Fratelli Borgioli, a technical hub of shoe design

For several years, Fratelli Borgioli has been hosting numerous trainees who recognize the value of training and want to learn how to make shoes “in a traditional way”.

The training institutes themselves know how crucial the practical experience in a shoe factor is for tecnical education, where numerous processing steps are carried out to create the finished product.

In fact, Fratelli Borgioli artisans hold an invaluable heritage of information and practical knowledge to be handed down to the new generations with the aim to maintain the high quality level of an artisan shoe produced in Tuscany.

The training of trainees and students represents an opportunity for Fratelli Borgioli: on one hand, the shoe factory can continue to pass on its experience and artisan tradition to the new generations, thus preserving the cultural and technical heritage of shoe production in Tuscany. On the other hand, the company can benefit from the energy and creativity of trainees, who bring new ideas and perspectives to the working environment.

The trainees are welcomed into the shoe factory and are guided step by step through the shoe production process. They may closely observe each stage or specialize themselves in some specific processes. Through this practical experience, the students acquire valuable skills and in-depth knowledge of craft techniques.

It is our pleasure to share some experiences of our students who are also our precious helpers.

In May we have hosted Gianluca who attends the Arturo Checchi Institute of Higher Education in Fucecchio with a technological focus in Footwear Fashion System.

He chose this field of study since “he was literally born in the middle of the shoes”. His mother and grandfather carried out some work on behalf of suppliers for various shoe factories in the area and took care of glueing the sole and coloring the heels.

After having visited our laboratory with his classmates, he asked to carry out the internship with us as a part of the “Alternating School and Work” project.

As soon as he started his internship, Gianluca discovered his new passion: quality leather. He is fascinated by the manual cutting of leather, he likes to touch the leather and see how it lends itself to various types of processing. Furthermore, he loves to observe the assembly process, when the leather upper is assembled on the last that gives the shape to the shoe.

He collaborated with Fabiola, our pattern maker, observing the pattern creation process and helping to digitize the paper pattern to obtain its digital version.

Furthermore, he observed the work of the artisans who cut the leather to understand the process that starts from the cutting and ends up with the assembly of the upper on the last. This process is important to understand how to put the attention from the beginning to the end, in a shoe production process.

Wies is Dutch and attends the Hout-en Meubileringscollege in Amsterdam, a technical high school specialized in footwear. Initially Wies didn’t know which direction to choose but considered her inclination to manual work she finally chose shoe segment.

Wies was playing with the idea to do the internship abroad when one day she saw online a shoe that really impressed her. It was Fratelli Borgioli shoe, so she asked to be able to spend some months in our company.

Wies stayed with us for two months: initially she didn’t speak a word in Italian but slowly she learned some technical terms that allowed her to make herself understood with the craftsmen.

Wies likes product development, but she enjoys the whole process that accompanies the creation of the shoe, from the design to its execution. Wies’ goal is to see all the production phases and relate with professionals in the footwear sector, to understand what technical qualities and above all what soft skills she should develop to work in this area.

Wies has great dexterity that allows her to be successful in the manual coloring and finishing of the product.

During her internship Wies worked closely with Felice, one of our artisans specialized in the manual coloring of shoes, with our model maker Fabiola who taught her the digitization of models and with Soriano Borgioli who taught her how to carry out the quality control of the upper, a very important stage to ensure that the product passes all the production steps without defects.

Apart internship, the company also boasts two apprendices : Marco graduated from the pattern making course at the Shoe Modeling School in Monsummano and now works for us in the technical and development office; Bianca finished her studies at the MITA Academy in Florence with a technical focus on footwear and leather goods. Bianca did the internship during her studies and was then hired by us again in the same R&D office.

The collaboration with trainees is a consolidated practice in Fratelli Borgioli over the years, thanks to which the company has had the opportunity to share its experience with young enthusiasts in the footwear sector. These young people, in their turn, had the opportunity to learn from true master craftsmen, who know all the secrets and techniques needed to create high quality shoes.

The commitment of Fratelli Borgioli in the training of apprendices and students reflects its dedication to the enhancement of artisan traditions and the promotion of quality in the footwear sector.

