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How are hand made shoes made?
Although most hand made shoes are made of leather, they can also be made of synthetic, canvas or other materials. Whilst these are often cheaper than leather, most people who want the quality that comes with well-made hand-crafted shoes know that there’s nothing like the feel and durability of real leather for your shoes. Whilst canvas is a good alternative for casual shoes in the house, leather wins out every time for everyday and special shoes.
In good quality shoes, both the uppers and soles of the shoes will be made of leather. Many cheaper shoes nowadays may have rubber soles, as these are cheap and durable, but apart from the fact that they can make your feet sweat, you are losing out on the beauty and comfort of leather if you choose this option. Good quality handmade shoes will have a leather upper and sole, so look out for this when choosing your shoes.
Even amongst leather shoes, there are a variety of materials and qualities available, ranging from cow and sheep leather, up to the more expensive and exclusive alligator leather. There’s nothing wrong with the more common forms of leather, as long as good quality hides are used. Traditional craftsmen will only use high quality leather in their handmade shoes, so whatever the animal, the shoes will be sturdy and elegant.
Hand-made shoes are built around a “last,” which is a kind of mould that shapes the shoe. Traditionally made of wood – often beech, but nowadays usually made of plastic, these lasts are used over and over again.
The first stage in making the shoe is to attach the insole to the last. Then the sections of the upper part of the shoe are attached, and sewn together.
When the upper parts of the shoe have been fixed to the insole, the sole itself is then attached to the bottom of the incomplete shoe.
Finally, the shoe is checked over to make sure that everything is secure and accurately finished. If appropriate, the laces are threaded, and the shoes are complete.
It is possible to make your own shoes, but this should really only be considered out of interest, as it takes years to become a skilled shoemaker, and most of us would never have the time to hone our talents to the level of some of the masters. Thankfully, there is a good range of hand made shoes available for purchase, so we can all enjoy them without having to learn how to make them ourselves.
Watch out for more articles on hand made shoes that I’ll be adding to this site very soon.
Arrivederci (goodbye),
Armand
Related posts:
- Why should I buy hand made shoes? Part 1, the disadvantages
- Why should I buy hand made shoes? Part 2, the advantages
Topics: Hand made shoes, Manufacture of hand made shoes
