Shoe craftsmanship in Torre San Patrizio: the excellence of Made in Italy footwear

There is a deep connection between the town of Torre San Patrizio and the art of shoemaking, it is an artisan activity, handed down from generation to generation up to the present day. Thanks to an accurate reconstruction of archive documents, we know that in the period between the two world wars, one in two residents of Torre San Patrizio worked in the footwear sector. Initially, the activities took place inside the same home, often in narrow and poorly lit spaces, such as basements, production involved all the members of the family, and was completely manual, except for the use of the pedal sewing machine.

In the 1950s, artisan manufacturing transformed into industrial manufacturing, in this period the main factory of Torre San Patrizio produced around 500 pairs of shoes per day and had more than 100 employees, even forced to recruit workers from nearby towns, because the artisans of Torre San Patrizio were already employed. In the 60s and 70s the sector became increasingly flourishing, to the point of counting 7 industrial companies, 23 smaller shoe factories, 4 artisan shoemakers and 15 auxiliary companies, these are large numbers, considering that even today the town has less than 2000 inhabitants. It was in the 90s that competition from eastern countries began to be felt and local manufacturing had to differentiate itself and specialize even more, not all companies made it, some closed others were absorbed by larger companies. But those that did make it became increasingly competitive, producing a guaranteed, finished and aesthetically beautiful product. The most significant example of success within the footwear district of the Fermo countryside is that of Diego Della Valle, who thanks to a clever advertising campaign on a Tod's shoe model has become an internationally renowned brand, with headquarters just a few km from Torre San Patrizio. Passing on this ancient art, so important for this region, also means ensuring the preservation of its identity.

The history of the Gordon shoe factory in Torre San Patrizio begins with passion and dedication, we are in the early decades of the twentieth century when grandmother Elvira began working as a shoe hemmer. She had started working since she was young, becoming a point of reference for girls, even from neighboring villages, who wanted to learn a trade. At that time the shoes that were produced were used as a bargaining chip to exchange other consumer goods. It was in September 1956 that the Gordon shoe factory officially opened its doors, opened by Elvira's son, Giovanni Ciarpella, who with commitment and fervor continues this artisan tradition. It is said that Giovanni never left the factory before making sure that every pair of shoes produced was perfect.

This family-run company has been present in the community of Torre San Patrizio for more than 60 years, in 2013 it was awarded by the Chamber of Commerce of Fermo as the longest-running shoe company in the province. The principles, even today, remain those of the past to produce shoes with meticulous work and fine materials. The shoes are sewn by hand and special manufacturing techniques are used, the company also collaborates with other Italian companies promoting the design of products, strictly Made in Italy. Calzaturificio Gordon is in via di Villa Zara 24, not far from the fascinating Villa Zara, which thanks to its history, continues to be a lively point of attraction for the entire country. We invite you to visit this shoe factory to learn about its history and experience the entire manufacturing process firsthand.

Our journey into the world of shoes in the Marche region continues near Torre San Patrizio, we now take you to Sant’Elpidio a Mare, 17 km away travelling towards the coast. This town is home to the Cav. Vincenzo Andolfi Footwear Museum, an important stop to learn about the history of shoe craftsmanship, so vital for this region and for this territorial area. We are in the historic center of Sant’Elpidio a Mare and the Footwear Museum is housed on the first floor of the former convent of the Oratorian Fathers of the Congregation of San Filippo Neri.

This museum is divided into three sections and houses thousands of artefacts, including shoes and tools for processing. The first part documents the history of footwear, with examples from various historic eras and from all over the world, you will be able to see unique examples, from reproductions of Roman footwear to shoes in use today. The second section is dedicated to shoes worn by famous people, starting from Pope John Paul II and ending with famous personalities from politics, entertainment and sports. The last section is dedicated to the Marche Footwear Industry and includes current production with footwear from internationally renowned local brands, such as Tod’s. Also of considerable interest is the faithful reproduction of the shoemaker’s workshop set up at the end of the route, here you can find various types of ancient tools that were used to hand-make shoes. The museum is in Corso Baccio 31, in the historic center of Sant’Elpidio a Mare, before organizing your visit we invite you to check the opening hours.

