Handcraft Manufacturing

How do we make a unique pair of Canfora Capri sandals?

All our sandals available for purchase on Canfora.com are made on the island of Capri, in our shop-workshop in Via Camerelle, using only 100% Italian materials. 

The sole

We make our sandals in exactly the same way as Amedeo Canfora did, when he first opened the shop in 1946: starting with the sole, made with various layers of Italian leather.

Inside the sole, an iron arch support preserves form and consistency. The various layers are pressed and sewn together: this is the feature which distinguishes Canfora’s sandals from the other, Capri-style, sandals on the market, in which the sole is glued and not sewn together. 

To see the difference, all you need to do is to look at the bottom of a pair of sandals: when they have been glued, stitches are only visible on the top of the sandals, in Canfora’s sandals, stitches can also be seen underneath.

At this stage, the sole is practically eternal: the sandals maintain their form and consistency for years and are even rain resistant.

The straps

Straps, in 100% Italian calf or goat skin are attached to the soles. 
Canfora’s sandals can be embellished with various accessories and decorative items. In all cases, only the finest Italian costume jewelry is used, thus guaranteeing maximum longevity. For us, it is important that the decorations last as long as the leather parts of the sandal, so that our customers will be able to wear their sandals summer, after summer.

Straps are nailed to the soles and never glued, so as to provide maximum durability.

The heel

The standard heel used is 0,9 inches (2.5 centimeters high).  The traditional Capri sandal, patented by Amedeo Canfora, is, in fact, almost flat: ideal for walking up and down the steep lanes of Capri and, above all, supremely comfortable and resistant.
Needless to say, fashion is fashion, and for this reason, we also produce sandals with a 2,0 inches (5 centimeter) heel or 2,4 inches (6 centimeter) wedge. When choosing your sandals, you can select the type of heel you prefer. 

Like the soles, heels are made with layers of leather pressed together. These are then covered in rubber (not plastic). The rubber helps prevent slipping and increases durability.