Once the base leather has been selected (colour, suede, calf etc ) the first step is to cut out the pieces.
This process varies by manufacturer , but all of our boots are cut by hand while instead of factories that use metal cutters. The craftsman will cut the top of the boot, the sides, a piece for the bottom of the shins, and the lining.
The pieces are each cut separately and will be assembled later on.
Before assembly, any custom designs that the boot will have, such as a pattern or embroidery, are added on to the necessary pieces.
Typically hand-made boot designs will be sketched out paper, marked with holes. The paper laid on the leather section and then sprinkled with a white powder so the pattern can be followed with a sewing machine.
Assembly of the pieces is equally painstaking. A ‘last’ is made which is an anatomically correct model of the foot and leg that is used for the boot construction. First with the top of the boot, then the insole, then finally the sole is added.
Lasts are hand made for each boot design and are made of hardwood. They can be adjusted to the exact size of a specific foot. After the leather uppers have been assembled, the boot is waxed and goes through to quality checking. Any leather blemishes or stitching errors will be put to one side.
Only the best is acceptable.
