Baoding Shibaozhai Cloth Shoes

Baoding Shibaozhai Cloth Shoes

　　Produced in Baoding, Hebei.

Craftsmanship: Old cloth is beaten into a base material (gebei), and the adhesive cloth is pressed flat and tightly stretched, ensuring even thickness and straight structure. It is then cut into sole pieces, with each edge wrapped in new white cloth—small wrapping strips are 1.7–1.9 cm wide, large ones 2.7–2.85 cm. The filling is full and evenly distributed, with the sole layers stacked as five at the front and eight at the back, sewn with premium hemp thread using fine needles and thick thread, about 70 stitches per square inch. The stitches require strong tension and even force, arranged neatly in horizontal and vertical rows, ensuring durability, beauty, and sturdiness. The shoe upper and sole are joined in a process called “shoe lasting,” requiring an even overall surface, uniform pleating, clearly defined four supports, tighter stitching at the front and heel than the middle, firm grip, no rough edges, no protruding needle points, and neat stitch spacing. Finally, wooden lasts are used to shape and set the shoes.

Its features include a dignified and classic design, shoe lasts that fit the foot shape well, consistent width at the shoe opening, neatly finished silk lasts, comfort, lightness, and sturdiness.