A visit to Enzo Bonafé, Bologna shoemaker

[Leaves]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to share a few pictures and a video from our visit at Bologna based shoemaker Enzo Bonafé.

Bonafé is one of Italy's most skilled and acclaimed shoemakers. Bonafé is a family business where the whole famiglia is involved in the making of the shoes. One thing that sets Enzo Bonafé apart is that they are completely hand welted, a form of artisanship long lost or considered too time consuming for most other makers. Enzo Bonafé are also famous for their “Norvegese”-welted shoes, a specialty in Italy and something considered to be a mark of workmanship’s brilliance. They also do Blake Rapid shoes as many other Italian brands.

Hand welting:
[VIDEO][/VIDEO]


Mr. Bonafé himself.

Steady hands.

Hand welting.

As many other Italian premium makers Bonafé produce both Blake Rapid and welted shoes.

Yours truly asking a few questions.

Mrs. Bonafé is in charge of all leathers and materials used for the uppers.

Bonafé is famous for their wonderful button boots, and also make these for several other brands.

Seemless alligator Norvegese shoe. Not something you see every day.

Fellow SF member "Earnest" speaking with Mr. and Mrs. Bonafé. It's always nice to have someone speaking Italian with you. Earnest is always sporting something purple during his Italian visits to show his support of his favourite football team ACF Fiorentina.

Massimo Bonafé (middle) is Enzo's son and is involved in both sales and manufacturing.

 

[Jamesgatz]

Thanks for posting this.

 

[Louis XIV]



Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Very good looking.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[niklasnordin]

very nice
Thanks for sharing.

Have you decided which models to have available at the store yet?

 

[gusvs]

Great! Looking forward to check them out as soon as you have them in store!

 

[add911_11]

The gator shoe is pure Appreciation.

 

[chogall]

What's the plan for you to carry their handwelted shoes?

 

[meister]

Great idea Leaves. Bonafe has flown a bit under the radar.

 

[terrorsquad]

If i'm not mistaken, Bonafe makes shoes for brands like Aubercy's RTW

 

[Verniza]

Time to buy before a price hike anybody?

 

[CrAz3D]

neat! always cool to see real things crafted v. crap manufactured.

that said, for some reason I always expect to see guys like this wearing Nikes or something

 

[Leaves]



very nice
Thanks for sharing.

Have you decided which models to have available at the store yet?

What's the plan for you to carry their handwelted shoes?

We're getting four EB models in April. There will be two Norvegese models (a derby split toe in grain calf, a derby boot in grain/calf) and then two "normal" welted models (a chukka boot in Burgundy Calf and a button boot in black/grey Calf/Suede). We really hope to be able to expand this model range later on.

Great idea Leaves. Bonafe has flown a bit under the radar.

Yeah I don't see them around SF much which is a shame, they do offer a very nice product. Also there's only a 15% MTO fee which makes this route very appealing too. Also, a group MTO would only require 3 participants in order to avoid the extra MTO fee.

If i'm not mistaken, Bonafe makes shoes for brands like Aubercy's RTW

Correct! And a lot of the Italian top brands use them as well.

 

[Fiddler]

Are EB shoe sizes displayed in EU or UK format?

 

[Keen]

Those button boots are stunning!

 

[Ilovelobbs]

We're getting four EB models in April. There will be two Norvegese models (a derby split toe in grain calf, a derby boot in grain/calf) and then two "normal" welted models (a chukka boot in Burgundy Calf and a button boot in black/grey Calf/Suede). We really hope to be able to expand this model range later on.
Yeah I don't see them around SF much which is a shame, they do offer a very nice product. Also there's only a 15% MTO fee which makes this route very appealing too. Also, a group MTO would only require 3 participants in order to avoid the extra MTO fee.
Correct! And a lot of the Italian top brands use them as well.

Agree - those Alligator are pure p0rn.

Do you have prices?