It’s strange to think that Gaziano & Girling as a company has only been a part of the British shoemaking scene since 2006. Fourteen years sounds like a decent chunk of time, but compared to the decades or centuries-long heritage of their competitors, the rise to prominence has been nothing less than meteoric.
The Wigmore is one of Gaziano & Girling’s most iconic boot styles. It’s a fabulous looking thing, and although I think it lacks versatility compared to the most well-known models like the Galway from Edward Green, or the Islay from Crockett & Jones, it’s well worth considering if you want a distinctive addition to your boot rotation.
Materials and makeup
Like many Balmoral boots, the Wigmore looks best with mixed materials on the shaft and body. This model features cherry calf on the lower part of the boot with a pingrain chestnut shaft section. Gaziano & Girling’s leather is always top-notch - their toe burnishing and patina work is probably the best of the high-end British makers.
For those missing a reddish boot, it’s well worth considering - it adds extra flair to a wardrobe mainly stocked with brown or black boots. Alternatively, you might want to keep an eye out for another popular makeup that mirrors a well known Edward Galway combination, with brown calf for the lower section and dark brown suede for the shaft. Gaziano & Girling also continue to have a 20% off made to order promotion running if you really want to personalise your makeup.
Styling
The Wigmore is an Oxford balmoral boot, giving it more of a sense of formality than the more usual Derby lacing found on boots. Its two most distinctive features are the dovetail-shaped seam connecting upper and lower sections - again, very similar to the same design on the Edward Green Galway - and a plain toe with medallion detail.
This particular model is on the TG73 last, a classic square that is pretty eye-catching for a boot. However, this square toe combined with the overall slimness of the last can limit the boot to more formal outfits - it looks a bit out of place with jeans or chinos, particularly if you skew towards wider cut trousers (as I do).
Fit and comfort
Gaziano & Girling have some of the best last-makers in the business - indeed the success of their business has largely come from Tony Gaziano’s own expertise in last-making that he brought from his time at Edward Green.
Most noticeably, a lot of G&G lasts look like they should be uncomfortably tight on the foot (particularly when you start considering designs on the astonishing Deco last) but are actually extremely comfortable, hugging the foot in just the right way.
With a thin rubber sole applied, these have an impressive amount of traction. You can also see finely sculpted waist, heel and slightly spade-shaped soles are.
Value
Gaziano & Girling are the most expensive of the British shoemakers dealing mainly in RTW models. Ultimately they are about 3 or 4 times the price of a pair of Crockett & Jones - whether or not you think that is a reasonable return on the range and quality of leather they use and the unmistakable styling is up to you.