Create your own footwear line
The manufacture of a shoe
During the process of manufacturing a shoe, more than 100 different operations are carried out.
TOE CAP
VAMP
LINING
UPPER LINE
(THROAT)
QUARTER
COUNTER
HEEL
TOP
INNER PART
OF THE HEEL
WAIST
(SHANK)
SOLE
The first and most important step is the creation of the last, a replica of the human foot hand carved from wood or modeled in plastic. By its own, it determines the contour of the arch and how the weight of the person wearing the shoe will be distributed, both crucial factors for comfort.
A different last is needed for each shoe style, whether it’s made by hand or in series. The creation of the last requires great skill and an expert eye. After taking about 35 measurements from a “footprint” showing the distribution of body weight, the artisan observes the asymmetry of the toes, calibrates the dimensions of the foot instep and metatarsal eminence, and calculates the height of the big toe and the contour of the instep. It also determines how the foot will move inside the shoe.
The challenge for the master is to direct all the measures without compromising on the architectural beauty of the shoe design.
For a heeled shoe, the artisan visualizes the height of the heel and then proportionally determines the size of the throat.
Then the appropriate height for the shoe shank is set:
if it’s too high, it’ll chafe the tendons, if it’s too low, the shoe won’t hold the foot properly.
But the fundamental part for a perfect shoe fit is the measurement of the arch curve, the area including the foot eminence and instep, since this is where all the weight of the body falls when the shoe’s in motion.
Then, using the last as a guide, the artisan who makes the insole cuts the upper and lining, bevels the edges to ensure a good fit, and sews all the pieces together. Then, he/she makes the toe cap, adds the counter (a reinforcement for the back) and soaks the leather so it adapts easily to the lines of the last. A master artisan carefully places the upper on the last, tensing it before nailing it tightly in place. The upper is placed for two weeks in the last before assembling the base.
Finally, the artisans bind the welt, polish the heel and the sole, and place the lining of the base. When the wax is applied to give it gloss and the finishing touches are given, the shoe will be ready to start the move.
Bridal shoes made in Spain
The process of manufacturing a bridal shoe’s a method of pure craftwork, it’s a task as careful and detailed as making a wedding dress. We conceive the design inspired by that special moment and the woman who’ll wear them.
We take care of every detail, down to the smallest one, to get a unique and original bridal shoe. They’re the accessory that complements the bride’s final look, with them she’ll take the steps toward the “Yes, I do” on the most special and unique day in her life.
We dress the feet of the protagonist, the bride, and the most important people for her on this occasion. We design shoes for bridesmaids, for wedding guests and for going out that will fill with glam those special occasions.
TOE CAP
PALA O EMPEINE
FORRO
UPPER LINE
(THROAT)
WAIST
(SHANK)
COUNTER QUARTER
HEEL
TOP
INNER PART OF THE HEEL
ARQUEO
(ENFRANQUE)
SOLE
How we make our shoes
Dorsay manufactures in Spain, designing and creating a wide variety of models and sizes that fit and embellish women’s feet, taking care of every single detail in each of our designs.
The manufacturing process of our shoes is carried out 100% in Dorsay, which allows us to innovate our designs quickly with seasonal changes and trends. We adapt our lasts for special widths, offering different heel heights, personalizing the finish of the leather to which we add sophistication and delicacy with top-quality fabrics and accessories, including the wonderful sparkles of Swarovski crystals.
We’re proud of our origins and track record in the design of footwear and accessories for brides, going out and bridesmaids. We work to preserve this legacy with the aim of growing and expanding, maintaining our high standards in terms of quality and comfort in the manufacture of ceremony and going-out shoes with modern Spanish designs.