The shoe industry in the Marche has deep roots and has shaped the economy of the entire region. Shoes have been produced in the Marche since the Middle Ages and even today one in three Italian shoes is produced in this region. The best shoe brands are based here: big international brands like Tod's, but also solid local companies. The peak of production of the entire shoe supply chain is concentrated in the Fermo area, and alone is worth half of the regional exports, we are 15 km from the municipality of Torre San Patrizio, also historically linked to this production activity. But let's take a closer look at the history of this ancient artisan art in the Marche.

The first news that report the existence of shoe production workshops date back to 300, even Boccaccio in the Decameron mentions it, speaking of beautiful shoes and of such quality that they were requested and exported everywhere. To start talking about a real industry, we will have to wait until the first decades of the 19th century, when in some municipalities in the Fermo area the production of chiochiere grew, the first rudimentary form of shoe, which consisted of a sort of slipper, made of fabric or leather with a light sole. But it was only following the industrial revolution, with the introduction of the first pedal-powered machines, that this industry underwent a real turning point, growing exponentially. In the post-war period, with the increase in demand for consumer goods, the footwear industrial districts had their moment of splendor. Family-run workshops expanded, and each area found its specialization, such as, for example, upper factories (production of uppers, the upper part of the shoe) or heel factories. Small businesses suffered the economic crisis of the 1990s and in the best of cases were absorbed by large companies, other companies disappeared, but the shoe industry continues to record excellent results for the region, representing Italian excellence in this sector. As you have seen, it is a centuries-old artisan tradition, with an interesting history, which we invite you to learn about and explore by visiting a historic shoe factory such as, for example, the Gordon shoe factory in Torre San Patrizio.

The artisanal shoe manufacturing process includes various phases, all equally important and necessary to arrive at a quality product with a Made in Italy guarantee. Knowing this process will help you give the right value to the shoe you wear and to the entire supply chain and work that is behind the finished product. The creation of an artisanal shoe starts from creative research, the designers after an analysis of market trends give shape to an idea, which the model makers, through the paper pattern, will proceed to transform into reality.

The first phase of processing consists of cutting the leather for the upper (upper part of the shoe), this phase requires skill, precision and attention to detail, because the quality and aesthetics of the shoe depend largely on the precision in cutting the materials. The second phase involves hemming, this is a crucial phase, performed with precision, using special machinery and traditional techniques, all the pieces are sewn together. Then we move on to sanding to eliminate all the excess parts of the upper, making sure that a homogeneous layer is created, then we glue the sole and apply the heel. Finally, we proceed to cleaning, polishing and varnishing. Your shoes are now ready and carefully arranged in their boxes, where you will find them at the time of purchase.

Taking a trip to the Marche, especially to Torre San Patrizio and the countryside of Fermo, means not only discovering a territory rich in history and beauty, but also taking home a memory of this region, what better object than the excellence for which it is known in the world, signed Made in Italy: the shoe. Shoes are a necessary product, but also beautiful, that we like to imagine on our backs as a complement to our clothing. It is an irresistible temptation that you feel when buying shoes, and the Marche in this represents excellence and the possibility of taking home a quality product, finished and not always at high prices. How to do it?

Given the thriving production in the footwear sector and the presence of many industries, in the Marche region it is possible to choose on a large scale at convenient prices. First, you should know that almost every manufacturing company has a factory outlet, where not only you can choose from an infinite number of models, but you can also buy with a discount. Secondly, given the presence of the industrial district, there are many outlets in the area. If you take a trip to the beauties of the Marche, we warmly invite you to visit a shoe factory, small or large, and take advantage of its production, bringing home a high-quality Made in Italy shoe, the Marche is waiting for you!