The sneaker manufacturing workshop, France (Cholet)
A former shoemaking region, Cholet has unfortunately suffered the full impact of the outsourcing of shoe production. After decades of decline, the depopulated workshops are now welcoming new brands committed to restoring employment in France, supporting traditional expertise, and developing the economies of these devastated employment areas.
The workshop and JULES & JENN
In France, there are only a handful of shoe workshops left today, and most have logically chosen the very high-end. So we looked for a workshop that was ready to produce entirely in France, without charging exorbitant prices. And we found one! Despite the difficult market, this workshop, created in the late 1920s, has continued to grow and improve while maintaining its impeccable know-how. Preferring quality over quantity, this workshop, still in the hands of the founding family, aims to be at the forefront of innovation, while trying to limit its impact on the environment.
Also sharing our aspiration to promote Slow Fashion , we began our collaboration with a sneaker. Thus was born the first JULES & JENN sneaker 100% Made In France!
Shoe making
Based on the design, the pattern maker creates the pattern for the various parts that will make up the shoe. Using punches, the cutter cuts out, manually or with a press, the different parts of the model from the chosen material. The pieces must be carefully cut to avoid natural defects in the leather. The parts making up the upper—the top of the shoe—are then sewn together. The internal reinforcements and counters are sewn or glued. External decorations are also added. The upper is then placed on a last, varying according to the size, to be attached to the inner sole. Depending on the model, the sewing, gluing, sanding, and drying operations follow one another. Finally, the leather outsole is attached, first by gluing, sometimes by sewing. After a drying time, the shoe is assembled. The last is then removed from the shoe. The final touch is the attachment of the insole, which is the visible insole on which the foot rests. Finally, the shoe is pampered to smooth out any remaining imperfections. Adorned with tissue paper, the shoe rests in its JULES & JENN box. All that's left is to slip your feet inside.
Photo credit: Karoll Petit
At a pick-up point from €25
Available in 3X, 4X
100 days to try
Email, phone