I have thoughts about shoes. It’s kinda funny to admit and while not the only thing I think about, those shoe-thoughts are there pretty often. Today I was thinking about a shoemaker I’ve been following for years, Fluevog Shoes. I don’t know what it is about these shoes, I’ve never purchased a pair. Sometimes I wonder whether I even like them.

I find some styles… questionable. I’ve described them as shoes I would wear if I were a cartoon. Ultimately, I think that’s their charm: they have a caricature-like quality of what shoes are, at least through the eyes of Fluevog. Exaggerated curving heels, playful shapes, buckles, fringe, bright colors—and that might just describe one shoe.

Once my curiosity led me to one of their shops in San Francisco (one of the few that exist) and I remember being welcomed by the smell of leather and an array of colors. And variety: a sculptural baroque style shoe sits next to a floral print 70s-reminiscent clog, which sits next to a a pair of traditional brogues with neon laces. But again, I left empty handed. Maybe these are shoes that I just admire in theory. Or maybe I just haven’t found the pair for me. Are you a Fluevog fan? Let me know what you think.

Bonus: take a peek at this video showing the process of crafting just one pair.