Below is the MST Kazule 005
Created using an EVA Rubberised foam sole.
Every once in a while I get an email asking why I am the best at elevator shoes, or who is the best between Don's Footwear and the Guiddo Maggio brand from Italy.
I have recently concluded that I get asked this question simply because customers tend to glance at the price difference between us both and think because GM is more expensive it means they are a better shoe. I know we all do not have the time to understand the finer aspects of shoemaking or to discover the skills and technique involved in creating a top tier shoe and with little time in our lives, we tend to just go on prices. Generally, it goes like this..If the price is too high we fear its just middlemen getting a cut, too low it seems there might be an issue later on after the purchase ( to good to be true)
Well I would say a higher price plays a part in what type of business that you are buying from:
I believe Don's have the ultimate set-up. Because we own both our Brand and our channel. and that also helps Don's to offer a better price. In our factory we only created for our own brand, we dont need to create other labels to support our own factory our full attention and priority is on our own Brand. I know of only one other that created their own shoes and I believe it’s a Spanish brand, Guido Maggio outsources to another factory, that I know because I’ve had another factory contact me to ask if they wish to make shoes for us.
When it comes to premium custom made Owing your own factory is a must and gives a chance to create a better custom shoe, and have a better understanding over a marketer. We have been able to do that from the beginning. So, who is better? Well, Im slightly biased, but I would say we are better than Guiddo Maggio simply because Don's came along first, We started in 2005 and launched in 2009. The owner of Guiddo Maggio first came to me for advice around 2010 via a few phone calls on Skype, then slowly over time copied my styles, then managed to get my old webmaster to sell him my contact list. that's how he managed to get himself going, My family and friends still get his promotional emails from to this day, He always tends to copy things that I do a few months or years later, Trunk Shows, Styles, Website design, Content. I always laugh to myself when my good friend and loyal webmaster mentions to me what they have been up, Italians tend to say they are unique when it comes to design and they are always in competition with the French over who is the best at class and style and I believe they are the best in the world at that sort of thing, And so to have this guy trailing me ( a Scotsman), following my moves, its kind of cool haha.
The GM brand often like to criticize us that we are made in SEA in their blog posts and so I guess this is my long-awaited reply,, His only unique selling point is they are made in Italy, however, Its a huge problem in Italy that many shoes uppers are made in awful conditions across the water in the Slavic countries and shipped over and assembled in Italy ( there is a youtube video on the problem here) . Then next there is a problem with the Leather tannery Labour condition in Tuscany. So all in all, I don't think a Made in Italy statement beats a real Shoemaker like myself.
Don’s Footwear make everything in house. Except for the leather tanning which I buy from a Japanese owned tannery that has a high level of quality control as they supply to the entire Japanese police force and all leather must be tested regularly. I also make bespoke shoes, which is regarded as the creme de la creme of shoemaking And our bespoke offerings are made always in the west end bespoke way,, A wooden last needs to be created, shaped and labelled for the client use only, bespoke patterns are made, test pairs are made before going onto making the final pair. The prices range from 1000-6000 USD across the world.
https://shoegazing.com/2017/08/20/buyers-guide-bespoke-prices/
Guido Maggio cant offer this service as they are simply a generic fashion brand. We make Fiddle back waist shoes, which only the best bespoke shoemakers can create.
This is our top line of shoes
https://donsfootwear.com/en/echelon-grade
Guiddo Maggio Shoes are Good year welted at best which is means the shoes are simply held against a machine to fix the sole on. Everyone one of our shoes in bench made from the best fiddle waist to the lightweight blake stitch. I’ve also been trained in London and Sweden. and I have helped a few other brands launch and given consulting on how to improve shoemaking. All in all, We lead the way and others follow when it comes to elevator shoes, This might feel like a rant, but it’s good to get the facts out there.
Its now at the time of year when I like to post a few of the remarks that I receive from the wonderful and loyal customers of Don's Footwear, I would like to start by sharing a message that I received from a gentleman that I managed to meet in person on my Turk Show visit to L.A
"I am a U.S. resident and have been a Don's Footwear customer since 2017. The quality of the shoes and boots that Alan Donnelly creates and manufactures are unparalleled. Simply put, you will have an extremely difficult time finding a bespoke shoemaker that dedicates this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail while combining style with the highest standard of materials. Many of the pieces I have ordered from Allan and had delivered to me are reminiscent of 1920's and 30's type footwear in terms of the material quality and style. The consistency to detail and level of precision is constantly evident; even with almost constant and continuous wear. If you are looking for an incredible level of dedication and quality, Allan Donnelly's footwear is going to be extremely difficult to top. The products created and produced by this company are, to put it bluntly, the best I've seen. You will not regret adding Don's Footwear to your list of preferred establishments."
