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What are hand welted shoes?

What is the difference between goodyear welted and hand welted shoes? 

Why aren’t hand welted shoes commonly found in other high-end designer brands?


A welt is a strip of materials stitched between the upper – the top of the shoe and the sole – the bottom of the shoe. In most modern shoes it is done with industrial glue but traditionally it is done by hand stitching using linen threads that have been impregnated with natural beeswax to create an extremely powerful bond. This is the way Otabo makes shoes. Natural and built to last.
Goodyear welting is actually done by machine. It also uses cement to bond the welt to the shoe. While a good way to produce a shoe it is not as strong or as long lasting as a hand stitched shoe which uses a stitch to tie the insole board, the upper and the welt together.
The process requires skilled craftsman and a lot of time which means an increased cost. It takes a deep commitment to quality and craft to prioritize this approach over producing large volumes of shoes.

Why are your shoes made in China? Shouldn’t luxury shoes be made in Italy or France? 

Aren’t your shoes expensive, considering they are made in China? 

What is crust leather? 

China has come a long way, in fact, many of the brands that claim to be “Made in Italy” are actually mostly constructed in China and finished in Italy. This includes some of the world’s most recognized luxury brands. Our craftsman are trained in the specialized craft of shoemaking, something that few people still know how to do. They are committed to the craft and are excited to have the opportunity to do something where they can learn a craft and make a world class product.


Our shoes are actually inexpensive considering the quality and craftsmanship that goes into them. Compare them to any luxury brand and you will find them to be equal if not superior.

Leather which has been tanned (treated to become nonperishable) but not colored or otherwise finished.

How long do the shoes take to be made and delivered?

Do you have more leather color choices then what is available online? 

What is Bespoke?


Shoes take 3-4 weeks to produce and delivery 2-3 weeks.


Some retailers may have special ordered different colors. Contact us and we can direct you to them. Your local retailer can help you order a custom material as well.


Bespoke refers to the process of creating a fully customized product. In our case, we offer bespoke shoes that are made especially in your size and in the materials of your choice.

Do you do make shoes based on customer designs?

What is your refund policy?

Do you offer special sizes?


We design our own shoes. We can create any  shoe based on design or inspiration starting at $5k per pair.


We are happy to refund or replace any shoe that fails to perform at a high level of quality within a reasonable use for the shoe type.

Specialty orders can be made for almost any size and width. Please contact us.