I write a lot about all the great general properties that leather has, and why this makes it the ideal material for footwear. Then of course there’s loads of special characteristics for various types of leathers, where one such is the gorgeous sheen you have on smooth calf leather with it’s dense pores and then some wax enhancing it.
In my home country Sweden we haven’t had a proper shoemaking industry for many decades. But during the first half of the 1900’s it prospered, with one of the largest manufacturers being Oscaria. When I found a pair of Oscaria boots made in the 1940’s, never worn, in a vintage shoe store in Tokyo that fit me perfectly, I of course had to buy them. Here’s the story about the factory and the boots in question, with loads of photos.
One of the most underrated products in Saphir Medaille d’Or’s extensive range is, in my opinion, their Nappa cream. It’s a product without solvents that only contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and wheat protein, but no waxes, so it leaves the pores of the leather fully open. Ideal for many situations, for example when you want a fully natural patina to develop, for sensitive leathers, and for the often neglected but very important care of the leather lining.
Last weekend the first Singapore super trunk took place, and what a day it was! Lots of visitors, great atmosphere, exciting stage happenings including the Asian Championships of Shoe Shining, and more. Here’s a summary from the day with lots of photos.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll likely say it again: few beat the Japanese bespoke shoemaker TYE when it comes to shoe design. They can do the craziest of things as well as really toned down stuff, but almost always in a unique way with a perfectly balanced design and pattern. This apron derby is no different.
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For those who aren’t ing Singapore and can visit today’s super trunk in person, we will livestream here from the final of the first Asian Championships of Shoe Shining, which startst 3pm SGT. If possible we will als do a tour of the venue with all the exhibitors after the shine contest is finished.
This Saturday it’s time for the inaugural edition of the Singapore Super Trunk Show. In a venue on 5 Jiak Kim Street we gather almost 20 shoe and menswear brands, host the first Asian Championships of Shoe Shining, a bunch of other stage happenings, shoe shine masterclasses, and more. Below some practical info ahead of the even for both visitors and those who will follow the livestream of the contest.
A handmade bevelled waist can be strikingly elegant and make for a beautifully sleek shoe. But look at a fully handmade very well-executed square waist, like this one here by Akira Tani, which is strikingly good looking in a different way. A different kind of craftsmanship, but just as impressive.
Time to start the qualification phase for the World Championships of Shoe Shining and the World Championships of Shoe Patina 2026. The contests are organised together with the shoe care company Saphir and the shoe brand Bridlen, with the finals held at the London Super Trunk Show on Saturday May 9. In the prize pool are medals, shoes and shoe care products and £600 / $800 in each contest, sponsored by Saphir.
For some, this headline doesn’t mean much. For those in the know, this headline is massive. Most likely no other factory in the world has made Goodyear welted shoes for more men’s shoe brands the past years, making for everything from big players to small MTO-based brands. After new owners last year took over the Sendra factory in Almansa, Spain, they now will stop making shoes for external brands.