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Below is some of the feedback that I received personally via email, Naturally I have removed all the names.
18th Dec
Hi Allan,
Just letting you know that the shoes arrived today and I am blown away by them. Not only by the skill used in creating them but the fit is something I have never experienced before. As soon as I slid the first one on, I knew they were amazing and now I know why people pay for bespoke shoes.
I can't thank you enough for managing to finish these off and have them delivered for Christmas and yes, the customs got me, which I don't mind, it's just the extras that they charge which is annoying.
Once again thank you for such a professional approach to help a newbie into the world of bespoke shoes.
Yours sincerely
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My man....ill would give you a hug...but we too far....thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'll be ordering again from you soon. Thanks.
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16th Dec 2021
Shoes are here. These are stunning mate. Thanks so much
28th Nov 2021
18th/Nov/2021
Hi Allan,
The shoes just came in. They look great ! Thank you for making & shipping them in a short timeframe !
Have a great weekend !
Regards
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8th Nov 2021
13th Sept 2021
Allan,
10th Sept 2021
Hi Don just thought I'd let you know I'm going away in an hour and the boots just arrived on my doorstep! The quality of the boots are absolutely excellent you sir are a master craftsman!
1st Sept 2021
26th July 2021
The Fossatos that you made for me are a masterpiece. Best footwear that I have ever used. Perfect fit right out of the box. Easiest to take on and off. And what I had asked you to do is not easy, to make a stable shoe with that degree of elevation, but you did it. What else can I say besides, "Thank you!"
17th July 2021
Just received the shoes today it was absolutely gorgeous. Thank you. Will be ordering another shoes on the first of next but hopefully it will get here sooner.
12th July 2021
I really love the boots. Thank you so much!
6th July 2021
25th June 2021
These are the best pair of shoes I've ever had. I'm glad I took advice from the Karavel shoe expert. He told me I'd need exact measurements for my wide (while short) feet. These don't hurt at all and don't need that excessive break-in, I usually do for size 8 shoes. because the instep is too low and the shoe is way too narrow.
21st June.
Hi Allan,
Received the suede Cacciatore boots and it turned out great. Looking forward to another pair in the near future, possibly in a Chelsea Boot Style.
21st June 2021
Beautiful boots.Thank you!
28th May 2021
Shoes arrived and they fit great. Thanks. I will be in touch soon for my next pair.
25th May 2021
21st May 2021
14th May 2021
Hi Allan
10th May 2021
You are the most in touch guy to your base in the business!
22nd April
Hi Alan ,I custom ordered two Chelsea suede boots over 4 years ago.They are still like new.I saw my special order in video on your website,I now live In Miami Fla.Love the boot and seeing it on video,Thx
19th April
That picture has only the pairs made by you. Thank you Allan, sincerely, for dramatically increasing my quality of life. You can't even imagine.
It seems like there’s always a price to pay for wanting an extra height boost.
Bigger shoes? Painful insoles. “Off the rack” elevator shoes? Awkward and uncomfy gait change etc...
But below we have the best shoes for short guys that ACTUALLY don’t hurt - thanks to Midsole technology, created by Don’s Footwear.
List of best shoes for short guys
These shoes below are also made for people who are on their feet all day - from business professionals to simply active individuals. 100% guarantee all-day comfiness, style, height, and secrecy - thanks to Don’s Footwear’s Midsole Technology.
Check out our dedicated Midsole Tech shoe page right here.
D.O.N. Issue III
Shoe overview: The D.O.N. Issue III is a gorgeous modern boot that comes in 3 finishes, from matt to standard, and glossy.
Best for: Any any sort of night outing where you prefer to keep a lower profile in regards to your height alteration.
How tall can it make you? 2.0 to 3.1 inches
Minimalist Lowtop
Shoe overview: The Minimalist LowTop is probably the only elevator shoe you’ll see out there with a design as low key and simplistic as this.
Best for: Make no mistake, this little powerhouse is the “ace up your sleeve” for days spent around people who know you, as they’ll never know WHY you happen to look “different” that day - thanks to these sneaky shoes.
Like we said, this design is low profile, along with a high “effective” rate. Best for casual outings. How tall can it make you? 2 - 3.1 inches.
All shoes on this list have one thing no other brand in the world has - Midsole Technology
What is Midsole Technology and how can it help you IMMEDIATELY?
The problem with most elevator shoes: Even the best elevator shoes have soles that cannot accommodate as much in terms of comfortability, as the height increase only extends down to the heel portion of the sole - which can get a little tiresome after a while for your feet.
The solution: Midsole technology designed by Don’s Footwear is unique in that the insert has been engineered to allow for the height-increasing portion of the shoe to extend down to the midsole area of the foot (hence the name “midsole”.)
