At Herman Shoeman, your bespoke journey begins with a casual conversation to explore your unique needs and design preferences. To gain a deeper insight of your individual requirements, we ask a series of questions about your past walking experiences.
Measurements & Lasts
Once we have a clear understanding of your preferences, we begin the initial stage of bespoke shoemaking - taking measurements. We follow the traditional Japanese bespoke measuring method with care to record your feet precisely. Additionally, we observe and document your unique bone structure that knowledges us more upon the creation of your bespoke lasts.
After acquiring your feet measurements, our experienced maker will start analysing the number and designing your lasts. A pair of wooden lasts will be shaped by hand according to the measurements with aesthetic toe shapes.
Fitting shoes & 2nd appointment
A pair of trial shoes will be made for our clients upon the 2nd appointment, when you can really experience the fitting of the shoes. We will then evaluate the fitting as well as asking for your on-foot experience to adjust the lasts for the best fitting.
Structuring the shoes
Leather insoles are molded and carved to create the foundation for welting. The upper is then lasted to fit the shape of the lasts with high precision. Next, the shoes undergo a meticulous process of welting, outsole stitching, and heel stacking — all done by hand. Every step is meaningful, and this extensive construction process results in a high-quality, fully repairable pair of shoes.
Clicking & Closing
After confirming the lasts, we will bring your shoes to life starting with clicking patterns from the best cut of high quality leather. The patterns will be hand skived carefully and closed accurately with sewing machines, normally slowly operated by hand.
Finishing
After the shoes are completed, we treat the uppers with premium finishing to provide protection and a stunning appearance.
Patina options are also available.
Structuring the shoes
Leather insoles are molded and carved to create the foundation for welting. The upper is then lasted to fit the shape of the lasts with high precision. Next, the shoes undergo a meticulous process of welting, outsole stitching, and heel stacking — all done by hand. Every step is meaningful, and this extensive construction process results in a high-quality, fully repairable pair of shoes.
Finishing
After the shoes are completed, we treat the uppers with premium finishing to provide protection and a stunning appearance.
Patina options are also available.