Cordwainer

Cordwainer represents a team of true craftsmen, made up of men and women who are masters in manufacturing and finishing footwear. Their workshops are located in Almansa, in the southeast of La Mancha, a region that marks the origin of the Industrial Revolution in the field of footwear in Spain.

By collaborating with local artisans and being in a region with a rich shoemaking tradition, Cordwainer can meticulously supervise every stage of the process, thus guaranteeing the high quality of its shoes. 

In addition, its contribution to the local and national economy strengthens the business fabric in Spain, thus seeking to increase its competitiveness.

Cordwainer uses leather and nubuck leather, adding a luxurious touch and decorative elements such as buckles, tassels, and braiding. The brand fuses these classic and traditional elements with modern trends, incorporating serrated soles for a contemporary touch and introducing natural cork between the sole and the insole for added comfort and functionality. 

Their main raw material, leather, is a high-quality material that lasts for years and even embellishes over time. However, there are also less sustainable aspects related to leather, such as toxic greenhouse gas emissions or high water consumption. 

We invite you to learn more about the environmental impact of leather in this article.

Leather is a high-quality material of natural origin. Well-cared-for leather products can last for many years and, instead of being discarded, can be repaired infinitely – a concept that fits perfectly with the circular economy!

The production of Cordwainer shoes takes place in Almansa, a town in southeastern Spain. Everything is handmade in their local workshops, from the wooden lasts to the frames, patterns, and stitching.

Cordwainer shoes are made from leather. Unfortunately, in the fashion industry, ensuring animal welfare is not easy.

It is often difficult to determine the exact origin of the leather, which is why short local production chains, such as Cordwainer’s, are considered more sustainable, as they allow for greater transparency. However, we have no information on the origin of the hides used by Cordwainer.

Cordwainer shoes are handcrafted using the Goodyear method of manufacture. This is a type of stitching, the basic principle of which is the bonding of the leather to the inner sole through a stitched seam, which makes the shoe extremely durable. 

Cordwainer lace-up shoes, moccasins, ankle boots and boots are timeless classics that have been reinvented in line with the latest fashions.

Although the brand shares part of the process of creating the shoes, there needs to be more transparency regarding the traceability of the materials used. 

Cordwainer should provide more information on the materials’ origin and supply chain for greater transparency.