New podcast episode with the British-based bespoke shoemaker William Efe Laborde, in a talk where we focus on connecting historic shoemaking, materials and tools with today’s. Among many things you’ll learn which area of shoemaking that he thinks is at an all time high now in present time, why the tools never can be made as good as they were before the World War II again, and much more.
William Efe Laborde is an independent bespoke shoemaker based in London, who has a huge interest in old shoes, tools and leathers which he both brings in to his own shoemaking, and as a side business he also refurbish and sell old vintage tools.
William Efe Laborde
Given that classic shoes in general use old traditional construction methods, of course a lot is similar in how shoes are made now compared to 100 years ago or so. But also a lot has changed. We talk about what was better back then than now, and also the other way around. Many interesting topics are covered, everything from how the leathers back in the days differ from the ones around now, to old shoemaking techniques that he would like to see more of.
Listen to the episode below, or in your preferred podcast player. All episodes of the Shoegazing Podcast can be found here. If you like the podcast, please give it a good rating or comment in your podcast player.
Below photos of the vintage shoes we talk about in the episode. First the women’s shoe with the specially stitched heel, and then the turnshoe slip-on.
Great listen!
Olinos: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this latest episode with another skilled maker. More of this kind are always welcome!
Is there any chance we’ll soon see photographs appear alongside William’s interview? His enthusiasm for the heel on the lady’s shoe and the construction of the turnshoe was clearly audible. Now, if only we listeners could also *see* what he was talking about …
Eric: Thanks! And yeah darn, I forgot. Add it now!
Ah, the podcast really comes alive with these nice photos! With no insole, I wonder how the turnshoe resists bending ahead of the heel stack, as there isn’t space to hide a shank. I still see these advertised by certain Italian makers as “rovesciata” construction, but this is the first turnshoe I’ve seen with a shaped (rather than flat) waist. I wonder how that was achieved. More secrets …
The women’s shoe with its white buckskin looks not unlike a modern athletic shoe. Perhaps “quality sneakers” have never been that far away, after all. The fine stitching and edge finish on the vamp have to be seen to be appreciated. Thank you for sharing these.