Thanks to this continuous collaboration with young people, the company ensures that the know-how and craftsmanship excellence of Fratelli Borgioli are handed down to future generations, guaranteeing the continuity of the production of high quality handmade in Tuscany shoes.

For more information CONTACT US

Whom you can entrust to create a footwear collection?

The fashion sector has become increasingly competitive. In order to “face the competition” you need to be well recognizable on the market. This rule is well known by many brands that work daily to position themselves.

In the recent years, many fashion companies have decided to combine their clothing collection with a shoe line aiming to expand their reference market and confirm their role in the eyes of their customers.

But how to create an entire shoe collection from scratch?

How to choose the right materials and, above all, the right suppliers?

Who takes care of the design of the models?

Many choose to rely on an external partner who, however, should have certain characteristics to be able to create a shoe line. Let’s see them together.

Controlled network of suppliers

There are different types of leather. In order to create a quality product you need to know how to select the suitable raw material. The choice is much easier if you rely on a manufacturer with its own network of suppliers, which is already tested and subjected to periodic quality checks. Moreover, if the suppliers are all Made in Italy, even better!

Internal pattern development

It may seem obvious, but if you want to create your own shoe line and start from scratch you need someone who is able to offer you a catalog of models to choose from or to design shoes based on your suggestions.

But the sketch is not enough. The pattern making department will create the first prototype so that you can make evaluations and changes before getting to the production phase.

The right skills

When we talk about handmade shoes, the small details do make the difference: the raw materials, the stitching, the colour, the finishes, etc.

It is precisely in this phase that technical skills come into play: the manufacturer you select must have long experience and master the construction techniques of the shoe.

Production capacity

You have the right raw material, the models you wanted, a supplier able to produce  and you also have customers willing to spend money to buy your new shoe collection.

Then, you need to make sure that your shoe manufacturer is able to produce all the models you will need. Reaching the “sold out” is also good to create some expectation but your product can’t always be “sold out”.

For this reason, before starting the collaboration it is essential to make sure that the partner you have selected has the production capacity to guarantee the production of the shoes you will need.

Timing and logistics

Obviously this whole process must be completed within certain timing. Before signing a contract, make sure that the supplier you have selected is able to meet deadlines and already has a logistics network in place. In fact, the importance of logistics and the time necessary for shipments should never be underestimated. Therefore, if your partner is already prepared under this aspect, you will not have to deal with it.

Fratelli Borgioli, the historic Tuscan artisan brand of men’s footwear, also offers its customers the Private Label service. With the advice of the company’s product development team, it is in fact possible to create a collection of own-brand footwear with all the characteristics that have made Fratelli Borgioli a brand appreciated by international fashion houses and by all lovers of beauty.

Furthermore, Fratelli Borgioli has become the reference point for the most important high fashion brands looking for a shoe manufacturer in Tuscany capable to guarantee perfection, organization, know-how and punctuality.

CONTACT US to find out what services we can offer to your brand.

From the idea to the product: necessary steps to create your own shoe line

Creating a line of shoes is not a simple job, not suitable for everyone. Especially if we talk about high quality handmade shoes, where the production process is complex.

In fact, behind each shoe there are many processing stages, from the creation of the model to hand finishing, which are all necessary to obtain a high quality final product. Each processing stage requires a certain amount of experience from the producer.

For this reason, when a brand decides to outsource the creation of its line of shoes, it is important to carefully select the manufacturer, making sure that the factory is able to carry out each processing stage and obviously uses high-quality raw materials.

But exactly what are these processing steps? Let’s see them together.

Shoe design

The creation of a handcrafted shoe starts with creative research, followed by analysis of current fashion trends, to create an original shoe design in line with market trends.

After having studied the market, the designers will create the models to be handled to the pattern makers, who will transform the idea into reality.

In detail, a paper pattern (or its digital CAD model) is created as the basis for the production of the shoe. The prototype will help the craftsmen to verify that there is no technical error, and if there is, the pattern will be modified until a perfect prototype is obtained.

Leather cutting

Once the model has been created, the leather cutting is the next and one of the most important steps in the creation of a handmade shoe. This phase requires skill, precision and attention to detail, because the quality and aesthetics of the shoe largely depend on the precision of the cutting of the materials.

