We are Jitai®, a shoe company dedicated to bringing you the finest quality leather shoes made using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Our story begins in a small shoemaking village in Spain, where the art of shoemaking runs deep.
Keeping Traditional Shoemaking Alive
Our master shoemakers come from families that have been handcrafting shoes for over 100 years. They learned their craft from their fathers and grandfathers, who instilled in them a passion for quality workmanship and attention to detail.
We are determined to keep these time-honored shoemaking traditions alive in the modern world. While many shoemakers have embraced automation and mass production, our shoemakers take pride in crafting each pair by hand using time-tested techniques.
Every stitch and stitching detail is meticulously executed to create durable and comfortable shoes meant to last for years.
Finding Inspiration in Classic Style
Our shoemaking philosophy is simple – focus on creating timeless, elegant shoes that become beloved favorites in any man’s wardrobe. We find inspiration in classic men’s shoemaking, with clean silhouettes and minimal decorative embellishments.
Our collection features handcrafted leather loafers and oxfords made from premium leathers. These classic styles echo the dapper elegance of a bygone era while feeling completely relevant in any modern man’s wardrobe.
We offer them in a range of rich leathers and suedes, from black, brown, burgundy, tan, and more. Both casual and dressy, they transition seamlessly from workdays to weekends. They are shoes made to be worn and enjoyed for years to come.
A Relentless Focus on Quality
From the leathers we source to the artisans we partner with, every aspect of our shoemaking process focuses on uncompromising quality.
The Finest Materials
We use only full grain leathers from premier tanneries around the world. Our leather hides are inspected thoroughly at each step to ensure they meet our rigorous quality standards.
Full grain leather develops a natural patina over time that allows the materials to take on a life of their own. The more you wear them, the more character they develop.
We also use premium suedes and exotic skins like ostrich leather to create unique textures and looks.
Expert Craftsmanship
Our shoemakers bring decades of experience handcrafting Spanish-made shoes. They are masters of classic shoemaking techniques like:
- Goodyear welt construction – The upper and sole are heat-sealed using a welt strip for incomparable durability and comfort. It also allows them to be resoled, extending their lifespan.
- Blake stitch construction – This elegant construction style neatly stitches the upper directly to the sole for flexibility and comfort.
- Hand-lasted heel – The heel is individually shaped over a wood last by hand using small nails to achieve an excellent fit.
Every shoe also goes through over 150 individual steps from start to finish. Our shoemakers work meticulously on each pair to create flawless shoes.
Lasting Comfort
A key priority for our shoes is all-day comfort. Our shoemakers use specialized anatomical lasts to give the shoes their shape.
These lasts are designed specifically to mimic the foot’s natural curves and proportions. This allows our shoes to contour perfectly to the unique shape of your feet.
We also use sturdy yet flexible leather insoles and lightweight leather or rubber soles for shock absorption. This prevents foot fatigue so you stay comfortable even after hours of wear.
For an extra pampering feel, some styles feature padded footbeds or durable poron inserts for superior ease and cushioning.
Responsible Production
At Jitai®, we are committed to maintaining high ethical and environmental standards in our production process.
Preserving Traditional Skills
By partnering with multi-generational shoemakers in Spain, we actively keep traditional artisanal skills alive. These skills are in danger of being lost as more shoe production moves overseas and becomes industrialized.
We work closely with our shoemakers to pass on their knowledge and techniques to the next generation of shoe artisans.
Environmentally Friendly Materials
We use leather from tanneries that are certified for their environmental practices, like responsible water use and waste management.
The tanneries utilize processes that are chromium-free to reduce chemical use. Our shoe packaging utilizes recycled paper products and bio-degradable protective shoe bags.
Ethical Production
We partner with small workshops where artisans are treated fairly and paid a living wage. Their workshops allow them creative freedom and flexibility not found in large-scale factory production.
We maintain open communication and long-term relationships with all our partners to ensure ethical practices.
Quality Without Compromise
Here at Jitai®, we remain committed to the vision we started with – creating timeless, handcrafted shoes made the traditional way.
We will never compromise when it comes to the materials we use or the craftsmanship we deliver. Our promise is simple – we will always strive to produce lasting footwear you are proud to wear for years to come.