Construction Method

For plain and grained leathers (calfskin, kid and lamb skin) * Remove dust with a soft brush * Apply the neutralcleaning cream with a soft, lint-free cloth, for a deep cleaning. * Nourish thoroughly with ashoe polish cream * Choose the wax tintaccording to the desired color effect (more mahogany, more cognac...), apply in small quantity, let dry and polish.

For soft skins (nubuck, antelope and calfskin treated like buckskin, suede calf) * Brush with a naturalcrepe brush. For more persisting stains, use abuckskin gum. * Occasionnally, apply theneutral conditioner for a deep cleaning. Use it without any additives. * Regularly, but not too often, give more color with the protector and coloringspray.

For impregnated leathers : * These leathers are usually not very fragile, and require low maintenance. * Grease them occasionnally with aneutral grease in order to make them more supple and to give moisture.

We also carry shoecare kits and shoecare valets, with all the items necessary to clean, nourish and protect the different kinds of leathers.

our shoecare products

There are many ways to attach the sole to the upper but only a few methods are used in mass production. Shoes were traditionally made by moulding leather to a wooden last. Modern technology has introduced new materials and mechanised m uch of the manufacture. Remarkable as it may seem the manufacture of shoes remains fairly labour intensiv e. No matter the type of construction the first stage in construction is to attach the insole to the under surface of the last. Two main operations follow : Lasting describes when the u pper sections are shaped to the last and insole. Followed by Bottoming, where the sole is attached to t he upper. The process of bottoming will determine price, quality and performance of the shoe.

Cement Construction ((also known as 'Stuck on construction' (UK) or th e 'Compo Process') This method is used for lightweight and flexible shoes and the outsole is stuck to the upper by adhesive. Bonwelt is another variation with its distinguishing feature being a strip of welting attached by stitching or cementing to the top edge of the insole. The shoe is then flat lasted. This is not a true welt construction wherein the welt is attached to the rib of the insole. Goodyear Welt Used for high quality dress and town s hoes, the top section (or welt) is chain stitched to the upp er and insole rib at the point where it curves under the last. This is supplemented by a lockstitch out seam