Handmade or custom made shoes

The term handmade shoes can include a number of different meanings. Some manufacturers and retailers describe their "out of the box" shoes as handmade simply because some component or process was made or undertaken manually. This of course is not the meaning that most people attach to a handmade shoe.

Real handmade shoes

Proper handmade shoes are made to measure in the same way as a bespoke suit. They can also be called custom made shoes and they are measured and assembled for a single individual based upon their unique foot shape and size.

The cobbler will start by taking a number of accurate and precise measurements of the feet. This will be done for both feet separately as most people will have one foot that is slightly larger than the other.

The number of measurement taken will vary based on the type of shoe and, more specifically, to the shape and variation the customer's feet. If the customer has any unusual or problematic features to their feet, then the measurements taken will allow these variations to be embodied into the design and construction of each shoe.

Once all of the necessary measurements have been taken the shoes will be made to those dimensions. This means that all of the shoe's components will be cut to size and hand stitched together. This is a labour intensive and highly skilful process and this is the reason why all custom made products have high price tags and take time to complete.

At the time of the initial consultation and measuring the cobbler will have determined if special or additional areas of padding are required. He or she will also use their experience and expertise to include appropriate support structures in specific parts of the shoe (as determined by the customers feet).

In addition to taking measurements, the materials, insole and use of the shoe will usually be discussed with the client to ensure that the finished Handmade shoe not only fits the feet, but that it is suited to the footwear’s main activities.

As with a suit it is not uncommon to have a fitting during the manufacturing process. This enables the cobbler to check the fit and to get any necessary feedback from the customer. If there are any changes or adjustments they will be determined at this time.

Finally, once the shoes have been made there will be a final fitting to make sure that the fit and comfort levels are satisfactory. Any restrictions or limitation on the shoes use along with any care requirement will be explained at this time. The shoes will then be handed over to the customer.

Some shoe makers will also arrange a further consultation after handover to check that the shoes are wearing-in as anticipated and that there are no comfort issues.