How can it benefit you INSTANTLY: The fact that Midsole Tech by Dons Footwear extends to the midsole area of the foot means 2 things -
1.) A more subtle heel increase all around = less noticeable elevator shoes as most will not be able to tell where the sole arch begins and ends, let alone that it is raising your heel, to begin with.
2.) Insane comfortability due to a more natural flatter sole profile.
Elevator shoes containing Midsole Technology are designed for busy individuals who want height increase along with maximum comfortability WITHOUT ANY SACRIFICE.
All shoes on this list are perfect for shorter guys who want a slight height boost and maximum comfortability. Check out how Midsole actually works right here.
Or check out our video on Midsole Technology down below!
Elevator shoes with MIDSOLE TECH from Elevator Shoes on Vimeo.
Vans II
Shoe overview: A hybridization of rubber/leather soles encompassed by a sheening glow of leather and/or suede - and about as casual as you can get, without losing any style.
Best for: Rocking with the younger crowd who deem casual streetwear over anything else, with a rogue twist for individuals who want a subtle height increase.
How tall can it make you: 2 - 3.1 inches
Check out our dedicated Midsole Tech shoe page right here!
MST Engineering Boot
Shoe overview: The best boot for a multitude of situations that require the sturdiest of “foot armor” - you can’t go wrong with the MST Engineering Boot.
Best for: This boot is perfect for rough-rounded individuals or those with a more active lifestyle needing a slight height boost, along with an insane comfortability factor. A steel toecap can be added upon request. This boot is designed to be comfier than regular boots, is tougher, and makes you taller!
How tall can it make you: 2.0 - 3.1 inches
Note: this boot is slightly heavier to the touch than our average boot due to the double leather layer under the heavy-duty, however once on the foot, it feels like a regular boot.
MST Loafer II
Shoe overview: MST Loafer II created by Don’s is the updated version of a traditional Italian classic. A classic shoe versatile enough for any situation, business or otherwise. Best for: Business or business casual events, as the finishing comes in standard, glossy, and matt suede or leather - enabling you to be as versatile as possible.
How tall can it make you: 2.0-3.1 inches
Check out our dedicated Midsole Tech shoe page right here!
MST Manchester
Shoe overview: A stylish look with a more “out there” design, combined with a double leather sole (for a sneaky extra height boost), meet the MST Manchester.
Best for: Office attire, formal events, for professionals on their feet all day and who want the most comfort.
How tall can it make you: 2.0-2.75 inches
Remember all these shoes have patent-pending Midsole Technology meaning these are single-handedly the comfiest elevator shoes out there and ONLY ones with Midsole Tech!
A BIG problem with most elevator shoes is the awkward position of the heel that makes you notice that your feet are slanted - like a man in heels!
Midsole Technology fixes this problem for good!
So good you’ll be able to run in your elevator shoes if you want! No seriously...you can run in these -
But ONLY in elevator shoes made with MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY by Don’s Footwear.
Polgatoe Slender
Shoe overview: The ultimate formal footwear for individuals who want a sleeker look, as this model has a no sole-edge - which overall makes the Polgatoe Slender sleeker-looking and narrow whilst making you look taller still.
Best for: Busy individuals who long for a longer, more streamlined look, and who perhaps desire something less boxy and big.
The Polgatoe Slender also comes in a longer toe box, ensuring more comfortability. How tall can it make you: 2.0-3.1 inches
MST Low-Cut B101
Shoe overview: The MST Low-Cut B101 is the perfect footwear for guys eager to maintain a low profile with this low-cut square toe cap slip-on.
Best for: Office environments, important interviews, and for straight cut hassle-free men who’d rather avoid too much attention. Go up to 3.1 inches in height and not notice a damn thing!
How tall can it make you: 2.0 - 3.1 inches
MST Terni 2
Shoe overview: The MST Terni 2 will be your go-to for only the most formal of events - like that of office occasions - when you dare to garner all the attention.
Best for: Confident guys and men who want a little more “oomph.”
Shy guys stay far away.
How tall can it make you: 2.0 - 3.1 inches
Do you want to actually be taller AND wear “regular” shoes while doing it?
Midsole Technology by Don’s Footwear will help you...
Be taller
But most importantly…
They will make you feel as though you’re wearing regular shoes...since you won’t be able to feel the height difference at all.
And because you won’t feel it, no one else will notice it either, which means Midsole Technology will be your best-kept secret.
If you want to learn more about Midsole Technology and how it could help you become taller without risking any discomfort or public embarrassment, check out our info page right here.
Or check out our entire dedicated Midsole shoe collection right here.
End your pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, by getting literally every single thing you could ever want in a height-increasing shoe...with Midsole Technology.
Check out our other in-depth article answering all your elevator shoe questions right here if you’re still unsure!
Its about time that I started work on a newer and better collection of causla shoes, I cant make the athletic shoes as that's a whole di...
