Philly based blogger releases new custom-designed shoe

From blogging to designing.

It's all in a day's work for Philly-based menswear blogger Sabir M. Peele of Men's Style Pro, who's teamed up with a custom footwear retailer and released his own shoe.

"The brand reached out to me - found me on Twitter," Peele explained Thursday afternoon. "They said, 'We love your stuff, we love your site, would you be interested in doing a collaboration with us?'"

The sharp-suited Peele was hesitant at first. He told online retailer Mantorii that he needed to test the item before he would consider attaching his name to it. Clearly, the shoe fit.

The way Mantorii functions is that the company takes the exact measurements of a client's foot, then customizes the shoe to fit perfectly based on the print-out they receive. It's essentially the new guard of tailored items - Internet-based, stylish and one-of-a-kind.

But interested buyers beware: There are only 25 pairs of the Mantorii x Men's Style Pro Limited Edition Double Monk Strap shoe. Each handmade pair retails for $319, crafted with the utmost care. It helps that the design is sleek with "Sabir" stamped all over it in invisible marker. "I wanted to create something that pulls my favorite [hue] - that camel tan color, with a double monk strap," explained the Central High School and Ursinus College grad.

Peele, who you can catch on any given day in a tailored blazer and fitted pants, was named one of Esquire's "5 best dressed real men in America" in 2010. His style is largely European - he cites Thomas Pink, Balmain and Brunello Cucinelli as his designer inspirations. It's his vast understanding and appreciation for the world's best menswear designers that makes Peele stand out from a large chunk of Philly, a city that prides itself on sweats and hoodies. This summer, the menswear blogger plans on going to Italy for Pitti Uomo. Who knows what ideas and partnerships he could return back to town with after his trip, which leads us to ask: Is designing his dream job?

"This is my first time coming out with the design," says Peele. "There's been some great feedback," he adds, hinting that potential future collaborations are likely. "But I still want to keep going with editorial," he insists, making it clear that the blogosphere is his priority, and designing?

A fun addition to his everyday work.