has changed within the walls of this family-run business