In order to guarantee high durability to the final product, the leather used should be chosen with care, with an eye on quality, colour, texture and thickness.

The cutting of the leather should be done very carefully, following the pattern paper and taking into account any details or decorations that must be preserved. It is also important to optimize the cuts to reduce waste.

Checks are then carried out to ensure that there are no defects or imperfections.

Hemming

The hemming of handcrafted shoes is a crucial phase, which should be executed with care, using special machinery and traditional techniques. The edges of the vamp, i.e. the upper part of the shoe, are precisely cut and then folded inwards. Subsequently, we proceed with the sewing of all the pieces, which together with the lining, will make up the upper part of the shoe.

This process requires great manual dexterity and particular attention to detail, as the hemming should be flawless to ensure a high quality finish and a durable shoe over time.

Assembly of the upper

Subsequently, we proceed with the actual assembly of the shoe.

In this phase, the leather upper is heated in a steam oven, then passed through a press that shapes the toe to facilitate its assembly on the last. While on the plastic last, on which the upper will then be mounted, an assembly insole is spread.

To artfully assemble a shoe it is necessary to stretch the leather in the correct way: it takes years of experience to “feel” if the material is stretched at its best. If the leather is too tight, the shoe risks breaking during assembly, if instead it is loose, the shoe will not have the shape.

At the end, the upper is closed on the last.

Scratching the sole

In this phase the excess leather is removed to prepare the shoe for the process of attaching the sole. It is very important to follow the outlines of the sole to remove only the skin that obstructs the perfect attachment of the sole.

If the craftsman scratches the shoe outside the outline, he ends up damaging the upper. In this case the shoe does not pass quality control and should be produced anew.

Application of the sole

There are many techniques used for this complex process. The department is in fact divided into two production lines, based on the difficulty of the construction of the sole.

On the “simple” line, shoes are processed with glued soles, or sewn with the Blake technique with groove.
On the other “classic” line, the shoes with Blake stitching with hidden seams, Blake rapid and Goodyear soles are processed.

Finishing

The final phase in the creation of a handmade shoe is the finishing phase when the shoes are checked one by one to guarantee their quality and aesthetics.

During the finishing process, the shoes are cleaned, polished and varnished to enhance their beauty and protect them from wear. Depending on the type of leather and the desired effect, the shoe is brushed with different types of brushes.

Leather coloring

During manual coloring, the shoes are entrusted to the hands of expert craftsmen in various leather coloring techniques, a long and delicate process that requires experience and dexterity.

An artisan spends an average of three days coloring the leather, applying the dye and wax by hand through circular movements of the fingers, in order to allow the leather to dry after each application and to obtain an excellent result.

Fratelli Borgioli, historic Tuscan artisan brand of men’s footwear, also offers its customers the Private Label service. With the advice of the company’s product development team, it is in fact possible to create a collection of own-brand footwear with all the characteristics that have made Fratelli Borgioli a brand appreciated by international fashion houses and by all lovers of beauty.

In the recent years, Fratelli Borgioli has become the reference point for the most important high fashion brands which are looking for a shoe manufacturer in Tuscany capable of guaranteeing perfection, organisation, know-how and punctuality.

Fratelli Borgioli shoes are the result of a family tradition that began more than seventy years ago in an artisan workshop in the heart of the Florentine countryside, in La Stella di Vinci.

Each shoe designed by Fratelli Borgioli is a true artisan masterpiece. The tradition of Tuscan craftsmanship and technological innovation blend together to give life to a shoe that accompanies the wearer for a lifetime.

To find out which services we can offer to your brand CONTACT US.

Handmade shoes: why choose “made in Tuscany”

Made in Italy is famous all over the world, whereas we talk about fashion, it is really a truthful statement.

If we go even more in detail and consider the handcrafted shoe market, we have to  admit that the shoes produced in Tuscany are well known and requested all over the world.

Tuscan artisan producers are known for their tradition, their skills and their attention to details. Precisely these characteristics have attracted many national and international luxury brands, which have chosen to entrust the shoe line production to this Italian region.

