Introduction – How Does a Factory Make Italian shoes
Italy is known for its time-honored tradition of manufacturing exceptional bespoke leather shoes. This is predominantly why shoes with a ‘Made in Italy’ tag are revered as the finest in the realm of footwear. However, very few companies in India offer authentic Italian shoes that symbolize the true artistry of Italian shoemaking. Here’s when you can rely on Kiwi Enterprises – a family-run company that provides brands like yours with endless customizations of superior-quality Italian leather products. With the expertise of our in-house team of Italian designers, we churn out nearly 300+ new designs of shoes, handbags and other leather accessories. Our collections are displayed in renowned trade shows across the globe, the likes of which include Exporiva Schuh and Micam Milano.
So, if you are a fashion giant or a retailer, trust us to curate timeless and trendy Italian shoes for your brand. Read the guide below to get a gist of what goes into the production of such footwear.
How Italian shoes are made in a factory: Step-by-step
Although fast fashion reigns supreme in today’s times, the charm of handcrafted Italian shoes is not entirely lost. Here is what goes into the making of such footwear for your understanding:
Step 1: The designing process
Before beginning the production, there must be a definitive prototype for reference. You should consult a reliable design team. Based on your initial sketches, the in-house designers will curate a design which matches your vision yet doesn’t lose sight of practicality. They will also ensure that the refined illustrations are technically correct for the shoemaking process.
Now, some footwear designers prefer to draw by hand, while others use digital means. In either case, the finished design should be shown from multiple angles.
Step 2: Shoe last structuring
Prior to sending in the designs to the concerned Italian shoe factory, the designers must also produce a shoe last for each foot. This is the physical basis of how your shoes will be made. It is a mould that emulates the feet to give the shoes their desired shape. Traditionally, these were carved from wood. However, designers today prefer plastic and metal. The shoe lasts are usually preserved for later as well. They are used when the shoes are almost ready to ensure the end fit matches the original design.
Step 3: Stamping and Sewing
The foundation of the footwear is laid in this step. The pieces required to make the shoe are cut from premium-quality leather and prepared for the stamping process. In this stage of production, the makers refer to the shoe as a ‘shaft’. They stamp the pieces of leather that make the shoe to avoid confusion during the sewing process. They further mark the pieces to indicate where the eyelets need to be punched. Points of the leather that need to be stitched together to make the seam are also kept aside. The makers thin them before sending them to the sewing department.
Step 4: Assembling the shoes
The stitched shoe is now sent to the die assembly department. Here, shoemakers use either of the following construction techniques:
Goodyear welting- This construction technique involves stitching a welt to the upper to achieve a mechanical join for superior resistance.
Blake method- In a Blake construction, the outer sole is stitched directly to the insole with a chain stitch. This allows more flexibility and durability.
Step 5: Adding Insoles and Decorations
Although the shoe has taken its form, it is not quite ready for use. To address this concern, a flexible filler layer is added to the shoe. This evens out the foundation for the insole, which the shoemaker glues and then stitches securely to the welt.
But the shoemaking process isn’t finished just yet. The pins placed in the heels are removed, and the leather holes are sealed in this step. The shoemaker also takes care of any ornamental perforations, decorates the visible part of the welt, and carefully polishes them for a seamless finish.
Step 6: One final loving caress
In the final stage, the finishing department polishes your precious shoes until gleaming. If further styling is required, they lace them up. Each pair undergoes the last quality check and is then packaged and shipped to the retailer.
Choose Kiwi Enterprises for the finest bespoke Italian leather shoes
With an undying passion for sophistication and style, Kiwi Enterprises has been in the premium leather business for over two decades. We are a family-owned and operated business, bringing you a world-class wholesale and manufacturing platform with endless customization options. We work with the best designers and shoemakers in the industry, combining world-class manufacturing with traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail. From our raw materials to our custom packaging options, we strive to create top-tier leather products that will elevate your brand.