When in NYC this week, I had the opportunity to get a pair of custom sandals made. Very unique and fun!
Tucca Di Capri is the purveyor of these sandals that are sold at their shop in Miami and Henri Bendel in NYC. The company founders traveled to Capri and worked with cobblers who have been making Italian sandals for generations to learn the business of making custom sandals.
The first thing that happened is I determine the heel height wanted: flat, mid-wedge, or high-wedge. I choose the mid-wedge.
Then I selected from 20 different styles. This was the hardest part for me! I generally don't like sandals that have to be buckled, but I fell in love with the style I choose. It's worth it!
Lastly, I chose the color of leather I wanted (nude) and if I wanted any embellishments such as rhinestone-studded starfish (passed on this). All the leather choices are on a swatch, as you can see below:
So then the fitting process begins. One of the on-site cobblers determined my correct size (they're not US sizes). Once the size is correct, they used a sharp little tool to mark the places around my feet where the straps should be placed to ensure a perfect fit. Smart!
The shoes are made on-site literally in Henri Bendel's window on 5th Avenue. There are tools and buckles and nails and leather all around!
After about 30 minutes, I returned to get fitted. I tried on my sandals and one of the cobblers made adjustments on the straps around my feet and the one around my ankle.
This was fantastic because my feet are sort of oddly shaped: they're shallow. Meaning that from the top of my foot to the bottom it's thin. This actually impedes my ability to buy some sandals because there's too much leather and they gap. So this was perfect for me.
Then she got to work making the necessary changes and punching the holes for the buckle. These are actually my sandals she's working on.
Here she's trimming up and tucking back in the leather straps to accommodate my shallow feet.
Punching the holes for the straps here.
My sandals in process!
The last thing that's done is she firmly pounds the nails into the shoe beds.
And...voila! I can't wait to wear 'em!
This was not an inexpensive endeavor, but it was a really neat experience and I ended up with a perfectly-sized, perfectly-designed sandal...in 30 minutes. I'd recommend it!
Cute! I love the height and overall look!
Posted by: Albany Jane | July 15, 2009 at 11:24
Wow; that looks like it was fun! I also have oddly shaped feet (wide toes narrow heels) and would love to have some custom shoes!
Posted by: Wehaf | July 16, 2009 at 20:57
Oh Wow...I have never heard of custom made sandals...Love yours and would totally do it if ever have a chance!!
Posted by: crystal | July 16, 2009 at 23:37