From dealing in the finest products from Italy, Spain and Japan, but we believe we need to get India on the map.
Sola Doro, based in Bombay (Mumbai), was founded by a young entrepreneur, Zeeshan Merchant to deliver a finished product of handcrafted shoes to a value appreciating customer.
In a small workshop in Agra, the land of the Taj Mahal, our shoes are made by hand. A handcrafted shoe has that human touch which is incomparable to a machine made shoe. The leather or canvas we choose is the best Indian Leather, Polyurethane or Canvas available and our product is a 100% Made In India product.
Handcrafting Our Lasts
A last is a carved wooden form of a foot. It forms the basis for a handmade shoe. The shape is created by using the correct tools and of course, the craftsmen must have a delicate hand to make the last with accuracy.
A sheet of paper is wrapped around this last and a rough pattern is sketched on that sheet of paper.
Choosing the right last is important as it determines the shape of the desired design. A good shoemaker will always choose his/her lasts carefully before starting this artistic process. The last forms the basis of a handmade shoe and is also a guide for the shoemaker’s hand.
Choosing the best material
Committed to creating a great product, we choose our materials carefully. Canvas, leather, as well as PU Leather(Depending on the shoe) is selected keeping the purpose of the shoe in mind. The materials have to be strong, durable and rich in texture. The shoe has to be tough and should endure any weather condition.
Keeping the environment in mind is also one of our priorities as we love the jungles and forest reserves in India. Our founder, Zeeshan is a wildlife photographer and nature lover himself. Our canvas comes from recycled cotton and leather is sourced from a highly ethical factory in Agra that supplies to reputable brands who are all slowly slowly focusing on environmental friendly products.
Cutting and Stitching : Upper and Inner
After we choose the correct material, it is then cut into a pattern according to that rough sketch on the last. Our specialists in cutting then get on to the process of creating the pattern and carefully cutting the leather making way for stitching.
The exterior of the shoe is called the Upper and the inner sole layer is called the Inner. The leather cutting is then carefully placed on the last and our shoemaker proceeds to the stitching of the cutting on the last.
Stitching - Delicate Work
Stitching the shoe takes a very delicate hand. It is a time consuming process our shoemakers do not use machines to stitch the cutting according to the shape of the last.
Using strong Thread is extremely important. This ensures durability and a long lasting experience for a shoe. We focus on using the correct thread that will complement the cutting.
Marriage : Sole and the Upper
One of the end processes is to stitch and stick the sole onto the upper layer of the shoe. Our soles are made In-house and we work with newer technology to bring the lightest soles ensuring a comfortable walking experience for our valued customers.
Sola Doro craftsmen specialise in manufacturing lightweight soles, flexible rubber soles and as well as special purposed running soles. This is because many of our craftsmen have had experiences in the top sole manufacturers in Agra dealing with international quality soles for export as well.
The Finishing
Where we differentiate ourselves is our final finish. Sola Doro is here to deliver a finished product with a finish that makes you feel good when you wear a pair of these handmade shoes.
Finishing is an important part of the process and quality control is a key norm. Quality is important and quality is what you remember for the long term. We use some of the best leather or canvas but our finishing on that every piece is done in-house using some of the best creams and oils creates finesse. Below is a picture of our founder, Zeeshan Merchant with our shoemakers during quality testing checks.
