Certainly the pandemic and the impossibility of going out have led many people to get into the habit of turning to e-commerce, but physical stores are by no means destined to disappear. As long as you know how to offer the customers exactly what they want and to motivate them to leave their house and to come to your store for shopping.

The footwear sector is no exception, especially when it comes to the premium segment, which includes handcrafted shoes and high fashion brands.

What are the customers looking for when they go to a shoe shop? Let’s look together at some recent data.

Luxury shoes and experience

According to the ninth Altagamma Consumer and Retail Insight panel, conducted by the committee of Italian luxury brands, in 2024 customers who are part of the high-spending segment plan to make a lot of purchases.

In fact, the research shows that 40% of high-end consumers expect to increase their shopping volume next year.

These people have very high spending power and spend at least 5000 euros a year on luxury goods. Why do they choose to go to retail? Because what they are looking for is not a simple product but an experience: only in the physical store can they find the assistance and welcome treatment they are used to, and receive the best piece of advice.

While it is true that many consumers go to the store to see the products up closer and then choose to buy online at a lower price, this principle is less valid for those who have no (or almost no) spending limit. Moreover the data says that very often the reverse path also occurs: according to Netretail 2023, in 40% of cases consumers find out about the product online and then choose to buy it in store.

How come? Again according to Netcomm, it is a question of customization: although online technologies offer an increasingly customized experience based on the data provided by the user, it is still difficult for computers to guarantee the same level of personalization of choices, communication and experience that can be obtained in the store.

What technology do customers expect to find in shoe stores?

Buying the shoes, it is impossible for an e-commerce site to offer the experience you feel when wearing them. In case of handcrafted footwear, this experience is particularly gratifying: the customer in the shop feels the perfection of the stitching and every detail under his fingers, is able to fully appreciate the nuances of color and the softness of the leather, smells the characteristic scent of the quality materials.

Although artificial intelligence is also becoming increasingly popular in the world of e-commerce (with solutions that even allow you to virtually try on products), the tactile and emotional component still plays an essential role in the purchase of high-end products.

However, even those who choose artisanal products are increasingly tech savvy, and therefore use technology regularly in their day. The recent KPMG Retail Report says that 55% of consumers are more likely to purchase from retailers that offer, for example, varied and advanced payment solutions.

Not only flagship store

The Digital Innovation in Retail Observatory of the Polytechnic University of Milan has confirmed the rediscovery of the point of sale by Italians, also reporting that large stores have shrunk by 12% over the course of a year.

On the other hand, shops with smaller sizes and a more widespread presence in the area are growing in number, in which the staff is able to take care of the individual customer with the utmost attention and offer a customer experience characterized by listening and consultancy.

If you are a high-end footwear retailer, to conquer your audience in 2024 you should:

• Offer a superior shopping experience
• Guarantee the adequate technological contribution to simplify purchasing and payment process
• Offer your clients products that are able to excite when touched and worn, such as handcrafted footwear.

There are several handcrafted shoe manufacturers in Italy, but not all of them are able to guarantee the excellence that can truly surprise your customers.

Fratelli Borgioli, a historic Tuscan artisan brand of men’s footwear, produces Made in Tuscany shoes appreciated all over the world for generations. Their creations have made Fratelli Borgioli a brand appreciated by international fashion houses (with which they have long-standing collaborations for the creation of exclusive lines of footwear) and by all lovers of beauty. They will surely win over even your most demanding customers.

Furthermore, thanks to the Premium Reseller program we support our retail partners with exclusive services.

To find out what services we can offer you, CONTACT US.

L'articolo Why people buy (and will continue to buy) the handmade shoes in the shops? proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

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

L'articolo Fratelli Borgioli, a technical hub of shoe design proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

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.

L'articolo Whom you can entrust to create a footwear collection? proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

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.

L'articolo Handmade shoes: why choose “made in Tuscany” proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

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.

L'articolo How to communicate the value of a Made in Italy shoe to your customers? proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

The Italian production (even since the times of the Roman Empire!) has always performed  its charm abroad: made in Italy is both synonymous of style and taste and at the same time a guarantee of quality under various aspects. That’s not all, because a made in Italy handcrafted shoe also expresses a real system of values thanks to the choices made for its production.

Let’s see them in detail.

