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#1 2006-09-18 22:06:42
- Van
- Member
- Posts: 14
How important is a handstitched welt for good shoes?
Just wondering if someone could explain if this is a critical part of a quality shoe. I have read there might be some advantage to a machine welt. Is that true?
Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are.
Quentin Crisp
#2 2006-09-18 23:26:39
- Horace
- Member
- Posts: 6433
Re: How important is a handstitched welt for good shoes?
""This is probably the last Deb season...because of the stock market, the economy, Everything..." - W. Stillman.
#3 2006-09-19 00:49:13
- Cruz Diez
- Member
- Posts: 1950
Re: How important is a handstitched welt for good shoes?
In my opinion hand-stitched welts look prettier and the uppers have more of an artisanal look because of the small ripples that form near the welt from the hand-sewing and punching. I've noticed that hand-stitched shoes become more pliable and comfortable with wear. But, that might be the combined result of other factors like insole and sole materials. In conclusion, you can argue it all comes down to the aesthetics.
#4 2006-09-19 03:06:56
- Cruz Diez
- Member
- Posts: 1950
Re: How important is a handstitched welt for good shoes?
Also, the soles can be shaped into more organic forms not achievable with machine welting, e.g. an exreme rounded, narrow "London" waist very close to the uppers. This is purely aesthetic, unless you consider the few grams saved by the narrower waist make any difference.
#5 2006-09-19 10:39:04
- Van
- Member
- Posts: 14
Re: How important is a handstitched welt for good shoes?
Thank you. 
Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are.
Quentin Crisp