When a conversation about quality bootmakers comes up, there are certain shoemakers that are bound to be mentioned. Red Wing, Viberg, Tricker’s and Clinch are just a few of the names which are lauded for their full-grain leathers, time-honored bootmaking techniques and Goodyear-welted constructions. But there a few small shoemakers that have been getting attention for their beautiful designs and focus on craftsmanship which would have any quality shoe enthusiast drawing their eyes away from the usual suspects, and they’re all from Southeast Asia.
Dutch rule over Indonesia introduced welted footwear to the region which eventually spawned generations of Indonesian shoemakers. At one point, the Cibaduyut region of Bandung was known as one of the largest shoemaking areas of Asia. Today, a young generation of shoemakers has continued the cordwaining ways, producing some of the finest shoes anywhere. Here are just a few of them.
Sagara
Sagara hails from Indonesia and offers a wide range of footwear from rough-and-tough military reproduction boots to black-tie-ready bluchers. Their shoes are offered in premium leathers like Italian calfskin, bullhide, Japanese shell cordovan and more and are crafted in a variety of welt constructions including Norwegian storm welt and Goodyear welts. Sagara also offers a made-to-order program for customers to build their dream pair of boots.