Strict regulations and experienced professionals

The laws that regulate Italian production systems are particularly stringent. For this reason, a handcrafted product that can “show off” the certification of made in Italy guarantees a superior level of safety in terms of usage of the best raw materials, the absence of harmful elements, production models integrated into the country economic system and therefore a certain level of protection for workers.

Generally, the workers of handmade footwear sector are specialized professionals who put all their passion into their creations. This obviously implies that the cost of this type of shoe is not comparable to cost of footwear produced with automated assembly lines in other areas of the world. A person who buys a made in Italy artisan shoe declares that he/she cares about the workers’ wellbeing and gives value to the quality of specialized work.

Durable design and sustainability

No “fast fashion”: handmade shoes produced in Italy don’t belong to impulse shopping category with the idea that the shoes could be replaced quickly. Choosing a product of this type means using it for a long or even very long period, because it is designed to last. In this way, we produce less waste and use resources in a more intelligent way, including those of animal origin such as leather, which in our country comes 99% from residues from the food sector.

Artisan production is a more sustainable choice because it does not follow the disposable logic but that of enhancing the raw material used. Some shoe models also have a timeless style that makes it impossible to put them aside even as fashions change.

Investment in health

A shoe made with the utmost attention to the feet shape and the consideration of the raw materials to be used is a guarantee of absolute comfort. In fact, walking badly is not just a simple bother, but can even compromise your health in many different ways, for example by causing back pain, muscle inflammation, tendonitis and even headaches.

A sole that does not adhere well to the ground increases the risk of falls and sprains, and if the insole is made with non-breathable materials it can lead to annoying sweating problems of the feet.

Choosing a made in Italy artisan shoe you can be sure of not having any discomfort problems: the shoe is designed precisely to promote correct and safe walking, and the choice of raw materials is made to obtain the best performance. Toxic materials are not used and a lot of attention is also paid to  healthy production environment, adopting measures that allow to reduce the environmental impact.

Obviously alongside these characteristics of made in Italy artisan footwear there are others that have contributed to their success, such as: attention to details, craftsmanship techniques that few artisans are still able to execute, resistance to different types of stress and aesthetics that can satisfy even the most demanding clients.

Fratelli Borgioli shoes have all these characteristics: they represent 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, impeccable and comfortable, which keeps alive the passion for Italian taste in the world, thanks to a network of selected retailers who believe in beauty and quality.

If you wish to become our reseller, CONTACT US.

L'articolo Why should you buy an artisanal made in Italy shoe? proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

How can I counteract online shopping?

How can I convey to my customers the added value of my shop?

How can I communicate to potential customers the quality of certain products  (when quality itself already explains the price)?

The list of questions could be very long.

Retailers, who decide to offer high quality products to a niche market made up of customers who buy exclusive shoes, need answers and strategies to let the market understand their value. They do not want and cannot be classified as places that simply sell expensive products.

So let’s see together what today’s consumer is looking for when he enters his favorite store and what this store can’t miss.

• Very high quality and durability

It seems obvious to say that a high-level shoe shop should only deal with excellent quality products but it is not. Shop owners are well aware that there are brands that over time have not been able to maintain the high level of their products; the quality should always be verified for the entire period in which the shop owner collaborates with a brand. In case you meet with problems and defects the products should be sent back to the manufacturer because no shop can afford to sell poor quality shoes.

• Differentiating positioning

As a retailer of handmade shoes, you have to understand and communicate your identity to your customers. The more easily recognizable you are in the eyes of your customers, the more they will remember you (and not your competitors) when they search for a certain product.

If you sell wedding shoes, you can’t have sneakers, for example. If you are recognized for your selection of made in Italy shoes, you cannot sell imported products. If you are known for being a talent scout of the best crafted shoes, don’t disappoint your customers’ expectations.

Today’s customer comes to your store because he knows that the products he finds worth the journey and should always have certain expectations that cannot be disregarded.

• Alway be up to date with the trends

Differentiating positioning and selling a certain type of shoe that makes you instantly recognizable doesn’t mean you never need to change.

It is important to know the current trends and innovate to be able to meet the expectations of a range of customers who follow the evolution of men’s fashion. Magazines, fairs, fashion shows, presentations of collections are useful tools that should not to be left behind.

• Give assistance and consulting to the client

For sure, this aspect is more difficult to find online. A store that you trust is made up of people who are always ready to welcome customers, listen to their needs and then translate them into the right product.

