Full grain calfskin leather is the outermost layer: the most premium part. The pebbled surface is the result of high pressure that recreates the natural grain while making the leather softer, giving the shoe a look that is both worn-in and elegant. 

To create this effect, the surface of the leather is stretched and lightly pressed. The presses eliminate wrinkles and emboss a uniform pebble-grain into the leather. In the hands of our artisans, the leather is then carefully examined: only their keen eye is able to determine the perfect grain size for each individual shoe.

This tubular construction method produces a comfortable glove-like fit and a particularly flexible shoe, with fully hand-sewn details.

The process begins with careful study of the leather; after finding the best part, the artisan cuts and shapes it round the last to form the upper. This is then delicately hammered to smooth down the seams and soften the parts that come into contact with the foot.

The artisan envelops the last with the upper leather, creating a soft fit that’s seamless on the inside. Then, the toe box is hand-sewn with needle and thread. Finally, the shoe is fixed to the sole with an internal seam called a Blake stitch, named after the machine that makes it: the artisan guides the shoe under the needle with the skill of a true expert.

A thin sheet of studded rubber covers the sole: for an extremely lightweight and comfortable shoe that has great grip on the ground.

Production is based in Castelnuovo Vomano, in the Abruzzo region, where the tradition of shoemaking has deep roots. For a product that lasts, we only select leathers that age well and put our trust in people who have been in this industry for generations. The artisans in our workshops have learned the job through family and know each and every trade secret. Here are some of their stories.