The footwear industry is always changing and new ideas and components are being added each day. One of the newest trends is hand painted shoes.
What’s the difference between hand painted shoes and a regular made pair? Well, in the creation of a standard pair of shoes the leather in usually pre-coloured during the tanning process and then finished by hand to give them that lovely shading or shine. Whereas, with a hand painted pair, the entire process of colouring the leather is painted by hand. The paint is applied layer by layer until a unique patina and finish is reached. This is not done until the shoe is completely constructed. This is all completed by a ‘Patina Artist’ who will complete the task using nothing but their hands, white cloths and a set of colour dyes. What results is a unique weathered effect, hence why the technique is known as ‘Anticutura’ which is the Italian phrase for ‘antique finish’.
Where to find hand painted shoes
Loake has recently produced their new Artist range. These are all completely hand painted shoes and boots introduced into the Loake Design Collection.
The first of these is the Loake Hepworth. This an Oxford brogue made on the Artist last and of course hand painted. This classic styled shoe will look great with either brown or blue colours. The Hepworth comes in chestnut brown.
The Loake Stubbs is next. These derby shoes have minimal detailing which help to accentuate each brush stroke made by the Patina artist. These shoes are a must have for those who love the hand painted look. The Stubbs comes in a chestnut brown and burgundy.
Finally, the Loake Hirst, the only boot in the range. These boots are great for the weather, as the addition of the Lattice sole results in a slim profile but its rubber sole section will give the wearer good grip. The Hirst comes in chestnut brown and burgundy.
How to care for hand painted shoes
Being hand painted shoes it is not advised that one uses regular polish to maintain a pair. Instead I suggest a neutral cream, we recommend Collonil shoe cream. This will help feed the leather and prevent drying and cracking whilst also adding weather resistance properties without effecting the unique patina on the leather. It is important to remember that hand painted shoes will not maintain their original look. However, if well looked after they will age beautifully and tell their own story.
