stitch down construction

What is a classic stitch-down construction?

It’s a particular kind of shoe construction technique in which shoe upper is stitched to the sole. In normal shoes the shoe upper curves inwards and is pasted to the insole which is then pasted to the sole. But in stitch down shoes – the upper flares out and is stitched to the sole. There is no insole in these shoes.

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01

These are usually done with superlight PU soles which can be stitched.

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This stitching process results in super-light very flexible pair of shoes. If one uses these shoes regularly then they are addictively comfortable and will last for a very long period.

02

The stitch down technique gives extra room for toes to breathe which makes it more comfortable. It is a classical way of making shoes but given that this needs a specialized skill of stitching to the sole is not commonly used.

03

TZARO has a small line of stitch down shoes – Beaver, Transformer, Dr. Watson. The series can be summarized as below:

  • Weighs about 600 odd grams which makes it super light category of shoe
  • It has very unusual fit – its snug fit at the back but has ample room in front
  • The shoe breathes really well and comes with special sweat friendly lining which means one can wear it without socks and it never stinks.
  • The PU sole gives a great grip on concrete and very importantly as a gentle curve in the shape of the sole – it has a gentle curve in the middle which kind of add a resonance to your steps – a peculiar feeling in walking motion as if the shoe helps you take the step off
  • The shoe also has a driving shoe kind of sole in the back which makes it amazing to drive as well, the slip-on part makes it even more functional

04

Sole

I have found this shoe ideal for long walks, it is extremely functional, light and handles sweat well. It is both flexible and has a comfort fit in front while a good snug fit at the back. This means that when you walk a lot the toes etc do not get sore and also since the shoe breathes well – the inside feels cooler than outside. The shoe is made with stitch down construction which means upper is stitched to the sole which makes it very durable as well as lighter. The lightness comes from PU sole which has an interesting curve in the back which somehow helps while I walk in it.

I guess lot of people do not like the old school look of this shoe but I have few boat shoes and even if I compare the comfort of boat shoes to this, this shoe is like generation ahead. And just because it’s been done in a version of leather that it can be used without socks – this is a delight to me.

 
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