Shoemaking, for some, is more than a profession – it’s practically a birthright. My parents were keen that I didn’t directly enter the family craft right after schooling. They prompted me to embark on a distinct path, one far removed from shoemaking. Thus, I pursued a degree in mechanical engineering and spent several years working overseas. Despite these detours, the notion of shoemaking was never far from my thoughts. That’s partially because it’s inextricably linked to our family name in our hometown, thanks to the contributions of my grandfather, father, grandmother, uncle, and aunt. They had all earned the name “shoemakers of Naas” over an extensive period of nearly 80 years.
The groundwork for this family trade was laid back in 1946 by my grandparents Nellie and George Tutty. They had established the business and resided just above the original workshop. My grandfather had learned this craft in an industrial school in Artane.
I got heavily immersed in it during my teenage years, investing my summers in the trade. The dinner table discourse often gravitated toward recounting daily happenings in the workshop, as is the norm in close-knit family businesses. We cater to clients from all walks of life and because of the orthopaedic relevance, a great deal of stress is placed on functionality. Our process begins with a blank canvas, leading us to a dialogue with the client about their specific requirements.
We then proceed to taking foot measurements and sketches, followed by creating a last – the mould around which the shoe takes its shape. Among our resources are vintage lasts hailing from the early 20th century, still in use today. These breath-taking shapes originated from various old factories and we proudly continue their legacy. The comprehensive understanding of foot anatomy these lasts offer is unparalleled. We etch the shoe design onto the wooden last, which is then transferred to paper, and subsequently to card patterns that guide us in trimming the leather. The cut leather pieces are then assembled, akin to a puzzle, to form the “upper”. Finally, we affix the upper to the sole, bringing the shoe to life.
Being a third-generation shoemaker, I’ve heard stories of my grandfather repairing a thousand pairs of shoes in a single week. While we witness some disturbing crimes in this line of work, we always strive to support victims as well as look out for our own well-being.
Should you desire a pair of ebony-hued shoes, we’re more than glad to custom-make it for you. Our collection boasts an extensive variety of leathers, numbering in the high hundreds of thousands. We relish the unexpected, constantly exploring the perceived limits of pairings. It’s truly a delight to engage with clients who harbour a passion for footwear and are prepared to tread on the unconventional path – it injects an element of amusement into our lives. The fees for a pair of our shoes might hover around the €700 mark, but these are an investment designed to last and can be repaired. When you purchase from us, you’re essentially investing in superior comfort because each shoe is tailored to fit your foot, reducing the stress on the leather. You have the facility to replace the heels similarly to how you’d change your vehicle’s tyres. The lifespan of our shoes far exceeds that of conventional, non-repairable footwear bought in shops. We have clients who have been wearing our shoes for durations ranging from 10 to 20 years.
In the early days when my grandfather started the business, they would have been fixing up to a thousand pairs weekly. Consumers prioritised maintenance over acquisition. This trend is re-emerging, with people showing a preference for products with longevity. Personally, the most gratifying aspect is our ability to help people stay active. If a customer suffers from a bunion and struggles with standard-sized shoes, we can provide the comfort of a shoe that moulds to their foot. Our shoes also cater to those with a discrepancy in leg length, reduced ankle mobility, ensuring the body stays aligned. Alleviating the physical burden can give customers such bliss; seeing the smiles on their faces whilst knowing we’ve alleviated their discomfort is immensely rewarding. Comfortable footwear can increase your likelihood to exercise more.
We cater to clients of all ages, from individuals in their 90s to little toddlers requiring shoe modifications. One of our most loyal clients has been with us since 1947, visiting annually since his childhood. He is dearly valued and on his visits, we make time for a cup of tea and a catch-up, always a joy. It provides a lovely connection to my grandfather, who I never had the chance to meet, as clients like him relay intriguing tales of his time. It has a way of keeping his memory alive.
Being in the workshop is my favourite part of the job. There’s something incredibly enjoyable about working there alongside the team, with the radio playing in the background.
Throughout the years, our involvement in numerous films has led us to create a variety of footwear. Notably, we crafted Brendan Gleeson’s boots for the movie “Banshees of Inisheerin”. Over time, we’ve designed several pairs for him. The shoes required for this particular film were reminiscent of traditional Irish footwear from the early 20th century, and the costume department had very precise specifications for what they needed. The Oscar buzz surrounding the film brought great exhilaration to our workshop.
I find the greatest joy in spending time within the workshop itself. It’s a pleasure working alongside my fellow craftspeople, with the radio on for background amusement. As we all collaborate closely, we gain knowledge from each other. There’s a continuous drive among us to advance the art of shoemaking.
On my recent trip to Ennistymon in County Clare, I had the opportunity to explore the workshop where my grandfather learnt his craft. The workshop had been abandoned since the 1950s, and it was uncanny to step inside and observe the undisturbed, dust-covered workbenches. Such a deep familial connection is indeed meaningful and fills me with pride about carrying on the business. Our continuing involvement in shoemaking, three generations down the line, leads me to ponder if my grandfather had a say in choosing this profession back in the 1920s or if it was thrust upon him by someone in Artane. The result of that decision, however, still reverberates in our lives today.