HOW BEATNIK SHOES AND BOOTS ARE MADE

We want you to know all the steps and see how BEATNIK SHOES and boots are made.

In the process of handcrafting our shoes and boots, more than 100 different operations are carried out.

Last design, the beginning of it all

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The first and very important step is the creation of the last, which is basically a replica of the human foot hand-carved in wood or modeled in plastic. It determines the contour of the arch and how the person’s weight will be distributed on the shoe, both crucial factors for your comfort. A different last is needed for each style of shoe, for each new model. The development of a perfect last requires many years of experience.

After taking approximately 35 measurements from a footprint that shows the distribution of body weight, the craftsman observes, among other details, the symmetry of the toes, calibrates the dimensions of the instep and the metatarsal eminence of the foot, in order to perfectly calculate the height of the big toe and the contour of the instep. It also determines how the foot will move within the shoe. The challenge is to coordinate all these measures without compromising all the architectural beauty of the shoe design.

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Once the measurements have been taken, a mold is made to serve as the basis for designing the last, which can be made of wood, usually beech or maple, which facilitates manual work and is more durable, or plastic lasts. To make the last, a block of material is cut and then shaped and carved to create the specific contours of the foot, the curvature of the arch and the shape of the heel, carving, adjusting and fine-tuning every detail. Once the last is carved, the surface is sanded and polished to make it regular and easy to work with and to give it a smooth finish.

The last is now ready for a sealing treatment to protect it from moisture and wear.

Once we have a last that guarantees the greatest comfort and functionality to the user, we move on to the shoe design process, which includes the pattern of the different parts of the shoe.

The quality leather that makes up the shoe

The quality leather that makes up the shoe

We select the skins that we are going to use for each model. And once the pieces are selected, they are prepared for cutting. Each edge of each piece of leather is thinned and lowered to facilitate the sewing and avoid thick and unaesthetic edges. All the necessary holes are drilled for the stitching, both in the upper part of the shoe and in the sole.

Once all these processes have been completed and using the last as a guide, the craftsman who makes the insole cuts the upper part and the lining, chamfers the edges to ensure a good fit and sews all the pieces.

HANDMADE SHOE CREATION

Adjustments and measurements of the original design

Another important process is to establish the right height for the shoe upper: if it is too high, it will rub tendons, if it is too low the shoe will not support the foot properly.

A fundamental part of a perfect shoe fit is the measurement of the arch curve, the area that includes the eminence and instep of the foot, since this is where all the weight of the body falls when the shoe is in motion.

Subsequently, final adjustments are made to ensure that the measurements are perfect, fit and finish are perfect. Thus, under this last, test models are made and possible imperfections are corrected and improved, carving or adding material, as the case may be.

Lace-up Derby shoes for women in red leather handmade by Beatnik Shoes

Finally, the necessary details for the elaboration are included, adding reference marks for the different pieces as well as incisions so that the last is perfectly fastened during the shoe assembly process.

The last is now ready for a sealing treatment to protect it from moisture and wear. Once we have a last that guarantees the greatest comfort and functionality to the user, we move on to the shoe design process, which includes the pattern of the different parts of the shoe.

Oxford style shoes for men in brown leather Miller Brown

Shoe or boot fitting time

Once the piece is cut and drilled, it is assembled. Each piece is assembled to form the upper of the shoe, including the lining and the eyelets for the laces. Once assembled, the cut is placed on the last, so that the upper gets the right shape. Next, make the toe box, add the buttress (a reinforcement for the rear part) and soak the leather so that it easily adapts to the lines of the last.

It is time to attach the sole, directly to the top of the shoe from the inside. The upper is placed on the last before the base is assembled. The craftsman carefully places the upper on the last, tightening it before nailing it firmly into place. Finally, the craftsmen edging the welt, polishing the heel, polishing the sole and lining the base. Once sewn, the midsole and sole are sewn to the upper of the shoe, in order to obtain a strong and flexible union of the whole piece.

At this point the piece must be refined and we begin with the sanding of the sole and if necessary, the polishing and dyeing of the leather, to obtain the desired finish. We would include the interior leather insole, make the final inspection of the piece, prepare the presentation, apply wax and shine and proceed to pack your shoes. Your Beatnik shoes or boots are now ready to meet you.

MATERIALS USED TO CREATE THE BEST SHOE OR BOOT

Lena female Oxford style shoes Two tone by Beatnik Shoes

For the parts in contact with areas of wear, we use young calfskin, highly appreciated by experts for its unquestionable quality.

Strong yet supple, calfskin is used for the most refined pieces of craftsmanship.

The structure of this leather is worked creating a thin, soft and resistant layer on the outside that highlights all its attractiveness.

Strong as well as soft, this type of skin appreciates careful craftsmanship like few others.

Most of the pieces combine leather with a matt finish, with other pieces with a careful shine that generates a harmonious effect of unique appeal.

The parts that make up each of the pieces fit together like a hinge and are sewn by hand with a particularly resistant thread. Every stitch counts and all of them must be perfect, without mistakes.

The leather pieces are overlapped and machine stitched. To join the accessories we use a special thread endowed with the greatest resistance, in a meticulous and precise artisan work.

To produce a perfect effect requires the greatest precision and skill. Every small mistake means removing the entire piece, as it would be unfortunately visible.

One of the characteristics of this type of leather is that it does not attack metal appliqués. This type of leather and technique is not available to all tanners. The natural texture is always respected.

Lena women's two-tone green and red patent leather oxford by Beatnik shoes

Natural leather with a hardening and anti-humidity treatment. Sewn and glued to the bottom of the shoe for greater durability and immobilization of the sole of the foot.

The logo of the collection is incorporated by a single stroke of ecological fire retardant paint free of dyes and chemicals.

The logo on the outer bottom is a blow that incorporates a number and logo using dry heat.

The color is produced by antitoxic paint of vegetable origin.

If you have chosen colored appliqués on the sole, it will be an artisan colored polymer, neutral and inert, with no allergic or chemical risk.

Astrud women's flat boots in blue leather by Beatnik Shoes

The material used is natural leather with a waterproofing treatment, which ensures maximum durability and resistance to both moisture, friction or weight (which allows all kinds of turns, jumps or sudden blows).

Burgundy Oxford Shoes Wingtip for men Beatnik Holmes. Handmade in Spain in genuine red leather by Beatnik Shoes

Leather carved, treated and hardened at the end with a polymer comb. They are treated with an anti-humidity treatment to avoid color changes due to rain or friction.

We have carried out tests of resistance to pressure and tension.

The dyes to achieve the color are of mixed origin and use a special technique to preserve the original brightness as much as possible.

The metallic appliqués, eyelets, details, bits or brocals, are made of ionized stainless steel to avoid scratches, dirt and facilitate cleaning in case of any accidental stain.

Hardened stainless steel is necessary to resist moisture attacks, and on the other hand to resist ulcerations or deformities caused by the pressure of the cord or any other incident or excessive pressure.

Everson men's loafer by Beatnik Shoes

The tassels, ornaments and appliqués are made in the same material with which the pieces are made, calfskin, so that aging is all in one piece and all the nuances of the leather are preserved, in the different stages of use.

On the other hand, the traces and grains of the leather are eliminated or neutralized so that no imperfection or change can be seen with the naked eye, as with the main parts of the shoe.

And now, all that remains is for you to enjoy your Beatniks for many years to come.