Italy is famous for its shoes. I have quite a collection myself. On my last trip to Italy I went with Margie from Margie in Italy to visit Italian Shoemakers at their factory near Lucca.
Our lovely guide, Louisa, gave us a guided tour through their showroom and factory where their shoes are designed and the samples made by hand.
It was great to see the design process and I loved the room full of trims for the shoes. I would love to get my hands on some of the gorgeous bits and pieces.
We met the lovely team putting the samples together.
Louisa then took us to a nearby factory where trims are made. It is quite amazing to watch these things being pushed out of machines.
The third factory we went to assembled the various parts into the finished shoe. Everyone had a particular job to do and it was interesting to see the shoes finally come together.
Making a pair of shoes is an extraordinarily complicated process. Components come from all over and dozens of people are involved to produce a shoe. I will now appreciate mine even more.
Shoes head off from these factories to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. They appear under several different labels.
Thank you to Italian Shoemakers for a very interesting day.
You lucky girl….all those beautiful Italian shoes. Did you buy any?
By: Jim & Kerry on January 30, 2015
at 12:28 pm
I didn’t, but I could always go back. There were a few pairs I liked.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 30, 2015
at 12:37 pm
Nothing like the feel and finesse of those beautiful hand crafted Italian shoes. Thanks for the insight into how they are made.
By: Dianne Cant on January 30, 2015
at 12:46 pm
It is such a complicated business, I’m surprised shoes don’t cost more.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 31, 2015
at 2:53 am
I have always loved Italian sandals. They are the best!
By: Mulino Dominillo on January 30, 2015
at 1:03 pm
I like them too, and I think it is great that there is a local business in Lucca selling to the world.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 31, 2015
at 2:54 am
I love Italian shoes, and it was fascinating to see your pics. Now I understand why they’re so expensive. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on January 30, 2015
at 3:12 pm
These particular shoes are not all that expensive. They sell under various brand names in USA.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 31, 2015
at 2:55 am
Next time you’re in Venice, you should find Giovanna Zanella in her atelier just off Campo San Lio. She hand makes ‘bespoke’ shoes – wild and whacky to sublime (all to die for … !). She’s young and charming and loves her craft, and didn’t seem to mind my purving and drooling while we chatted 🙂 She’s a little difficult to find (on Calle Carminatti), but the excursion itself is worth the effort and if you love shoes …
By: The Wanderlust Gene on January 30, 2015
at 9:07 pm
I am taking not of that name and address and I will go there next time I go to Venice. Thank you for the tip.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 31, 2015
at 2:56 am
I have never really given much thought as to how shoes are made and didn’t realise it was so complicated and that so many people are involved in the process. So, I enjoyed looking at the images.
By: Just Add Attitude on January 30, 2015
at 9:12 pm
I hadn’t realised all the processes either. So many different components come together to make a sandal.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 31, 2015
at 2:59 am
Good one Deb. I would love to see how they’re assembled. Nothing like Italian shoes (or anything) for that matter. Such attention to detail in everything that they do….and they’re are so proud of their work too. Oh Italy…I’ve got to get back there soon!!!! La dolca vita!!!
Ciao
R
By: Paris Rendez-Vous and Beyond on January 30, 2015
at 9:13 pm
The 3 factories were small family businesses working together. I think it is great.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 31, 2015
at 3:00 am
Oh, oh, oh from an absolutely lifelong shoe nut: especially Italian ones – thank you for taking us along with you for a look-see: am now wondering just which labels are made there . . . any of the wellknown ones? The caramel and buff sandals are right up my alley 🙂 !
By: Eha on January 31, 2015
at 12:02 am
I just have to go there whilst we are in Lucca – without Pete !
By: Anonymous on January 31, 2015
at 4:59 am
What an extraordinary experience.. c
By: cecilia on January 31, 2015
at 11:53 am
It was really interesting to see it all come together.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 1, 2015
at 1:37 am
No. mens shoes?
By: Paul on January 31, 2015
at 1:41 pm
Not at this factory. You will just have to go barefoot.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 1, 2015
at 1:37 am
Love, love, love Italian shoes.
By: pmarasco on January 31, 2015
at 5:59 pm
Me too. I can’t wait to get back to Itsly to see the spring offerings.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 1, 2015
at 1:38 am
Fantastic! I think that Italian shoes are wonderful – great story!
By: megtraveling on January 31, 2015
at 8:49 pm
I use the excuse that Italian shoes suit my feet…works for me.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 1, 2015
at 1:39 am
I love shoes, nice shoes, soft, leather Italian shoes. Now I know why they are so expensive and that it is just as well that I have the Ugly Sister feet that can’t squeeze into them!
By: Jan on February 1, 2015
at 12:10 am
I’m sure you could find a suitable pair here.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 1, 2015
at 1:39 am
I knew there was a reason I loved Italian shoes Deb. Here in the U.S. Jcrew has some of the most sumptuous ballet flats made in Italy and I buy a pair every season. I even bought some in Florence. The fit is exquisite and there is no better quality. How lovely that you got to visit the factories and watch shoes being made,
By: meditatingmummy on February 1, 2015
at 6:05 am
It was really interesting to see the process. It makes you appreciate you shoes even more.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2015
at 2:07 pm
I just love seeing artisan producers still going strong. A beautiful post!!!
By: janinevasta on February 1, 2015
at 9:31 am
It is excellent that these small family owned businesses are doing well.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2015
at 2:08 pm
Did you get to take any home with you? I want the cute white sandal!
By: paninigirl on February 2, 2015
at 2:53 pm
I liked that sandal too, I wish I had bought them.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2015
at 2:08 pm
Many yesrs ago I took a pair of shoes to my calzolaio (cobbler) to be fixed and was told that they were beyond repair. I was asked if I would like to have a pair of hand made shoes as a replacement. I had never had a hand made pair of shoes. Those were the most confortable, longest lasting shoes I ever had! Debra, do you have any idea where I might find someone who could make me another pair?
By: Paul Goldfield on February 5, 2015
at 8:49 pm
There is a place in Pescia that makes hand made shoes, or at least it did a couple of years ago. That is probably a bit far for you to go. In Rome try Danilo Mancini, Vicolo delle Volpe 14.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 5, 2015
at 9:43 pm
Debra,
Do you have any contact information for Danilo Mancini. I’m looking to have him make a pair of shoes for me.
By: Chris on March 6, 2017
at 8:34 pm
I don’t I’m sorry. The link to the post I found on him is no longer working.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 7, 2017
at 6:42 am
How fascinating Debra! Visit to shoe atelier added to list of things to do on my next visit to Italy 🙂
By: Madhu on February 6, 2015
at 2:06 pm