The numbers  confirm this theory, since in Tuscany, compared to the other Italian regions, the fashion has a significantly heavier weight (in terms of employees in the sector) than in the other Italian regions; from an analysis of the fashion sector in Tuscany by IRPET (Regional Economic Planning Institute of Tuscany) it emerges that in 2018 the share of this sector in terms of employees on the total of manufacturing was equal to 39.1% against 24.3% of Marche region, 19.4% of Campania and 14% of Veneto.

Most of the employees are engaged in clothing, leather goods, textiles manufacture and other specializations such as tannery, jewelery and footwear. Shoe productions are minimally widespread in other regions but they play a fundamental role in Tuscany.

In this regard, it is also interesting to underline the strong interpenetration between these sectors which confirms that in Tuscany there are strong supply chains of some product categories, capable of managing the product from the raw material to the final launch.

This is the issue of the footwear business which finds its conception, production and, often, export in Tuscany. In fact, big fashion brands have their shoes produced by Tuscan shoe factories and then place them on the international market.

Which brands produce in Tuscany?

Therefore, the statistical data speak of a growing sector from various points of view which over time has become an international reference for those who want to offer consumers a high quality shoe.

In this context there are fashion companies that historically have settled their headquarters in this region and continue to produce in their own factories, as well as Italian and foreign brands that address the local supplier that can guarantee the quality of Made in Tuscany.

In particular, some foreign fashion groups in recent years have chosen to rely on Tuscan shoe manufacturers because they know that they can count on a complete supply chain that starts from the raw material to ends with the finished product.

The stories of some historic brands are well known, such as Prada, which was founded in Milan in 1913 and today has several factories in Tuscany, in addition to a net of local laboratories who execute certain types of production or processing.

On the same way we find the historic Florentine brand Ferragamo who for years already has outsourced the specialized production of some product categories by relying on high-level local laboratories, while maintaining the management of the most important production phases in-house (such as the historic prototyping department).

If we look abroad, the case history of Manolo Blahnik is emblematic, who found the  sought-after perfection in Tuscany: since 2017 the men’s shoes of the famous London brand have been produced in Vinci, in Tuscany, by Fratelli Borgioli.

Equally interesting is the operation carried out by the Swiss group Richemont which in 2007 settled in Scandicci with the aim to develop the leather goods of the Montblanc brand; but within a short time the group decided to expand its Tuscan pole with the intention of transforming it into a creative “forge” for the products of other brands of the group, such as Cartier and Dunhill.

After this quick overview, the question arises: “Why do these brands choose Made in Tuscany for the footwear production?”

Why choose a Tuscan shoe factory

So let’s try to answer this question.

The success of the Tuscan production of handcrafted footwear is due to a combination of unique elements, such as:

  • the local presence of high quality raw materials;
  • the long experience of the producers in the various steps of the supply chain;
  • the usage of ancient techniques and processes that guarantee the quality and durability of the shoes;
  • the presence of a precious know-how that is often handed down from generation to generation.

Regarding the last point we should highlight that the large groups try to encourage the exchange of this wealth of information and artisan knowledge within their factories in order to progressively train their workers.

There is another fundamental point to consider: luxury brands aim to differentiate themselves from their competitors. The production of one’s shoes in Tuscany not only guarantees the highest quality but also the acquisition of a certain prestige which can increase the brand’s reputation and attract high-level customers.

The value of Made in Tuscany is recognized and appreciated all over the world. The choice to entrust one’s production to the land which for centuries has been the cradle of high-level artists and craftsmen is recognized as an added value.

Fratelli Borgioli, the historic Tuscan artisan brand of men’s footwear, also offers its customers the Private Label service. With the advice of the company’s product development team, it is possible to create a collection of own-brand footwear with all the characteristics that have made Fratelli Borgioli a brand appreciated by international fashion houses and by all lovers of beauty.

Furthermore, Fratelli Borgioli has become the reference for the most important high fashion brands that are looking for a shoe manufacturer in Tuscany capable to guarantee perfection, organization, know-how and punctuality.

Contact us to find out the service we can offer to your brands, CONTATTACI.

How to communicate the value of a Made in Italy shoe to your customers?

