Goodyear Welt.
Unlike many brands, offering custom handcrafted shoes, Lipscomb Finch primarily offers Goodyear Welt Stitching for our dress shoe options.
For more than 300 years, the Original Goodyear Welting process has been associated with excellence and superior workmanship. More than 60 craftsmen are involved in the process of manufacturing one of our Goodyear shoes, and they use between 25 and 50 different elements and pieces. All this involves a process with more than 120 handcrafted phases, from beginning to end.
In 1872 Charles Goodyear invented a machine capable of stitching the welt to the insole, thus revolutionizing the quality of footwear worldwide. Due to its longstanding heritage, little needed maintenance, waterproof durability and clean aesthetic, Goodyear method is highly valued in the high-end shoe market.
The welt refers to a strip of leather that is sewn around the perimeter of the upper of the shoe, onto the insole. The outer sole is then sewn to the welt, as opposed to being attached directly to the upper like the Blake stitch method.
The cavity created by the welt between the insole and the outer sole is filled with cork, another natural product which provides insulation, protection, and comfort: as you wear the shoe, the cork filler takes an impression of your foot, like memory foam. This provides unparalleled comfort and support when compared to cheaper forms of manufacturing such as the Blake Stitch.
Better Than A Blake?
There is an undeniable superiority of a Lipscomb Finch Goodyear welted shoe. It reigns over the commonplace Blake stitched alternative.
Impeccable Craftsmanship
Each Lipscomb Finch shoe showcases artisanal excellence. Handcrafted by our master craftsmen, every stitch and detail exude perfection.
Effortless Longevity
While fashion fades, true style endures. Our Goodyear welted construction allows for easy resoling, ensuring your Lipscomb Finch shoes will be your cherished companions for years to come.
Timeless Elegance
Grace any occasion with timeless sophistication. Lipscomb Finch Goodyear welted shoes exude an aura of elegance that is unmatched, a statement of your refined taste.
Corking The Goodyear Welt.
🌟 Enhanced Comfort: Corking the entire sole of a Goodyear welted shoe provides a unique cushioning effect. As you wear them, the cork gradually molds to the shape of your foot, delivering personalized comfort that's second to none.
⚙️ Natural Insulation: Cork is a remarkable insulator, keeping your feet cozy in winter and cool in summer. Experience a harmonious climate inside your shoes, no matter the season.
💪 Unmatched Resilience: Cork's natural elasticity adds resilience to your step. It absorbs shocks, reducing the impact on your joints and making each stride effortless.
🌧️ Superior Moisture Management: Cork's moisture-wicking properties ensure your feet stay dry even on rainy days. Say goodbye to discomfort caused by trapped moisture!
🍃 Eco-Friendly Choice: Cork is a sustainable material harvested from cork oak trees. By choosing Goodyear welted shoes with cork soles, you're making an eco-conscious choice.
👞 Prolonged Lifespan: The cork layer also plays a vital role in maintaining the shoe's shape and structure. It prevents sagging and ensures your Goodyear welted shoes retain their elegance and form over time.
🌟 Signature Aesthetics: The subtle texture and pattern of cork add a touch of elegance to the sole of your shoes, an exquisite detail that sets Goodyear welted shoes apart.
made with the same artisanal quality
Blake Stitch.
Experts recognize Blake-stitched shoes by their soles: the insole is sewn directly to the outsole. Blake-stitched shoes such as loafers don’t have cork bottom fillers or any additional layers of insulation.
A special sewing machine is used for this shoe production method—this machine directly stitches through the outsole, insole and bottom edge of the shoe shaft, connecting them without using welts.
Blake-stitched shoes don’t feature cork bottom fillers or additional layers of insulation, like Goodyear shoes. Loafers are a prime example of this kind of shoe. As opposed to Goodyear-welted men’s shoes, Blake-stitched shoes are assembled in fewer steps.
Featuring a sleeker silhouette, these shoes are appealing to the eye and just as beautiful as our Goodyear Welted Shoes. Lipscomb Finch makes them with the same attention to detail and excellence.
Cementing.
The simplest type of shoe construction. The upper part of the shoe is glued with a strong adhesive to the sole. This means there is no stitching or welt.
Our slippers fall under this category, as well as some other Men Dress rubber soles, like the Running and Sportwedge rubber soles.
A Refined Standard.
At Lipscomb Finch, we're not just masters of Goodyear welted shoes; we're artisans dedicated to perfection in every shoe construction method we offer. Rest assured, our Blake stitched and cemented shoes are imbued with the same exceptional quality you've come to expect from our Goodyear welted masterpieces.
Craftsmanship Excellence: Our commitment to craftsmanship knows no bounds. Each pair of Lipscomb Finch shoes, whether Blake stitched, cemented, or Goodyear welted, is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who share our passion for perfection.
Uncompromising Quality Control: We adhere to stringent quality control standards, ensuring that every shoe that bears the Lipscomb Finch name is a testament to excellence, regardless of the construction method.
Premium Materials: We source only the finest materials for all our shoe types. Whether it's the supplest leathers or the most resilient soles, we spare no expense to deliver the utmost quality in every pair.
Image Credit: Charles Goodyear, Inventor of the Goodyear Welt. A symbol of exceptional quality and enduring style.
