In the realm of luxury footwear, few names command as much reverence – and as hefty a price tag – as Tod’s.
For the stylish gentleman seeking to project an air of silent wealth and refined taste, Tod’s shoes are at the top of their list.
But with prices routinely soaring past the £400 mark, one cannot help but wonder: “Why are Tod’s shoes so bloody expensive?”
Let’s embark on a sartorial journey to unravel this mystery, shall we?
Tod’s Legacy and the Price of Heritage
The tale of Tod’s begins not in the glittering showrooms of Milan, but in the humble cobbler’s workshop of Filippo Della Valle in the 1920s.
This family-owned business remained relatively obscure until Diego Della Valle, the founder’s grandson, took the reins in the 1970s.
It was Diego’s entrepreneurial acumen and keen eye for style that transformed Tod’s from a small-time shoe producer into a global luxury powerhouse.
The pivotal moment came when Diego spotted a moccasin-style shoe with a pebbled rubber sole during a trip to New York.
Intrigued by the design but unimpressed by the quality, he brought the concept back to Italy, refining it with superior craftsmanship and materials.
This became the blueprint for Tod’s iconic Gommino driving shoe, which would catapult the brand into the stratosphere of luxury fashion.
This rich history is not merely a quaint backstory; it’s a crucial component of Tod’s premium price.
When you purchase a pair of Tod’s, you’re not just buying shoes—you’re buying into a legacy of Italian craftsmanship and innovation.
This heritage allows Tod’s to position itself as a purveyor of timeless elegance, justifying prices that might make the average chap’s eyes water.
Italian Craftsmanship Cost
Tod’s proudly touts that each pair of their shoes is crafted from 35 separate pieces in a painstaking process involving 100 steps.
While this may sound impressive, it’s worth noting that many high-end dress shoes, particularly those with Goodyear welted construction, often involve even more complex processes.
Nevertheless, Tod’s commitment to quality control is undeniable.
Unlike many luxury brands that have shifted production offshore to cut costs, Tod’s steadfastly maintains its manufacturing facilities in Italy.
This adherence to the “Made in Italy” ethos ensures a level of quality control that is reflected in the final product—and in the price tag.
The moccasin-style construction of Tod’s signature shoes, particularly the Gommino, involves hand-stitching the vamp.
This process creates those characteristic vertical lines on the toe, which become even more pronounced in models using shrunken leather.
It’s a labour-intensive process that requires skill and time, factors that inevitably drive up production costs.
However, it’s worth noting that not all aspects of Tod’s shoes are handmade.
Much of the stitching, particularly around the tongue and collar, is done by hand-guided machines.
This blend of artisanal techniques and modern efficiency allows Tod’s to maintain high standards while meeting global demand—a balance that contributes to their premium pricing.
Tod’s Premium Materials
Tod’s shoes are crafted from high-quality leather, including fine calfskin and suede.
The brand also offers exotic skins, like crocodile, for clients with deep pockets as these premium materials contribute to the shoes’ comfort, durability, and luxurious feel, as well as their eye-watering price.
However, it’s rather disappointing that Tod’s website often lacks detailed information about the specific leathers used in each model.
The Gommino’s signature pebbled rubber sole is another key component that provides excellent grip, flexibility, comfort, and style.
The rubber nubs can wear down relatively quickly, especially if the shoes are worn frequently for walking rather than driving.
This planned obsolescence, whether intentional or not, ensures that devoted Tod’s enthusiasts will need to replace their beloved shoes more frequently than they might with other high-end footwear.
Gommino’s Iconic Design Drives Prices Up
The Gommino driving shoe is to Tod’s what the Birkin is to Hermès—an iconic product that defines the brand.
This signature style, with its distinctive rubber pebble sole that extends up the heel, has become a symbol of casual luxury.
The Gommino’s popularity allows Tod’s to command premium prices across their entire range.
The genius of the Gommino lies in its versatility. Originally designed as a driving shoe, it has transcended its automotive roots to become a staple of smart-casual wardrobes worldwide. This broad appeal justifies (at least in the eyes of Tod’s) the steep asking price.
However, this versatility comes with a caveat. While the Gommino is comfortable and stylish, it’s not particularly durable when used as an everyday walking shoe.