From this point of view, the shop owner should select brands that are open for consultancy aspect. The “advantage” of buying a handmade shoe is also to be able to request some alterations or particular colors of the original model.

Many customers are looking for the possibility  to have customized products and if you are able to satisfy them it certainly represents an added value for your shop.

• Sustainability

This is a fundamental element in all the areas: the market seeks and demands products that are sustainable.

Even in the field of handmade shoes, your customers are looking for brands that are sensitive to sustainability.

For this reason it is necessary to consider the fact that the reduction of the impact on the environment can be translated into many characteristics: the choice of local leathers, the willing to collaborate with 0 km suppliers, the use of certain machinery (more sustainable than others), the search for non-toxic colours, the production of recyclable packaging, the use of green labels, etc.
The owner of high level store should know all the brands he deals with and know what type of actions they have taken to reduce the environmental impact of their business.

• Know the products and the production processes

A reseller should know in detail the products he sells: characteristics, manufacturing techniques, materials, colours, etc. But knowing the products is not enough, you also need to be informed about the brands: history, company choices, policies relating to sustainability, peculiarities… in short, all those elements that make the brand worthy of interest.

Provided that Italy is the heart of  craftsmanship in the footwear sector, retailers who want to stand out from the multitude of shops have the opportunity to select the best examples of craftsmanship, thus offering unique and precious products.

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 made by Fratelli Borgioli is a true artisan masterpiece, flawless and comfortable. The tradition of Tuscan craftsmanship and technological innovation blend together to give life to a shoe that accompanies his owner for a lifetime.

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

If you wish to become our reseller CONTACT US.

L'articolo Men shoes: what is the consumer looking for in his favorite store? proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

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.

L'articolo The differences between artisanal and industrial footwear mostly appreciated by the market proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

The event took place in Vinci, at the historic headquarters of Borgioli shoe factory, where the visitors had the opportunity to visit the museum Casa Borgioli, the place where the testimonies of the birth and the history of the shoe factory are cherished, as well as old machinery used to produce the shoes.

Spring Summer 2023 collection

The artisans of Fratelli Borgioli have been working on this collection for months with the aim to transfer the “souls” of the shoe factory: craftsmanship, elegance, exclusivity and excellence.

As we always do, the skins were selected from the local producers of excellent quality, as well as the styles were developed with artisan manual details, the result of handmade heritage work handled down for generations.

The research of the colors reflects the seasonal trend that will guide the men fashon of the next year.

Let’s have a closer look to the collection presented during the event.

Light classic

The moccasins in French calfskin are hand antiqued with Leonardo patina which involves the discoloration of the leather and then the manual coloring using creams and waxes which give the shoe a “vintage” effect.

The models are unlined for maximum lightness and comfort during the hot season.

Summer loafer

Lovers of this comfortable and elegant shoes will be satisfied with the wide choice: from classic models to drive moccasins in suede and soft calfskin, with tassels or fringes.

New style offers are not few, such as suede loafers with flaps in marine style fabric. The models of this product line have a fold-on heel so that they can be easily transformed in sabot.

Woven styles

The line of slippers with manual threading is expanded and enriched with new proposals of models, materials and types of weaves; each product expresses attention to the design, details and shape of the shoes.

Rinascimento

The Event line has been completely renewed in this collection.

Oxford and derby shoes are made on pointed lasts with the usage of rich materials such as brocades, velvets and patent leather.

The elegant loafers are made on comfortable last without sacrificing the beauty. The materials, the colors and the accessories speak about luxury, opulence and comfort. The quilted inner sole and burgundy hand colored outer sole are the “must have” for all the styles of Rinascimento line.

The rebranding of Fratelli Borgioli

On this occasion, the rebranding project was also presented, which in recent months helped to create a new image of the Fratelli Borgioli brand.

The new coordinated image, in its many concepts, expresses the cornerstones of Fratelli Borgioli:

• the connection with the history and with the territory, Tuscany countryside, the place that has always been famous for knowledge and creativity;
• the exclusivity of the shoe meant as a masterpiece, the result of know how handled from generation to generation;
• the uniqueness of a shoe handcrafted in Italy according to ancient Tuscan artisan techniques;
• the value of Made in Italy product, made with the best raw materials.

Tuscan Genius is the claim associated to the brand to sum up its essence in two words. The new website, the social network and all the communication materials fully reflect the new concept.

To obtain more informations regarding the new SS 2023 collection and our products, please contact us.

