Shoes are more than just a fashion accessory – they are an essential part of any outfit, and the right pair can make all the difference in how you look and feel. 

But with so many shoe brands out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's where handmade shoes come in. 

From the carefully chosen materials to the expert craftsmanship that goes into each and every pair, handmade shoes offer a level of quality and durability that mass-produced shoes simply cannot match.

In this article, we will be highlighting the top 6 handmade shoe brands for men. These brands offer a wide range of styles and designs, from classic oxfords and loafers to trendy sneakers and boots. 

No matter what your personal style is, you are sure to find a pair of handmade shoes that suits your needs.

1. Jose Real - Heritage with a Modern Identity

Jose Real is a top handmade shoe brand for men that combines the tradition of Spanish craftsmanship with the modern identity of Naples, Italy. 

Founded in 1969 by a family of shoemakers and then carried out by the youngest son of the family in 2015, the brand has been producing high-quality shoes that are unique in design and handcrafted with passion and attention to detail.

Each shoe is designed with excellence in mind and is handcrafted by skilled artisans with a passion for details. The leather used for all shoes is carefully selected and treated with a handmade coloring process that gives the shoe its unique look, and durability and makes it long-lasting.

At Jose Real, quality and design are at the forefront of the brand's philosophy. It’s a brand that is perfect for the modern man who values quality, design, and style. 

The combination of quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and unique design make handmade Italian shoes stand out from the rest.

2. Vass - The Art of Hungarian Shoemaking

Vass is a renowned luxury brand that specializes in crafting handmade shoes for men. Founded in Hungary in 1932, the company has grown to become one of the world's leading makers of high-quality shoes for gentlemen.

The brand is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Each shoe is handmade with the finest materials, including premium leathers and suedes, as well as handmade soles and linings. This ensures that every pair of shoes is both comfortable and stylish.

The designs of Vass shoes are also a major selling point. The brand offers a wide range of styles, from classic oxfords and brogues to modern loafers and boots. No matter what your personal style is, you are sure to find a pair of Vass shoes that will suit your needs.

The brand also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. All their shoes are made with eco-friendly materials and are produced using fair labor practices. This ensures that each pair of shoes is not only of the highest quality but also helps to protect the environment.

Overall, Vass is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a pair of high-quality, stylish, handmade shoes. Their commitment to craftsmanship, quality, sustainability, and style makes them a top choice for men who want to look their best.

3. Saint Crispin - Elegant in Craft & Cut

When it comes to handcrafted shoes for men, Saint Crispin's is one of the top brands. Established in 1992 in Austria, the company has been providing bespoke shoes to a select few since that time. 

In 2003, Phillip Car joined the company as a partner, and the first ready-to-wear shoe series was produced. The worldwide financial crisis of 2008 saw the company make intense restructuring, but this only served to streamline its setup and made its products more unique.

Saint Crispin's remains a family-run business, with twenty-eight people employed in their workshop in Brasov, Romania. With an output of approximately 1,500 pairs per year, Saint Crispin's is one of the smallest shoe manufacturers but is highly appreciated for its craftsmanship and design.

The company does not follow the Viennese shoemaker tradition exclusively but propagates a style that is understood in Anglo-Saxon regions, the Mediterranean, and German-speaking areas. 

They also welcome guests in their office and showroom in the heart of Vienna, Austria. Here, new designs and models are developed and presented.

With a combination of modern business tools and high-end craftsmanship, their shoes are some of the finest in the world.

4. Enzo Bonafé - A Family Tradition of Quality Craftsmanship

Founded in 1963 by Enzo Bonafè, the company has grown from strength to strength over the decades, selling its products in some of the most prestigious boutiques in Italy, Europe, and around the world. 

The company is family-owned and operated, with Enzo at the helm, aided by his wife, children, and son-in-law. 

At Enzo Bonafé, quality is of paramount importance, with the highest quality raw materials and craftsmanship techniques used in the production of every shoe. 

Artisans and young apprentices work together to ensure each shoe is of the highest quality. The company also strives to personalize its shoes to the needs and wishes of its clients, allowing them to create the shoe of their dreams.

Enzo Bonafé has all the necessary qualifications to be a distributor of their collection, and they are committed to continuing to provide their customers with high-quality hand-crafted shoes. 

Their mission is to create shoes that not only reflect the expertise and skills of their collaborators but also meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. 

5. Carmina - Exquisite Craftsmanship from Mallorca

Carmina is a family-run artisanal shoemaker from Mallorca, Spain, that has been crafting shoes since 1866. Over the years, the team of skilled craftsmen has perfected their craft in producing high-quality men’s shoes. 

Carmina’s range of men’s shoes is a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The brand offers customers a wide selection of oxford shoes, loafers, monk strap shoes, Chelsea boots, and chukka boots. Moreover, Carmina is especially renowned for its genuine shell cordovan shoes and boots.

The manufacturing process at Carmina is an intricate one, with more than 190 steps handled by a team of skilled craftsmen. Every stage of production is carefully looked after and monitored to ensure the very best results.

The team at Carmina is dedicated to producing shoes that are of the highest quality, which is why they use only the best materials, traditional techniques, and modern technology. They also take great care in ensuring the sustainability of their materials and processes.

6. Sutor Mantellassi - Italian Masterpieces

Sutor Mantellassi is an Italian footwear brand founded in 1912 by the Mantellassi family. The company has been in the business of crafting handmade shoes for over a century, and they have remained a leader in the luxury shoe market. 

The brand is well-known for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, and its products have been seen on the feet of many prominent figures, from Marcello Mastroianni to Ezra Pound.

The history of Sutor Mantellassi began with two brothers – Enea and Ettore – opening their atelier in Tizzana, a small village near Florence. Enea went on to gain experience in shoemaking, and the brothers’ shoes became popular in the 1930s with local nobility and patrons from other regions. 

Enea’s son, Ledo, went on to make history for the family business by producing shoes of the highest quality, and in 1962 he named the brand Sutor Mantellassi – “sutor” being Latin for “shoemaker”.

Thanks to Sutor Mantellassi’s excellent techniques and elegant styles, the brand has become a global icon. All Sutor Mantellassi products are crafted and dyed by hand, creating a perfect balance between contemporary and classic fashion trends.

Today, Sutor Mantellassi is one of the world’s most luxurious and sought-after shoe brands and is loved by customers at prestigious department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue in the US and Harrods in the UK. 

In case you buy an Italian pair, here are some tips to keep your Italian shoes in top shape. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in a pair of handmade shoes from one of the top six brands mentioned in this article is a surefire way to elevate your personal style and ensure long-lasting quality. 

These brands have a proven track record of crafting high-quality, stylish shoes that are built to last. They also provide a unique sense of style that is hard to find in mass-produced footwear.

If you're in the market for a new pair of handmade shoes, be sure to check out Jose Real Shoes, a brand that combines traditional techniques with modern designs to create truly exceptional footwear.