Introduction
Handmade leather shoes are considered a real investment…
But before you buy any Handmade shoe, you must make sure yourself that the quality is high and that the craftsman did professional work, from the leather to the stitching.
In this article, we'll teach you the quality checks that matter most, which you can perform within minutes inside the store to choose a shoe that will stay with you for years.
1. Check the leather… the first sign of quality
The first thing you should focus on is the leather material itself.
Quality genuine leather should be:
- Soft with a pleasant texture
- With visible pores
- Doesn't feel like plastic
- Flexible and moves with pressure
- Its color is even, not printed
If it feels stiff or too shiny → it might be synthetic.
2. Flexibility test
Hold the shoe and press on its front.
If it's:
✔️ Flexible → high quality
❌ Stiff or it creaks → weak or synthetic leather
Flexibility matters because it helps the foot rest during long walks.
3. Gently stretch the leather
Do a simple test:
- Gently pull the leather upward
- If it returns to place without cracking → excellent
- If it cracks or a white line appears → weak leather
4. Checking the hand stitching
Stitching is the most important criterion in handmade shoes.
The good signs:
✔️ Straight stitches
✔️ No gaps
✔️ Strong stitching
✔️ Leather edges joined well
The bad signs:
❌ Protruding thread
❌ Uneven stitches
❌ Shallow stitching
Strong stitching = a longer lifespan.
5. Checking the sole from underneath
Lift the shoe and look at the sole.
A quality handmade sole:
- Stable
- Not just glued, but usually also stitched
- Made of rubber or strong leather
- Resistant to friction
A sole that's too light or too shiny is usually commercial and weak.
6. Checking stability while walking
Try the shoe on inside the store:
✔️ Put your foot in and walk 5 steps
✔️ If it felt stable → excellent
✔️ If your foot slides → not good
✔️ If your toes are squeezed → not suitable
Comfort from the very first step is an excellent sign.
7. Checking the heel
The heel in handmade shoes must be very strong.
Check it:
- Press on it from behind
- If it's stable and doesn't wobble → high quality
- If it moves → avoid this shoe immediately
An unstable heel = pain + a walking hazard.
8. Smell the leather
This might sound strange… but it's an effective test.
Genuine leather:
✔️ A distinctive leather scent
✔️ Subtle and pleasant
Synthetic leather:
❌ Smell of plastic or chemicals
The test is simple but important.
9. Pay attention to the leather edges
In a quality handmade shoe, the finish is clean.
Ask yourself:
- Are the edges smooth?
- Are there no leftover bits?
- Is the cutting even?
A professional workshop always takes care with the final finish.
10. Check the brand or the craftsman's stamp
Most handmade shoes come with a small stamp indicating:
- The workshop's name
- Type of leather
- Country of manufacture
- Type of stitching
This is proof that the shoe is genuinely handmade and not an imitation.
Summary
Checking the quality of a handmade shoe before buying must include:
✔️ Leather quality
✔️ Material flexibility
✔️ Stitching strength
✔️ A stable sole
✔️ Heel balance
✔️ Toe comfort
✔️ The final finish
If the shoe passes all the tests…
it's a sign you have an excellent leather item that will stay with you for years of comfort and style.
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