L'articolo Fratelli Borgioli presents its Spring Summer 2023 collection proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.

Production techniques and work methods are handed down from father to son, generation after generation, giving life to unique products.

In the footwear industry, this wealth of knowledge sustained by generations of craftsmen provides the means to design products which are sold all over the world and are much appreciated for their unique qualities.

A boutique aiming to stand out amid the multitude of shops and looking to draw customers who would otherwise buy online necessarily has to highlight the fruits of Italy’s artisanal legacy and explain what makes Italian craftsmanship truly unique.

What distinguishes a handmade shoe? What makes it unique? How to explain these characteristics to customers and reveal the intrinsic value of your wares?

Let’s find out.

Craftsmanship in a shoe

We start with the selection of the raw material: leather. Every artisanal shoemaker has their own trusted producers and suppliers, who are often based locally. The raw material is where it all starts, and you need to know it inside out.

Choosing the leather and checking its quality goes hand in hand with a process of constant creative research and trend analysis, so that the shoes you make are always original and reflect the market trends.

Then comes the cutting of the leather. This calls for an expert craftsman who knows how to handle the leather without spoiling it, and enhance its properties to the full.

There are also many other steps such as edging, lining, assembling the various parts and then finishing: this last step may involve several different processes that will vary depending on the type of shoe.

An artisanal shoe is the result of many processes (sometimes more than 100) performed by specialised craftsmen with specific know-how. Each step of the manufacturing process undergoes quality control to ensure the success of the finished product.

Understanding the technical skills and various phases of creating a handmade shoe can explain the intrinsic value of the product, and its price, which to the uninitiated might seem rather high.

A few of the processes

Although every artisanal shoemaker’s workshop has its own story, its own peculiarities and of course its own trade secrets that make the product unique and often inimitable, there are certain processes which are frequently used by shoemakers.

Goodyear

This robust, laborious technique owes its name to its inventor Charles Goodyear, who patented the method in 1832. It involves two seams: the first binds the insole to the upper and the welt, while the second binds the welt to the sole. The welt is simply the soft leather running around the perimeter of the shoe.

This particular process is performed entirely by hand, with no external stitching. The result is a strong, extremely high quality shoe that will last.

Goodyear welting is a slow process that requires great skill and specialist expertise.

This type of stitching offers a number of advantages, as it makes the shoe extremely comfortable, yet resistant. Goodyear shoes can be resoled when the sole wears out.

Norwegian

Three rows of stitching are needed to complete this complex process: the first row binds the upper to the insole, the second row, after being turned out, binds the upper to the midsole. Finally, the sole is stitched on, creating a single body.

This makes the shoe strong and most importantly waterproof.

Blake

This work method owes its name to Lyman Reed Blake, the American inventor who in 1858 designed a sewing machine to stitch shoe soles together. The outer sole is stitched directly onto the insole, which gives the shoe greater flexibility and reduces weight.

This technique requires a number of additional steps, but also offers several advantages: the finished shoe is resistant, flexible and comfortable.

Blake Rapid

A variant of the traditional Blake, this method produces a shoe that is practically indestructible. Thanks to its robust, waterproof finish, this method is particularly well-suited to winter footwear. The midsole is stitched to the upper using the classic Blake method, and the outer sole is then joined to the midsole using the Blake Rapid construction technique.

Despite its sturdiness, the shoe is comfortable. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious shoemaking techniques, as it creates an extremely hardwearing shoe that can be resoled.

These are just some of the work methods that distinguish a handmade shoe and make this type of footwear so unique and valuable. Any retailer of artisanal footwear is well aware of its value, and knows they are selling a durable shoe that will last, precisely because of how it was made.

Fratelli Borgioli shoes are the result of a family tradition that started more than 70 years ago in a shoemaker’s workshop in La Stella (Vinci), in the heart of the Florentine countryside.

Each shoe made by Fratelli Borgioli is flawless and comfortable: a true artisanal masterpiece. Traditional Tuscan craftsmanship meets technological innovation to create a shoe that will last the wearer a lifetime.

The styling and formal perfection of our footwear helps to keep alive the world’s passion for a taste of Italy, thanks to a network of selected retailers who share our belief in beauty and quality.

If you would like to become one of our retailers, please contact us or fill out the form.

L'articolo The processes that make artisanal shoes unique proviene da Scarpe Da Uomo Artigianali Di Lusso Made in Italy Dal 1946.