Comfort and quality are the first impressions many who have interacted with Oluunpo describe. In addition to its unique handcrafted driving shoe collection, one must also mention the respect that seasoned shoemakers, with their calloused hands, hold for every “work of art” they craft. As the era brings this ancient memory to the world stage, Oluunpo has continuously surpassed and broken through its own limits over the past century—yet what remains unchanged is the shoemakers’ commitment to the selection of leather and quality control, as well as their reverence and dedication to the art of hand-stitching.
History — A Century of Heritage
The story of OLUNPO dates back to the early 19th century. In 1911, the British government was immersed in its fervent drive for global expansion. By 1914, Britain’s colonies were even 111 times larger than its homeland, leading it to proclaim itself the “empire on which the sun never sets.” The influx of capital looted from colonies inevitably disrupted the balance of the old system. First came the restructuring of economic chains, then the shaking of politics. Finally, the dominoes of the brand world began to fall.
The beginning of the new brand bore the name “OLUNPO,” which had already earned fame across Europe. In those gray times, brands and nobility were inseparable, and tradition-loving Brits had a special fondness for gentlemanly sensibilities. Dark, muted, overly rational—that was the only style of shoe. Shoes had no difference, and people had no choice.
However, more and more young people grew dissatisfied with this style. Though not nobles, they too pursued luxury; they had the uniquely British sense of gentlemanliness but wanted to express individuality. They loved work, so they also wanted their shoes to be comfortable. Clearly, “OLUNPO” delivered all of that to them.
The story of OLUNPO has unfolded through four generations. The brand has seen continuous development in China under the leadership of four generations, while still maintaining the right direction. As it was at the beginning, the core philosophy today remains innovation, craftsmanship, and quality. This undoubtedly explains why OLUNPO today boasts a century-long legacy.
The World-Leading Goodyear Hand-Stitched Welted Craftsmanship
The Goodyear Welted technique is a unique shoemaking process used in the world’s finest footwear. During shoe construction, inner and outer welts are double-stitched to securely bond the shoe upper to the sole, creating a structure capable of withstanding any impact or twisting. A cavity is formed between the insole and outsole, isolating moisture while incorporating a layer of cork to ensure maximum breathability.
In addition to ensuring complete sweat-wicking performance, the sole naturally forms a footprint. Within the first 15 days or so of wear, as the foot applies pressure, the sole reshapes itself into a “personalized sole” that matches the foot’s shape, delivering a snug and comfortable walking experience.
In today’s world, the most prestigious custom Goodyear welted shoes require 4–6 months from measurement to final product, involving over 300 processes. For this reason, Goodyear welted handcrafted shoes are hailed as “artworks sculpted by hand.”
Oluunpo offers many premium collections that utilize the Goodyear hand-stitched welted craftsmanship.
1. Welt — a crucial component of the Goodyear technique. It supports the overall shoe structure, connecting the shoe upper, insole, and outsole.
2. Outsole — the part of the shoe that directly contacts the ground.
3. Insole — a thin layer of leather covering the interior of the shoe.
4. Cork Filling Layer — a soft leather layer on the midsole, in direct contact with the foot.
5. Insole Cover — a hollow layer placed between the midsole and welt at the arch area. Its elasticity provides cushioning and stability to the sole and heel during walking.
6. Heel Top Piece — a rubber layer attached to the heel, which can also adjust heel height within a suitable range.
7. Rubber Heel Piece — a rubber layer attached to the heel to delay wear from ground contact during walking.
8. Heel Lifts — 2–4 layers of sturdy leather pieces added to elevate the heel, also allowing for height adjustment within a suitable range.
9. Second Rand — a narrow strip of leather nailed between the outsole and the heel, shaping the heel’s form.
10. First Rand — a strip of leather nailed between the midsole and the welt, supplementing the thickness at the end of the sole’s welt structure.