Custom-made shoes are to regular shoes as a great meal is to a microwave burrito. E. Vogel’s take three months, including making a wooden model of your feet, which will be used to shape the shoe. A large variety of French and English calfskins are available, as are exotic skins on request; you can also design the shoe of your dreams or replicate a favorite style. Custom men’s shoes cost from $1,200 for the first pair, $800 for subsequent pairs. (E. Vogel Custom Boots and Shoes, 19 Howard St., nr. Lafayette St.; 212-925-2460.)

Related:

• Archive: “The Everything Guide”
• Table of Contents: Feb 12, 2007 issue of New York | Subscribe!