The Shoe Snob Story
The Story of The Shoe Snob
The Shoe Snob began with a simple vision: to see men around the world wearing better shoes. But that vision was only the starting point of a much bigger journey.
Justin FitzPatrick, founder of The Shoe Snob, grew up in Seattle, USA, surrounded by a culture where shoes were often neglected. From an early age, he admired fine footwear and knew he wanted to change how men thought about their shoes. Determined to build both knowledge and credibility, he pursued a degree in Entrepreneurship at the University of Washington before embarking on a five-year plan to learn everything about shoes—sales, design, craftsmanship, and the industry itself.
That journey took him from two years on the sales floor at Nordstrom to Florence, Italy, where he apprenticed under the late master shoemaker Stefano Bemer. There, Justin learned the true art of bespoke shoemaking and high-level shoe care, lessons that shaped his philosophy forever. Though the apprenticeship left him with little money, it provided invaluable skills and contacts. During this time, he also launched The Shoe Snob Blog, a platform that quickly gained international recognition for lifting the curtain on the insular world of high-end footwear.
Eager to keep learning, Justin pursued opportunities in London—first at Gieves & Hawkes on Savile Row, where his expertise in artisanal shoe shining earned him a position, and later through mentorship from Tony Gaziano of Gaziano & Girling. Hours spent sketching designs during his daily commute soon evolved into a polished portfolio, which, combined with Tony’s guidance, laid the foundation for his own shoe brand.
In 2013, Justin launched his first collection, selling at No. 1 Savile Row and through his online shop, alongside a curated range of shoe care accessories. His blog, shop, and brand all worked together to fulfill his vision: educating men and elevating standards in footwear.
After nearly a decade in Europe, Justin returned to the U.S., continuing to grow The Shoe Snob brand on home soil. Today, his mission remains the same—one pair at a time, helping men step into better shoes.
What started as a simple idea has grown into four platforms sharing one vision:
- The Shoe Snob Blog -- Education, reviews, and insights into the world of shoes.
- The Shoe Snob Shop -- Premium shoe care products and accessories.
- The Shoe Snob Marketplace -- A destination for quality footwear and special sales.
- J.FitzPatrick Footwear -- A premium shoe brand offering those 'better' shoes for men
