The Art of Goodyear Welt Manufacturing by Robert August

For over three centuries, the Goodyear Welting process has been synonymous with excellence and impeccable craftsmanship. The manufacturing of our Goodyear shoes involves a dedicated team of over 60 skilled artisans, incorporating 25 to 50 distinct elements and pieces. With a meticulous process spanning more than 120 finely-crafted phases, each pair is meticulously constructed from start to finish.

Shoe construction methods

There are three basic methods of shoe construction: cementing, blake welting, and Goodyear welting.  We use both, Blake and Original Goodyear production methods. Each of them has its advantages and defines how the sole is attached to the upper. Goodyear welting is the oldest, most labor-intensive, and most durable of the three methods of construction.

Sign of superior quality

In 1872 Charles Goodyear invented a machine capable of stitching the welt to the insole, thus revolutionizing the quality of footwear worldwide. Due to its longstanding heritage, little needed maintenance, waterproof durability and clean aesthetic, Goodyear method is highly valued in the high-end shoe market.

Handcrafted tradition. How we make them?

The first part of the process is preparing the insole for stitching. This is done by creating a perpendicular “rib” that runs across the insole. The second step is to last the shoe. This is done by stretching the outsole over the last and attaching it, along with the insole, to the last. Part three is the actual welting. At this point shoe-specific thread is sewn through the welt, the upper, and the insole rib. Through a separate stitch, the welt is attached to the outsole.