Goodyear Welted Shoes & Boots

Traditional Goodyear welting techniques make for a truly fine pair of high-quality shoes. Goodyear welted boots and shoes are a wonderful statement of quality, quality and shoemaking techniques dating back more than 200 years. Promising comfort and durability that could truly last a lifetime. With proper care and attention, your Goodyear welted shoes can last as long as you wish them to. Take care of your leathers and you can see your shoes into many years with resoling and repairs in the trusted hands of your local cobbler. Shop our range of Goodyear welted boots, shoes and highly sought-after Goodyear welted Chelsea Boots. 

 

What is Goodyear Welting?  

Goodyear welted boots and shoes follow a traditional shoe-making process. Recognised and highly regarded for their distinctive craftsmanship and distinctive stitching. The multi-layer build of Goodyear welted shoes consists of the upper leathers, lining and welt, all stitched together and attached to the insole. A layer of cork sits in between the welt and insole providing maximum comfort, support and breathability. The outsole is then finally stitched onto the welt. 

Like with any high-quality leather shoe, please be mindful that a short break-in period may be required before you can fully enjoy the moulding benefit of the cork sole. This is just while the cork moulds to your foot shape. 

 

Goodyear Welted Stitching: 

Look for two rows of stitching: one around the top of the welt (the strip of leather between the upper and the sole) and one around the bottom of the sole. Goodyear welted stitches should be consistent and even, and the thread should be continuous between the two rows.

 

Goodyear Welt Shape: 

The Goodyear welt should be a distinct strip of leather that wraps around the entire shoe and can also be applied to the front of the shoe. The welt is slightly raised, above the level of the sole.

 

Goodyear Welted Sole Attachment: 

Some Goodyear welted shoes have a groove cut into the sole where the stitching sits. This groove is closed and sealed for a smooth, smart finish. 

 

Why You Need Goodyear Welted Shoes

 

Goodyear welted boots and shoes are easy to repair, their unique exposed stitching means the soles are easy to remove and replace once worn out. Goodyear shoes are naturally longer lasting and durable, a true sign of a fine pair of shoes, Goodyear welting ensures shoe longevity and life through traditional shoemaking techniques including quality materials and craftsmanship. Most importantly, the Goodyear stamp guarantees comfort, as the cork bed or filling of the shoe moulds to your foot with wear, a truly personalised pair of shoes. Shop Goodyear welted shoes with A Fine Pair of Shoes and receive free delivery and hassle-free returns when you spend £40 or more, for peace of mind. 

 

FAQs

 

How can I tell if my shoes are Goodyear welted? 

Look for the all-telling Goodyear stitching. Between the top of the welt and the outsole stitching should be visible. This single thread is used to attach the top of the welt and the outsole. 

 

What is a Goodyear welted sole?

A Goodyear welted sole is a shoe welting method, attaching the sole of a shoe to the upper part of the shoe. The process involves stitching a strip of leather (the welt) to the upper part of the shoe, the sole is then stitched to the welt. This method of shoemaking makes the shoe more durable and also allows it to be resoled multiple times for a high-quality, sustainable shoe. 

 

Can Goodyear welted shoes be resoled? 

Yes! Goodyear welted shoes are famously known for their sustainability. Providing the leathers or uppers are in good condition, you can resole Goodyear welted shoes multiple times. Good to pocket and good to the planet. 

 

Who makes Goodyear welted shoes?

Many of the brands we carry use Goodyear welting processes, including Berwick 1707, Astorflex and NPS among others. We carry all kinds of Goodyear welted shoes including Goodyear welted Chelsea boots, Derby boots and ….

 

How do I take care of my Goodyear welted boots and shoes?

For guides to leathers and materials check our material guide here and check our shoe care care guides for leather-specific cleaning tips.