Rahel - 17.08.2023
Mit Sendra arbeiten wir von Sancho Store schon seit Jahren inspirierend und fruchtbar zusammen. Sie ermöglichen uns immer wieder den Einblick in alle Arbeitsschritte eines handgemachten Stiefels.
Die Handwerkskunst von Schuhmachern, Vielfältigkeit und Designmöglichkeiten von Stiefeln faszinieren nicht nur uns. Die Reparierbarkeit von handgemachten Schuhen ist ein wichtiger Faktor im Kampf gegen eine zunehmende Wegwerfgesellschaft. Die Schuhmacher weltweit leisten dazu einen grossen Beitrag, den wir in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Schweizerischen Kulturmagazin ensuite.ch würdigen. Wir befragen Schuhmacher weltweit in Interviewform und bieten ihnen damit eine Plattform um die Wichtigkeit dieses verschwindenden Handwerks aufzuzeigen.
SENDRA BOOTS
ALBACETE INDUSTRIAL S.A.
C/ Aparadoras, 3
02640 ALMANSA (Albacete) - Spain
Tel (0034) 967-340-508
An experience spanning 4 generations, from the founder of the brand Andrés Sendra to his great-grandson Francisco Javier Sendra, the current director of the company and head of a great team made up of more than 170 specialists in fashion, design and boot manufacturing.
What began as a small family business has become one of the most important footwear brands in the world thanks to his experience and ability to constantly evolve.
The path is precise, constant and meticulous... a journey of 250 production steps in which craftsmanship, care, quality and perfection are breathed in each and every one of them.
We spoke to Angel Garcia, with whom we at Sancho Store have been working for years, whose exact job title is not so clear. In his words: " I do everything... but you could also say sales manager or Central/Northern Europe sales manager."
Do you also repair shoes or do you just produce them?
Normally we don't repair shoes, that's what the shoemakers are there for.
Only in a few cases, when something has gone wrong in production and the customer has the right to have the shoes repaired.
In a company, it is complicated to have these individual pairs under control during production.
How much does a protective sole for a boot cost in your company?
About 7 to 10 euros if you make it as a single pair... less if you plan it into production for many pairs.
How did you end up becoming a shoemaker?
Haha, I started at the company when I was 17, Almansa is a shoe town so there aren't many other opportunities here. Over time I just learned and improved, gained more knowledge and took on more responsibility in the company.
Where did you learn your trade?
Mainly by working and learning from old people with a lot of experience who work here in the company. The company is more than 100 years old and has a lot of older people who do their job really well.
If you weren't a shoemaker, what would you be?
I would like to be a chef, but maybe because I see it from the outside. I really don't know.
I like a lot of things, but I don't really have much time to think about it, my job takes up all my time.
How many hours a day do you work?
Around 11 hours, there's always something to do.
What has changed in your profession over the years?
There are not many things that have changed in production, we mainly produce the boots in the same way we have been doing for years. Comfort is the only thing we are trying to improve in this production method, because people not only need a durable, reliable product, but are also increasingly looking for more comfortable footwear.
What makes a good shoemaker?
Many seemingly simple details that are very important in the manufacturing process. And you should always be on the lookout for better styles, better production methods and the best end product.
What is the biggest challenge for you in shoemaking?
At the moment, the biggest challenge for me is that we are looking for a good partner who has a good supply chain and good customers with whom we can grow. Another big challenge is finding workers who want to learn from scratch and do the job properly.
As the older, experienced people are gradually retiring. It is not easy to find good successors for these valuable employees.
What are the advantages of a custom-made shoe?
Feet are different from one person to another and some people really struggle to find shoes that fit properly. In this case, it really is a great need. In other cases, people are mainly looking to be able to wear new, different, more specialized designs than others.
What do you have to pay particular attention to when caring for handmade shoes?
You have to know the leather the shoes are made of and then get the right care product.
An unsuitable shoe care product can damage and disfigure the shoe.
What shoes are currently in fashion for you?
I think boots in general. In different styles, designs and colors. But this look is very trendy at the moment. Although boots can be described as timeless, they are currently experiencing a real revival.
Do you have a lot of regular customers?
Yes, people who like this particular product like to wear different things to others.
They want things that are more durable, that can be worn for years and that you can see getting older and more beautiful over the years. That's why they keep coming back and want more shoes or boots for their collection.
Do you have celebrity customers?
Yes, many... Celebrities like to wear different things than the rest of the people and our boots are one of them.
What do you talk about with your customers?
Well, usually it's about a lot of things... Family, work, boots, shoes and leather and much more with most of the customers I have worked with for a long time. There is a certain personal relationship and it's not just about business.
Who would you like to polish ?
Haha... nobody, I don't even polish mine.
Who repairs your own shoes?
Cobbler maybe...?
Where were you last on vacation and what kind of shoes did you take with you?
I was in Munich, in winter, and I was wearing a Heritage model, a top model with a special winter lining made of wool (merino).
Is there a shoe that you will never forget?
There are always styles that you personally like better than others... Once we made a style where we took the same ideas from a belt detail and it sold really well and has become a classic in my opinion.
What is your absolute favorite shoe and which shoes don't appeal to you at all?
I like lace-up boots, a kind of heritage style that you can wear over and over again and with almost anything and that get more and more beautiful over the years. I don't like formal shoes, that's not my style at all.
What are your plans for the future?
Haha... i think I'll keep working like this if I don't win the lottery.
What moment regarding shoes will you never forget?
Many good moments, as I've been in this business for more than 30 years it's so hard, actually impossible to pick one.
There have been many firsts for many things... and many good moments with people who have sadly passed away.
