Walk the line: Aamir Bukhari

Aamir Bukhari speaks to Hammad Ahmed of The ShoeMakers & Co to talk about the evolution of footwear in Pakistan


Aamir Bukhari July 31, 2016

Aamir Bukhari speaks to Hammad Ahmed of  The ShoeMakers & Co to talk about the evolution of footwear in Pakistan, exciting new ventures and how to step into the season with style

Although it’s widely believed that clothes make the man, shoes help define who he truly is. Until recently, shoes were grabbed on the go from local stores depending on what was available and what fit relatively well. However, alongside tailored shirts and suits, bespoke shoe services are bringing a sense of tactile luxury to the average Pakistani.

The ShoeMakers & Co (TSM&Co) was founded in 2011 by a group of young men passionate about wearing a pair of fashionable shoes handcrafted with luxurious leathers. So what led these young men to venture into luxury footwear with virtually no previous experience? Hammad Ahmed, the CEO, says, “Having spent a chunk of my life in London, I have always admired English dress shoes by John Lobb and custom-made shoes by Gaziano & Girling. We wanted to craft and sell the finest-quality, comfortable dress shoes made in Pakistan for people who appreciate craftsmanship, comfort and contemporary fashion.”



The experience of TSM&Co is like that of a Rolls Royce. Every detail from the colour of the leather, the construction, fastening and even the heel is tailored to the customer’s preference. It is akin to getting a shirt stitched at Charvet.  Going shoe-shopping shouldn’t be like ordering fast food. It should be an experience for your feet. After all, a single shoe has the power to make or break your entire outfit.

Those pressed for time and with lack of patience aren’t to be left behind either. TSM&Co also has a Ready-to-Wear (RTW) line. While the term suggests casualness, there is nothing mainstream about the way TSM&Co’s RTW shoes are created. It is just a selection of styles available in standard sizes, which is just as well, as retail prices for a pair can easily reach five figures.



When asked about a fashion faux pas for men’s footwear, Ahmed winces: “It’s so awkward, seeing Pakistani men tuck their pants into knee-high boots, considering there is literally no snow in sight.” He also feels that “flip-flops should be reserved for the beach and Crocs are the ultimate sign of laziness.”

So, are there any designing dreams in sight? “I have been a huge admirer of Amir Adnan over the years and recently I think Omar Farooq at Republic is doing an amazing job in keeping Pakistani men up-to-date with the latest sartorial trends. There aren’t any collaborations with them per se but we are working on a lot of exciting things that you will get to see in the foreseeable future.”

The Report



Given the developing array of footwear available in the market, shopping for shoes can be overwhelming for the average man. To keep your feet in check this year, take a cue from Hammad Ahmed for the five key trends in footwear

Wingtip oxfords or brogues



These are shoes that can be worn all year around with almost anything. You can ditch the juvenile sneakers and elevate your smart casual look with brown hand painted wingtip oxfords some of which have the option of a white wedged sole.

Double monkstraps



Double monkstraps offer unique, fashionable appeal, whether you pair it with a suit in the office or casual attire during the weekend. The distinctive shoe stands out in a crowd of the common lace-ups.

Spectators & saddles



With great texture, comes great responsibility. Spectators are definitely not for the faint-hearted. They look great when paired with jeans, seersucker, or even linen.

Whole cut



Exuding pure elegance and sophistication, whole-cut leather shoes have a narrow shape, minimal lines and a smooth surface.

COMMENTS (1)

Adnan Mir | 7 years ago | Reply Nice to see young graduates working hard to bring their countries name on international stage. Thumbs up!
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