Guate Boots - notes from the field
Read on to learn more about some of the improvements and processes we're doing for Round 2 of Guate Boots!
Yo folks, wanted to give y'all a little update
on our efforts in Guatemala and a little forewarning that we are
running out of space in Round 2 and that the price of our boots for
round 3 may be going up a bit more. DEADLINE IS THURSDAY NIGHT!
We have just released a whole bunch of beautiful vintage huipil
tapestries so go check them out if you haven't reserved your pair. Now, I
wanted to give y'all an update on the boot making front and the
wonderful strides we're taking.
First round, we made a quality
boot but it lacked some of the special finishing touches that define
master shoe making. What can I say.. they were our first boots and we
still love them very much! We have since made big steps to get us closer
to having one of the best made boots possible. For instance, the soling
material is now a natural rubber mix that should extend the duration of
the sole as well as the comfort significantly. We are also offering a
very nice finished leather sole which will last a very long time. Keep
in mind, no shoe will last forever, so you have to take care of them,
and when the sole wears out, simply take them to a shoe hospital and
they can fix your baby right up. That's one of the benefits of using
traditional shoe-making techniques vs conventional mass produced shoes
that tend to use shoddy materials.
Additionally, we have upped
the quality of the inner lining with a very nice Mexican pig skin
leather that is very durable, comfortable and quite pleasing to the eye.
Pig skin is a standard in artisan boots, provides a nice breathable
quality, and smells wonderful. We have also reinforced the back of the
heal in order to be doubly sure you will get miles, miles and miles out
of these puppies. We are also crafting beautiful insoles to provide a
bit more comfort and quality.
We have lined the entire textile
with piping with the same leather your boot will be made of and done a
really fine job with that aspect. It adds a very refined look as well as
will protect the textile from wear. (Note: if you see any part of your
textile fraying we recommend using a lighter to burn the singes, this
will help the textile to stay properly in tact and is simply good
maintenance. Don't pull the thread! And it's not a bad idea to
waterproof the textile with scotch guard or something of that sort.) We
have also folded the back strap of the boot that helps to hold the
textiles together, provides a functional loop to help get your boot on,
and frames the textiles beautifully.
On the tongue, we have
reinforced the tongue with a second piece of leather branded on both
sides. On the outward facing side a beautiful Teysha Triangle impression
and on the inside the Teysha mark. This provides a bit more comfort, a
more refined look, and those of you who like to hang out with your
tongue out... I'll just say it looks bad ass.
Last but
definitely not least, the soling of the shoe is of extreme care. All of
it is welt construction which is one of the more challenging techniques
in artisan boot making. Takes a lot of time and care. We are putting 6
to 7 stitches per inch in the mounting of the sole. This provides a
tighter, more secure construction as well as a very elegant look.
Shoemakers use this as a measure of detail and expertise. 6 to 7
stitches is a very high standard where as cheaper boots usually have 4
or so. The nicest having 9, but that's not necessary for a more casual
boot. (You can bet we'll be doing 9 when we start rolling out some more
formal footwear)
On the tapestry side... well let's just say
we are finding more and more women and communities every week and with
that some of the most excellent art works we have come across in
Guatemala. You are getting the premium. We are also working to improve
our lower end textiles for those looking for a more budget friendly
boot. Our newest friends in Atitlan are going to be amazing
collaborators in creating naturally dyed, small farmed textiles that are
really just awesome.
With that said, these improvements have
an inherent cost of time, material, and expertise. That means they have a
financial cost as well. So the reality is, our boot is evolving and the
price must evolve as well. We are keeping price where it is through the
end of this round but cannot guarantee the boot won't be more expensive
next time around as we continue to improve these techniques and find
higher end materials. So... fair warning!
All in all. We are
making a very badass boot and are incredibly excited to offer you this
kind of quality. I (Travis and Team Teysha) wanted to let you know all
of this so you knew what you are supporting and to also say YOUR BOOTS
ARE GOING TO BE AMAZING!!!!!