If they aren’t cut by machine and assembled in China, a pair of shoes takes a lot of work and expertise to craft. But luckily, there are still those around who hark back to that good old-fashioned savoir-faire. In fact, if you combine that sort of know-how with world-class materials, you may end up at the Quoddy workshop in Perry, Maine.

Boat Mocs (image courtesy of Quoddy)

Quoddy specializes in completely handmade moccasins, boots, and boat shoes for both men and women. These styles are durable by nature, but the label goes a step further in sourcing hides from Horween Leather Co. The leathers from this Chicago tannery add a good deal of strength to the shoes without sacrificing comfort.

Maine Woodsman Boot (image courtesy of Quoddy)

Lodge Moc with Sheepskin Lining (image courtesy of Quoddy)

But perhaps the most important aspect of Quoddy shoes is how they are made. Each shoe is built from start to finish by an individual craftsman who cuts, sews, and finishes everything by hand. Often times these shoes are custom made to customer specifications, so virtually every shoe has something unique about it. But for each pair made regardless of style or size, the shoemakers rely on hand stitching techniques that date back hundreds of years in Maine. This expertise guarantees that the shoes can withstand the worst of any adventure or fashionista.

Quoddy Workshop – Lewiston, Maine from Oliver Wilkins on Vimeo.

If you would like to learn more about their work and philosophy, take a four-minute look at the Quoddy workshop in the video above and be sure to visit their website where you can view their entire collection.