Shopping for shoes is a necessary evil for some, and an addiction a hobby for others. Still others, presumably a small minority, choose to instead make their own shoes. The creator of this pair claims to not be a cobbler or much of a leather worker, but “simply started making shoes one day.” Apparently amateur-cobbling is an interesting hobby, as this is the seventh pair to come out of his workshop.
The process, which is painstakingly documented in the link above, starts with a piece of leather and a wooden shoe form known as a “last.” Soles made out of compressed leather are cut to fit the form, then more leather is sewn onto the sole. This leather is formed into the body of the shoe in a style called “true-moc”, where the body is constructed by folding one piece around the foot.
After the body is formed, the lengthy process of forming, cutting, burnishing, gluing, and sewing the leather continues, which eventually becomes the shoe that you see in the gallery below. Although they are termed moccasins, I appreciate how non-traditional materials, like a rubber sole, and grommets for the laces are added to make something truly unique. Although the author claims they aren’t as good as professionally-produced shoes, they’re certainly better than something I could construct.
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