Waist, more specifically, sole waist is the focus of many shoe enthusiasts. For starters, they care about Goodyear or Blake, even Norwegese. Then if Goodyear construction, it is close channel or open channel. As seasoned shoe connoisseurs, sole waist is observed for it features fiddleback or beveled.
Then enters higher level of shoemaking, Blind Waist. But this feature is not seen from bottom, but upper, to see whether all stitches at waist are hidden.
London Waist is a much less known concept, it is not only seen in bespoke shoes, but also made by a few most traditional and prestigious ones. London waist is also bevelled, but what is the difference with normally bevelled ones?
Check:
This pair is from Maftei, also its construction is Wood Pegged, not handwelted and handstitched, but the shape of waist is a typical London Waist.
Some would comment it is so ordinary, not even as attractive as normal bevelled waist.
But this is exactly what London Waist wants to express, must bespoke shoes be awesome, eye-catching?
London Waist is so understated, conservative and tender. As the most boring round toe, their elegance can only be told by time and discerning owners.
How comes the name? Because this feature is seen on many shoes from most famous bespoke shoemakers in London.
Currently popular fiddleback is more aggressive and led by Gaziano & Girling which catches more daring and expressive mens.
London Waist is more like an aged and restrained gentleman.
You may say it is too normal, but some one would tell how abnormal it is.