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- The End Result - Shoes That Feel as Good as They Look

The result of our commitment to excellent last development is clear—formal shoes that provide a perfect fit, enduring comfort, and timeless style. Every pair of Hide & Leather shoes is a testament to the importance of the last in shoe-making. Our shoes are built around this fundamental tool, ensuring that each step you take is as comfortable as it is confident.

Step 1 - Selecting the Finest Leather

Step 1 - Selecting the Finest Leather

The journey of a shoe begins with the careful selection of premium leather. We source only the finest full-grain and top-grain leather from tanneries renowned for their ethical practices and exceptional quality.

  • Full-Grain Leather: This is the highest-quality leather, which retains the natural texture and markings of the hide, ensuring durability and a beautiful patina over time.
  • Top-Grain Leather: Slightly sanded and refinished to smooth out imperfections, top-grain leather offers a refined, uniform look while maintaining a high degree of strength.

Our leather is sourced with particular attention paid to grain consistency, color, and texture.

Step 2 - Cutting the Leather

Once the leather is selected, it is measured and cut into the appropriate shapes and sizes for each shoe component. This includes the upper, lining, insole, outsole, and heel cap.

  • Pattern Design: Skilled artisans create precise templates for each shoe These patterns determine the exact cuts and stitching lines.
  • Precision Cutting: Using both hand tools and advanced cutting machinery, the leather is carefully cut to match the shoe’s design.

Each shoe is crafted from a single hide whenever possible, ensuring the leather maintains a consistent grain and color across both shoes.

Step 2 - Cutting the Leather

Once the leather is selected, it is measured and cut into the appropriate shapes and sizes for each shoe component. This includes the upper, lining, insole, outsole, and heel cap.

  • Pattern Design: Skilled artisans create precise templates for each shoe These patterns determine the exact cuts and stitching lines.
  • Precision Cutting: Using both hand tools and advanced cutting machinery, the leather is carefully cut to match the shoe’s design.

Each shoe is crafted from a single hide whenever possible, ensuring the leather maintains a consistent grain and color across both shoes.

Step 3 - Creating the Shoe Uppers

Step 3 - Creating the Shoe Uppers

The upper is the part of the shoe that covers the top of the foot and is the first area to be assembled.

  • Stitching and Assembling: The individual leather pieces for the upper are hand-stitched by our skilled craftsmen. This is done using waxed nylon thread, which provides durability while ensuring that the stitching complements the leather’s natural sheen.
  • Adding Details: Decorative details like broguing, stitching patterns, and lace eyelets are carefully added by hand to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the shoe.

Step 4 - Lasting – Shaping the Shoe

The next step in the process is lasting, where the leather upper is stretched and molded over a

wooden last (a foot-shaped mold) to give the shoe its final shape.

  • Wetting the Leather: The leather is moistened to make it more pliable for the lasting
  • Hand-Lasting: The upper is stretched over the last and pinned into place. The leather is then carefully pulled and adjusted to ensure it conforms smoothly to the mold, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit.
  • Drying: The shoe is allowed to dry on the last, ensuring that the leather holds its shape once it sets.

Step 4 - Lasting – Shaping the Shoe

The next step in the process is lasting, where the leather upper is stretched and molded over a

wooden last (a foot-shaped mold) to give the shoe its final shape.

  • Wetting the Leather: The leather is moistened to make it more pliable for the lasting
  • Hand-Lasting: The upper is stretched over the last and pinned into place. The leather is then carefully pulled and adjusted to ensure it conforms smoothly to the mold, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit.
  • Drying: The shoe is allowed to dry on the last, ensuring that the leather holds its shape once it sets.

Step 5 - Attaching the Insole

Step 5 - Attaching the Insole

The insole is then added. This is an essential component for comfort and fit. At Hide and Leather, we use a combination of leather and cork insoles for added support and cushioning.

  • Leather Insole: Cut from the finest leather, the insole is inserted into the shoe and shaped to provide an ergonomic fit.
  • Cork Layer: A layer of cork is added between the leather insole and the shoe’s This provides natural breathability and molds to the foot over time, creating a custom fit.

Step 6 - Attaching the Outsole

The outsole is the foundation of the shoe and is where durability and elegance meet.

  • Material Selection: We use high-quality leather and rubber for the outsoles, depending on the style and functionality. Leather soles offer a sleek, sophisticated finish ideal for formal occasions, while rubber outsoles provide extra grip and durability for everyday wear.

Hand-Stitching or Cementing: Depending on the shoe design, the outsole is either hand- stitched to the shoe’s upper or cemented using eco-friendly adhesives. Hand-stitched soles are a hallmark of traditional craftsmanship and provide added durability.

Step 6 - Attaching the Outsole

The outsole is the foundation of the shoe and is where durability and elegance meet.

  • Material Selection: We use high-quality leather and rubber for the outsoles, depending on the style and functionality. Leather soles offer a sleek, sophisticated finish ideal for formal occasions, while rubber outsoles provide extra grip and durability for everyday wear.

Hand-Stitching or Cementing: Depending on the shoe design, the outsole is either hand- stitched to the shoe’s upper or cemented using eco-friendly adhesives. Hand-stitched soles are a hallmark of traditional craftsmanship and provide added durability.

Step 7 - Shaping and Polishing

Step 7 - Shaping and Polishing

Once the outsole is securely attached, the shoe undergoes further shaping to refine its appearance.

  • Shoe Shaping: The shoe is carefully shaped, and any minor imperfections are smoothed out to ensure a flawless finish.
  • Edge Finishing: The edges of the outsole and upper are meticulously finished with a beveling tool to give them a clean, polished look.
  • Polishing: Each shoe is then polished to perfection using a blend of premium wax and

creams to bring out the richness of the leather and add a lasting sheen.

Step 8 - Attaching the Heel

The heel is the finishing touch that adds both structure and style to the shoe.

  • Heel Construction: Heels are made from stacked leather or wood, depending on the The heel’s structure is reinforced for durability.
  • Heel Attachment: The heel is securely attached to the outsole, ensuring stability and a balanced silhouette.
  • Finishing Touch: A final layer of leather is often applied to the heel’s base for a refined look, and a rubber tip may be added to prevent wear and tear.

Step 8 - Attaching the Heel

The heel is the finishing touch that adds both structure and style to the shoe.

  • Heel Construction: Heels are made from stacked leather or wood, depending on the The heel’s structure is reinforced for durability.
  • Heel Attachment: The heel is securely attached to the outsole, ensuring stability and a balanced silhouette.
  • Finishing Touch: A final layer of leather is often applied to the heel’s base for a refined look, and a rubber tip may be added to prevent wear and tear.

Step 9 - Quality Control and Final Inspection

Step 9 - Quality Control and Final Inspection

Each pair of Hide and Leather shoes undergoes a rigorous quality control process before it’s considered complete.

  • Detailed Inspection: Our craftsmen carefully inspect each shoe for defects, including checking stitching, fitting, leather quality, and finish.
  • Comfort Check: We check the interior of the shoe for comfort, ensuring that the insoles and lining are smooth and supportive.
  • Final Touches: Any last-minute adjustments are made, ensuring the shoes meet our high standards of craftsmanship.
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