Goodyear Welt

We have been selling vegan Goodyear Welt footwear since 2015, working with the same family-owned factory in Portugal. Our vegan Goodyear welt shoes combine traditional craftsmanship with modern, cruelty-free materials. Here’s an inside look at how they’re made:

1. Material Selection

• Signature Italian Vegan Leather: We use our signature Italian vegan leather, made from 69% bio-based content. This innovative material combines polyurethane (PU) with bio-based components, providing a high-quality, sustainable alternative to traditional leather.
• Solid Rubber Outsoles: We use the same solid rubber outsoles, with recycled rubber content in all our vegan Goodyear Welt models. They are grippy, durable and comfy to wear. These outsoles are designed for durability and can be easily replaced by a cobbler when they eventually wear down.

2. Cutting and Preparing

• Pattern Cutting: Artisans cut the vegan leather into precise patterns for the upper part of the shoe, ensuring a perfect fit and smooth assembly.
• Preparation: Each piece is meticulously prepared to meet our rigorous quality standards.

3. Goodyear Welt Construction

• Welt Stitching: The vegan Goodyear welt method begins with stitching a vegan welt to the shoe’s upper and insole. This technique, dating back to 1869, creates a durable and flexible connection that enhances comfort and longevity.
• Insole Attachment: Portuguese cork is added between the insole and welt, providing cushioning and moulding to your foot’s shape.
• Sole Attachment: Solid rubber outsoles with recycled content are attached to the welt either by stitching.

4. Finishing Touches

• Edge Trimming and Polishing: The edges of the welt and sole are carefully trimmed and polished to ensure a refined finish.
• Quality Checks: Each shoe undergoes stringent quality control to ensure it meets our high standards for craftsmanship and performance.

5. Ethical Production

• Craftsmanship in Portugal: Our vegan Goodyear welt footwear is crafted in a small family owned factory in Portugal, adhering to ethical production standards. This includes fair wages and safe working conditions.

6. Benefits

• Durability and Comfort: The Goodyear welt construction method ensures durability, reliability, water resistance, and comfort. You can trust these shoes to last and remain comfortable over time.

Our vegan Goodyear welt shoes are crafted to be durable and stylish, but proper care will ensure they remain in top condition for years to come. Here’s a simple guide to maintaining your footwear:

General Care

Clean Regularly:

• Vegan Leather: Use a damp cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to clean the surface. Avoid soaking. For deeper cleaning, use a mild vegan leather cleaner.
• Rubber Outsoles: Clean with a brush or damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.

Dry Properly:

• Avoid Direct Heat: Let your vegan shoes air dry naturally. Avoid placing them near direct heat sources like radiators, as this can damage the material.
• Stuff with Paper: Insert shoe trees or crumpled paper to help maintain shape while drying.

1. Polish and Shine:

• Vegan Leather: Apply a synthetic polish to restore shine and color, following the instructions on the product. For a burnished effect, consider a darker polish.
• Regular Maintenance: Buff with a clean, soft cloth to maintain a polished look.

Specific Care for Vegan Leather Uppers

Routine Cleaning:

• Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush to clean both the uppers and outsoles.
• Towel dry thoroughly.

Waterproofing:

• Treat with a vegan-friendly waterproofing spray every 2-3 months to maintain water resistance.

1. Avoid Dampness:

• Ensure your vegan shoes are completely dry before wearing again. Use a deodorizer if needed. For extreme dampness, wash the insides with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Specific Care for Rubber Outsoles

1. Cleaning:

• Brush off dirt and mud with a stiff brush.
• Wipe with a damp cloth if necessary, then dry thoroughly.

1. Replacement:

• Solid rubber outsoles can be replaced by a cobbler when worn down. Regularly check the condition of your outsoles to ensure longevity.

Storage Tips

1. Store Properly:

• Keep your vegan shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Use dust bags or shoe boxes to protect from dust and potential damage.

1. Maintain Shape:

• Use shoe trees or stuff with paper to help maintain the shape of the shoes while not in use.

By following these care tips, you’ll keep your vegan Goodyear welt footwear looking great and functioning well, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Our vegan Goodyear welt shoes cost more due to the meticulous craftsmanship involved in their creation. The Goodyear welt construction method involves multiple detailed steps, including sewing a welt to the upper and outsole, enhancing durability and allowing for easy resoling. This contrasts with simpler methods like mounted or Strobel construction, which are quicker and less labor-intensive. The ability to easily replace the outsoles at a cobbler extends the lifespan of the shoes, offering value for money by ensuring a long-lasting, high-quality product.

Our vegan Goodyear welt shoes are crafted with a slightly wider fit and more volume compared to traditional dress shoes. This design choice enhances overall comfort, making them suitable for extended wear. The extra room allows for a more relaxed fit while still maintaining a sleek appearance. We recommend ordering your usual size. If you are between sizes and a regular to wider fit size up. If you have a more narrow fit, size down. We provide 365 days free returns and exchanges if you need to return for a refund or swap a size or style over (as many times as you like).