The soft leather and pebbled sole wear out relatively quickly, especially around the heel. This rapid wear can be frustrating for those who’ve invested a small fortune in their Tod’s, expecting them to last for years.
Interestingly, Tod’s offers a repair service for worn Gomminos, but the solutions—such as adding a rubber sole or wrapping the heel in rubber—somewhat compromise the shoe’s original aesthetic. It’s a bit like painting over a Picasso to preserve it; effective, perhaps, but rather missing the point.
Tod’s Celebrity Endorsements
Tod’s has long understood the power of celebrity endorsement. The brand’s ascent to global recognition was famously boosted when Gianni Agnelli, the stylish patriarch of the Fiat empire, was spotted wearing Tod’s on television.
This unsolicited endorsement from one of Italy’s most revered style icons was worth its weight in gold—or, more accurately, in marked-up leather shoes.
The brand has continued to leverage star power over the years. Princess Diana was famously fond of Tod’s bags, a royal seal of approval that undoubtedly contributed to the brand’s prestigious image.
More recently, Tod’s has tapped into the influence of modern celebrities and influencers, further cementing its status as a must-have luxury brand.
So, Are Tod’s Worth the Splurge?
So, are they worth it? The answer, as with most things in the world of luxury goods, is not a simple yes or no.
From a purely functional perspective, it’s hard to justify spending upwards of £400 on a pair of shoes that, by many accounts, wear out faster than their more affordable counterparts.
The Gommino, in particular, seems to suffer from a design that prioritises style and initial comfort over longevity.
However, purchasing Tod’s shoes isn’t merely a functional decision—it’s an investment in a certain image and lifestyle.
For the gentleman seeking to project an air of effortless, old-money elegance, Tod’s delivers in spades.
The brand’s heritage, craftsmanship, and understated design speak volumes without saying a word.
It’s also worth considering the versatility of Tod’s designs as a pair of Gomminos can transition from a casual daytime look to a smart-casual evening ensemble, replacing several pairs of shoes.
Alternatives – Old Money Look for Less
For those who admire Tod’s aesthetic but baulk at the price tag, there are alternatives worth considering.
Brands like Rancourt & Co. offer handmade driving shoes with pebbled soles at a considerably lower price point (around £295).
While they may not carry the same luxury cachet as Tod’s, they offer excellent craftsmanship and a similar style.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider classic boat shoes from brands like Sperry.
While they may not have the same refined look as Tod’s Gomminos, they offer a similar casual-luxe vibe and often boast superior durability for everyday wear.
Alternatively, if you’re set on Italian craftsmanship, brands like Carmina or Meermin offer high-quality, Goodyear-welted shoes at a fraction of Tod’s prices.
While their styles differ from Tod’s casual aesthetic, they embody a similar spirit of timeless elegance.
Tod’s Similar Articles
Styling Beyond Tod’s
Knowing the origins of Tod’s and considering having the Italian brand in your wardrobe is just a small step towards dressing like a confident and successful gentleman.
Perfect men’s styling starts with your unique body type and colour palette and only then, with the occasion, location, season, and time of the day – and this is a men’s styling secret that only expert image consultants know.
And if you want to learn, we’re here to help; start by knowing your body type and unique colour palette so you can select clothes for your body shape in colours that match your skin, eyes, and hair.
You must also know which fashion brands to shop from and, more importantly, how to style these garments, footwear, and accessories to create a look of subtle luxury and success.
After learning to choose fashion from heritage fashion brands according to your body shape and colour palette, you’ll have to master styling by occasion, location, season, and even time of day.
If you feel overwhelmed, worry no more – we’re here to help you in three easy and free steps:
1. Find Your Body Type
Different garments flatter different physiques, so knowing your body type is the first step in dressing like a confident man – free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body type, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Color Palette
Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour. Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body type and unique colour palette, so the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, multiple outfit ideas, the most relevant fashion brands for your unique look, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Last but not least is mastering how to style according to occasion, location, season, and time of the day; this is where our professional styling services for men, created by our expert image consultants and fashion stylists, come in.
Our paid styling packages are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. Each is backed up by expert stylists who will guide you step by step in creating a personal wardrobe that communicates affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must know your body type and colour palette and how to style according to the occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today and save headaches, time, and money; the first styling assessment is on us!
It’s time to show the world the confident and successful you, a gentleman of exquisite fashion taste.