How we make Etymology shoes last

 

Every pair of Etymology shoes is Goodyear welted, underscored by our commitment to enduring design. With proper care and maintenance your shoes will last for years to come.  

 

Goodyear Welt Construction

Since soles are the first part of a shoe to wear off we have opted for a Goodyear welt construction with all our shoes. This allows for the soles to be replaced repeatedly, extending the life of every pair.

The Goodyear welt construction is a method of attaching the sole to the rest of the shoe that helps extend its longevity. It’s a method that requires a high level of craftmanship and know-how. Instead of just ‘gluing’ the sole onto the upper, the Goodyear welt construction uses a strip of leather (‘welt’), stitched to both the shoe’s upper and sole to keep them together. This allows you to unstitch the sole without damaging the rest of the shoe.

Unlike wholly ‘cemented’ or 'glued' shoes (which are generally thrown out when their soles are worn down), a cobbler can replace the soles on Goodyear welted shoes, improving longevity.

 

Our Leathers

Our workshop sources leathers from respected tanneries around the world. Just as important as its construction, the choice and quality of leather determines the longevity of a pair of shoes.

All our smooth leather shoes are crafted from full grain box calf leather. Full grains leathers are the highest grade of leather. ‘Full’ indicates that the leather did not need buffing or sanding to remove imperfections. The result is a finer grain, greater resistance to water damage, and a firm yet pliant temper with superior shape retention.

Our shoemakers work jointly with a hundred-year-old Italian tanning specialist to source their leathers. Through close relationships with local suppliers, our tanners select calves of exclusive European origin bred specifically for the fineness and firmness of their leather.

 

Cork

Etymology shoes fit better and grow more comfortable over time thanks to a cork midsole filling inserted between the inner and outer sole.

One of the benefits of a corked midsole is how it increases comfort and reduces pressure by moulding to the wearer’s feet. Although stiff in the beginning, body heat, gravity, and friction soften the cork with wear and help it form a natural footbed that fits the wearer uniquely. Over time, our shoes will feel even more comfortable the more you wear them.

Cork has other characteristics that make it ideal for shoemaking. Most notably, cork absorbs moisture to keeps our shoes feeling breathable and odour-free throughout the day.

 

Shop our range of Goodyear welted shoes here