French shoemaker J.M. Weston is considered an international standard-setter for quality shoes. The company’s oxfords and slip-ons, made from fine leather, cost from $375 to $800 on average, and are available in sizes and half-sizes with a five-width range. Although the 130-year-old company moved to a modern factory in 1990, it still employs traditional shoemakers who finish each shoe by hand. But the ultimate luxury when it comes to a pair of shoes is a perfect fit.

For those who wish to order a custom made shoe, in 2001 the company developed Visionique, a foot-scanning system that marries high technology with handmade craftsmanship to add accuracy and speed to the creation of a custom-fitted, hand-finished shoe. Weston’s scanner contains four synchronized Kreon Laser Sensors from Kréon Industries (Limoges, France) that can precisely measure a person’s foot in 18 seconds. For those buying an off-the-rack pair they provide a low-tech foot measuring device complete with stool by renown designer Martin Szekely. It’s also giving the sales staff a more balanced position when helping customers try on shoes.

designer: martin szekely
producer: jm weston
period: 2010