Sole creativity is on the rise and we are seeing it more and more. A strange phenomenon occurred around 2020 (when this post was originally written) and that is people seem to be enjoying more the idea of decorated shoe soles and pictures of them. When I add a sole shot to my Instagram feed, depending on how shiny it is and the angle of it, often it gets more likes, comments, and circulation than my pictures of beautiful shoes. Go figure.
Maybe I should become ‘The Sole Snob’ and only post pics of soles? Well, while that sounds like a good way to get good engagement in the monstrous world of online algorithms, my passion just wouldn’t be there, so I guess for now, I will just stick to being ‘The Shoe Snob’ and give my two cents on this newfound interest of increasing proportion!
There are two types of people in this world: Those who love sole detail and those who couldn’t care less about it. Frankly, I appreciate it, but in reality, I fall into the latter category as the practical side of me (which trumps the creative in this circumstance) realizes that after five seconds of wearing the shoes, all of that decor will be obliterated (exception is the waist).
Therefore, while I always enjoy seeing new creativity going on, I would personally never pay more, request, or offer this type of sole feature on any shoes. I am quite content with a nice plain finish and nothing more. But that is just me and I am just one man. But I do love to see it as art and the creativity that goes into it. I very much appreciate that. And if it makes the shoemaker happy to make that and the customer to receive that, well then for me, this is what matters most.
As briefly mentioned above, this post was originally written in 2020. In 2023, I wrote yet again on the topic and how it continues to flourish. I explain how our London Super Trunk Show and the Bespoke Shoemaking World Championships heavily influence this phenomenon and in reality, this is what helps the welted shoe industry keep its specialty and uniqueness.
So, keep it up, enjoy looking at it even if you wouldn’t personally wear it, and let’s hope that the newfound creativity in sole-work, also goes to pattern design in the uppers!
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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I used to have the same mindset of not caring much about the sole finishing.
As my shoe game is going up, small details such as sole, how slim the waist is, and overall look of it becomes one of my must have features.
Each time I pick a new shoe up, 2nd thing after looking at the last and upper, is checking the sole.
If it has a slim waist, nice finishing, certainly it adds more value toward comparing the shoe from another.
I really like Meccariello’s approach on it, you can still enjoy his marbled patina look on the waist of the sole after wearing them many times.
I think any brand that want to succeed in these hard times, should start increasing their offerings.
For example one big name bespoke shoemaker in London, will offer their RTW line in much nicer sole than the plain and flat like current one.
I love an artistic sole finishing but it’s a double edged sword because it makes me not want to wear the shoe and just keep it as art.
I currently have three pairs of beautifully finished shoes (two in alligator and one in suede) which I haven’t worn yet and take out maybe once a year took at before putting back into it’s respective bag.
I remember you making a post about shoes as art and I definitely “get it”.
Thanks for the great blog!
My pleasure and thank you for commenting!