Shoe components used in shoe production

The ART of shoe making...

Any footwear must not only follow trends but also impose new styles and fashion movements. Every collection we create is not only a creative challenge but also a fascinating journey of discovery of new techniques, materials and finishes.
PiccolaShoes prides itself for being an exclusive distributor of Massimo Poli, a brand loved and worn by ladies across Europe for over a decade. In this post we will uncover some of the techniques used in production of your beautiful petite shoes which you can find in our store.

All starts with an IDEA



How are high-quality shoes made you ask? It is a very magical process where a concept becomes reality. The process simply begins with an idea. A designer creates a sketch, often on paper which is later transformed into a digital blueprint, a roadmap for individual production departments to follow step by step. 

QUALITY of materials is key



Next we choose the right material, the majority of our shoes are crafted in soft calf leather to ensure durability and superior finish. A lot of ‘’high fashion’’ (often cheap) footwear manufacturers have their shoes made in Asia, where both the quality of materials and craftsmanship are questionable. The shoes you will find in our store are produced in Europe using the highest quality genuine leather from Italy, offering you a peace of mind but also a guarantee your beautiful petite heels will last many seasons.



The chosen leather is then sent to the cutting department. Here, based on the design, individual elements from which the upper will be sewn are cut out. Cutting can be performed either by hand, in case of intricate designs, or in the majority of cases this is done on a large automated plotter. The cut elements are then sent to the sewing room.
 
Attention to DETAIL

 

In the sewing room, the upper of the shoe is made of cut-out elements. The linings are glued to the skin and then carefully sewn. This is the most magical part of the process - all our shoes are sawn by highly skilled craftsmen using traditional sewing machines - no place for automation. 

The finished upper undergoes visual inspection and once the high standards are met, it is then sent to the warehouse. In the meantime, the bottom of the shoe is being prepared for assembly. The sole must be connected to the heel. At the joint, the surface is sanded and smoothed allowing for the shoes to be comfortable and light when finished. We have the upper and sole ready. Before starting the assembly, the heel and tip of the shoe are reinforced.
 
LAST but not least :-)
 
The assembly begins with temporarily attaching the sole to the LAST.  The shoe last is a wood, plastic, or metal form that gives the shoe its shape. Each style of shoe requires its own last to set its shape and size. Each and every shoe size requires a left last and a right last. This next step is called lasting. Shoe lasting is the process when you pull the leather upper over the last that allows it to stretch and take the shape of a real shoe.



To harden the shape, the footwear goes to the stabiliser. At a temperature of about 100 celsius and with adequate humidity, it spends 5 minutes. This process allows for relaxation of leather and connecting joints.

Almost THERE

Our shoes are almost ready! They have their beautiful feminine shape but the outsole is still missing! The outsole (bottom of the shoe) will be attached to the sole using a very strong glue, activated at 50 degrees celsius ensuring a strong bond.
 
FINALLY! The last stage. Once the last is removed, we slide the leather insoles, the shoe is cleaned, and checked by quality control before packing. Your GLOW sandals are ready for you. You can get them at the end of this post.



Shoe making is as you can see a craftsmanship. Each style you choose from our collection is created with care and attention to detail. It is a long process that requires knowledge and experience. We are proud to create superior quality unique shoes. We want you to feel special no matter what size your feet are!
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