I OFFER A VARIETY OF TECHNIQUES TO ATTACH UPPER TO SOLE …

A “Slip-lasted” construction… this is my take on the classic Matthew’s family method - a cordwainer’s shop which is another term for shoemaker. The last is forced in only after the upper and sole are assembled, shaped and then dried before the outsole is cemented in place. This method is excellent for rapid prototyping and produces an attractive durable shoe!

The most common of handmade shoe constructions, a strip of leather (welt) is sewn all the way around the upper securing it to the insole. After the midsole is cemented on another stitch is utilized to secure the welt to it before finally cementing on the rubber outsole. Very common in men’s dress shoes and work boots.

Most common in hiking boots and some casual footwear, the upper is sewn directly to the midsole after being stretched around a last before the rubber outsole is cemented in place.

Sneakers, slides and slippers are common examples of the cemented construction. All layers having been formed around the last are then simply cemented in place and put in a press to dry. A quick and effective method to produce beautiful contemporary footwear!

An ancient construction method! Turn-shoes are built “inside-out” and then turned right side out before slipping the last in for the shoe to be shaped and dried.