Do you own handmade Italian shoes? If you don't, then you should.

Now, you may ask what's so special about handmade shoes. There are more than one reasons why handmade shoes are so adored. Scroll down if you're just a beginner in the shoe world and thinking of owning handmade shoes.

What Are Handmade Shoes?

Handmade or handcrafted shoes are shoes crafted by hand using traditional techniques rather than mass-produced by machines. These shoes are typically made by skilled artisans trained in shoemaking who deeply understand the materials and techniques involved.

Handmade shoes can be made from various materials, including leather, suede, and exotic skins. The process of making a handmade shoe typically involves:

• Cutting and stitching the leather or other materials by hand.
• Shaping the shoe over a wooden last.
• Finishing the shoe with various treatments and details.

Because they are made by hand, each pair of handmade shoes is unique and may have slight variations that add to their charm and character. Handmade shoes can be more expensive than mass-produced shoes due to the skill and time required to create them, but they are often of higher quality and can last for many years with proper care.

Do Italian Brands Still Make Handcrafted Shoes?

Yes, Italian brands are still known for making some of the world's best-handcrafted shoes. In fact, Italian shoemaking has a long and rich history dating back centuries, and many of the techniques and traditions used in the craft have been passed down through generations.

Some of the most well-known Italian brands that continue to make handcrafted shoes include Gucci, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod's, and Bottega Veneta, among others. These brands use high-quality materials, such as leather and suede, and employ skilled artisans to craft each shoe by hand.

Italian shoemaking is known for its attention to detail, from the stitching to the finishing, and the resulting shoes are often considered works of art. While mass-produced shoes can be cheaper, handcrafted Italian shoes are typically of higher quality and can last for many years with proper care.

While some Italian brands have moved towards more mass-produced manufacturing methods, many still prioritize traditional handcrafting techniques and continue to produce some of the world's most sought-after shoes.

How Are Handmade Italian Leather Shoes Made?

Handmade Italian leather shoes are crafted using traditional techniques that have been honed over centuries. The process of making a pair of Italian leather shoes involves several steps and requires a great deal of skill, attention to detail, and patience. Here is a detailed guide on how handmade Italian leather shoes are made:

Designing the Shoe

The shoemaker begins the process by creating a design for the shoe, either by drawing it by hand or using computer-aided design software. The design includes details such as the style, shape, and size of the shoe, as well as the materials to be used.

Cutting the Leather

The shoemaker then cuts the leather by hand, using a pattern or template to ensure that each piece of leather is the correct size and shape. The leather used for Italian shoes is typically the highest quality, and the shoemaker may need to cut several pieces from different parts of the hide to ensure that the leather is uniform in color and texture.

Assembling the Shoe

Once the leather is cut, the shoemaker begins assembling the shoe. This involves stitching the various pieces of leather together by hand using a needle and thread. The shoemaker will use multiple stitching techniques, including lock stitching, whip stitching, and saddle stitching, to ensure that the shoe is strong and durable.

Lasting the Shoe

After the shoe's upper part is assembled, the shoemaker will place it over a wooden last, which is a foot-shaped form used to shape the shoe. The shoemaker will then stretch and shape the leather around the last, ensuring that the shoe conforms to the shape of the last.

Adding the Sole

Once the shoe's upper part is finished, the shoemaker will attach the sole. The sole is typically made from leather, rubber, or a combination of the two and is attached to the shoe's upper part using a combination of glue and stitching. Next, the shoemaker will trim the edges of the sole and add any necessary finishing touches to complete the shoe.

Finishing the Shoe

Finally, the shoemaker will add any necessary finishing touches to the shoe. This may include adding a protective coating to the leather, polishing the shoe to give it a shiny finish, and adding any embellishments or decorative elements.

4 Reasons Why Handmade Italian Shoes Are Great

Here are 4 reasons why you should pick handmade Italian shoes over factory-constructed ones:

1. The Shoes are Made of High-quality Leather

Best handmade Italian shoes offer a multitude of benefits, one of which is their exceptional comfort and uncompromising use of high-quality materials. In contrast, mass-produced shoes tend to follow market trends, leading to a decline in the overall quality and finish of the shoes. 

Despite this, people tend to purchase from these well-known brands. This is because handmade shoes are crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring they are free from errors and tailored specifically for you. As a result, they may be a bit more expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment in terms of quality and personalization.

2. They are Exceptionally Durable

One of the notable benefits of handmade shoes is their exceptional durability compared to ready-made shoes. Made from high-quality animal leather and other soft, robust materials, handmade shoes offer long-lasting performance. 

Unlike ready-made shoes, which can feel rigid and uncomfortable due to their inflexible materials, handcrafted shoes are designed to fit comfortably and remain pliable. Moreover, the animal leather used in handmade shoes is easy to maintain, making them an excellent investment in the long run.

3. Italian Shoes are Cool and Funky

It is a common misconception that handmade shoes are dull and unexciting. Contrary to popular belief, they come in a vast array of designs and styles, featuring a diverse color palette to cater to your individual preferences. Handcrafted shoes are custom-made to fit your unique style and taste, making them truly personalized. 

Furthermore, handmade shoes are not only fashionable but also have health benefits. They offer comfort and alleviate discomfort for individuals suffering from foot-related medical issues such as flat feet, providing relief and relaxation to the wearer.

4. Size Doesn't Matter

Handmade shoes possess a distinct advantage that sets them apart from ready-made shoes - they can fit individuals across a wide range of sizes. It may sound unusual, but this is due to the human element involved in crafting these shoes, utilizing animal leather and taking precise measurements of your foot size to ensure an accurate fit. 

In contrast, ready-made shoes adhere to a limited set of shoe sizes, leaving individuals who do not fall within those categories without options for their preferred shoe styles. The customizable nature of handmade shoes eliminates this issue and allows for a unique and personalized fit.

Conclusion

Now you know why Italian handmade men's dress shoes are the first choice of shoe enthusiasts. With their unrivaled attention to detail, meticulous crafting, and use of the finest materials, these shoes offer unmatched quality and sophistication.

If you want to see if handmade Italian shoes are your cup of tea or not, you can check out Jose Real Shoes. Our company specializes in producing high-quality handmade shoes, each pair crafted by skilled artisans using traditional methods. And it's affordable, too, compared to other high-end handmade shoe brands. So, why not give our shoes a try?