Italian Shoes
The term 'Italian shoes' conjures an image of superb craftsmanship, style and quality. Italian
footwear designers are among the most acclaimed in the world – Salvatore Ferragamo, Bruno Magli, Cesare
Paciotti, Rene Caovilla and Sergio Rossi.
Designer Italian shoes are available in several varieties, including full-length boots, slip-ons, mid-calf boots,
sandals, loafers and wedges. When selecting Italian shoes, make sure you avoid the cheap imitations that many
merchants try to pass off as authentic.
Italian shoe manufacturers use traditional methods of shoe-making and tanning, with an emphasis on quality
materials for the lining and the uppers, both of which are hand sewn. Although handcrafted shoes generally come
with a higher price tag than machine-made shoes produced on a larger scale, strong competition from handcrafted
shoe manufacturers in Asia has forced the Italians to lower their costs while maintaining quality.
Italian men's shoes come in a range of styles, from Oxford shoes and boots to traditional lace-ups, all featuring
quality leather in a variety of shades. The prices range from $330 to $560. Here are a few
suggestions:
- Brunori's Italian ankle strap boots are classic boots with elastic gore insets. They're made
from genuine leather and offer style, quality and fine craftsmanship. When ordering these boots, be aware
that the sizes run large. Select a size smaller than your regular size for a good fitting. Prices are
around the $480 mark.
- For casual wear, try the handmade Pakerson Today, which are available in
beige and tan.
- For exclusive handmade Italian shoes, try Forzieri brown cap toe dress
shoes. These combine excellent traditional craftsmanship with new original designs. They are suitable for
business meetings and occasions requiring a stylish appearance. Priced at around $500.
Popular Italian shoes for women include soft Italian leather boots with side buttons and a short
zip, costing around the $150 mark. The boots are available in three colors: tobacco, brown and black.
Pump shoes in black patent leather are another popular choice. The price range is around $160.
It's a good idea to take your time when shopping for Italian shoes. You'll pay a premium price, so make sure they
fit well and that they'll work with a number of outfits. This way, they'll be a sound investment as well as adding
some extra pizazz to your wardrobe.
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