Thierry Rabotin: Shoes Handmade in Italy

Products ‘Made in Italy’ are famous across the world – it’s a prized mark that signifies not only high-quality production but usually beautiful design as well. No doubt, this is thanks to Italy’s long history of fine craftsmanship and artisan culture, a culture that many are now fighting to keep alive. Thierry Rabotin is one such business that is committed to maintaining Italy’s crafts, designing, and making the most beautiful, most comfortable shoes in a workshop just outside of Milan.

THIERRY RABOTIN: SHOES HANDMADE IN ITALY

Thierry Rabotin’s design philosophy is simple, “I like to design shoes that wrap around the feet giving the pleasant sensation of walking barefoot.”

And let me tell you, these shoes really are like walking on air! I’ve tried them! They are so soft, so light. and so comfortable.

This is something I do not take lightly. As some of you may know a few years ago (back in 2015) I injured my foot, in the years that followed I only dreamt of the fashionable 4 inch heels I used to wear. I only wish that I had discovered Thierry Rabotin back then. In fact, when they reached out to me to be a “model” and I guess “brand ambassador”, there was almost no hesitation. We women need more shoes like this. And not just women with injuries.

Now as a mom, it’s so important to have comfortable shoes that I can use to run around in chasing after my active toddler “Lorenzo” while still feeling fashionable (especially when in Milan - somehow Italians can ride around on a bicycle in a three piece suit, and remain perfectly pressed and perfectly clean. While I have yet to try such mystifying bicycle riding feats, I do like to feel like cool yet sophisticated mom. And my Thierry Rabotin shoes definitely help me achieve that delicate balance.

Made in Italy

Thierry Rabotin shoes are made exclusively in Italy, from materials to sewing, in a workshop just outside of Milan. In fact, they do something that no other shoe designer in the world can lay claim to – every single step of the shoe-making process occurs in the same factory. 

Traditional Italian Shoemaking

The artisan shoemakers at Thierry Rabotin use the ‘sachetto’ working method, one of Italy’s most traditional shoemaking methods, that involves up to two hundred steps to make a single shoe! Basically, the luxurious lambskin lining of the shoe is sewn into it like a sack. This means that their shoes don’t have the usual solid or inflexible elements. The shoe is not only more comfortable, but also much lighter and allows your foot to move naturally. The laser-like focus and attention to detail, combined with such high-quality materials, have made Thierry Rabotin famous worldwide.

Thierry Rabotin: Design Philosophy

Now we all know the issue with super comfortable shoes – usually, they’re seriously lacking in the style department! Thankfully, Thierry Rabotin are determined to create shoes that sacrifice neither form nor function, but that prioritize both things equally. These shoes are designed for women who want stylish shoes but who don’t want to find themselves massaging sore feet at the end of every day. And they really do have some beautiful options between their four different footwear lines.

• The ‘Thierry Rabotin’ collection features more classic designs, the kind of shoe you could wear daily for work or running errands

• The Thierry Rabotin Couture line has designs that are more eccentric and original. Milanese are famous for wearing black on black, but if you pay close attention, you’ll often notice they add a little flare through their shoes, glasses or accessories, and this line immediately reminds me of that!

• TR1, on the other hand, is Thierry Rabotin’s experimental collection, showcasing shoes that push boundaries through the use of new materials and abstract inspiration

• Fifty12 is Thierry Rabotin’s newest collection which has only just launched! It’s a line devoted to sneakers, combining the comfort of athletic shoes with the elegant sneaker designs Milanese are famous for.

Sustainability

Of course, these days a brand can hardly claim to be luxurious if they aren’t committed to sustainability, but Thierry Rabotin is ahead of the trend. With almost all of their suppliers located in the same province as their factory, minimal transport is involved in the making of the shoes. Once upon a time, this was standard, but these days it almost seems revolutionary! They also maintain low energy consumption at their factory, while their traditional shoemaking methods sees minimal materials waste.

So, there you have it! Shoes that look good, feel good, and that you can feel proud to wear! After modeling for a Thierry Rabotin campaign last year, for their brand-new sneaker line Fifty12, I’m 100% converted to these beautiful shoes, and I think you should try them to! What are you waiting for?

What do you think? Would you like to learn more about Thierry Rabotin shoes? Well, good news! They’ll be taking over my Instagram this week (July 16th) for Thursday Takeovers Series! Follow my Instagram now to make sure you don’t miss it!

Would you like to know more about Thierry Rabotin? Or about the ‘sacchetto’ process of shoemaking? Sound off in the comments below!