Craftsmanship

Many things can be made better using new techniques and machines, but theres a very good reason why the most coveted and most treasured items we buy today are made by skilled hands.

In total there are approximately 200 operations in making a pair of Maksters slippers. Most of these operation will be done by eye and hand without any guide of machinery, and so they’re highly skilled jobs and each craftsman/woman in the chain is entirely dependent on the previous person doing their job to the highest degree of accuracy.

Prior to production, the design department produces the patterns for the last (the wooden form on which the shoes are made). From the pattern a prototype sample is made and test fitted. After any necessary adjustments to the patterns, a final sample pair is produced. It is crucial to ensure that the patterns fit correctly before starting on bulk production.

In the Clicking Department at the 1st stage of production, the shoe uppers and linings are cut. The ‘Clicker’ is a highly skilled operative; named after the ‘click’ sound which the hand cutting knife makes as it is removed from the leather. The Clicker is responsible for examining the fabrics for any defects, scars before each pair is cut by hand. A good clicker needs to be knowledgeable about the nature of leather and range of other materials, in order to maximize the usage whilst retaining the upmost quality.

The attention to detail that goes into the shoe making process, from how long it takes to make each and every pair is key to creating a Maksters classic.