Menu
The Sandal Workshop Freiburg is a true craftsman’s workshop. That is, we actually do most things by hand, and like many of our tools, the sewing machines we use are sturdy old models. Some of it dates back to the dissolution of a shoemaker’s workshop for bespoke shoes some 40 years ago.
Because we work to measure, we need your footprints and outlines of both feet. For some of our models we have to take further measurements and work with lasts made of wood like a traditional bespoke shoemaker. Meanwhile, we have quite a few lasts on our shelves.
We work with few but selected materials, mostly leather. For the build up of the sole we add cork to mold the footbed. The outsole is made of the proven materials rubber or EVA. We source our leather from southern German tanneries that process hides from local cattle. The leather is vegetable tanned, a significant feature because our sandals are mostly worn directly on the skin.
We cut the leather for sole and straps and dye it ourselves in the shade you ordered. The leather absorbs the dye only on its surface, so that it retains its natural look and warm appearance in the process. The sole is glued and sewn. The thread is recessed in a cut in the leather so that it is practically invisible from above. The polyester yarn we use is far superior in strength and durability to any natural yarn.
For some of our models we have to invite you to come to our workshop, because only here we can ensure the exact fitting. All sandals that you order online from our webshop have adjustable straps that you can fit yourself. It takes a little skill, not much strength, a simple pair of pliers, and when readjusting, perhaps an ordinary screwdriver to loosen the belts. If you order in our store & workshop, we will do it for you when you come to pick up your new sandals.
For us, being sustainable definitely means that we repair anything on our sandals – with a few exceptions – that wears out over time. Not only the outsole.
We take a lot of pleasure in our work and like to share it. In our courses you can become a sandal maker yourself. Well, you will not be a master after a few days, but you will experience real craftsmanship first-hand. The workshops are intended for only three to four participants.
Sandalenwerkstatt
Andreas Thilo, Heinrich Assies und Norihiko Tsukinowa
Thilo, Assies und Tsukinowa GbR
Talstraße 9a
79102 Freiburg
Monday – Friday 15-18h
Other dates by arrangement
Tel: 0049-761-70 11 77
Fax: 0049-761-70 75 388
E-mail: info@sandalenwerkstatt.de