The one blessing the last 2 years has given the world of retail is the push for online accessibility for those that lacked it. Traditionally, Corthay was a brick-and-mortar business with stores around the world and/or stockists in the areas that did not have their own shop in. But in 2020, this was no longer going to cut it and most brands quickly rushed to boost their online presence in the hopes to stay alive. And in one aspect it is a great thing because you do not always have the opportunity to visit the nearest city that might stock the pair of shoes you want and thus failing that have no other option to get it. But with an online e-commerce shop and presence in communication with the end client, all brands are able to reach more and more customers able to satisfy their needs a lot easier. Now, I won’t say that online shopping is better. I personally prefer to go to the store and touch the products (at least when new to the brand) but I am saying that if going to the shop is not always an easy choice, then having that online presence is necessary and often convenient for the client. Corthay understood this and quickly built a new, nice website for all of their fans to be more easily connected to the brand in these times of ‘lack-of-travel.’
Navigating the site:
There are a few things worth noting so that you funny understand what is going on. So here they are:
- Not all shoes listed in ‘The Shop’ are ready to ship. As Corthay specializes in custom coloring/patina, a lot of what is shown is really more of a Made to Order product and the site gives you the common choices on offer. Of course, I am sure that you can go a step further if you want something truly unique. This most likely requires an email, though and discussing it.
- Custom Personalization – More on what I said above, they have launched a customization tool, but currently only for their Arca model, the classic Corthay derby shoe that made them world-renowned. I am sure that this is a work in progress and soon they will get all of their models on there, as it only makes logical sense to do so. For now, for the Arca lovers, you can customize your own pair right on the computer.
- Find Your Size At Corthay – This is a nifty little tool that helps you suggest your size. I have never seen anything quite like it in the shoe industry (also quite possibly due to the fact that I do not shop in the shoe industry, so there is that). It helps you by asking your ‘typical size’, then having you confirm foot measurements, and lastly asking you some relevant questions about how you like your fit before finally suggesting your size in the shoe model. While I have never actually owned a pair of Corthay, or even tried one, from what I hear, their sizing is actually in US sizes and if you choose your UK size, you will get a small shoe. And you will see this in the guide. If you state that you are a UK8 they will suggest you a ‘Corthay 9’.
It appears to be a new day at Corthay. I have been long acquainted with the brand and the various staff that have worked there over the years, but it would appear that there is new management that is hungry and wants to get back into the welted side of the industry, previously dabbling at the ‘designer’ side of the industry. I won’t lie, Pierre Corthay is one of my all-time favorite shoe designers. A great guy too and I am happy to see that the brand will be coming back to make a mark on this side of the industry. I just hope to start seeing some cool, new models. The Wilfred is easily one of my all-time favorite oxfords, copied by many, but never matched. I hope that they can match it within their own collections by bringing some more novelty to the industry.
Visit their site: https://www.corthay.com/en/
***Corthay is a new supporter of The Shoe Snob Blog and therefore you can say that this is a ‘sponsored post’***
