Factory story
1. DESIGN, PRODUCT DEVELOPEMENT & PROTOTYPES
First, there’s the creative part where our designers and technicians work together on what will be our next product launch. Our modelists transfer all designs into patterns, materials are selected (for both looks and sustainability reasons) and each new shoe is handmade in full-scale prototypes. An important part of shoemaking is our unique lasts, meaning the shape of our shoes. Another one is the outsoles which are significant for the overall look. All this transfers into a full set of descriptions, drawings and pattern parts for each product in our collections.
In this first step we also develop and pre order materials for production.
1. DESIGN, PRODUCT DEVELOPEMENT & PROTOTYPES
First, there’s the creative part where our designers and technicians work together on what will be our next product launch. Our modelists transfer all designs into patterns, materials are selected (for both looks and sustainability reasons) and each new shoe is handmade in full-scale prototypes. An important part of shoemaking is our unique lasts, meaning the shape of our shoes. Another one is the outsoles which are significant for the overall look. All this transfers into a full set of descriptions, drawings and pattern parts for each product in our collections.
In this first step we also develop and pre order materials for production.
2. MATERIAL PREPARATIONS
The shoe patterns are arriving, and our factory starts to prepare for upscaling into line production. The quantities are based on orders from all our 45 markets worldwide. At this step we make sure we have enough of the material, make customized cutting knives, lasts and outsoles.
2. MATERIAL PREPARATIONS
The shoe patterns are arriving, and our factory starts to prepare for upscaling into line production. The quantities are based on orders from all our 45 markets worldwide. At this step we make sure we have enough of the material, make customized cutting knives, lasts and outsoles.
3. MATERIAL QUALITY CONTROL
We receive materials from our supplying tanneries, textile and sole manufacturers. A first material quality control has already been made by our staff in place at the tanneries. Before shipping, there is also the approval of chemical test results. Upon arrival at our shoe factory, a second material quality control is conducted. We make sure there are no material defects, check the finish and make tests on the durability and thickness of the material.
3. MATERIAL QUALITY CONTROL
We receive materials from our supplying tanneries, textile and sole manufacturers. A first material quality control has already been made by our staff in place at the tanneries. Before shipping, there is also the approval of chemical test results. Upon arrival at our shoe factory, a second material quality control is conducted. We make sure there are no material defects, check the finish and make tests on the durability and thickness of the material.
4. CUTTING
Now we can start the actual shoemaking! In cutting it is very important to have vast knowledge about how to best utilize each piece of material. This way we optimize the special features of the material and avoid any unnecessary waste. Cutting can be a noisy process and hearing protection is needed.
4. CUTTING
Now we can start the actual shoemaking! In cutting it is very important to have vast knowledge about how to best utilize each piece of material. This way we optimize the special features of the material and avoid any unnecessary waste. Cutting can be a noisy process and hearing protection is needed.
5. FIRST PREPARATIONS
After cutting and before stitching, special pieces for reinforcement are added and the material edges are softened for assembling. During preparations, different kinds of glues are used – to protect against chemical fumes, the work takes place in the preparation line where fumes are efficiently extracted.
5. FIRST PREPARATIONS
After cutting and before stitching, special pieces for reinforcement are added and the material edges are softened for assembling. During preparations, different kinds of glues are used – to protect against chemical fumes, the work takes place in the preparation line where fumes are efficiently extracted.
6. STITCHING
Here, the different pieces are stitched together and become 3D! Uppers, linings, eyelets, laces, cushioning and all design features are included. It is a precision job which truly requires special skills.
6. STITCHING
Here, the different pieces are stitched together and become 3D! Uppers, linings, eyelets, laces, cushioning and all design features are included. It is a precision job which truly requires special skills.
7. LASTING & OUTSOLE
Now it is time to join the upper with the last to permanent the shape. The shoemaker also adds a binding sole to be able to “close” the shoe. Then heat is needed to make the material smooth and to activate the glue. A pinning machine “grabs” the edges of the upper to exactly stretch around the last and fit to the binding sole (this is sometimes made by hand as you can see in the picture). In this step, you also grind down any excess material and make sure the surface is nice and clean before glueing and attaching the upper to the outsole. During the glueing process, fumes are extracted by special ventilation, but also gloves and breathing protection is mandatory.
7. LASTING & OUTSOLE
Now it is time to join the upper with the last to permanent the shape. The shoemaker also adds a binding sole to be able to “close” the shoe. Then heat is needed to make the material smooth and to activate the glue. A pinning machine “grabs” the edges of the upper to exactly stretch around the last and fit to the binding sole (this is sometimes made by hand as you can see in the picture). In this step, you also grind down any excess material and make sure the surface is nice and clean before glueing and attaching the upper to the outsole. During the glueing process, fumes are extracted by special ventilation, but also gloves and breathing protection is mandatory.
8. FINISHING & QUALITY CONTROL
The shoes get one extra brush of protective shoe cream and a nice polish. Quality control makes sure no shoe or accessory that does not meet our quality standards are shipped. By using our own well-tried patterns, and following each step in the production, we manage to keep the number of rejected items to a minimum.
8. FINISHING & QUALITY CONTROL
The shoes get one extra brush of protective shoe cream and a nice polish. Quality control makes sure no shoe or accessory that does not meet our quality standards are shipped. By using our own well-tried patterns, and following each step in the production, we manage to keep the number of rejected items to a minimum.
9. PACKAGING
Our factory carefully prepares for shipping. We tailor the shoe box sizes to match the different kinds of shoe models to optimize container space. Consequently, that also keep the number of containers shipped at a minimum, which in turn reduces our climate footprint.
9. PACKAGING
Our factory carefully prepares for shipping. We tailor the shoe box sizes to match the different kinds of shoe models to optimize container space. Consequently, that also keep the number of containers shipped at a minimum, which in turn reduces our climate footprint.
10. DISPATCH
Bye-bye! To keep good quality, it is important that the finished shoes are kept in a dry environment while waiting to be shipped. Our logistics and purchasing team carefully plan the dispatch of our shoes and accessories to the right destination, using the best available mode of transportation. We are determined to do our utmost to avoid air freights. For shipping by sea, we are committed to using the fleet with as little climate impact as possible.
10. DISPATCH
Bye-bye! To keep good quality, it is important that the finished shoes are kept in a dry environment while waiting to be shipped. Our logistics and purchasing team carefully plan the dispatch of our shoes and accessories to the right destination, using the best available mode of transportation. We are determined to do our utmost to avoid air freights. For shipping by sea, we are committed to using the fleet with as little climate impact as possible.