Feel that softness beneath your fingers; to use industry terms, it has a peach fuzz feel and a slightly opaque vintage look. 

It’s crafted from full grain calfskin leather, the outer layer and most premium part. Its typical velvety feel is the result of a buffing process, in which the surface is smoothed and polished to increase depth of color. A final layer of grease gives it body.

This tubular construction method produces a comfortable glove-like fit and a particularly flexible shoe, with fully hand-sewn details.

The process begins with careful study of the leather; after finding the best part, the artisan cuts and shapes it round the last to form the upper. This is then delicately hammered to smooth down the seams and soften the parts that come into contact with the foot.

The artisan envelops the last with the upper leather, creating a soft fit that’s seamless on the inside. Then, the toe box is hand-sewn with needle and thread. Finally, the shoe is fixed to the sole with an internal seam called a Blake stitch, named after the machine that makes it: the artisan guides the shoe under the needle with the skill of a true expert.

A soft and lightweight rubber blend effectively cushions every step. It’s also non-slip, with a slightly raised heel, as per sailing tradition.

Production is based in Castelnuovo Vomano, in the Abruzzo region, where the tradition of shoemaking has deep roots. For a product that lasts, we only select leathers that age well and put our trust in people who have been in this industry for generations. The artisans in our workshops have learned the job through family and know each and every trade secret.

Here are some of their stories.