A Better Understanding of visvim FOLK - Part 2

In a continuation of their educational process regarding the FOLK line of products, visvim go into detail about the benefits and process of Goodyear Welted footwear and why this concept wasn’t applied beyond shoes and boots into sneakers. Ultimately this led to a new approach to sneaker design with a relatively unorthodox Goodyear Welted model. A further statement is seen below.

Known as a construction method for leather shoes that yields breathability, Goodyear Welt Construction was originally invented in the 19th century. Independent and separate parts of the shoe are hand-sewn together during construction without the use of an adhesive, which allows for more airflow inside of the shoe and for moisture to permeate outwards.

The upper, welt, and mid-sole are attached by hand sewing the parts together. The depression created from stitching the welt to the upper is then filled with cork, and the sole and welt are sewn together.

This revolutionary construction technique, created roughly 200 years ago, was a huge advancement for product making. If we look at boots from that era, the uppers are made from leather tanned using natural vegetable tannin which, after extensive wear, forms well to the natural contours of your feet. Over time the color of the leather also develops various unique characteristics caused by the individual wearer’s usage habits. The natural cork insert will also mold to your feet under the weight of your body; the more you wear them, the more the cork mimics the shape of your foot.

These boots become your very own. They roughly feel like an extension of your body after they have molded to your feet. These boots become your favorite, and before you know it, have gotten so much wear that the sole no longer has any tread. These boots have become very difficult to let go of, to get rid of. But fortunately can be given new life by replacing the outsoles. Goodyear Welt Constructed shoes allow for an easy replacement of the outsoles. Goodyear Welt constructed shoes become your very own, breathe, are comfortable, can be worn for a long time, and will probably make you a happier individual.

This is why we thought, why are there no sneakers with these qualities? A sneaker with an upper of leather tanned by vegetable tannin giving it a better aesthetic appeal after time and usage. A sneaker with pigment free lining that allows your foot to breathe comfortably. A sneaker you would want to wear for a long time, with natural cork-filled midsoles that will mold to your foot’s shape. A sneaker with a replaceable, fully re-sole-able outsole when worn down.

These were my thoughts when wanting to make a sneaker that could be worn for a long time. One that brings happiness to the person wearing it.