Every retailer of Italian handmade shoes is pondering on this very question. Moreover, nowadays, it is increasingly difficult to convey to the market the value of one’s shop and of the proper commercial choices.

Made in Italy shoes are not just a functional product, but a product that embodies an entire series of values and meanings, such as tradition, quality, care, style and elegance, capable of giving to the customer the real purchase experience.

The customer who enters your shop will not only find the shoes, but also the attention, love and care that the crasfmen put into the production of each single shoe.

Buying a Made in Italy shoe is certainly not an impulse purchase.

To convince the customer to pay a premium price, he should be well aware of the advantages and qualities that differentiate Italian handmade shoes from any other pair of shoes on the market. Therefore, it is clear how important is communication in conveying this system of values that characerizes Made in Italy artisan shoes.

What are the aspects that you should highlight to your clientele?

Let’s see them more in detail.

The reputation of Made in Italy

Made in Italy is known all over the world as a synonym of high fashion, quality, craftsmanship, timelesess style and innovation.

These characteristics have ensured that Italy has reached the first place in fashion. In fact, there is no coincidence that the Italians are famous abroad for their style and how they dress up.

The brand Made in Italy has a global reputation: according to a study published by Forbes magazine, Made in Italy takes the seventh place in terms of reputation among world consumers.

The retailers of Made in Italy footwear should know how to convey these strong points to the clients and make them clear that wearing a Made in Italy shoe they will certainly get noticed!

The tradition

Made in Italy handmade shoes are the result of a long Italian tradition, handed down over the years, from craftsman to crasftsman.

Each shoe is made by people who cultivate a great passion and love for their work. Each shoe is produced with the utmost care for the raw materials, the shape, the sole (leather sole is preferred to rubber one) and the details. Therefore, Italian handmade shoes do not represent a simple “product” but a real piece of art.

The creation of an Italian handmade shoe starts from the creation of the design, that includes the analysis of the main contemporary trends, always maintaining the classic and timeless styles, typical of Italian footwear.

Then comes the cutting of the leather which determinese the added value of the shoe, and contributes to its beauty and quality. This process depends entirely on the skills and experience of the craftsman.

The next step is stitching, when the upper is connected to the lining putting the hardeners on toe and heel.

Then follows the assembly process, when all the components of the shoe are put together, paying the utmost attention to symmetries and details.

Finally, the final step is hand finishing which consists in polishing the leather, lacing and meticulously checking the shoe.

When a customer enters your shop to buy a pair of shoes, try to show him the different steps of the production process of handcrafted footwear, so as to let him know the tradition and artistic value that lie behind each shoe.

Made to order

Each person is different in tastes and style, as well as in the shape of their feet. We cannot think of being able to produce shoes that are the same for everyone, capable of fully satisfying each customer.

Made in Italy handmade shoe sector offers the possibility of „Made to Order”, i.e. the possibility of customizing footwear based on the customers’s style and preferences, as well as on the basis of his foot shape, in order to guarantee maximum comfort and satistasfaction.

The customization of footwear is a strong point that distinguishes Made in italy shoes from those of competitors, and contribues to creating value for the customer.

The sustainability of supply chain

Environmental impact is a problem that affects all of us. The consumer is becoming increasingly aware of the fact that his choices in terms of consumption can have an impact on the environment. Consequently more and more consumers are opting for green solutions which respect the environment and reduce its pollution.

It is well known that the fashion sectors, including the footwear sector, have a significant environmental impact. Every year around 20 billion shoes are produced, and, according to a study carried out by MIT, the production of a pair of shoes produces an average of 30 kg of carbon dioxide.

This problem is partly due to the increasing spread of fast fashion: people tend to buy cheap shoes that they will use for a very limited period of time and then throw them away. It is evident that this consumption trend produces a lot of waste, which has very negative consequences on the environment.

Made in Italy handmade shoes have nothing to do with fast fashion: the craftsmen produce each shoe by hand, paying particular attention to the usage of the best raw materials, free of any toxic or polluting substance. The high quality of the shoes means that they last over time, without the need to be constantly changed, consequently reducing the amount of waste produced and the impact on the environment.

