There is a whole process involved in the production of leather shoes to ultimately get that cool leather shoe you are looking for. Now you're probably wondering, how does this process actually work? The production process of leather shoes is not just a simple process. So are you curious about the production process of leather shoes?
The upper leather is the most important in the production process of leather shoes
In order to properly monitor the production process of leather shoes, it is important that you know which parts a shoe consists of. The upper part of your leather shoe is the most important part when it comes to the appearance of the shoe. The upper part of the shoe is actually the entire shoe, except for the sole. The upper part consists of two layers and can be made of all kinds of leather. A firm type of leather is used for the outside and a somewhat softer type of leather is used for the inside.
Production process of leather shoes "the sole"
In addition to the upper part, the sole is an essential part of the shoe. This consists of three layers. The first layer is the insole. This part is directly under your foot when you have your shoes on. This is also visible on the inside of the shoe. The second layer is the midsole. This is located under the insole and is the only part of the shoe that is not made of leather. The midsole consists of shock-absorbing materials, so that walking comfort is improved. The last layer is the outsole. This layer is located under the midsole and is the part you walk on.
Production process of leather shoes "the last"
The use of a last is essential when making leather shoes. The last is a mold of a foot. Shoes are formed based on the last. Standard lasts are usually used when making shoes, but a last can also be custom made for your foot.
Production process of leather shoes "making the shoe"
The design
To make a shoe, you first need a design. This design can be drawn by hand or by computer. When designing, we mainly look at the material the shoes are made of, the shape the shoes will have and what color will be used. When the design is ready, the shoemaker draws the design on the last that he has covered with tape. Once the design has been drawn, the shoemaker removes the tape with the design from the last and sticks it on sturdy material. A reusable pattern is then made from this. This pattern is used to cut out the leather properly.
Attach the top part
The two layers of leather that make up the upper part are cut out with the pattern. These layers are then stitched together. After stitching, the leather is placed around the last again. It is important that the leather fits as tightly as possible around this. This way the leather will take the correct shape.
Manufacturing process of leather shoes "attaching the sole"
Several steps take place to attach the sole.
Step 1: Choose method
There are different methods in which a sole can be attached. To begin with, the method will have to be chosen. There are two common methods in which a distinction can be made. These stitching methods are called 'the Blake' and 'the Goodyear'. With the Blake method the sole is sewn through from the inside and with the Goodyear method there is an extra edge around the shoe.
Step 2: Attach the insole
Once the method has been determined, the insole can be placed. With the Blake method, the insole is placed at the same time as the leather upper is placed. The insole and upper part are glued together. With the Goodyear method, the insole is attached to the sole edge and to the upper part by a horizontal sewing stitch.
Step 3: Attach midsole
After attaching the insole, there is still a piece of the upper left. The midsole can be placed here. The midsole is then placed under the insole.
Step 4: Attach the outsole
To attach the outsole, it is stitched to the bottom of the leather shoe. Here too there is a difference between the two methods. With the Blake method the stitching is a little further inwards than with the Goodyear method. With the Goodyear method, the stitching extends through the outsole and the sole edge. This ensures that the stitching is a little further out.
Manufacturing process of leather shoes "placing the heel"
To complete the shoes, the heel still needs to be placed. It is important that the shoes are removed from the last. The heel can then be glued or nailed under the outsole.
Now the leather shoes are ready to be worn with pleasure. Blundstone does not have exactly the same manufacturing method as described above, are you curious about that? Keep a close eye on the blogs.
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