MTO is an acronym for Made to Order. Made to order shoes is an area that Leffot takes great pride in specializing in.
What exactly is MTO?
Well for one thing it is not bespoke shoe making which it is often confused with.
Made to order shoes allow you to create the shoe you envision using existing lasts. Depending on the maker you can choose the last you would like to have your shoes made on as well as the leather, color, soles and size.
In contrast, with bespoke shoe making you will have a last made from a drawing and measurements of your feet, which will in turn become your shoes. You will also have a greater selection of options available to you in terms of design and materials.
What is the best choice? Bespoke or MTO?
Bespoke shoe making is done directly with the shoemaker. This is a process that takes up to one year to complete and is generally much more costly.
MTO shoes are made to your specifications with a minimal single pair charge, which varies by maker, as does the time it takes to make the shoes, normally from twelve to twenty weeks again depending on the maker.
Ninety nine point nine percent of the population wear shoes that are made on lasts which are not drawn of their own feet. Unless you have a specific physical need you should be able to find a last that will fit your feet comfortably.
How can I order an MTO pair of shoes?
Leffot organizes trunk shows with our vendors twice a year. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the shoemakers or their representatives who are extremely knowledgeable about their products. It is also an excellent chance to see first hand many sample styles.
If you are unable to attend one of these shows it doesn’t mean you cannot have a pair of shoes made, as we take orders all year around. The key however to ordering a pair of shoes is in determining your size. Once that has been accomplished the rest is left to your own creativeness.
What if I am interested in placing an order?
If you would like to place an MTO order we will consult and advise you regarding size, style, leather and sole choices. We will also quote you a production time and price. If you decide to place an order a deposit of fifty percent will be taken and the balance paid on arrival.
All MTO’s are a final sale and for that reason and the fact that our goal is for you to have a wonderful pair of shoes we take great care when advising you.
If you are interested or have any questions about our MTO program we are happy to discuss it with you in more detail. If you would like to see some examples of MTO’s that we have ordered you can do so by visiting our MTO Gallery here.