It is, therefore, crucial to focus communication on these advantages: a consumer who is sensitive to respect for the environment will be willing to pay a premium price for a sustainable product.

Fratelli Borgioli footwear embodies the strengths of Made in Italy: every shoe made by Fratelli Borgioli is a piece of art, the result of a long family tradition that began more than seventy years ago in La Stella di Vinci, in Tuscany.

Fratelli Borgioli shoes are unique in their style, thanks to the great care and passion that the craftsmen put into the production of each shoe, which give each model immense beauty and quality. Would you like to know more about our products and about the exclusive advantaged reserved for Fratelli Borgioli retailers? CONTATTACI.

Can the production of handmade footwear become sustainable?

Wearing a handcrafted shoe is certainly a small luxury, that evokes the idea of an ancient world made of slow and precise gestures, of an equipped laboratory that produces a few pieces without waste. However, the reality is a little different, because today’s artisan shoe factories still work with an organized assembly line and rely on a supply chain that can also be very long and complex to ensure the success of the processes and the supply of materials.

Considering the growing attention for products that ensure a reduced environmental impact, the world of footwear is also increasingly striving to find solutions that permit to combine formal perfection with greater product sustainability.

How can handmade footwear become more sustainable? There are so many options that don’t compromise at all the production of high quality shoes.

Italian leather and sustainability

Although leather is undoubtedly an animal derivative, the real leather used to produce footwear can also be sustainable. The quality standards ensured by the production in Italy and usage Italian raw materials, in fact, guarantee that the leather responds to major characteristics of transparency and that it is processed with respect for the workers.

Furthermore, 99% of Italian leather derives from the residues of the food industry, and not vice versa, thus leather is a raw material included in the circular economy.

When you opt for local suppliers, even better. The supply of raw materials at or near 0 km makes it possible to optimize transport and consequently consumption.

The most refined color is green

Usage of natural-based colors, return to handcrafted coloring techniques that have perhaps been lost over time in favor of faster chemical processes, is a way to guarantee handcrafted footwear not only a minor impact on the environment but also a unique and timeless look.

This type of leather processing often has no place in the industrial production, while the situation in the world of handcrafted shoes is different, because hand coloring reflects the detail-oriented approach to handmade shoe, enhancing its value.

Shoe factory and energy

Sustainability is not only about careful selection of the raw materials and processing them with limited usage of chemical products: to make handcrafted footwear more sustainable it is also possible to intervene on the production system. This means, for example, reviewing the energy supply of the structure to rely on non-fossil sources, or optimizing processes in order to reduce energy consumption and cut emissions.

Alongside this process, it is also possible to intervene on logistics by choosing more virtuous distribution systems or even review the packaging of footwear to make their recycling easier or to reduce the amount of material used.

Every action is useful in order to find maximum sustainability: to reduce their environmental impact, shoe factories can operate jointly on several fronts.

A controlled supply chain

Selecting suppliers who care about respect for the environment is essential for any artisan shoe factory that wants to make its production more sustainable. So, for example, collaborating with companies physically close to your headquarters allows you to reduce emissions related to transport, and choosing tanneries that not only carry out eco-friendly tanning but which have also reduced their water footprint are two excellent ways to produce footwear with a reduced environmental impact.

Finally, there is an inner characteristic of handcrafted footwear that makes them sustainable: their durability.

A product with attention to the smallest details and made with excellent materials and workmanship is made to last for years, always maintaining a good looking aspect even when it is a little “worn”. Disposable products are the main enemies of the environment, especially if the waste produced cannot be recycled in any way. Durable design, like that of the most refined handcrafted footwear, is synonymous of  sustainability.

In Fratelli Borgioli footwear, the tradition of Tuscan craftsmanship and technological innovation blend together to accompany the owner of these shoes for a lifetime.

Selling Fratelli Borgioli shoes means to be confident that you are offering your customers a product with all the features that surprise them with lasting beauty and superior comfort.

Do you want to receive our catalog and find out more about the advantages exclusivelly granted for Fratelli Borgioli resellers? CONTACT US.

The differences between artisanal and industrial footwear mostly appreciated by the market

Calzatura artigianale

An artisanal shoe, produced by hand, is very different from an industrially made product. Consequently the shop that sells a high-level Made in Italy shoe cannot really be compared to many other shoe retailers.

