In the small courtyard of our Sandalenwerkstatt, I met Leon*, who told us about his experience with custom-made sandals. Surprisingly, he is only 18 years old — quite a contrast to our usual clientele! Most of the people who visit us are well established in their careers or already retired and enjoying their free time. That is why we are especially pleased when younger people drop by, take a look at our craft, and share their experience with us.
Why young people are choosing handmade sandals too
Whether young or old, the reasons for choosing custom-made sandals are often similar: sustainability, quality, and supporting small craft businesses. For Leon,
fit also plays a big role. "I would recommend custom-made sandals to anyone who does not have completely standard feet or simply wants a pair that lasts," he tells us. Since childhood, he has rarely had shoes that truly fitted — his feet are a bit wider than average, making sustainable custom work the best option for him.
"You buy a pair of shoes and after one or two seasons they are done for. In the long run that just does not pay off, and the custom-made ones are timeless — I can definitely wear them for 20 to 30 years!"
Traditional craftsmanship that connects generations and creates experiences
That Leon ended up at our workshop is thanks to his stepfather, who had sandals made here over 20 years ago and still wears them today. For his 18th birthday, Leon was allowed to choose his own favourite model and picked, just like his father did back then, the "Mexico with 3 straps". This robust and versatile sandal is a classic among our customers, by the way. Leon laughs and tells us that he coincidentally spotted the same model on an acquaintance recently.
What he particularly enjoyed was the relaxed atmosphere at our workshop: "I was treated in a friendly and competent way the whole time. The vibe here is really cool, everyone is super laid-back, and there were basically no unanswered questions." He would definitely recommend the experience to any of his friends.
Workshops and the joy of craft
Besides his custom sandals, Leon also showed interest in our workshops: "The Sandalenwerkstatt works in a way that you hardly find anywhere else. I could well imagine learning more about it here at some point, when the time is right." Our workshops offer exactly that — an opportunity to discover the rare art of traditional craftsmanship up close and witness the creation of true one-of-a-kind pieces.
An experience for a more sustainable future
When young people like Leon choose custom-made sandals, they not only enjoy a perfect fit but also contribute to a more sustainable future. The decision in favour of high-quality, long-lasting products shows that it is possible to combine style and responsibility. This creates not only personal favourite pieces but also an awareness of sustainable consumption.
*The name was changed by the editors at the subject's request
