About Shoemaking
We believe that there is no one pair of shoes that fits everyone in this world.
The shape of feet varies greatly from person to person. Even for people with the same size numerically, there are significant differences in how swelling and pain are experienced.
Originally, as a manufacturer specializing in women's shoes,
we excel at making pumps and sandals.
However, high-heeled shoes and shallow-cut pumps cannot quite match the comfort of comfort shoes or walking shoes.
With a clear understanding of this, we pursue the balance between beauty and comfort,and we continuously research designs and refine our techniques every dayto create shoes that are both beautiful and easy to wear for as many people as possible.
As a factory brand, we will continue to combine the skills of our craftsmen with the power of design,challenging ourselves to create products that bring even more joy to our customers.
We have uploaded videos on YouTube that closely follow the craftsmanship of shoemaking,
so please take a look.
The very first step in shoemaking is cutting. It is the moment when we face leather, a byproduct of life, most directly. We carefully avoid only the unusable scars and cut the leather, making sure to preserve its natural texture without wasting even the smallest part. By checking the direction of the stretch and the grain on the surface, the process of cutting with a blade feels almost like solving a puzzle.
In the making of ZUCCOTTO shoes, each step is handled by specialized craftsmen. Among them, the upper maker holds a special place, and within ZUCCOTTO, when we speak of a craftsman, we are referring to the upper maker. They skillfully use a variety of tools, such as sewing machines, thread, knives, glue, tape, and skiving machines, to shape the leather pieces into the form of a shoe.
Using pliers to pull and hammer in nails—this is perhaps the image most often associated with the work of a shoemaker. This is the lasting process, where the upper leather is shaped around the last, forming the shoe into a three-dimensional structure. It’s a highlight of shoemaking, a delicate process where even a slight change in pressure can affect both the beauty and comfort of the shoe. While machines can produce many items quickly, they cannot replicate the subtle control of human hands. At ZUCCOTTO, we minimize the use of machines and maximize the craftsmanship of our artisans.
The meticulously crafted upper, once lasted onto the last, is already a beautiful sight. However, it is only when the sole is attached that it becomes footwear, a shoe meant for walking. The sole, meticulously shaped to fit the last, is glued on, and the heel is attached. This is when the inherent beauty and functional elegance of the shoe come to life.
We often hear from our customers,
'Once you wear ZUCCOTTO shoes, you can't wear anything else.'
We believe that this is largely due to our strong commitment to the initial design process.
ZUCCOTTO shoes do not have a lot of cushioning on the inside. We focus heavily on fine-tuning the cut lines of the pump's upper (vamp) and adjusting the last, ensuring that while reducing the burden on the feet, we don't compromise the beauty and stylish lines of the shoes.
The leather used in ZUCCOTTO products is predominantly high-grade natural leather imported from Japan and Europe.
Each piece of natural leather is unique,
and the thickness and softness vary depending on the part of the leather.
Leather shoes mold to your feet over time and are also breathable,
making them less prone to causing discomfort from moisture.
At ZUCCOTTO, we aim to continue crafting attractive products while finding ways to reduce leather waste as much as possible.
Inevitably, some parts cannot be fully used.
We repurpose these leather scraps by incorporating them into the design of our shoes or using them to create coin cases and wallets.
Since each of these items is also handmade, the quantity is limited, but they are available for purchase in-store. We hope that when you visit, you will take the opportunity to see them for yourself.
For 70 years since our founding, under the philosophy of 'minimizing machines and maximizing human craftsmanship,'
we have been supporting our customers’ feet through shoemaking.
This philosophy is not just words; it is our passion for shoemaking and a promise to our customers.
Shoemaking is a profound world where tradition and innovation are constantly at odds.
Leather is a miraculous material created by nature,
and the ever-evolving leather industry continues to present us with new possibilities.
Additionally, as people's lifestyles change with the times, their needs for shoes become more diverse.
For example, some people prioritize comfort, others focus on design, and some seek functionality—each customer has their own ideal shoe.
We aim to create shoes that possess universal value while responding to these diverse needs.
While incorporating new and innovative designs that are in demand,
we never forget our traditions.
Skilled craftsmen carefully finish each shoe, breathing life into it.
Through the warmth born from human hands, which machines cannot replicate,
and the fusion of long-honed techniques,
we create shoes with timeless beauty that will be cherished for years to come.
Amid the ever-evolving world of shoemaking, we will always remember our humble beginnings and continue to support our customers' feet.