The consumers are well aware of this.

Which are the expectations of a customer who enters your store?

What shoes does he expect to find? With what characteristics?

The consumers are very well informed, having access to the web, in order to deeply study the retailer they can rely on, the product they intend to buy, the composition materials and all the details that make it unique.

Therefore, before choosing a supplier to collaborate with, you need to study it thoroughly and understand if its products corresponds to the expectations of your customers.

The shoes and brands you choose to resell deeply distinguish your store, so when choosing products, you should be very careful. At this stage you are to keep in mind which items your customers are looking for and which peculiarities of handcrafted footwear really make the difference.

Let’s have a look at the aspects of handcrafted shoes, according to the ancient techniques, are mostly appreciated by the market.

The selection of materials

Per la produzione delle proprie calzature una realtà artigianale presta la massima cura nella ricerca di materiali e tessuti, utilizzando solo prodotti di alta qualità.

The artisan shoe factory pays the utmost care for the production of its footwear, for the research of materials and fabrics, using only high quality products.


The raw material is the starting point, as far as it should be processed in the best way, it must be excellent; the origin of the materials is equally important too. The leathers should be produced by masters who have a thorough knowledge of this ancient art.

The local leather is the best option making the shoe production process more sustainable.

We shouldn’t neglect the materials used for the production of the sole of the shoes: the usage of leather, instead of rubber sole, will facilitate the walking process making it more natural.

Compared to shoes produced industrially on a large scale, handcrafted footwear may have some small imperfections that distinguish the essence of the material. The imperfections that make shoes unique and special are certainly appreciated (like the grain of the wood) but they should be limited in number, size and visibility.

The same issue concerns the coloring: handcrafted shoes are colored by hand according to long processes made up of many steps, therefore it is possible that the coloring is not completely homogeneous and can present some small inequalities. In this case the inhomogeneities should be almost imperceptible and justified by the fact that the shoe has been colored by hand.

The stitching

The quality of the seams is a fundamental aspect for the success of a shoe and must be perfect.

The construction of to the bottom, in fact, distinguishes the handcrafted shoes from those of industrial production which are simply glued. The stitchings make the shoe robust, resistant to rain and durable in time.

The most famous stitchings are Blake Rapid and Goodyear. The stitchings should be straight, with no overlapping, at a glance they should be neat, linear and visibly solid, as the seams bear continuous pressure and twisting throughout their life.

The symmetry

When it comes to the craftsmanship, the human factor should be taken into account. The shoe is produced by an expert craftsman who works the materials for several days before obtaining the finished product.

Taking this detail into account, the two pairs of shoes should be symmetrical.

The finishing of the shoes

The finished product of an excellent quality is seen by the smallest details which should be cured in the best possible way.

The operations of the finishing, brushing and polishing of the bottom of a shoe, the attachment of the heel are aspects that make the difference and distinguish the product.

The careful cleaning of the upper perfectly reflects the masterfulness of craftsmanship, bringing the shoe to another level.

The weight

The selection of the materials, and subsequently of other elements added during different manufacturing steps, is aimed to give strength to the shoe without making it too heavy.

Furthermore, the shoe should be resistant yet not too rigid. In this regard, expert consumers are well aware that an artisan shoe may initially create discomfort but once the shoe is adapted to the wearer’s feet, it becomes more and more comfortable.

Fratelli Borgioli shoes are the result of a family tradition that began more than seventy years ago in an artisan workshop in the heart of the Florentine countryside, in La Stella di Vinci.

Each Fratelli Borgioli shoe is a real artisan masterpiece, flawless and comfortable. The tradition of Tuscan craftsmanship and technological innovation merge together to give life to a shoe that will accompany the wearer for the whole life.

The style and formal perfection of Fratelli Borgioli products keep the passion for Italian taste alive in the world, thanks to a network of selected retailers who believe in beauty and quality.

To sell Fratelli Borgioli means being sure to offer your customers a product that has all the features we mentioned above and that expresses the high quality of Tuscan craftsmanship.

Should you be interested to become our reseller, please CONTACT US.