Clays are produced in small batches, by hand with each pair taking days to complete. We start with cutting and stitching the leathers that form the upper part of the shoe. The upper is then pulled over our proprietary last (mold).Lastingis the process of wrapping the leather uppers over the cast mold of a foot and gives the shoe its shape and fit. Clays are hand-lasted allowing the craftsman to form and mold the leathers perfectly and according to the nuance and malleability of the specific leather used.

Our last is unique in that it is shaped with:

Wide toe box– giving your toes freedom, “un-squishing” your feet and relieving bunions.

Zero drop and minimal toe spring- keeping the foot in a natural position, strengthening muscles of foot and legs, and so improving body posture and gait.

Grounding plug- that neutralizes electrical charges and may reduce inflammation, pain, stress, improve blood flow, sleep and more.Next comes our buffalo vegetable tanned pliable sole that allows your foot to feel the texture of the ground, activating all the healing pressure points on your heels, arches, toes and especially the balls of your feet. The sole is then attached to the upper using an all natural traditional clay paste which is what we name our Clays after! Other manufacturers use synthetic glue for this purpose. We apply our natural clay not only to the sole, but also to the inner lining which further allows any build-up of static electricity to be discharged.

The edge of the sole is then cut by skillful hands to follow the perimeter of the shoe and refine its shape. Once the sole is applied, the upper and sole and insole are sewn together by hand using beeswax soaked cotton thread. This stitching makes the shoe incredibly durable and gives it its distinctive look. This process is unique to our style of shoe and differs from most modern shoes that are usually glued together. Our unique style of construction forms a shoe that will last a lifetime.

We wanted to craft a healthy shoe, a shoe that is made with all natural materials. No synthetic rubbers, plastics or fabrics that tend to age poorly, smell, and become less comfortable with time. We use premium quality, top grade leather that is thoughtfully produced, naturally tanned and will age beautifully with wear. Natural leather is imperfect and so none of our shoes are ever exactly the same. Each has its own unique signature that may come in the form of color variances or small blemishes, all part of the charm.

We use 3 types of leathers to make our Clays:

The Upper,which is the top part of the shoe, made of cow leathers, primarily vegetable-tanned or semi vegetable tanned. Depending on the style, and going from softest to firmest, we use Suede, Nubucks and smooth leathers, all of which are durable, robust yet malleable to form and comfortable to wear.

The sole– This highly breathable Water buffalo leather, the sole of the shoe, made using a very traditional and all natural vegetable tanning process, provides the base of our shoe. This naturally anti-microbial, durable and comfortable leather will mold to your feet and keep them cool fresh and dry, preventing odor, whether you wear them with or without socks. Buffalo is porous and allows you feet to breathe and disperse sweat. Your shoes will never have any funky odors. 

The Lining– is the leather that is on the inside of the shoe and touches your foot. It’s a vegetable-tanned, all natural leather that is soft and gentle on your skin. We apply a layer of clay (no synthetic glue) between it an the upper, then sew the two together. A breathable layer that will guaranty no funky odors here!