The Mussenden. Brasil Nero, Black Salamander. 3cm

The Mussenden is a nod to the mens classic monkstrap shoe popular in the 1920s to 1940's. The style allows for a secure fit even for clients with a low instep.

This style is available to be made in a 2cm and a 3cm stacked leather heel.

See more of The Mussenden in other heel heights and leathers here

Custom: The Mussenden can be custom made by selecting up to 2 leather options. The front can be made with any leather, while the back should be made with a leather that is waxy or firm to hold the closures. Gloveskin or Drapey leathers are not ideal for areas with laces or closures.

To order a custom leather version of these shoes, please visit here

Character: This leather is thick and waxy with lots of body from it's veg tannage, giving it great pliability with a nice structure with a matte finish.  The tumbling process keeps the leather soft and supple.  It is a waxier, thick leather, making it great for all seasons and darker colors are more resistant to water stains with waxing care.

Care: This is best conditioned with a good quality liquid saddlesoap. Darker colors can be conditioned or cleaned with a shoe wax as well. Using wax regularly on the darker colors help keept it more resistant to water penetration.  Be sure to test a small area prior to using.

This leather is from a tannery in the Tuscan region of Italy. They make only 100% Vegetable Tanned leathers and bear the Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana mark which are the strictest standards in traditional leather tanning and environmental standards. Their labor standards are also certified.

There are inherent variations in natural leathers, handmade manufacturing, and local sourcing.  Color and texture variations can vary within the same hide.  Different monitors can also display colors differently.  You may indicate any preferences in tone or texture in the Notes to Shoemaker section if you are looking for something specific so we can do our best to accomodate.

For our other leathers, check out our Current Leather offerings here

Character: This leather is structured and embossed, giving it great pliability with a nice tailored look.  The tumbling process keeps the leather supple while its tannage gives it structure.

Care: This is best conditioned with a good quality liquid saddlesoap. Darker colors can be conditioned or cleaned with a shoe wax as well. Using wax regularly on the darker colors help keept it more resistant to water penetration.  Be sure to test a small area prior to using.

This leather is from a tannery in the Tuscan region of Italy. They make only 100% Vegetable Tanned leathers and bear the Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana mark which are the strictest standards in traditional leather tanning and environmental standards. Their labor standards are also certified.

There are inherent variations in natural leathers, handmade manufacturing, and local sourcing.  Color and texture variations can vary within the same hide.  Different monitors can also display colors differently.  You may indicate any preferences in tone or texture in the Notes to Shoemaker section if you are looking for something specific so we can do our best to accomodate.

For our other leathers, check out our Current Leather offerings here

Our insoles are cut from a thicker vegetable tanned leather than typical shoes to help with breathability and shock absorption. 

The midsole, which serves as the chassis for a shoe, is also made of a vegetable tanned soling leather sourced from the US and Spain (we never use the typical factory cardboard).  The material is also ideal for bacteria and odor prevention and great shock absorption. 

Between the soles is a layer of cork.

Our soles are sourced from small fabricators in Southern Spain and in Portugal. Both towns are world reknowned as the shoemaking capitals in Europe. Our soles and heels are made of Italian vegetable tanned leather. The heels are stacked leather or wood, no hollow plastic core heels, and we add a layer of rubber under the heel for slip resistance.  

We use only Toluene free glues in our work.  Sourced from Germany or Spain.

Makers: Our shoemakers are the absolute heart of our work. Handlasted shoes require a deep understanding of the leather as it is being stretched and formed around the mold.  Read more on our small and wonderful team of craftsmen here.

FOR SHOES WITH A HEEL COVER:

As a general rule, for closed heel shoes we recommend you go with the SMALLEST of your size range.  When in between sizes, go for the smaller size as our shoes have no stiffeners and are best and most comfortable with a snug fit. 

FOR MULES/OPEN HEEL SHOES/SANDALS:

We recommend to go with the LARGER of your size range.   This allows for some space behind the heel and to allow the foot to enter fully into the shoe and stay there as you walk.

WIDE LASTING:

Wide lasted shoes do not have a wider footprint, but instead increase the volume around the width and arch to the size larger while maintaining the length.

More details on sizing and measuring your length correctly here

A STORY ON SIZING:

I typically wear a size 9.5US to 10US (40/41EU) in factory made shoes.  Factory made shoes typically have a stiff plastic layer between the leathers which aggravate my toes and heels.  

My length measurement is 255mm, which is a 39EU by our size guide, matching my size in my early adult years.

Comparing those two bits of info, I am a 39 by length, but need the volume of a 40/41 now as my joints have spread and my feet have become wider, so I opt for a 39 WIDE in our shoes and boots.  Since I have a high instep, I can wear a 40 standard width in our Sandy style.

For our mules and sandals, I am comfortable in the largest of my factory size range, so a 41.

Please keep in mind that handmade shoes and bags takes hours and hours of physical labor. With that in mind, shoes and bags can be returned or exchanged within 14 days of receipt in original condition.
Please don't order multiples simply to find your size as each is handmade to order.
Shoe fittings should be done on carpet or a towel.
Shipping costs are non refundable, but exchanges are always shipped to you for free.
Store credits are always issued with shipping fully credited for your next purchase.
Any return shipments should be insured and tracked.

Current Shoemaking Time : 2-6 weeks, but more in the 2-3 week range for most shoe styles.

Current Bagmaking Time: Ready made bags ship within 5-10 business days from Spain, and we will then clear US customs before forwarding to US address.  Typically it is on it's way to you within 10 business days.  

US orders: All US orders are shipped to you from the US.  No duties or additional taxes are due.

EU orders: All EU orders are shipped to you from Spain.  VAT is paid upon order and no tarriffs are due.

NON EU International shipments: Customs fees, duties, and return shipping are the responsibility of the purchaser and the amount and collection is at the discretion of your home country.  European countries outside the EU zone will have their shoes ship from Spain.  If you fail to pay the customs fees to your country's customs office, we reserve the right to subtract the additional shipping to receive the goods back from your local customs office.

More details below:

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