Before starting the process, it is necessary to have a shoe last that has the specific measurements of the foot in question. Each foot is different, so it is necessary to first take the measurements of both the left and right foot to create the shoe last. To measure the foot, we will use a tape measure. In a later article, we will explain how to take the correct measurements of the foot.

Once the artisan shoemaker has the measurements of each foot, he makes a shoe last for each one and saves them so as not to have to take the measurements again for future orders.

The next step is to choose the material from which we will make the shoe. Normally, for handmade shoes, they are made from high-quality leather. The leather to be used may be different in each case, but the manufacturing process is very similar for all of them.

The next step is to design the shoe, boot or ankle boot. Taking into account the chosen material, we will make a sketch of the final appearance of the shoe, to do so we must follow the client's instructions.

Once we have the measurements of the shoe, the material to be used and the design defined, we can begin the manufacturing process itself.

During the manufacturing process we must choose the techniques to use. One of the best techniques, which achieves the highest quality results, is Goodyear stitching or double stitching. Other techniques use glue and nails to hold the sole in place while it dries. When glue is used, the shoe is glued and then simply stitched to ensure assembly and give the foot more flexibility. Nowadays, although glue and other assembly techniques cannot compete with the double stitching technique, they are quite effective and we can also achieve long-lasting durability for our footwear.

The sole can be made of different materials, they can be blocks or skates made of wood, leather, rubber and other materials in different thicknesses.

At José de Mora, we have been making custom-made shoes and boots for over 100 years.

At José de Mora we have applied the latest advances and techniques in the manufacture of handmade footwear to achieve a perfect finish and the most comfortable shoes or boots for your feet.

Although we will discuss this in more depth in a future article on our blog, the measurements at the beginning of the whole process are very important to achieve the perfect result. The most important thing is a measuring tape, a pen and a blank sheet of paper to draw the insoles for each foot. To do this, simply outline the foot with the pen after having previously placed it on the blank sheet of paper.