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Shoemaking Process

Shoemaking Process: How Elevator Shoes Are Made

Chamaripa Custom Shoe Making Processing

Have you ever wondered how shoes are made? The shoemaking process is intricate and requires exceptional attention to detail. At Chamaripa Shoe Factory, our shoemakers bring years of expertise and craftsmanship to every pair they create.

Unlike mass-produced fast fashion footwear, handmade shoes go through an extensive process before they’re ready to be worn. The number of steps involved varies depending on the shoe’s style and purpose. For instance, producing shoes for private label brands differs significantly from crafting custom-made footwear. How many steps does it take to make a pair of shoes? It depends! A single pair might involve 70 steps—or as many as 180—to achieve perfection. Curious to know more? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of our custom shoemaking process.

1. Pattern Cutting

The process begins with the last-maker crafting a 3D last, which serves as the foundation for shaping the shoe's shell.

Next, a 3D shell is created, and the pattern-maker meticulously sketches the designer's intended lines onto its surface. This detailed illustration outlines key features such as seams, folded edges, and perforations.

The drawn pattern on the shell is then carefully cut into individual pieces. These pieces are flattened to create the 2D patterns, which serve as precise templates for the "clickers" to use in the next stages of production.

2. Clicking

Clickers are responsible for cutting the various sections of the upper from the leather skins. Using a metal die and a hydraulic press, they carefully cut out each part with precision. Additionally, they select the most suitable skins for each section, ensuring minimal waste during the cutting process. Their role also includes inspecting the leather for surface defects to guarantee only the highest quality materials are used.

3. Closing

The upper is created by sewing together various pieces of leather. Each piece is carefully hand-thinned at overlapping areas to ensure the joins remain smooth and not overly thick.

This meticulous stitching process, known as "closing," brings the upper components together into a cohesive whole.

The machinists responsible for stitching also carefully fold the edges of certain pieces, securing and sewing them in place to create a cleaner and more refined finish.

Next comes vamping: this involves assembling the front and back sections of the shoe to form the upper, which is then laced and prepared for final assembly.

4. Lasting and Bottom Assembly

Stiffeners are inserted between the skin and lining: a counter to secure the heel in place and a rigid "toe puff" to maintain the shape of the shoe's front.

After assembly, the upper is carefully stretched over the last that was used to shape the original shell.

5. Finishing

The shoes are carefully burnished by hand, enhancing their natural color and adding character.

Next, the leather is polished to a smooth, luxurious finish through a process known as buffing, ensuring a soft and refined texture.

Each pair undergoes a thorough inspection, with every detail reworked and refined to guarantee an impeccable finish—these are the finishing touches that set our shoes apart.

After a final meticulous check, the shoes are laced, polished, and boxed, ready to leave the production line and head to a logistics company for delivery.