How Bespoke Italian Leather Shoes Are Made

In a small workshop in Florence, Saskia Wittmer crafts leather shoes that are as unique as each customer.

MADE is a series of simple, lovely short films that demonstrate how everyday luxury objects are created.

Video by Leila Hussain.

[markleogante]

I tried to wear My grandfather's original Italian-made pair when i was about college age. He was so happy to find that it fits me perfectly so he decided to give it to me as a send-off gift. He told me he can't afford to buy a new pair for me because it's going to be even pricier than when he bought it decades ago, as a consolation, he jests that in no time, I'll be buying meself my own pair.
This is a reminder that those artisan shoemakers did an exceedingly excellent job in keeping to their promise of quality, comfort and style.

Edit (May 2020): thanks for all the likes! well, making leather last starts with the material. Second is maintenance, and my grandpa religously attends to his shoes. Also, he further expained that to make your shoes last you have to wear them, it will wear down if you keep them in a box for so long.
I also learned that the reason his shoes aged so well is that he had some of them re-soled by the artisans at the shoe company.

[MrMonza]

I don't understand people complaining about price. They spend 3 weeks on a single pair, so it's like they earn around €5500 every month. You have to take away half of that for the taxes (in Italy are very high). Consider that they have to pay material, workers and maybe a rent. What do they earn in the end?

Meanwhile I see people spending more than €500 for Adidas limited edition which are done in factories in less than a day, not even measuring your feet and with low material price.

[t]

...the way that waxed linen thread seals itself is pure genius...:D

[mrincrdible]

This is true craftmanship it's a good thing to see how much work goes into producing a piece like this, i think it's worth every penny and more.

[Metal-Possum]

I love Italy for its hand crafting and centuries of traditions passed on from father to son, etc. When it comes to brand loyalty, Italy seems to create a lot of it.

[jaleeskhan]

You caught my attention when you said " its important to listen" this statement shows your dedication and quality you put in your job. Yes shoes reflects a person personality.

[rotate]

Worth every penny. $4100 for 3 weeks of artisan's work. Many professionals make many times that.

[muttu]

You aren't paying for the shoes. You are paying for wearing a craft that is perfected by real skills. Salute to this lady & her heart.

[stevenbiars]

I've got a $950 pair of Italian leather shoes. I didn't spend nearly that much on them, but I appreciate the artistry and work that went into making them.

[CarlosRodriguez-ddsb]

Industrial methods have certainly helped and provided for many people in history. But there is something magical about a craftsman doing something by hand. Bravo!

[johnasti]

Thats what I loved about Florence, or Italy in general, was that its all about the quality. Art occurs in many ways, and its the individual art of handed down craftsmenship that I love. I can't afford them, but how beautiful

[jasonmormando]

What a wonderful calling...I am always envious of those who have found their true passion and then master it. It's a blessing.

[chyrt]

All those little kids saying you can get the same shoes, same quality, for just 10 or 100 bucks. They have probably never worn dress shoes in their size, let alone having worn these kind of shoes.

Stop saying things you barely know something about, please.

[Micloren]

"We are in a kind of meditation because you are so concentrated on what you do." She understands meditation better than most "I do yoga" people I've met. Great video!

[cclifestyle]

Saskia's shoes are worth every penny. Given care and regular repairs they last your a lifetime. What else does these days? Bravo to the film team. Love it.

[joshvega]

It is so fascinating to see the amount of care and effort that goes into something that most people rarely even think about. Such craftsmanship!

[drippyfiness]

Im 19 years old I’m a cobbler in Florida and I meet a lot of people that say they bought expensive shoes from Italy, many do not know about quality. I like to teach people and tell them to look at bespoke shoe making so they know what true craftsmanship is. Hopefully one day I can buy a pair of bespoke Oxfords

[PeterTMT]

The price may seem outrageous, but this is a true custom made shoe from extremely expensive top quality leather. The conditions the animals are raised in is very harsh and in small numbers. Americans leathers can't compare. The leather alone likely tops $1, 000 never mind the 100+ hours of hand work.

A nice leather shoe can run $300. A decent custom shoe will run you atleast $700-1000. When you put in premium leather into the mix you'll find shoes that top $3, 000 in New York. The best of the best luxury items have a high price.

[mamtarao]

I’m a nine year old kid and I’m very inspired by handcrafts and I loved this

[vcrunchy]

My grandfather was a bootmaker who came to San Francisco in the 70's (he is from El Salvador) to make SF labeled hippie-inspired boots to sell to the European market, they cost $600-$700 a pair in the 70's. I really wish I had a chance to learn something from him about this process. I never took an interest in shoes and boots until after he passed. These people are incredibly focused and talented.