John Lobb
John Lobb 2005
$1,280
www.johnlobb.com

           Owned by Hermès, based in Paris and part of the renowned London bespoke shoemaker of the same name until 1979, John Lobb can always be counted upon for some of the finest–and most distinctive–handmade shoes around. Each St. Crispin’s Day (Oct. 25) for the past decade, the company has released an exclusive, limited-edition model that can only be ordered for one year. This 2005 special edition is a five-eyelet Oxford with a balmoral vamp and an intriguing butterfly-shaped cutout. Handcrafted from just two pieces of calves’ leather, the shoe’s antique finish provides deep, lustrous tones and a subtle sheen. Available in black, walnut, green and two-tone walnut-and-dark brown for $1,280, including shoe trees. At the John Lobb shop on New York’s Madison Avenue.

Martin Dingman
Arlo
$1,395
www.martindingman.com

           From Diamond City, the fashion capital of…well, Arkansas, come some of the most stylish leather goods in the U.S. Since 1990, creator Martin Dingman, a former designer for Cole Haan, has been turning out luscious luggage, wallets, gloves, briefcases and, of course, shoes, in a range of intriguing materials. Got a hankering to wear a ‘gator on your feet? Take a peek at the Arlo in genuine Louisiana alligator skin with an all-season rubber bottom for $1,395. Sleek, contemporary, lightweight and slip-on simple, they’re basically dressed-up running shoes for the urban man on the move. Available in black and dark brown at an array of fine retailers nationwide.

New & Lingwood
Russian Calf Shoes
$1,550
www.newandlingwood.com

           When it comes to tradition, it’s hard to top New & Lingwood. Founded in 1865 to create footwear for the scholars of Eton, the Jermyn Street shoemaker offers a wide range of high-quality–and very British–styles, both bespoke and off-the-shelf. Though the company has recently been adding contemporary details to some of its lines–such as chiseled toes and more comfortable soles–these Russian Calf Shoes are as customary as they come. They’re made of Russian reindeer leather dating from before 1800, which has been cured in baths of rye, oat flour and yeast, hand-finished and soaked in wood liquor. The leather is then hand curried while still wet and then soaked in seal oil and birch tan oil, which gives it a distinctive scent. Available in semi-brogue, derby and loafer styles in a range of natural shades for around $1,550.

Prada
Distressed Suede
$585
www.prada.com

           One thing’s certain about Prada shoes: You know ‘em when you see ‘em. As sleek and fetching as high-performance kayaks, Prada’s men’s collection seduces with a stylishness and reputation for celebrity that few can match. These distressed suede ankle boots from the current Fall/Winter collection are perfect for the club and the board room, provided you’ve got the confidence to stand up to all the attention they’ll bring.           Available at select Prada boutiques worldwide.

Salvatore Ferragamo
Python Loafer
$895
www.ferragamo.com

            The young Salvatore Ferragamo made his reputation in Hollywood outfitting shoes for Rudolf Valentino, John Barrymore Jr., Douglas Fairbanks and their ilk, before relocating back to Italy in 1927. These days, the Italian luxury leather goods company is all over elegant gentlemen–especially their feet–with a range of ready-made styles with a modern edge and a slimmer, more elegant toe. These luscious python loafers, for instance, are available right off the shelf for $895.

Tanino Crisci
Lilian
$1,250
www.taninocrisci.com

             Lombardia-based Tanino Crisci turns out just 25,000 pairs of shoes per year in classic designs that are updated annually to reflect the inevitable style changes. The current men’s collection–and women’s collection, for that matter–bear a strong Italian personality and a luxurious presence, as well as an exceptional sturdiness to maintain their integrity whatever your pace. Recent additions offer styles that appeal to younger clientele, such as this dazzling limited-edition Lilian shoe for $1,250 from the Autumn 2005/2006 collection. Sold online and at Tanino Crisci stores around the world, including one on New York’s Madison Avenue.