For almost 100 years, our family has been making uppers for footwear entirely by hand, with a commitment to preserving traditional expertise while embracing innovation. We have been manufacturing at our current location in Herne since 1987.
We are “almost” a family-run business and specialise in uppers for sophisticated bespoke shoes and complex orthopaedic fittings. We are supported by a small team of skilled workers with a wealth of experience, creativity and craftsmanship. Over 50,000 pairs of uppers, from elegant pumps to sturdy “Orc” combat boots, have been manufactured at our current location.
Our production is purely artisanal and still largely follows the tried-and-tested methods of our grandfathers. We do not create the models digitally, but by using a combination of Robert Knöfel’s Geometric system and Charles Hatfield’s last copying method. This enables us to achieve a high degree of accuracy, both in heavy orthopaedic care and in our work for bespoke shoemakers. Cutting is also done by hand and not with a digital cutter. We “feel” the structures in the leather, recognise flaws and select the optimal pulling direction for each individual upper part.
We supply our uppers to shoemakers and orthopaedic shoemakers at home and abroad. Our work can be found on the feet of members of aristocratic families, famous Hollywood stars and discerning private customers. But mainly on the feet of physically impaired fellow human beings, to whom we can give back a piece of quality of life through our work.
We always give our best, and above all, we put our heart and soul into our craft!
