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The nappy surface of suede is very different from regular smooth leather, and people often seem to have less knowledge about some of its special characteristics. Two such things are the light streaks that commonly appear where the shoes bend, and how the nap can become completely flat after, for example, lying on its side in a shoe box. Here we explain why this happens and what you can do about it.
The Swiss company Bally is one of the world’s oldest still existing luxury shoe and leather goods brands. After several difficult years, the company now appears to be facing its most serious crisis yet. Bally is under the supervision of the bankruptcy office, its Swiss production has ceased, and the owner has rejected an offer to acquire the entire business.
One of the more inspiring makers I’ve visited is the duo behind Alte Art, based in Asakusa in Tokyo, who mix traditional bespoke shoes with very spectacular, handmade art shoes. One example of this are these miniature versions that they made of various regular bespoke samples.
It’s time to qualify for The Americas Championships of Shoe Shining 2026, with the final taking place at the Super Trunk Show x Stitchdown Expo in Chicago on Saturday, November 7th. During 20 minutes three finalists will polish one factory new shoe as shiny and lovely as possible.
We are proud to invite you all to the evolved version of the U.S. Super Trunk Show. On November 6-7, Chicago Super Trunk Show joins forces with Stitchdown Expo at Artifact Events, creating the world’s largest gathering dedicated to quality footwear, menswear, leather goods, shoe care and craftsmanship.
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The Spanish brand TLB Mallorca now takes their popular MTO-service to the next level with a new 3D customisation tool, making it really easy to develop your own designs among the extensive options available. They introduce it with a launch promo offering 15% discount on all MTO orders placed until July 5.
The summer sales of fine footwear has started to appear here and there, so it’s that time of the year where you can make a bargain especially on loafers and other more summer seasonal stuff. Here’s some good ongoing sales of quality shoes listed.
The past couple of decades professional shoe shining has lift itself to higher level, and become an acclaimed craft in itself. Not least in Asia this development has boomed, where one of those who’ve been part of the development is John Chung who runs the shoe shine bar and more Mason & Smith in Singapore.
One of the newest products in Saphir’s Medaille d’Or range is the Coated fabric lotion. While its developed for care of coated canvas bags like those from Louis Vuitton, it works equally great to treat shoes made of corrected grain leather, to help prevent the plastic coating from cracking and keep it better looking.
Ten years ago I shared a picture from the vintage shoe store Chart in Koenji, an area in Tokyo that is filled with vintage shoes, vintage clothes and other vintage goods. During my last visit in the city I went back, and of course hade to visit Chart and its sibling store Whistler again.
