Benjamins Shoe Corp

Bespoke shoes. I’m stunned. This may sound like something out of a William Gibson novel but I assure you it’s Sacramento. If for no other reason than just curiosity you have to go check this place out. (And yes I did buy a pair. Four month wait. Be advised)

The shoes here are dope. When I have deeper pockets its going to happen. Until then I will just admire the craftsmanship.

Artisan Shoe Craftmenship
SITREP
We got to pop into Benjamin’s Shoe Corp (Ben’s) and check out he and his S.O.‘s setup while we were traipsing through the relatively new WAL Public Market. [In fact, not all of Ben’s commercial neighbors have quite opened, or even moved in fully yet into their respective retail spaces.]
THE SETUP
Ben — the proprietor and head-​craftsman of Ben’s — has a completely open operation with his craftsman’s table at the «center of the universe» so to speak. Like a command-​center, the whole store circles around him, from the retails tables towards the front, the «sole of wells» to the side, and the heavy-​duty work shop areas behind him.
It’s actually a lot of fun, and he really seems to enjoy being in the middle of the activity of customers wandering BY him, AROUND him and BEHIND him. [Actually an act of bravery, when you think of it!
COMPONENT PARTS
Ben’s work tables carry various pieces of the shoes depending on the function of the immediately adjacent tools and machinery.
What is really fun to see is an almost literally «bookcase» full of soles of different colors and sizes. The foundation of any shoe, it’s not surprising to see such a huge variety.
And along with the other pieces — such as the various pieces of canvas forming the body of the shoe — you can actually watch Ben craft the shoe.
THE SHOES
Ben’s shoes are unisex style, intended for both men & women, available in sizes for Men (7 – 13) and Women (6 and up). Each pair is obviously made-​to-​order, and may take up to 10 weeks for delivery (the only downside if you are trying to catch the season with the style — so perhaps consider this an exercise in «long-​term gratification» for next year)
Ben’s recent seasonal white shoe — «Benjamin’s X-​Fox», for $ 195 — uses ecru cotton twill from Fox Brothers in the United Kingdom, white moc soles from Brazil, and a charcoal bamboo loop terry cloth lining (this kills odor-​causing bacteria and reduces the chances for athlete’s foot).
Now the pair that I really like is the «Benjamin’s Natural Gum» shoe, for $ 245 (figures — more expensive OF COURSE), is almost black (no surprise to my friends why I like that) in a midnight Loro Piana Storm System cashmere with a charcoal bamboo loop terry cloth lining:
Great shoes from the touch and the feel of ‘em.
ACCESSORIES
Ben’s has a nice selection of some other tasteful clothing items, such as jackets and ties, that are meant to be complementary choices with the shoes as a total ensemble.
WORLD TIME!
I love keeping track of time, or more specifically, the nuances of keeping time over vast spans of geography and time zones. So it was thoroughly entertaining to see Ben’s with five (5) clocks up that represent his store location (Sacramento), and those of his business partnerships around the world:
(1) New York City
(2) London
(3) Milan; and,
(4) Tokyo
BACKGAMMON!
Bambi and I were enthralled with the exquisite antique backgammon board that Ben had set up that we had to give the pieces a whirl:
THE LOWDOWN
If you are looking for a light summer shoe, and/​or some creative alternatives for several light footwear with different external designs, give Ben’s a try.

Such an awesome shop and the owner was super nice, helpful, and passionate about his work. Excited to receive my shoes.

We stopped by exploring the new Public Market in the WAL. We had no idea that we’d see a artisan making shoes right in the Public Market. We chatted with a gentleman at Benjamins (sorry we didn’t get his name, but it could’ve been Ben himself). He was very kind to explain his company and shared what he knew about the other businesses in the Market. The shoes look great and it’s super neat to see someone making shoes right there! They also carry shoe accessories in case you’re in need of them.

I got a chance to finally get in here and meet ben, both he and his shop are as genuine as they come. The shop has a nice aesthetic to it and welcoming feel, but it’s ben and his knowledge and passion for his craft that makes stoping by a worth while trip.
I tried on a pair of his shoes, they were nicely crafted but I’d be curious how comfortable they would be after a day of walking in NY or what a pair looks like after a few seasons of wear. I suppose a limited selection of material in stock and only one style at the moment, is why I haven’t ordered yet, but I did see some white canvas that will make an amazing summer shoe!
The place is hospitable, he carries a small but quality selection of men’s fashion and lifestyle magazines you can’t find in Sacramento easily, and his shoes are handmade and fit to order, a great addition to the Sacramento area in my opinion.