Blake Construction

WHAT IS BLAKE CONSTRUCTION?

Here’s a question you should be asking of your shoes: what’s good for the sole? Although most often hidden from sight, this part contributes massively to a shoe’s design and quality. And soles are enhanced by one very simple, effective thing. Stitching.

This superior technique of attaching the sole to the shoe upper has been perfected over generations, unlike the more modern, commonly used method, cementing. Yes, it’s exactly like it sounds, a fairly crude technique that glues the two together. Not only does this result in an inferior product, but the soles also can’t be replaced once damaged. Hardly sustainable.

Stitching is more finessed, durable and flexible, and the most lightweight, elegant way to stitch is known as the Blake construction. This graceful technique uses a machine to sew through all the layers – the outsole, insole and bottom of the shaft of the shoe – to create a seamless, sophisticated line with not external stitches. And, when they wear thin, stitched soles can be replaced. Blake stitched soles are also infinitely easier to wear in quicker than a Goodyear welt.

So why are we telling to this? Well, every single Jekyll & Hide shoe is made with a Blake construction. It really does make all the difference. Because, as they say: what’s good for the sole is good for the shoe.

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