About Goodyear Welting Construction

Clicking

This is the name of the skin cutting process used for the upper sections of the shoe. The term "clicking" comes from the noise that occurs when the blade used is removed from the skin, the process being done manually.

Closing down

This is the stage where certain upper sections of the shoe are sewn together. At this stage several operations take place. For example, the thickness of the skin used is polished (reduced) to avoid the massive appearance at the edges of the skin, which are stretched, burned or folded, to improve their appearance.

assembling

The upper part is fixed on the shoe and attached to the sole in the front, in the sides and in the back. Before assembly, the upper section of the shoe is treated in a special chamber so that the skin is hydrated enough to fold into the shape of the shoe.

Sewing the edge

The edge ("welt") is a strip of leather that is sewn from the upper section of the shoe and insoles, and will be sewn by it and the sole. Because this process involves assembling all parts by sewing (and not gluing), master craftsmen have the opportunity to disassemble and later repair the shoes.

Sewing the sole

This operation involves sewing the soles and insoles. The soles are fixed by sewing using two separate threads for maximum strength.

Cutting the edges

The edges of the soles are cut accordingly before being fixed. This operation requires a special skill, being performed exclusively by hand. Then the soles will be waxed, ironed and polished.

Sole coloring

The soles are also engraved and stamped at a later stage for an extended finish.

Polishing

The final sanding, adjustment and polishing operations require a long time and are performed exclusively by hand.

A standard pair of Loake Goodyear Welted shoes are crafted by approximately 130 talented craftsmen. To make a pair of shoes, up to 75 different components and 200 operations are involved, and the process takes an average of 8 weeks.

The benefits of Goodyear Welting suture shoes

If the Goodyear Welting process requires so much work and takes so long, why do we get tired?

There are several types of shoes available today and they all have their advantages. For example, a Wellington boot will provide the best water resistance, but will not allow the foot to breathe. A sandal will be best suited for the foot to come in contact with air, but it will not be water resistant. A sport shoe will provide good cushioning (especially for running), but it is very likely to heat your foot. A slipper will be softer and will offer the best comfort, as long as you do not cover long distances. And the list goes on.

The Goodyear Welting suture is still perceived as the best method of making shoes and offers the best balance between water resistance, the ability to "breathe", durability and comfort. Shoes made by this method are suitable for foot health and, in addition, look very good.

Goodyear Welted shoes of English origin are also the most versatile and can look just as good in formal or casual contexts. For example, a classic brogue shoe can be worn with a suit, light pants or jeans.

Another advantage is that because the components of the shoe are fixed by sewing (instead of gluing or cementing), they can be later disassembled and rebuilt, if they need repair.