GOODYEAR WELT SHOE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE DATES BACK TO 1869. THE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE IS GENERALLY KNOWN AS THE BEST IN TERMS OF COMFORT AND DURABILITY AS WELL AS EASE OF REPARATION.
TODAY, GOODYEAR WELT CONSTRUCTION SHOES ARE A LUXURY GOODS METHOD THAT’S HIGHLY VALUED IN THE HIGH-END SHOE MARKET.
Goodyear welted shoe construction is a method of shoemaking that involves stitching the upper of the shoe to a leather strip or "welt," which is then sewn to the outsole. This creates a durable and waterproof bond between the upper and the sole, which is known for its long-lasting quality and the ability to be resoled multiple times.
The process of goodyear welted construction involves several steps. First, the upper of the shoe is stretched over a last, which is a wooden form that gives the shoe its shape. Then, a leather strip or "welt" is stitched to the upper and the insole. The welt is then sewn to the outsole, which completes the construction of the shoe.
One of the key advantages of goodyear welted shoe construction is its durability. The welted construction provides a sturdy foundation for the shoe, which can withstand heavy use and last for many years.
Today less than 1% of shoe production is produced with the method, mainly because the higher prices tag that comes with the production method that’s more costly and time-consuming. but then the long-term perspective has not been factored in, the ability to replace the sole means that the shoe can be repaired and used for even longer, which can be more cost-effective in the long run and an important point when it comes to a more sustainable consumption and long lasting products.
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exceptional comfortable after several wears (due to it’s cork filling, which is known to create a mold of your foot providing an almost custom-like foot-bed)
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relatively waterproof (the way the sole is connected to the welt prevents water from reaching the inside of the shoe)
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easily repaired in terms of replacement of the sole, which gives the shoe a long life span that can reach decades if the upper is properly cared for.